With all the planning that goes into an overseas trip, having your visa refused can feel like a major blow. After spending money on flights, accommodation, and other travel essentials, a visa rejection doesn’t just derail your plans; it can leave a serious dent in your wallet.
It’s a common assumption that travel insurance will cover cancellation costs in this situation. Unfortunately, visa refusal is typically not covered by standard travel insurance policies. While there are some scenarios where your insurer will reimburse your costs, this usually doesn’t include denied visas.
What does my insurance cover me for?
It’s worth remembering that cancellation cover usually applies to events that are beyond your control. For instance, if you were forced to cancel your trip due to an illness, injury, strike or natural disaster you would be eligible for cover, visas are seen as under your control.
Would travel insurance cover a denied visa?
A rejected visa application doesn’t quite fall under the category of events beyond your control, as it is not an entirely unforeseen event. There is always the risk that your visa will not be processed and insurers expect travellers to have confirmed their visa requirements before they book their flights and accommodation.
So although being denied entry to a country might be a horrible unexpected surprise, it’s not an event that is covered as standard. Visit our guide to cancellation cover to learn more.
It is always best to apply for, and receive your visa before booking your flights and accommodation. Check your airline’s refund policy and if you’re not confident about your visa application it may be wise to pay a little extra for a refundable ticket, or delay booking in the first place.
What can travellers with pre-booked travel arrangements do?
It’s important to remember that cancellation cover usually applies to events outside of your control. For example, if you had to cancel your trip due to illness, injury, a natural disaster or an airline strike, your travel insurance would likely cover you. Visa refusals, however, are generally not covered, as there’s always a chance your application could be denied.
Whenever possible, it’s best to secure your visa before booking flights and accommodation. At least one insurer now offers a “cancel for any reason” add-on — but be prepared to pay extra for that flexibility.
If you're still waiting on your visa, consider booking refundable tickets, or check your airline’s cancellation policy before committing. It may cost a bit more upfront, but it could save you a lot if your visa doesn’t come through in time.
A visa refusal can derail your holiday dreams faster than a flight cancellation. To avoid disappointment, make sure you’re eligible to travel to your destination before locking in any bookings. The right travel insurance policy, as well as a good degree of foresight will ensure your trip gets off to a smooth start.
Natali Mansberg
Natali is a former kids magazine writer whose credits include working for the mouse (Mickey that is). An avid traveller, Natali spent part of her childhood in Israel and enjoyed several stints across the globe. Having worked in travel insurance for three years, Natali likes to simplify the fine-print and help Aussies make sense of their insurance policies. She currently lives in Sydney with her husband and one-year old son.
