Why We Strongly Encourage CFAR for $5 Travel Club Members
Suppose you are part of the $5 Travel Club. In that case, you are playing the long game, with trips often set for a year in the future and paying over many months, working toward a confirmed spot on a specific Atomic trip, and planning life, work, and finances around those travel dates. That can be a lot to keep up with, especially when life has other ideas.
That longer runway is exactly why CFAR is worth serious consideration.
1. More time means more chances for life to change
The more months between now and departure, the greater the odds that work situations shift, family obligations appear, health realities change, or your comfort level with travel shifts.
CFAR is designed for that kind of long-term uncertainty and adds an extra layer of protection (Business Insider, 2025; Krzyszton, 2025).
2. It aligns with the mindset behind the $5 Travel Club
The $5 Travel Club is about:
- Making big travel possible in manageable pieces
- Providing fully curated, stress-free vacations
- Reducing financial stress
- Giving you a clear, structured path to an international group trip
CFAR supports that same mindset. You are not just saying, “I hope everything works out.” You are putting a safety net in place for the money you are steadily committing.
3. It protects your progress
If you had to cancel close to departure without CFAR, you might lose most or all of your trip cost. With CFAR in place, you can often get back a majority of that amount, freeing you to decide how and when to travel in the future (Fitzpatrick, 2025; Krzyszton, 2025).
How To Shop For CFAR Travel Insurance For An Atomic Trip
Again, Atomic Trips does not sell insurance, and this is not specific policy advice. However, here are key points to look for and ask about when you speak with a travel insurance provider.
Confirm that CFAR is available in your state or country.
CFAR insurance is not available everywhere. Some states and regions restrict it. Availability depends on the state of residence and the specific insurance provider, so it is important to check eligibility before purchasing (Fitzpatrick, 2025; TravelInsurance.com, 2025).
Clarify the purchase window.
Remember that you have to add CFAR to your insurance policy before you make too many payments on your Atomic Trip. Ask the insurance providers, “How many days do I have after my first trip payment to add CFAR?” Most answers will fall between 10 and 21 days (Progressive, n.d.; TravelInsurance.com, 2025; USA Travel Health Insurance, 2025).
Check the cancellation deadline.
Also, keep in mind that there is a deadline to use CFAR. Ask the insurance agent, “How many hours before departure do I need to cancel to use CFAR?” Expect to hear that the range is around 48 to 72 hours (Generali Global Assistance, 2025; Progressive, n.d.; Travel Guard, n.d.).
Verify the reimbursement percentage.
Ensure you understand the percentage of your non-refundable costs that will be reimbursed under the CFAR policy. Typical ranges are 50 to 75 percent, sometimes up to 80 percent (Fitzpatrick, 2025; Krzyszton, 2025).
Understand the cost of the upgrade.
Understand how much CFAR costs in addition to the base plan. Many providers say 40 to 60 percent more premium, or about 3 percent of your total trip cost (Business Insider, 2025; Fitzpatrick, 2025).
Read the exclusions carefully.
While CFAR is broad, there are always exclusions and conditions. Please read the policy carefully and ask the agent to walk you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions About CFAR For Atomic Trips
Do I have to buy cancel for any reason travel insurance to go on an Atomic Trip?
No. Atomic only mandates a basic travel insurance plan that covers emergency medical. We strongly encourage guests to carry high-level travel insurance and sincerely recommend considering CFAR, especially for higher-cost international group trips. Still, the actual purchase is between you and the insurer.
Will CFAR refund my entire Atomic Trip cost if I cancel?
In general, no. CFAR is usually partial reimbursement, often 50 to 75 percent of non-refundable costs, depending on the policy (Fitzpatrick, 2025; Krzyszton, 2025).
Can I wait and add CFAR later if I change my mind?
In most cases, no. Most policies require you to add CFAR shortly after your first payment for the trip, usually within 10 to 21 days. Once that window closes, the option usually goes away (Progressive, n.d.; TravelInsurance.com, 2025; USA Travel Health Insurance, 2025).
Does CFAR cover me if I simply decide I no longer want to go on the trip?
Yes, as long as you cancel by the deadline and meet all policy conditions, you are golden. That is the core point of CFAR. Always confirm the exact terms with the insurer (Business Insider, 2025; Rotondo & Horbrook, 2024).