I was the keynote speaker for a creator summit in Vegas. My fee was $15,000, and I had spent $3,000 on non-refundable flights and hotels. Two days before the event, I tested positive for the 2026 strain of Norovirus. I couldn’t fly. The conference organizer invoked the “Force Majeure” clause, cancelled my payment, and I was left $18,000 in the hole.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Travel Insurance is Weak: It covers your $300 flight, but it does not cover the $15,000 speaking fee you lost.
- Appearance / Event Cancellation Insurance: You need a policy that covers “Loss of Earnings” due to illness. This is standard for musicians but overlooked by creators.
- Medical Documentation: You cannot just say “I felt sick.” You need a doctor’s note dated before the cancellation.
- The “Pre-Existing Condition” Trap: If you missed the event because of a chronic issue (like Crohn’s flare-up) and didn’t buy the waiver, coverage is denied.
The “Why” (The Trap): “Work” vs. “Trip”
You viewed this as a “trip.” The insurer views it as a “business contract.”
Standard travel insurance (Expedia/Allianz) pays for travel expenses.
It does not pay for contractual income.
To get the $15,000 fee back, you need “Non-Appearance” coverage, often found in Entertainment packages or high-end disability policies.
[IMAGE: Graphic showing “Travel Insurance” covering the plane ticket vs “Appearance Insurance” covering the check]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked, “I’m sick and losing a paycheck. Who pays?”
1. Allianz (Travel)
- The Verdict: They covered the flight and hotel because I had a doctor’s note.
- The Limit: They paid $0 toward the lost speaking fee.
2. Lloyd’s of London (Specialty Broker)
- The Verdict: They write “Non-Appearance” policies. If you are a high-earner (fees >$10k), you can buy a single-event policy. It costs about 2-3% of the fee (e.g., $300 to insure $10k).
3. Petersen International (Disability)
- The Verdict: They offer “High Limit Disability” that covers short-term income loss for entertainers.
Comparison Table
| Expense | Standard Travel Insurance | Non-Appearance Insurance |
| Flight/Hotel | Covered | Covered |
| Lost Speaking Fee | Denied | Covered |
| PR Reputation Repair | No | Sometimes |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- See a Doctor Immediately: Telehealth is fine, but get a PDF note stating “Patient is medically unable to travel/perform.”
- Check the Contract: Does the event contract require them to pay 50% even if you cancel due to illness? (Negotiate this next time).
- Buy Appearance Coverage: If you rely on tour dates or speaking fees, buy an annual “Entertainer” policy.
- Notify the Organizer: Do it ASAP. Helping them find a replacement preserves the relationship for next year.
FAQ
Does it cover me if my flight is cancelled?
Yes, “Travel Delay” covers the logistics. If the delay causes you to miss the gig, “Missed Connection” coverage might help, but again, rarely covers the lost fee.
What if I just have anxiety?
Mental health cancellations are usually excluded unless you have a specific “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) rider or severe hospitalization.
Can I deduct the lost income?
No. You can’t deduct money you never received. You can only deduct the wasted travel costs.