How to Shop for Trip Cancellation Insurance. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses - such as airline tickets - if you are forced to cancel a trip due to an unforeseen emergency. Consider the following information carefully when evaluating the worth of such a policy.
Do some research. Look online, talk to friends and poll travel agents to find the insurance that best suits your travel needs. Read all parts of the policy carefully to make sure you are covered where it really matters.
Examine the types of flight, train or cruise cancellations covered by the policy. Often you can be covered if there is a strike, if you are hijacked or if your trip is delayed. Again, read the conditions of the coverage before you buy.
Look for policies with the broadest terms. Check the policy's definitions of terms such as "unforeseen," "close family member" and "traveling companion" to be sure they will cover your needs.
Check for expiration times and dates, after which the policy would not reimburse you. Policies generally expire after you have returned home, or at the end of the date specified on your travel itinerary.
Read exclusion clauses carefully. For instance, most policies do not cover preexisting health conditions.
Make sure that the policy covers you for the entire period of your trip.
