trip cancellation insurance vrbo

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How Does VRBO Trip Insurance Work?

Last Updated: May 3, 2024 May 3, 2024

VRBO trip insurance is very much like travel insurance you might buy from any other provider. It provides financial protection in the event your trip is disrupted by delays, cancellations, interruptions, or medical emergencies. 

Travelers can either buy VRBO’s coverage when they book a vacation rental on the company’s website or add it to their trip later on. 

What Coverage Is Available Through VRBO Trip Insurance?

VRBO offers two main types of coverage : Travel Protection and Damage Protection. You can buy one or the other or both, depending on your situation.

Travel Protection covers:

• Cancellations : VRBO’s trip insurance covers up to 100% of your insured travel costs if you need to cancel your vacation because of a covered event.
• Interruptions : If your trip is interrupted by an unforeseen event, like a serious illness, VRBO’s policy also covers up to 100% of your insured costs.
• Delays : VRBO’s Trip Protection covers $150 per day for reasonable expenses if your travel is delayed by a covered reason.

Their Travel Protection plan also provides services that can help you during your vacation if you experience a medical emergency, need to speak to a doctor via telemedicine, or have your identity stolen.

VRBO’s Damage Protection Plan , on the other hand, covers up to $1,500 in repair costs if you damage either the real property (i.e., the land and anything permanently attached to it) or the personal property (i.e., pretty much anything else) associated with the vacation rental you booked.

What Doesn’t VRBO Cover?

LIke any insurance policy, VRBO’s Travel Protection and Damage Protection plans have coverage limits and exclusions. 

VRBO’s Travel Protection plan won’t cover: 

• Cancellations that happen for an uncovered reason
• Delays less than 12 hours
• Any damaged, stolen, or lost luggage

Damage Protection won’t pay cover damage that is caused by: 

• Bad weather or a natural disaster
• Intentional or negligent acts
• Normal wear and tear
• Any action that is a violation of the lease agreement
• Someone other than you or your traveling companions

Does VRBO Offer Trip Cancellation Insurance?

Yes, VRBO’s Travel Protection plan includes Trip Cancellation coverage as part of its coverage.  This coverage allows you to be reimbursed for prepaid, nonrefundable travel costs if you have to cancel your vacation for a covered event.

Some examples of covered events for VRBO cancellation insurance may include:

• An illness for you or a travel companion
• A natural disaster causes a mandatory evacuation.
• A strike causes your transportation to be canceled.
• You, your spouse, your travel companion, or your travel companion’s spouse is called up to active military duty.

Events usually have to occur before your trip and while the policy is in effect before they trigger coverage.

Is VRBO Rental Insurance Worth It?

VRBO insurance has much to recommend it. For one, it’s provided by CNA and underwritten by Generali , both of which are well-known and financially stable insurance companies.The coverage is also easy to get when you’re booking your rental.

But the best way to know if VRBO trip insurance is right for you is to compare it to other options. That way you can look at the policy details and decide if the coverage provides your vacation with the appropriate amount of protection.

By Virginia Hamill

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Is Vrbo Trip Protection Worth It? Exploring the Benefits, Coverage and Cost-Benefit Analysis

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

Vacations are a time for relaxation, exploration and adventure, but they can also come with a lot of uncertainty and risk. Enter Vrbo Trip Protection, an insurance policy designed to provide travelers with peace of mind while they explore the world. In this article, we will explore the benefits of purchasing Vrbo Trip Protection, what types of situations it covers, how to understand its coverage, and ultimately whether or not it is worth it.

Definition of Vrbo Trip Protection

Vrbo Trip Protection is an insurance policy offered by Vrbo, a vacation rental marketplace, that provides travelers with financial security and peace of mind while they’re away from home. The policy covers a variety of situations, such as trip cancellation, medical expenses, loss or damage to property, and personal liability.

Overview of the Problem

Travel can be unpredictable, and there’s always a chance that something unexpected could happen. Whether it’s a natural disaster, illness, or any other unforeseen event, these situations can have a major impact on your wallet. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for the worst and have a plan in place to protect yourself financially.

Comparison of Vrbo Trip Protection and Other Travel Insurance Policies

Vrbo Trip Protection is similar to traditional travel insurance policies in many ways. Both policies offer coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses, loss or damage to property, and personal liability. However, there are some key differences between the two. For example, Vrbo Trip Protection offers more comprehensive coverage than traditional travel insurance policies, which tend to only cover certain situations. Additionally, Vrbo Trip Protection offers more flexibility when it comes to the duration of coverage, allowing travelers to extend their policy if their trip is extended.

Exploring the Benefits of Purchasing Vrbo Trip Protection

When it comes to travel, there are few things more important than having peace of mind. With Vrbo Trip Protection, travelers can rest assured knowing that they are covered in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation. Additionally, Vrbo Trip Protection provides travelers with financial security, ensuring that they won’t suffer financially if something goes wrong. Finally, Vrbo Trip Protection offers flexibility, allowing travelers to extend their policy if their trip is extended.

What Types of Situations Does Vrbo Trip Protection Cover?

Vrbo Trip Protection covers a variety of situations, including trip cancellation, medical expenses, loss or damage to property, and personal liability. If a traveler has to cancel their trip due to a covered event, such as a natural disaster or illness, Vrbo Trip Protection will reimburse them for their nonrefundable costs. Additionally, if a traveler is injured or becomes ill while traveling, Vrbo Trip Protection will cover their medical expenses. Vrbo Trip Protection will also cover any lost or damaged property, as well as any legal fees incurred if a traveler is sued for personal liability.

A Guide to Understanding Vrbo Trip Protection Coverage

Before purchasing Vrbo Trip Protection, it’s important to understand the coverage that it provides. While Vrbo Trip Protection covers a variety of situations, there are some exclusions and limitations that travelers should be aware of. For example, Vrbo Trip Protection does not cover pre-existing conditions, so travelers with pre-existing conditions should purchase a separate policy. Additionally, Vrbo Trip Protection has certain limits on the amount of coverage provided, so travelers should make sure to read the fine print before buying a policy.

Examining the Cost-Benefit Analysis of Vrbo Trip Protection

When deciding whether or not to purchase Vrbo Trip Protection, it’s important to consider the cost-benefit analysis. The cost associated with Vrbo Trip Protection depends on the length of the trip, the destination, and the number of travelers. Generally speaking, the cost of Vrbo Trip Protection is relatively low compared to the potential benefits that it provides. By purchasing Vrbo Trip Protection, travelers can rest assured knowing that they are financially secure in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation.

Pros and Cons of Purchasing Vrbo Trip Protection

When it comes to Vrbo Trip Protection, there are both pros and cons to consider. On one hand, Vrbo Trip Protection provides travelers with peace of mind and financial security in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation. Additionally, Vrbo Trip Protection offers more comprehensive coverage than traditional travel insurance policies, and it allows travelers to extend their policy if their trip is extended. On the other hand, Vrbo Trip Protection has certain exclusions and limitations that travelers should be aware of, and the cost may be too high for some travelers.

In conclusion, Vrbo Trip Protection is a great option for travelers who want peace of mind and financial security while they’re away from home. While there are some drawbacks to purchasing Vrbo Trip Protection, such as exclusions and limitations, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Ultimately, the decision to purchase Vrbo Trip Protection is up to each individual traveler, but it is certainly worth considering.

Summary of Findings

This article explored the benefits, coverage, and cost-benefit analysis of Vrbo Trip Protection. We found that Vrbo Trip Protection provides travelers with peace of mind, financial security, and flexibility, and that it covers a variety of situations, such as trip cancellation, medical expenses, loss or damage to property, and personal liability. We also examined the cost-benefit analysis of Vrbo Trip Protection and outlined the pros and cons of purchasing the policy.

Recommendations

If you’re planning a vacation, we recommend that you consider purchasing Vrbo Trip Protection. While there are some drawbacks to the policy, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Be sure to read the fine print carefully, so that you understand the coverage and exclusions, and make sure to compare Vrbo Trip Protection to other travel insurance policies to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Trip Cancellation Insurance Explained

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Table of Contents

What is trip cancellation insurance?

Covered reasons for trip cancellation, what is not covered by trip cancellation insurance, cancel for any reason trip insurance, is trip cancellation insurance expensive, different ways to get trip cancellation insurance, which insurance coverage is best for me.

When booking travel, particularly expensive trips consisting of nonrefundable reservations, it makes sense to consider trip cancellation insurance since it can protect your deposit if your plans do not materialize due to unforeseen events. However, not every reason for canceling a trip will qualify for coverage, so you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the basics of trip cancellation insurance.

Trip cancellation coverage can be purchased as part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy , or you can receive it for free when you hold certain premium credit cards. The benefit is designed to protect prepaid, nonrefundable reservations, including flights, hotel reservations and other bookings if the trip is canceled due to an extraordinary circumstance. Each policy will state exactly which events are considered valid reasons for cancellations.

With COVID-19 still affecting travel plans, you’ll want to pay close attention to which reasons for cancellation due to the pandemic are valid. For example, wanting to cancel a trip you booked a while ago because your destination now has rising COVID-19 numbers and you’re afraid to travel is not likely a valid reason.

If you want to be able to cancel a trip for truly any reason, consider the Cancel For Any Reason supplemental upgrade when purchasing your insurance policy. CFAR will allow you to get up to 75% of your trip investment back as long as the trip is cancelled at least two days before departure.

» Learn more: Does my travel insurance cover the coronavirus?

Imagine you’ve booked a two-week vacation to Italy costing $5,000 ($1,000 flight, $3,500 hotel and $500 excursions), all of which is nonrefundable. Then, a week before your departure date, you fall and break your leg.

So, what does trip cancellation insurance cover?

If you have trip cancellation insurance, you’ll be able to get your entire prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost back (as long as the entire amount was insured), since injuries that necessitate medical treatment and prevent you from taking your trip qualify as a covered reason.

Other covered reasons include death of your traveling companion, inclement weather that results in disrupted service, jury duty, terrorist incident, job termination and other extraordinary events.

Although this is not an entire list of all the covered reasons, generally the cancellation must be due to unforeseen circumstances to qualify for a reimbursement. Review the fine print of your policy for the details of exactly which reasons are covered. When seeking reimbursement, you’ll need to submit claims to the insurance provider to substantiate your claim.

Although a wide range of reasons allow you to receive your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses back in the event of a trip cancellation, there are important exclusions to know about.

Trip cancellation insurance will not cover losses arising from self-harm, foreseeable events, acts of war, taking part in activities considered dangerous (e.g., skydiving, bungee jumping, endurance races, etc.), a felony, childbirth, dental treatment and more.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

So what if you want the flexibility to cancel your trip for reasons other than those covered by your policy? For that, you're going to need the CFAR insurance mentioned above.

CFAR is often available as an add-on to travel insurance policies, and while it can come in handy if you want to cancel your trip just because, you're not likely to get all your money back.

Most CFAR policies will only reimburse 75% of your nonrefundable travel expenditures.

» Learn more: Best travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason Coverage

The price of trip cancellation insurance can vary based on the traveler’s age, destination, length of trip, cost of trip and insurance company.

Using the same $5,000, two-week trip to Italy as mentioned above, a search of policies on SquareMouth (a NerdWallet partner) ranged from $115 to $470, representing 2.3% to 9.4% of the total trip cost.

» Learn more: How much is travel insurance?

All policies provide 100% coverage of the trip cost, however the more expensive plans usually have higher limits on benefits like medical evacuation.

If you’re only looking for trip cancellation coverage and no other protections, a policy equating to 2.3% of the total trip expenses seems reasonable.

On your travel credit card

Trip cancellation coverage can be included as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan or offered as a benefit on premium travel credit cards.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® will reimburse you or your immediate family members up to $10,000 per trip. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and many other American Express cards also offer up to $10,000 in trip cancellation coverage. Terms apply.

These premium cards also offer other insurance benefits like trip interruption coverage, emergency assistance services, trip delay and more.

If you travel often and typically purchase trip cancellation coverage, consider applying for one of the cards that offer complimentary travel insurance . Not only will you get trip insurance benefits, but you will also get other travel perks and statement credits that can partly offset the annual fee.

Supplement by purchasing policies out-of-pocket

If the coverage limits offered on the cards aren’t sufficient or you’re looking for more protections (e.g., coverage for emergency medical expenses), you’d be better off with a travel insurance . Although you’d incur an additional cost for purchasing a comprehensive plan, you’d have many more benefits not commonly found in the insurance policies offered by the credit cards.

A comprehensive trip cancellation policy is likely to cover canceled flights so long as the flight or flights are nonrefundable and are a part of the total, prepaid expenses covered by your policy. Insurance provided by travel cards typically includes trip delay or cancellation coverage so long as you used that card to pay for your flight reservations.

If you're forced to cancel your trip due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control, travel insurance will provide coverage for some or all of your nonrefundable travel expenditures, depending on your policy. Covered events will vary, so be sure to review the terms of any plan you intend to purchase.

Trip cancellation insurance is available for purchase from a wide range of companies and is often included as a benefit on travel credit cards. Under certain circumstances, it provides coverage for prepaid travel expenses in the event that you cannot complete your trip as planned.

A comprehensive trip cancellation policy is likely to cover canceled flights so long as the flight or flights are nonrefundable and are a part of the total, prepaid expenses covered by your policy.

Insurance provided by travel cards

typically includes trip delay or cancellation coverage so long as you used that card to pay for your flight reservations.

If you’re going on a trip consisting of costly flights, hotel reservations and excursions and would like to protect your prepaid, nonrefundable deposit but do not need any other coverage, a minimally priced trip cancellation insurance policy is a good choice.

If you have a premium travel credit card , check if you already have trip cancellation insurance as a benefit before you purchase a policy.

However, if you’re looking for additional coverage like travel medical insurance , and/or a basic plan doesn’t have adequate limits, consider a comprehensive travel insurance policy from providers such as AAA , Allianz , and AIG . Read NerdWallet's full analysis of the best travel insurance companies here .

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The 6 Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance Plans

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Seven Corners »

AXA Assistance USA »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Red Sky Travel Insurance »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners
• AXA Assistance USA

When you're planning an affordable yet fun-filled vacation, a rental home can be a great lodging option. By booking a vacation rental that's a condominium, a rustic cabin or a private villa instead of a hotel or resort, travelers get to enjoy more of the comforts of home during a trip, such as a living space and a kitchen to make meals in.

But you can't plan for everything, so you don't necessarily want to skip over a travel insurance policy in case something goes wrong. Investing in vacation rental travel insurance is the best protection you have against inclement weather or a natural disaster ruining your trip or forcing you to evacuate your vacation home before the end of your rental period.

The best travel insurance plans also offer additional coverage for travel delays, baggage loss, emergency medical expenses, emergency evacuation and other perils. Before you book a vacation property directly from an owner or through a platform like Airbnb, Vacasa or Vrbo, read on to learn about the best travel insurance policies for this type of trip and what they include.

• AIG Travel Guard
• Nationwide Insurance
• Red Sky Travel Insurance

Customizable coverage that works well for vacation rentals at any price point

Kids 17 and younger covered for free with some plans

OneTrip Basic plan may have insufficient coverage for your needs

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to $100,000
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to $150,000
• Trip change protector worth up to $500
• $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses
• Up to $500,000 for emergency medical transportation
• Baggage loss and damage coverage worth $1,000
• Baggage delay insurance up to $300
• Travel delay coverage worth up to $800 ($200 per day)
• 24-hour travel hotline assistance

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Broad selection of plans to choose from

Ideal vacation rental coverage for domestic trips available

Domestic plans with Air Travel Bundle come with low limits for baggage and personal effects

• Trip delay coverage worth up to $300 ($100 per day)
• Travel inconvenience coverage worth up to $150
• Baggage coverage worth up to $500 ($250 maximum per item)
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $250 (up to $100 per day)
• Emergency accident and sickness coverage worth up to $50,000
• Coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains worth up to $250,000
• Emergency dental expense coverage worth up to $250

Offers comprehensive coverage based on your needs

Customize your policy with available add-ons

Optional CFAR coverage only available with Platinum Plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the total trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage up to 100%
• Trip delay coverage up to $500 ($100 limit per day)
• Missed connection coverage up to $500
• Emergency medical coverage up to $25,000
• Emergency evacuation coverage up to $100,000
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $10,000
• Common carrier accidental death and dismemberment coverage up to $25,000
• Baggage delay coverage up to $200
• Baggage and personal effects coverage up to $750

Customizable coverage with high limits

Cancel for any reason coverage available

Low medical expense limits for Essential Plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost baggage
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $300
• Travel medical expense insurance worth up to $50,000
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation protection

10-day review period available

Preexisting conditions can be covered

Nationwide does not offer single-trip plans without medical or baggage insurance

• Up to $30,000 in trip cancellation insurance
• Trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the total trip cost (maximum benefit of $60,000)
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $250 per day ($2,000 maximum)
• Missed connection and itinerary change coverage worth up to $500
• Secondary coverage for baggage and personal effects worth up to $2,000
• Baggage delay coverage worth up to $600 for delays of 12 or more hours
• Accident and sickness medical expense coverage worth up to $150,000
• Emergency dental coverage worth up to $750
• $1 million in insurance for emergency medical evacuation
• Coverage for terrorism in a vacation destination

Choose from tailor-made plans for vacation rentals

Can only be purchased directly through vacation rental companies

Limited coverage options available (no option for rental cars or CFAR)

• Up to $100,000 in reimbursement for vacation rental expenses
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $750 (maximum of $200 per day)
• Coverage for emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation (policy limits vary)
• Baggage delay insurance worth up to $1,000 per day ($200 per day)
• Emergency roadside assistance
• Worldwide emergency assistance services

Frequently Asked Questions

Vacation rental travel insurance works like any other type of travel insurance coverage. You pay a premium for the policy upfront, and you get varying levels of protection for trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, lost or delayed baggage, and more.

You may not need certain types of travel insurance for trips in the U.S., such as coverage for emergency medical expenses if your own health insurance still applies. You may also choose to skip rental car insurance if you're using your own car and insurance for your trip. That said, it can still be beneficial to pay for travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical evacuation, and more.

You can buy travel insurance online from top insurance companies. You may also be able to secure coverage with your vacation rental provider. Compare plans on TravelInsurance.com .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered international travel and travel insurance for more than a decade. Johnson has researched and compared all the top travel insurance options for her own family for trips to more than 50 countries, some of which have included vacation rentals within the U.S. and all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg – a travel agent who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

You might also be interested in:

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

Holly Johnson

Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It? Yes, in These 3 Scenarios

These are the scenarios when travel insurance makes most sense.

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Should you purchase travel insurance for your vacation rental?

Vacation rentals booked through Airbnb and its alternatives have become popular holiday destinations for all types of travelers, from extended families staying in large beachfront homes to couples vacationing in swanky city apartments.

But what happens if these rental properties, especially ones worth millions of dollars, get damaged before you arrive or if your plans unexpectedly change, causing you to need to cancel or shorten your stay?

While the exact outcome will depend on the situation, if you purchase travel insurance , you may find you're eligible for compensation.

So how do you know if it's worth the investment before your next trip? TPG dug into the details to determine what standard travel insurance policies may cover you for when staying at home rentals — and when you may want to purchase some additional coverage.

For more TPG news and tips delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter .

What travel insurance covers for vacation rentals

Traditional travel insurance policies offer features that will cover you and your invested travel costs, whether you're staying at a hotel , friend's house or rental property. Although the exact benefits for vacation rentals may vary slightly depending on the policy you choose, there are a few situations that most will cover.

Your vacation is canceled due to sickness, injury or an emergency

Many hotels offer free cancellations until two or three days before arrival so long as you book your rooms with flexible rates. However, this is rarely the case for vacation rentals, which often have strict cancellation policies requiring 30 to 60 days of advance notice to cancel without penalty. Some even go so far as to have completely nonrefundable deposits, regardless of the cancellation circumstances.

Fortunately, there's a workaround to this conundrum if you find yourself in an unexpected situation involving your health or the health of someone close to you: trip cancellation coverage. If you have insurance with trip cancellation coverage and cannot complete your trip as planned due to select health-related issues, you'll be able to recoup up to 100% of your nonrefundable costs.

While the exact cases that are eligible for complete reimbursement vary by policy, know that many pertaining to health are covered. For example, World Nomads ' trip cancellation insurance policy will cover you in the event you need to cancel your vacation, including any stays at home rentals, due to illness, injury or a death in the family.

You have to cut your vacation short due to a medical reason or natural disaster

In addition to helping you out when you need to cancel your entire vacation, insurance can reimburse you for early departure fees when you find yourself needing to cut your vacation rental stay short. Know, though, that you'll need to have a policy offering trip interruption protection to be eligible for this perk.

Covered reasons for ending your stay early will vary from plan to plan, but typically, policyholders can expect reimbursement due to health-related issues and natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires and blizzards. For instance, IMG's travel insurance covers sickness, injury and natural disaster evacuations when cutting vacation rental stays short.

You cannot stay at the rental due to it being uninhabitable

If you book a vacation rental that is not fit for human habitation, then the booking company or owner should refund all your costs. However, there are rare occasions when this does not happen, so it's important to have travel insurance as a backup.

To qualify for reimbursement from your travel insurance provider due to uninhabitable conditions, you'll need to read the fine print of your chosen policy. Allianz , for example, defines uninhabitable as "a natural disaster, fire, flood, burglary or vandalism that has caused enough damage (including extended loss of power, gas or water) to make a reasonable person find their home or destination inaccessible or unfit for use."

Other situations, such as having an unpleasant or dirty vacation rental , would not be enough to trigger this coverage.

Should you have to find another property or cancel your trip completely due to uninhabitable conditions at your original rental, your travel insurance plan will cover the added costs you incur.

Related: 13 mistakes to avoid on your next vacation home rental

What travel insurance won't cover for vacation rentals

As you may expect, there are some situations when travel insurance won't cover extra expenses related to stays at rental properties. To have a solid understanding of what to expect, be sure to read the fine print of any insurance product you choose. Only circumstances listed in the policy will be covered. The following are two key reasons why you wouldn't be covered.

You accidentally damage the property during a typical stay

Most travel insurance policies will not cover the costs of damage you incur at a rental property, even if it was done by accident. As a result, you must pay for a replacement or repair to any item you accidentally break or damage, such as a work of art, a garage door or wine glasses. Depending on the item in question, this can quickly add up.

If you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, know that it may include protection beyond regular limits called "umbrella" coverage, which can help cover damage caused at a rental property. Keep in mind, though, that you'll have to pay your deductible first. Additionally, your home insurance rate may rise if you submit a claim for vacation rental damage.

Should you wish to stick with travel insurance, you may be able to add extra vacation rental coverage to a traditional policy to assist with accidental damage. Faye's travel insurance , for example, has an add-on feature that offers "coverage if you unintentionally damage the vacation rental property you're staying in or its contents, while in-trip." It costs about 10% of what you'll spend on the main policy itself.

You damage the property while hosting a party

Across the board, travel insurance policies are much more strict about damage caused during parties. If you host an unapproved party or event at a rental property and damage any part of the rental, you will be responsible for covering costs associated with repairs and replacements.

Even approved events are not entirely off the hook for any damage caused to the property. Should you decide to use a vacation rental for an approved event like a wedding or family reunion, expect the booking company or owner to require you to purchase an event-specific insurance policy that covers guest liability, home damage and other items that may be specific to the location.

Related: 6 truths and myths about 'cancel for any reason' travel insurance

Bottom line

Home rentals can be a great lodging solution when you're on vacation, especially if you're traveling with family or friends. However, the high cost of some vacation properties and the cancellation policies often in place mean you should probably purchase some kind of travel insurance to protect your investment.

Typical travel insurance policies will offer coverage for your vacation rental costs should your trip be canceled or delayed for events covered under the policy, but you may be on the hook for other scenarios. As a result, it's vital you pay careful attention to your policy's terms. Doing so will ensure you know what to expect should you face an unexpected situation while enjoying your temporary home away from home.

Related: 7 things to look out for when buying travel insurance, according to an expert