Britons are being advised to contact their insurers if they are affected by the widespread travel disruptions created by the heavy snows.

At Heathrow Airport, more than 650 flights were cancelled, and other airports in South East England have experienced significant difficulties in service too. The region witnessed the heaviest snowfall in 18 years, and millions of travellers are being affected as well.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has said that delays at airports affected by the snow are typically covered by travel insurance policies, with payments made after a specific period of delay, usually eight or 12 hours.

A spokesperson for the ABI said: “The policy will then pay a cash amount, typically of around £50 for each subsequent eight or 12 hour delay, up to a maximum limit.”

Some travel cover policies provide compensation for flights that have been missed because of the terrible weather. If a flight is cancelled because of bad weather, however, compensation may not be paid.

The ABI added: “Insurance typically only covers passengers if they have to cancel their flight due to events like illness or redundancy.”

Holiday seekers urged to check insurance

With weather forecasters predicting the snow will continue, travellers have been advised to check their holiday insurance policies.

According to travel insurance companies, those who purchased travel insurance recently might find that they are not fully covered if they run into weather-related problems flying abroad in the next few days – because advanced weather warnings have been issued.

Therefore, insurers are strongly recommending that travellers should check their cover, or else risk being left with a real struggle to get any compensation for disrupted holiday plans.

They warned that policy holders must check the small print if they are to be fully aware of what they are and aren’t covered for.

Clare Francis said: “As the big freeze and chaos ensues in the worst snow south-east England has seen for 18 years, there are important insurance issues to be considered. If you are in doubt about your level of cover for any home, travel or motor policy, it is important to speak to your insurer to get clarification.”

Snowed under

Meanwhile, for those who relish the snow, skiers are being warned not to hit the slopes without travel cover.

Two million people will put on their skis this year, but a quarter of them will fail to take out a travel policy, increasing the risk of being left with huge medical bills if they are injured.

 Bad weather can also ruin a skiing holiday, either too much snow or too little, so insurers have advised customers to purchase a policy that will provide compensation of up to £200 for a day lost.