From February 6 to February 22, 2026, the Winter Olympic Games will take place across northern Italy, with events hosted in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and several alpine venues in the Dolomites. Fans from around the world are preparing to travel to Italy to watch elite athletes compete in skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating, and other winter sports.
If you plan to attend the 2026 Winter Olympics, you’ll likely split your time between bustling cities and remote mountain locations, making careful planning essential. Being aware of winter travel risks and having the right Winter Olympics travel insurance can help protect your health, finances, and travel plans if weather, injuries, or delays disrupt your trip.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Go to the Olympics?
Travel insurance is not required to enter Italy for the Olympic Games, but it is strongly recommended, especially for winter travel.
Winter Olympic trips often involve:
- Nonrefundable event tickets
- Mountain accommodations
- Train or car travel between cities and ski regions
- Weather-dependent transportation
If illness, injury, or severe weather prevents you from traveling, trip cancellation insurance can help recover prepaid expenses.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, when available, provides additional flexibility in case plans change unexpectedly.
Medical travel insurance is equally important, as slips on ice, skiing injuries, or altitude-related illnesses can lead to costly medical care.
While the Italian healthcare system offers high-quality care, visitors are typically required to pay for treatment upfront.
A travel medical plan can help cover hospital care, diagnostics, and emergency evacuation from mountain regions.
Best Travel Insurance for the 2026 Winter Olympics
Our team at International Citizens Insurance is here to help you find the right international travel insurance plan for your needs.
We offer a range of coverage options, including medical travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance, among others.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Getting Around During the Milan–Cortina Olympics
Unlike a single host city, the 2026 Winter Games are spread across multiple regions. As a result, visitors can expect to use a mix of transportation options, including:
- High-speed trains between Milan and northern cities
- Regional trains and buses
- Rental cars for Alpine venues
Snowstorms and icy roads can cause delays, especially in mountainous areas near Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Dolomites; therefore, allow extra travel time in your schedule and avoid tight connections between events.
If you plan to drive, check whether your rental vehicle comes with winter tires or snow chains, as these may be legally required in some regions.
Notably, while rental cars usually include basic insurance, it may not cover all risks. Therefore, investing in international car insurance can provide extra protection against accidents, theft, liability, and other unexpected situations while driving abroad.
Travel Warnings and Safety Alerts
Italy maintains strong security measures during international events, including increased police presence and transportation monitoring. Winter weather poses the greater risk during these Games.
Stay informed by monitoring:
- Local weather advisories
- Transportation disruptions
- Venue access restrictions
The official Olympic website and Italian civil protection services will provide real-time updates throughout the Games.
Emergency Numbers in Italy
If an emergency arises, use the following numbers:
- General emergency number: 112
- Ambulance and medical emergencies: 118
- Police: 113
- Fire: 115
Safest Places to Stay in Italy for the Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place across northern Italy, with events in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and surrounding alpine venues.
In Milan, neighborhoods like Brera, Porta Nuova, and Navigli are well-policed, visitor-friendly, and offer easy access to public transportation and nearby Olympic events.
For mountain competitions, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a safe and popular base for spectators, with low crime rates and strong infrastructure for international visitors.
Smaller alpine towns hosting Olympic events are generally very safe; however, winter weather can impact travel. Therefore, opt for accommodations near main roads or shuttle routes and take standard precautions in crowded transit areas.
Read More: The Safest Places to Live in Italy
5 Safety Tips for the Winter Olympics in Italy
Attending the Winter Olympics in Italy is an unforgettable experience, but alpine weather, crowded venues, and winter travel risks require extra preparation.
Whether you’re attending events in the mountains or exploring nearby cities, here are a few basic safety tips to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
1. Prepare for Cold and Alpine Conditions
Temperatures in mountain venues can drop well below freezing. Dress in layers and protect exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
2. Plan for Weather Delays
Snowstorms may cause delays to trains, buses, or road access to venues. Travel insurance can help cover extra accommodation or transportation costs.
3. Be Cautious with Winter Sports
If you plan to ski or snowboard outside Olympic events, confirm your insurance covers recreational winter sports.
4. Watch for Pickpocketing in Cities
Large crowds in Milan and major transport hubs attract thieves. Keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying your passport unnecessarily.
5. Protect Your Health
Cold weather, altitude, and physical exertion can strain the body. Travel medical insurance ensures access to care and emergency evacuation if needed.
The Best Winter Olympics Travel Insurance
Below are our recommended travel plans for attending the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, selected for their medical coverage, evacuation benefits, and trip protection.
These plans help safeguard your trip against unexpected disruptions related to winter weather, travel delays, or medical needs.
The Best Travel Plan for US Citizens
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
The Best Travel Plan for International Citizens
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
The Best Trip Cancellation Plans for Olympic Travel
Olympic trips often involve significant prepaid expenses, including event tickets, accommodations, and transportation.
Trip cancellation insurance can help protect your investment if illness, injury, severe weather, or other covered events force you to cancel your plans.
iTravelInsured Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Three tiers of trip protection for U.S. citizens and residents traveling overseas
- Includes $500,000 Emergency Medical and $1,000,000 Medical Evacuation coverage
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade available
World Nomads Trip Cancellation
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Coverage for baggage and personal gear
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage for U.S. citizens and residents
Travel Insurance for Groups Attending the Olympics
Traveling with a group? International Citizens Insurance also offers group travel insurance for families, organizations, and fan groups attending the Olympics.
Policies can be tailored to your itinerary and may include discounted rates, making it easier and more affordable to ensure everyone is covered.
Connect with a Global Benefits Advisor
- Experts in sourcing and implementing global insurance plans
- We’ve built steadfast partnerships with carriers worldwide
- Licensed in Health, Life, Accident, and more
Enjoy the Winter Games in Northern Italy
Whether you’re cheering from an alpine stadium or exploring Milan between events, the Winter Olympics promise an unforgettable experience.
With the right travel insurance in place, you can focus on the thrills, the snow, and the unforgettable moments, leaving the worries behind and making every second count.
So get ready, stay safe, and let the Games begin!
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Mackenzie is the Director of User Experience at ICI, creating intuitive, user-centered digital solutions for global insurance clients. With expertise in UX design and content strategy, she simplifies complex offerings to improve accessibility for expatriates, travelers, and international employers.
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