With the U.S. experiencing the worst winter storm of the season, more than 160 million people are being affected by freezing rain, heavy snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures.
Many major cities and airports have already been impacted, and travelers are facing widespread disruptions to their plans, including flight cancellations, delays, and difficulty reaching airports due to dangerous conditions.
Chrissy Valdez, senior director of operations at Squaremouth, shared what travelers need to know about travel insurance coverage.
“If you’re thinking of buying a travel insurance policy now, you likely won’t be covered to cancel your trip due to the storm, as it is now a foreseeable, or ‘known,’ event,” Valdez explained. “However, there are certain plans that may still provide coverage for disruptions caused by inclement weather.”
If You Purchase a Travel Insurance Plan Now:
- Trip Cancellation coverage will not apply to this storm, as it’s already a foreseen or known event.
- While it’s too late for cancellation coverage, Trip Delay and Missed Connection benefits could still apply. These benefits can cover meals, accommodations, and transportation expenses if you’re significantly delayed by at least 3–12 hours due to weather.
- If canceling is your main concern, add-on benefits such as Cancel For Any Reason and Interruption For Any Reason may still be an option. These benefits allow you to cancel or shorten your trip for any reason, but they are time-sensitive and only available for 14–21 days after making your initial trip deposit, depending on the plan.
If You Purchased a Policy Before the Storm was Named:
- Your plan likely has coverage for winter storms. This can include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, and missed connections, depending on your plan type.
- If you experience trip disruptions, keep track of carrier communications and receipts, and reach out to your travel insurance provider as soon as possible to confirm what benefits may apply and to start a claim.
Learn more about travel insurance coverage during winter storms here.
Related Stories
Vertical Aerospace Brings Valo Electric Air Taxi to New York
American Airlines Expanding Chicago and Los Angeles Hubs
Delta Cautions Passengers Ahead of Pending Winter Storms
Avelo’s Summer 2026 Schedule Includes Flights Starting at $42
Source link
