# Does travel insurance cover cancellation?

> Quick answer · Last updated 5 July 2026

Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/does-travel-insurance-cover-cancellation/
Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/does-travel-insurance-cover-cancellation.md

## In short

Yes if you buy before problems arise — insured reasons include illness, bereavement and jury service. Cover starts from policy purchase, not departure date.

Buy when you book so cancellation cover protects deposits immediately.

Check excluded reasons — change of mind is rarely covered.

Cancellation limits should match total non-refundable trip cost.

See compare travel insurance guide.

## Related

- [Compare travel insurance](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/compare-travel-insurance-guide/)
- [Travel insurance essentials](https://moneyguide.org.uk/insurance/travel-insurance-essentials/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance

---

Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.