Winter Storms and Travel Insurance: How to Ensure Protection Against Disruptions

Published on December 20, 2025

As winter storms continue to batter the U.S., causing significant travel disruptions, many travellers are left wondering how their travel insurance can protect them during snow, ice, and flight cancellations. With the holiday season in full swing, these storms have led to thousands of delayed or cancelled flights, leaving passengers stranded or rerouted. Over 7,000 flights were delayed and nearly 600 cancelled in the first week of December alone due to a single snowstorm, according to NBC News.

To help travellers navigate these turbulent conditions, Squaremouth, a leading online travel insurance comparison platform, provides key insights into how travel insurance policies can offer protection during such disruptive weather events.

Key Travel Insurance Coverage During Winter Storms

Winter storms can have a significant impact on travel, from delayed flights to missed connections and even trip cancellations. Understanding what is and isn’t covered by travel insurance can be crucial when the weather turns dangerous.

1. Can I Be Covered If I Can’t Drive to the Airport Due to Snow and Ice?

In some cases, travel insurance policies may cover delays caused by weather-related road closures, but this typically requires proof of a government-mandated road closure. A general road condition or snowstorm is not usually sufficient for coverage. Typically, this situation is covered under Travel Delay benefits, rather than Trip Cancellation.

For example, if a snowstorm causes the road to the airport to be blocked or closed, and a traveller is unable to reach their flight, they may be eligible for a benefit if the road closure is government-mandated. However, if the weather merely creates difficult driving conditions but no formal closure is announced, this will not trigger insurance coverage.

2. Can I Cancel My Trip Due to a Winter Storm?

Under most travel insurance policies, travellers can cancel their trips if a winter storm significantly impacts their plans. However, the storm must occur after the insurance policy has been purchased and the storm must have been named. Coverage is typically available for situations where:

• Flights are delayed by at least 12 to 48 hours due to snowstorms or blizzards.
• Hotel accommodations become uninhabitable due to a winter storm.
• Mandatory evacuations are ordered in response to severe weather conditions.

To cancel for reasons not covered by standard policies, a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) option might be ideal. This coverage allows travellers to cancel their trips for any reason, including concerns about impending storms, even if the storm has not yet reached the travel destination.

3. How Long Must I Be Delayed to Trigger Coverage?

Travel insurance policies typically trigger Travel Delay benefits when the delay lasts between 3 to 12 hours, depending on the specific terms of the policy. If a delay is caused by inclement weather, such as a snowstorm, the traveller may receive compensation for additional costs like meals or hotel stays. If a delay exceeds 12 hours, some policies may also allow the traveller to cancel the trip entirely.

For those who miss connections due to weather delays, Missed Connection benefits may cover additional expenses for meals, accommodations, and rebooking flights. Typically, a delay of 3 to 12 hours is required for these benefits to apply.

4. What Should I Do If My Flight Is Cancelled or Delayed Due to a Winter Storm?

Travellers who experience delays or cancellations due to winter weather should contact their travel insurance provider’s 24-Hour Emergency Assistance service. These services can explain the protections available under their policy and assist with finding alternative solutions. Typically, benefits like Trip Cancellation, Travel Delay, and Missed Connection can offer assistance in these scenarios, provided the insurance was purchased before the storm was named.

It is important to keep documentation such as receipts for meals, hotel stays, and proof of the delay or cancellation, as this information will be essential for filing claims with the insurer.

When Does a Winter Storm Become a “Foreseen Event” for Travel Insurance?

For most travel insurance policies, once a storm is officially named, it is considered a foreseen event. This means that if you purchase travel insurance after the storm is named, you may not be covered for cancellations or delays caused by that specific storm. However, the Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) option can help mitigate this risk, offering flexibility if weather events disrupt plans.

To ensure you are protected, Squaremouth recommends reviewing your policy details thoroughly to understand what is covered and when. Travellers should be aware of the terms regarding named storms and consider purchasing additional coverage if they are concerned about severe weather impacting their travels.

The Importance of Travel Insurance in Winter Storms

Winter storms can disrupt even the best-laid travel plans, with cancelled flights, hotel evacuations, and road closures creating chaos. However, understanding your travel insurance policy and the benefits it offers can provide peace of mind during these unpredictable events. By knowing when coverage is triggered for travel delays, trip cancellations, and missed connections, travellers can better prepare for winter travel disruptions.

In conclusion, winter weather doesn’t have to be a travel nightmare when you have the right insurance in place. Squaremouth’s travel insurance comparison platform ensures that travellers can easily find coverage that protects them against winter weather disruptions, allowing them to focus on enjoying their holidays instead of worrying about unexpected delays and cancellations.