Oct 7 | Written By Jack Zhao

The bookings were made six months in advance. You have packed every conceivable item for your vacation, from flip-flops to sunglasses. But even the best-planned journeys can be disrupted by unforeseen events. What steps should be taken if your vacation is canceled?

1. Make every effort to reschedule flight cancellations.

If you miss a flight or are delayed in any other way, you must make reasonable attempts to finish your journey. Find the nearest customer care desk as soon as possible to rearrange your flight. You can also attempt to reschedule your flight by phoning the airline on your cell phone or by browsing online.

2. Understand the distinction between a travel disruption and cancellation

A trip interruption occurs when a snag in your travel plans slows you down or sends you home early. However, if you miss more than fifty percent of your vacation due to a travel delay, this may be deemed a trip cancellation for insurance reasons.

If you must cancel your trip for one of the reasons covered by your policy, trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for non-refundable, pre-paid expenses. It may also pay the additional cost of a single room if your travel partner cancels their trip for a covered cause.

3. Record everything

If you purchased trip cancellation insurance, you must provide proof of why your trip was canceled and the total amount for which you are requesting reimbursement. Save every travel-related email and piece of paper, including:

• All costs supported by receipts and itemized invoices.
• Original copies of any reimbursements or expenditure allowances obtained from your trip operator, travel agency,
• Common Carrier, resort, or other organization.
• Copy of your resort bill, holiday rental agreement, or confirmation.
• Any documentation that reveals the official reason for your trip cancellation or suspension.
• Any medical diagnosis explanation together with the original itemized invoices, receipts, and evidence of additional insurance payments.
• Original, unused tickets, copies of invoices, evidence of payment, and any other documentation that verifies the expense or incidence of the trip cancellation or interruption.
• Evidence of refunds received.
• A copy of the literature from the provider that details penalties.
• A letter from the tour operator or an itemized statement from the travel agency indicating the non-refundable fees.

4. Contact your travel insurance company

If you acquired trip cancellation insurance, you must immediately notify your insurance provider and travel provider that your trip has been canceled. If you cancel your trip for a covered cause, you must contact your travel provider(s) within 72 hours to be eligible for the maximum refund.

5. Recognize the covered grounds for trip cancellation

There are often numerous covered causes for last-minute trip cancellations if you have travel insurance. A typical cause is a medical emergency, such as if you, your travel partner, or a member of your family suffers from a catastrophic sickness or accident. A doctor must assess the unwell or wounded passenger and recommend travel cancellation.

Other eligible causes include personal tragedies you cannot control, such as losing your work after three or more years or having your house rendered uninhabitable by a burglary, fire, or other calamity. You may discover a complete list of covered trip cancellation reasons in the policy paperwork for your particular insurance plan.