Travel Uncertainty: Why CFAR Coverage Matters—But Isn’t a Cure-All
Recent headlines about the ongoing conflict in Israel have prompted many travelers to reconsider their plans—or at the very least, reevaluate their risk tolerance. For anyone planning international travel in uncertain times, understanding your travel insurance options is more important than ever.
What is CFAR and Why It’s Worth Considering
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) is an optional upgrade available with some travel insurance plans. Unlike standard trip cancellation benefits that only apply to specific, listed reasons (like illness or severe weather), CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for virtually any reason—from personal concerns to changing circumstances—and still receive partial reimbursement (typically 50–75%).
For travelers hesitant about their destination due to unrest, changing travel advisories, or just gut instinct, CFAR provides a valuable layer of flexibility and peace of mind.
When Airlines Cancel—What Then?
In situations like the current one in Israel, where many airlines are suspending flights to Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, travelers may find themselves suddenly grounded or rerouted. Here’s what to know:
If your airline cancels your flight, your first recourse is typically with the airline—they are generally required to refund your ticket or provide alternative transportation.
Trip interruption or delay benefits from your travel insurance plan may help cover extra costs like hotels, meals, or rebooking—but only if the cause of delay is a covered reason.
War, terrorism, and civil unrest are often exclusions in many base-level travel insurance plans. Even CFAR won’t offer full reimbursement in these cases—it provides only partial coverage, and only if canceled 48+ hours in advance.
Quick Tip:
Airline cancellations do not automatically mean your insurance will reimburse you—especially if the disruption stems from an excluded reason like war.
Stay Informed with Official Travel Advisories
Before booking or departing, check the latest alerts from the U.S. Department of State. They maintain up-to-date safety guidance for every country, including warnings that may affect both your travel decisions and your coverage eligibility. Monitoring these updates can help you make smarter decisions—and may even determine whether your insurance plan remains valid for a particular destination.
What We Recommend
Plans like TripWise and IMG's iTravelInsured Choice offer CFAR as an add-on, and they’re excellent options for travelers looking for more flexibility. But we always encourage our clients to:
Read the fine print. Know what’s covered—and what isn’t.
Buy early. CFAR must be purchased soon after your initial trip deposit (typically within 10–21 days).
Talk to an expert. If you’re unsure how a policy applies to your trip, ask us—we’re here to help.
Final Thought
Travel insurance is a powerful tool—but it isn’t magic. It can’t predict the future, and it can’t override global events. But when chosen carefully, it can protect your investment, reduce your stress, and help you make more informed travel decisions.
If you're feeling uncertain about a trip—or the world in general—know that you're not alone. The right coverage can’t guarantee everything goes according to plan, but it can help you pivot when it doesn’t.
Be sure to browse our Knowlege Center with questions.