Whether you get a refund on Booking.com in 2026 depends entirely on the cancellation policy of the specific room you booked. At the time of booking, rooms are clearly labeled as "Free Cancellation," "Partially Refundable," or "Non-Refundable." If you chose a "Non-Refundable" rate (which is usually the cheapest), the property is legally entitled to keep the full amount even if you cancel immediately. If you have a "Free Cancellation" booking, you can cancel up until the specified deadline (usually 24–48 hours before check-in) and receive a full refund. In 2026, many travelers use the "Cancel for Any Reason" insurance add-on offered during checkout to mitigate the risk of non-refundable bookings. If you must cancel a non-refundable room due to an emergency, your best bet is to message the property directly; while they aren't obligated to help, many will offer a date change or a partial refund as a gesture of goodwill.