Whether you can get a refund on Booking.com depends entirely on the cancellation policy of the specific property you booked. When making a reservation, the terms are clearly displayed as either "Free Cancellation," "Partially Refundable," or "Non-Refundable." If you selected a Non-Refundable rate (often the cheapest option), Booking.com and the hotel are under no legal obligation to return your money if you cancel, regardless of the reason. For Free Cancellation bookings, you can receive a full refund as long as you cancel before the property's specified deadline (often 24 to 72 hours before check-in). In cases of unforeseen emergencies, such as a documented medical issue or a natural disaster, you may be able to request a "discretionary refund" by contacting the property directly or through Booking.com's customer service, though this is not guaranteed. In 2026, the platform has also introduced more "Flexible" filters to help travelers prioritize refundable options. If your booking was "Pre-paid" and you qualify for a refund, the money is usually returned to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days after the cancellation is processed.