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Travel cancellation insurance not paying? Here is what you can do

Illness shortly before the holiday, an accident, a death in the family, and the trip has to be called off. The travel cancellation insurance is then supposed to cover the cancellation costs. But it only pays under certain conditions.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Travel cancellation insurance covers the cancellation costs if an insured reason for cancellation applies, typically an unexpected serious illness, an accident, the death of a close relative or similar insured events.
It does not pay for reasons that are not insured, for known pre-existing conditions that predictably worsen, or in cases of gross negligence. There is often a deductible. Important: cancel immediately once you know and report it to the insurer.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the terms

    Is your reason for cancellation covered under the insurance terms?

  2. 2

    2. Cancel immediately

    Cancel without delay once you know the reason and report it to the insurer (to keep cancellation costs low).

  3. 3

    3. Submit evidence

    Submit the necessary documents (for example a medical certificate, death certificate, cancellation invoice).

  4. 4

    4. If rejected

    If the insurer rejects the claim, object in writing; the insurance ombudsman can help.

Frequently asked questions

When does travel cancellation insurance pay?

When an insured reason for cancellation applies, such as an unexpected serious illness, an accident, the death of a close relative or comparable events named in the terms. It is important that you cancel without delay once you know the reason and inform the insurer, so that the cancellation costs stay as low as possible.

Why is my travel cancellation insurance not paying?

Common reasons are an uninsured cause, a known or foreseeable pre-existing condition, gross negligence or a cancellation made too late. In addition there is often a deductible. If you consider the rejection unjustified, object in writing and submit the evidence (for example a certificate); in a dispute the insurance ombudsman can help.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.