Will Travel Insurance Cover Bad Weather?

You'll want to have travel insurance that covers weather cancellations if you're traveling in a risky season.
Joe Cortez
By Joe Cortez 
Updated
Edited by Mary M. Flory
travel insurance cover bad weather

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When major storms pass overhead, it usually means trouble for travelers.

Airlines can be forced to cancel thousands of flights that affect travelers throughout the country, hotels may abruptly sell out, and cruise ships have to change departure times to get to safe waters.

The good news in the midst of bad weather is that many travelers have some protection from the moment they purchase their trips. Many travel credit cards offer insurance benefits to cover weather-related incidents, including trip cancellation and trip delays.

But that insurance won’t necessarily cover every situation in which you have to cancel or change plans due to winter weather. Experts suggest considering purchasing additional travel insurance to cover the gaps left by a credit card on long trips, trips where medical insurance is required, or trips that cost $10,000 or more.

What to know about travel insurance for bad weather cancellations

Before buying any travel insurance policy, be sure to get the gist of what coverage is included from your credit card. Here’s what to look for.

Are you covered?

Coverage depends on how travelers purchase their trip. If it is purchased with a credit card, some travel insurance benefits may already apply. But if they pay by debit card or check, they may not have any coverage without purchasing a travel insurance policy.

And note: “For third-party travel insurance policies, you have to collect receipts and credit card statements to submit with a claim,” says Steven Benna, marketing specialist at travel insurance website Squaremouth.com.

Winter weather

If airplanes are still flying, trip cancellation and trip delay benefits usually don’t apply. But flights changed by an airline may count toward trip cancellation. If a flight or tour is canceled by an airline, train, or bus line because of severe weather, travelers could file a claim to recover nonrefundable costs lost as a result of the storm.

Named storms

A traditional travel insurance plan may not cover claims resulting from a named storm, unless the plan was purchased before it was named.

Travel insurance from credit cards may not have the same restrictions, but often only covers incidents directly resulting from weather. Read the explanation of benefits to see what may be covered.

Trip cancellation

Despite the name, not all reasons for canceling a trip are covered. Travelers can’t file a travel insurance claim because they anticipate bad weather. But if the weather forces them to miss a trip or return home early, credit card travel insurance could help recover costs.

“For something weather-related, a credit card can provide up to $10,000 in trip cancellation,” Benna says. “But if travelers want something more comprehensive, they can purchase a third-party insurance.”

Trip delay insurance

Those who get stuck at the airport for an hour or two may not be covered by trip delay insurance; travelers often have to be stranded for six to 12 hours before they can request reimbursement.

Before spending for a hotel or meals during a trip delay, be sure to check benefit explanations.

Lost or delayed baggage

Airplanes aren’t the only things to get delayed ’ bad weather. Luggage can also be left behind. Depending on the plan or policy, travelers can file a claim to get reimbursed for incidentals if their luggage is missing between six and 12 hours. And in some situations, credit card insurance may offer better coverage, Benna says.

If bags are permanently lost, credit card baggage insurance can also provide some reimbursement. Travelers can file an insurance claim for lost or damaged items if they were in the care of the airline or common carrier at the time. However, time is of the essence: After a report is created with the carrier, some insurance providers will only accept claims filed within 20 days.

Travel insurance + weather disruptions, recapped

Certain credit cards include travel insurance as a benefit, and sometimes, this coverage is enough to help you weather a storm. If you're traveling during a time of year or in a destination that has a higher likelihood of storms, wildfires, hurricanes or other natural disasters, consider purchasing a stand-alone travel insurance policy.

Here are the best travel insurance providers to bolster your coverage and better protect your trip investments.


How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Travel Cards from Our Partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1x-5x

5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

Points

Intro offer

60,000

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Points
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1.5%-6.5%

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Cashback

Intro offer

$300

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.7
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

2x-5x

Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

Miles

Intro offer

75,000

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Miles
See more travel cards
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