Why Travel Insurance Deserves Your Attention
Travel insurance might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most important parts of trip planning—especially for travelers investing in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, travel insurance expert Jeff Rolander from Faye explains how a special type of coverage called Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) gives travelers more flexibility and peace of mind.
How Faye Is Changing the Game
Travel insurance has long been known for confusing language and slow claims. Faye set out to simplify it. Their platform is built to help travelers manage everything digitally—from getting instant alerts about flight delays to submitting claims quickly through their app.
One standout feature is the Faye Wallet, which allows travelers to receive quick reimbursements when something goes wrong—like when luggage is delayed—without waiting weeks for paperwork to clear.
Regular Trip Cancellation Insurance vs. CFAR
Traditional trip cancellation insurance covers you only for specific “approved” reasons—usually 13 to 15 in total. These might include:
- Illness or injury (yours or a family member’s)
- Severe weather or natural disasters
- Job loss or jury duty
- Airline or tour company bankruptcy
It refunds 100% of your non-refundable trip expenses if you cancel for one of those approved reasons.
CFAR, on the other hand, is much broader. It allows you to cancel for any reason at all—even if you just change your mind. Whether you’re anxious about traveling, a work commitment pops up, or your pet suddenly becomes unwell, CFAR gives you flexibility.
Real-Life Scenarios Where CFAR Helps
- Health or anxiety concerns: If you or a loved one are feeling uneasy about traveling, you can cancel without penalty.
- Uncertain work schedules: CFAR protects you even if your employer unexpectedly changes your shifts or project deadlines.
- Safety concerns: Protests, strikes, or local unrest might make you want to avoid a destination—even if there’s no official travel warning.
- Companion changes: If a friend or family member you planned to travel with can’t make it, CFAR lets you adjust your plans without losing most of your money.
These are situations where standard trip cancellation usually wouldn’t apply.
How Much Does CFAR Cost?
Because CFAR offers such wide coverage, it’s typically 40–60% more expensive than a standard policy. That higher cost reflects the greater flexibility it provides.
To qualify, you’ll need to:
- Purchase the policy within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.
- Cancel more than 48 hours before your scheduled departure.
Most CFAR plans, including Faye’s, refund up to 75% of your non-refundable trip expenses.
Who Can Buy CFAR Insurance
CFAR is available only to U.S. residents, and not all states allow it. For example, New York currently doesn’t permit any travel insurers to sell CFAR coverage. Faye’s system automatically recognizes your state of residence and only shows CFAR if you’re eligible.
Smart Tips for Travelers Paying in Installments
Many travelers pay for their trips in stages—deposit, mid-payment, and final balance. Since CFAR must be purchased within 14 days of your first payment, it’s best to insure the full trip cost upfront rather than adding coverage later.
If your insurer allows, you can sometimes update your coverage amount as you make additional payments—but buying full coverage at the start is the safest approach.
What Not to Insure
CFAR (and all travel insurance) only covers non-refundable trip expenses.
If part of your trip—like a hotel stay or flight—is fully refundable, there’s no need to include that in your insured amount.
Just remember: “fully refundable” sometimes means “refundable only within 24 hours of booking,” so it’s worth double-checking the fine print.
What Happens If You Need to Postpone
If your trip gets delayed or rescheduled (as many did during COVID), most insurers—including Faye—can either:
- Adjust your coverage dates, or
- Credit your existing policy toward a future trip
As long as you haven’t already departed, you usually won’t lose your premium.
The Takeaway
“Cancel for Any Reason” insurance isn’t for everyone—but for travelers booking high-value trips, group adventures, or journeys to faraway places, it can offer tremendous peace of mind.
With companies like Faye making travel insurance more transparent and traveler-friendly, protecting your trip has never been easier.
Helpful Resources
- Buying Travel Insurance for a World Vegan Travel Trip – a detailed guide written by Brighde to help you understand what coverage you need, how CFAR works, and when to buy.
- Get a Quote from With Faye Travel Insurance – World Vegan Travel’s preferred insurance partner for U.S. residents. (This is an affiliate link — using it helps support our work at no extra cost to you.)
Learn more about what we talk about
- What Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance really means and how it works
- The difference between regular trip cancellation and CFAR coverage
- Why buying travel insurance early matters (and how it protects your investment)
- Who should consider adding CFAR to their policy
- How With Faye is simplifying travel insurance for modern travelers
- Key timelines and tips to make sure you’re fully covered before your trip
