Travel Insurance for Winter Storms, Snow, & Ice
Key Statistics:
- Federal scientists say the La Niña weather pattern, which started in October, is expected to keep shaping weather this winter in the U.S.
- Freezing storms, snow, and ice have already impacted travel, with Arctic temperatures creating dangerous conditions nationwide.
- In the first week of December, a single snowstorm caused ground stops at major airports, leaving over 7,000 flights into, within, and out of the U.S. delayed, and nearly 600 cancelled.
- As further weather disruptions are expected into the holidays, it’s important to note that airlines are not required to provide accommodations, meals, or monetary compensation if disruptions are caused by weather or other factors beyond their control.
- If your travel is impacted by winter weather, travel insurance is your best option for protecting your finances and getting back on track with your trip.
- Many travel insurance policies can reimburse you if you need to cancel your trip due to adverse winter weather, and they can also help you recover nonrefundable costs, like flights, hotels, and other prepaid expenses, if you’re delayed or stranded. However, there are certain caveats, explained below.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Severe Winter Weather?
Yes, many travel insurance policies can provide coverage if your travel is significantly impacted by winter weather. Typically, winter weather travel coverage applies to travel disruptions related to a weather-related flight cancellation or extended delay, an airport closure, a government-mandated road closure, or destruction of property.
Several travel insurance benefits can help with winter weather disruptions, including Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Extension of Coverage, and Missed Connection coverage.
The exact coverage that applies depends on when you purchased your policy relative to the winter storm and the specific benefits included in your policy, which vary by provider.
Note that for coverage to apply, you must have purchased your policy before the winter storm was announced and forecasted to impact your area. Otherwise, the disruption may be considered a “foreseen event”, and coverage could be denied.
Buying A Policy Early is Key to Getting Full Protection
As a reminder, travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen and unexpected events.
This means that for coverage to apply, the event that causes the claim, such as a winter storm, must have been unknown or unexpected at the time of purchasing your policy.
Many people wonder, “When is an event considered foreseen?”
An event becomes foreseen once it has been publicly announced, predicted, or otherwise known.
For events such as hurricanes, this timeline is usually quite clear, but for winter storms that aren’t always “named,” insurance providers look back at news and meteorological forecasts to determine when the storm was predicted and decide if your coverage applies.
This means if you buy a policy after a winter storm has been announced, standard travel insurance typically won’t cover you.
Events can quickly shift from unforeseen to foreseen at any moment. For this reason, it’s important to buy travel insurance as early as possible, before storms are predicted, to ensure you have the greatest chances of making a valid claim.
The only types of travel insurance that can cover you for a foreseen event are Cancel For Any Reason and Interruption For Any Reason coverage. More on this below.
What To Look For If You Are Planning To Buy A Travel Insurance Policy
If you plan to buy a travel insurance policy and aren’t sure if you will be covered, we recommend contacting our Squaremouth agents to understand your options or reaching out to the insurance provider for more information.
That said, here are a few scenarios to consider:
If you are several weeks or months away from traveling, a storm likely hasn’t been named or forecasted yet. In these cases, you should be able to buy a travel insurance policy and receive coverage for weather-related disruptions, as the event would be considered unforeseen or unknown.
However, if you plan to buy travel insurance and a winter storm has already been announced or forecasted, consider opting for a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) or Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) policy, as these are the only types of travel insurance that can cover foreseen or known events.
In this case, as mentioned above, standard trip cancellation and interruption coverage would not cover travel disruptions caused by the forecasted storm.
What To Do If You Already Bought A Travel Insurance Policy
If you have already purchased a travel insurance policy and a winter storm is approaching, whether you’re covered often depends on how long ago the policy was purchased.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if you are covered by your existing policy is to reach out to your provider and ask what is and isn’t covered for your trip.
They can explain how your plan’s benefits apply to the storm, including specifics of each benefit, such as weather cancellation, delay, or trip interruption.
Below, we review common travel scenarios and explain how travel insurance may apply when a winter storm or blizzard disrupts your trip, whether it happens before you depart or while you’re already traveling.
Trip Cancellations Due To Winter Storms
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include Trip Cancellation coverage that can apply to winter weather. This pre-departure benefit often includes severe Winter weather as a covered reason for cancelling your trip and allows you to be reimbursed for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.
Because the exact weather triggers vary by provider, it’s important to review your plan’s cancellation verbiage to learn how it defines weather-related cancellation terms or disruptions.
How Trip Cancellation Coverage Can Protect You From Winter Storms
Although the exact coverage for winter weather varies by policy and provider, here is what is traditionally covered under most plans:
- Shutdown of a Common Carrier: If your airline or airport shuts down because of a winter storm, your Trip Cancellation benefit may apply, as long as the closure lasts long enough to meet your policy’s minimum time requirement.
- Accidents on the Way to the Airport: If you have a traffic accident due to winter road conditions and are delayed, the Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption benefits on some policies can reimburse you.
- Destruction of Home or Destination Lodging: If the storm damages your home or the place you booked to stay, Trip Cancellation coverage can typically reimburse your nonrefundable trip costs.
Government-Mandated Road Closures: Some plans will cover cancellations when authorities close roads due to unsafe conditions; however, it must be an official closure, as generally icy or dangerous roads won’t be covered.
Caveats & Other Considerations
Most policies require you to be delayed for the minimum time outlined in your policy before cancellation benefits go into effect. Some plans offer Trip Delay benefits for inclement weather but do not extend the same coverage to Trip Cancellation, so it’s important to check which benefits are triggered by weather in your policy. A few providers offer coverage for inclement weather that can delay or cancel your trip without additional caveats.
Providers like Berkshire Hathaway and Generali are particularly helpful for road trips, thanks to flexible wording that covers “inclement weather if it causes a delay or cancellation of your trip.” This language also appears in Tin Leg policies underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway (Economy, Standard, Luxury, and Adventure). Certain policies may also cover “road closures causing a delay in reaching your destination” for a specific amount of time.
Because coverage varies by provider, always read your policy’s fine print to understand the exact requirements and time thresholds for delays.
What Trip Cancellation Coverage Won’t Cover During Winter Weather
Standard travel insurance policies have limitations when it comes to winter storms. Some exclusions include:
- Foreseeable Events: If you booked your trip after the storm was announced or known, cancellation coverage will not apply unless you bought optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage.
- Fear of Travel: Concern about possible bad weather is not a covered cause for canceling a trip.
Consider Optional CFAR Coverage
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is an optional add-on that provides flexibility to cancel your trip for any reason not covered by traditional cancellation policies. This includes allowing you to cancel for winter storms that were considered known or foreseeable at the time of booking your trip, for fear of traveling due to dangerous weather conditions.
CFAR is not available with every policy, and it has certain time restrictions. For example, it must be purchased within 10-21 days after you make your initial trip payment, and you must cancel your trip within 48-72 hours before your scheduled departure date.
See our list of the top CFAR travel insurance plans for more information.
Travel Delays Caused By Winter Storms
As mentioned, airlines aren’t required to offer you restitution or reimbursement for delays caused by weather.
In these cases, travel insurance can take over and provide you with stipends for meals, hotels, and sometimes allow you to cancel the remainder of your trip and arrange for travel home, or pay to get you rebooked to help you catch up to your initial itinerary.
Coverage for travel delays caused by winter storms depends on several factors, including the type of benefits available, the length of the delay, and the specific circumstances of your trip.
Here are some of the factors that can determine whether or not your coverage applies
- Duration and foreseeability of the delay: Most policies require the delay to be significant and unforeseeable. Depending on when you bought your policy, your delay could be considered foreseeable and, therefore, excluded from coverage.
- Shutdown of a Common Carrier: For coverage to apply to weather delays, most plans require that the delay must cause the common carrier to completely stop operating. Partial delays or slowdowns often won’t qualify.
- Minimum delay period: Each provider has its own stipulations for how long a delay must last before it will trigger coverage. This can be anywhere from 6 to 24 hours, which is why reviewing your policy options and comparing coverage is extremely important.
- Multiple benefits may apply: If you are mid-travel, multiple benefits can come into play, including Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Missed Connection, Extension of Coverage, and more. The specific benefits that apply depend on your policy and the circumstances of your trip.
How Can Travel Insurance Cover Winter Storm Delays?
Travel insurance can cover delays caused by winter storms in several ways, but coverage depends on your specific policy.
- Standard Travel Delay coverage: If your delay meets the time limit set by your provider, this benefit can cover essentials like meals and hotels while you’re waiting.
- Trip Interruption coverage: Some policies will reimburse you for new flights to help catch up to your trip or allow you to cancel your trip and return home in more severe cases.
- Covered portions of your trip: Some providers may specify that the delays must be on the Departure or Return portion of the trip. Some may exclude the middle of the trip, though delays impacting the Return portion are generally covered.
- Extensions of Coverage: If you get delayed on your way home, and your travel insurance coverage is set to end, the Extension of Coverage benefit allows you to keep your travel insurance coverage, past your initial return date, until you reach home.
What Kinds Of Winter Weather Travel Delays Are Not Covered?
Though winter weather can cause travel delays, not all of them are covered by travel insurance.
Two common scenarios that aren’t normally covered include:
- Foreseeable Events: Once again, delays that were caused by predictable winter weather, such as heavy snow in places known for winter storms, are typically excluded from coverage if you purchased your policy after the severe weather was predicted and announced.
- Connections Shorter Than Minimum Connection Times (MCTs): Airlines set MCTs, or the shortest safe time allowed to make a connecting flight, and they can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the airport or carrier. If your itinerary allows less time than the MCT, a missed connection or delay as a result typically won’t be covered. However, Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage can be the exception and provide coverage in that case.
Because standard travel insurance doesn’t cover delays caused by foreseen events or insufficient connection times, consider opting for policies with IFAR coverage. IFAR can fill the gap left by a standard policy, which can give you more protection during winter travel against interruptions that may otherwise not be covered.
Optional Interruption For Any Reason (IFAR)
Where CFAR protects your investment before your trip starts, Interruption For Any Reason protects you financially during your trip and offers reimbursement for interruptions excluded from traditional interruption coverage.
IFAR is especially useful when winter weather is considered a foreseeable event and for short connections, but it’s only available as an optional add-on with certain plans.
IFAR will typically reimburse up to 75% of your unused, non-refundable trip costs if you have to change your travel plans unexpectedly mid-trip.
To get IFAR coverage, look for it as an add-on to your standard travel insurance plan, as policies typically don’t include this benefit by default.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying IFAR coverage:
- Purchase it within the allowed time window, usually shortly after your initial trip deposit (typically 10–21 days).
- Make sure all prepaid, non-refundable trip costs are covered, since IFAR reimburses a percentage, normally 50–75%, of costs.
- Confirm state and policy availability, as some companies only offer IFAR in specific locations or within certain plans.
Getting Stranded By A Winter Storm
Travel insurance can cover you in a few different ways if you are stranded during your trip and can’t return home due to a winter storm.
Depending on the situation, you could be covered by Travel Delay, Trip Cancellation, and Extension of Coverage benefits.
Eligibility and reimbursements vary by policy, so we recommend reviewing your plan’s specific language to learn how it defines winter weather-related disruptions.
How Travel Insurance Can Help If You Are Stranded During A Winter Storm
- Travel Delay Coverage: If a winter storm delays you for the minimum time period stipulated by your policy, this benefit can reimburse you for hotel and food costs, and other expenses incurred while waiting for conditions to improve.
- Extension of Coverage: If your policy includes this benefit, you may be able to keep some or most of your travel insurance protections active even if your trip gets extended past your expected return date. This extension normally applies only if the delay is due to an unforeseen event, such as a winter storm, and some policies limit which benefits are extendable.
- Trip Interruption Coverage: If you are stranded due to severe winter weather, your travel insurance company may assist you in rebooking travel to catch up with your trip, or it may cover expenses associated with booking a new way home, such as with a new flight.
What Travel Insurance Won’t Cover If A Winter Storm Leaves You Stranded
- Foreseen Events: If the winter storm was already known or named at the time of booking your trip, it’s considered foreseeable, and standard policies will not reimburse for cancellations or delays.
- Upgraded or Luxury Accommodations: Insurance policies typically choose the most economical or direct way to get you back home, so costs for first-class or upgraded accommodations will not be covered.
FAQs: Travel Insurance For Winter Storms
Is My Flight Covered If I Can’t Drive To The Airport Due To Snow And Ice?
Possibly. Some policies include specific language that covers weather-related trip delays caused by road closures. Because of this, these plans can be a good fit for road trips or travelers who are driving to their destination. Plans from providers like Berkshire Hathaway and Generali include this verbiage.
It’s important to note that these policies typically require proof of a government-mandated road closure. Choosing not to drive due to unsafe road conditions alone is not covered. Additionally, this scenario is most commonly covered as a Trip Delay benefit, not a Trip Cancellation.
Can I Cancel My Trip Due To Dangerous Roadways And Fear Of Traveling In Bad Weather?
Standard travel insurance will not cover you if you choose not to travel because of poor or dangerous road conditions or fear of being affected by adverse weather conditions.
Some policies may provide coverage if you are unable to travel due to government-mandated road closures. A few policies offer Trip Cancellation coverage if inclement weather results in the obstruction of public roadways and prevents you from traveling. However, this is not standard for most travel insurance policies.
However, if you don’t want to take the risk of traveling due to concerns about winter weather conditions, the only option to cancel your trip and receive reimbursement would be through CFAR and IFAR coverage.
These upgrades allow you to cancel or interrupt your trip for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard cancellation or interruption coverage and receive a partial reimbursement.
Can I Cancel My Trip Due To A Winter Storm Or Blizzard?
You may be covered to cancel your trip if a winter storm or blizzard significantly impacts your travel and you purchased a policy before the storm became a known event.
However, you would not be covered by travel insurance if you cancel simply because a storm might occur at your destination or impact your travel.
Trip Cancellation coverage would be triggered by at least one of the following specific events, which vary by policy:
- A delay of your flight or cruise for at least 12-48 hours due to the winter storm or blizzard
- The winter storm renders your hotel or accommodation uninhabitable
- A mandatory evacuation has been ordered due to the winter storm (restrictions do apply)
If you would like the option to cancel your trip due to a blizzard or severe winter weather, even if you do not meet the requirements for coverage, consider purchasing a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy.
How Long Do I Need To Be Delayed Until Coverage Is Triggered?
Typically, your flight or cruise must be delayed for at least 3-12 hours for coverage to go into effect, but this depends heavily on your policy.
To be eligible for coverage under the Travel Delay benefit, you must be delayed for a covered reason as outlined by your policy. Some of the most common covered reasons include a mechanical breakdown of a common carrier and inclement weather.
Missed Connection coverage may also be available to cover additional costs incurred if you missed a connection flight due to an accident or inclement weather. Typically, this coverage requires you to have been delayed by 3-12 hours, and may also provide coverage for meals and accommodations during the delay.
In some cases, if your travel is delayed for more than 12 hours due to inclement weather, you may be covered to completely cancel your trip.
What Do I Do If My Flight Is Delayed Or Canceled Due To A Snow Storm?
If you have winter storm flight cancellations or delays, contact your provider’s 24-Hour Emergency Assistance department for help. Your insurance company can explain the types of coverage available for you and help you find a solution.
Typically, when a flight is delayed because of weather, you could receive coverage through Trip Cancellation, Travel Delay, and Missed Connection benefits. To be eligible for any benefits during a winter storm, your policy must have been purchased before the storm was named.
To be covered by Trip Cancellation for inclement weather, most policies require a complete cessation of your common carrier for a certain period of time; typically 12-48 hours. Travel Delay and Missed Connection benefits typically require the delay to last 3-12 hours before coverage kicks in.
In the event of a delay, ensure that you hold on to all supporting documentation that can assist with filing a claim, including receipts for meals and accommodations, proof from your airline that you were delayed and the reason, and an updated itinerary to show how long you were delayed.
When Is A Winter Storm Considered A Foreseen Event By Travel Insurance?
For many policies, a winter storm is considered foreseeable once it has been named. However, winter storms can also be considered foreseen once they have been announced and are forecast to impact travel on weatherchannel.com.
If you are buying a policy because you know a specific storm is going to impact your travel, it may be too late for you to buy coverage. Because of this, we always recommend opting for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.
You can call and speak with a licensed agent at Squaremouth or call the provider directly before purchasing a policy to understand if you would be covered.
Can I Cancel My Trip If A Winter Storm Causes A Power Outage At My Destination?
As long as you meet your policy’s specific requirements, travel insurance policies can cover you to cancel your trip if a winter storm causes a power outage at your destination. For Trip Cancellation coverage to cover a power outage caused by inclement winter weather, one of the following conditions must be met:
- The power outage due to a winter storm causes your hotel accommodations or your destination to be uninhabitable
- There’s a mandatory evacuation at your destination due to the winter weather
Additionally, you may also be covered to cancel your trip if winter weather causes significant flight delays or prevents you from flying to your destination completely. This information is time sensitive and may vary by policy.
Is A Blizzard Considered A Natural Disaster?
Yes, most travel insurance providers consider a blizzard to be a natural disaster.
However, each policy has specific language defining what it considers to be a “natural disaster” and how one would be covered. To find out if a blizzard is covered under your specific plan, review your policy documents or reach out to your provider for more information.