From July 26 to August 11, 2024, the Summer Olympics will take place in Paris, and people from around the world are getting ready to travel to France and see the best athletes in the world in competition. If you’re one of the lucky attendees, you’ve got a lot to look forward to. Maybe you have tickets to see a family member in one of the swimming events scheduled to take place in the Seine River. You might be planning to cheer on your country’s beach volleyball team as they play in front of the Eiffel Tower. Or you could be going to the Château de Versailles to witness equestrian showmanship. But amidst the excitement, take some time to think about your travel plans. Knowing how to stay safe and getting the right summer Olympics travel insurance will only improve this amazing experience.
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- Get multiple quotes and coverage options
- Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation & more options available
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Do I Need Travel Insurance to Go to the Summer Olympics?
Travel insurance isn’t a requirement to go to Paris for the Games, but it’s a great idea. Suppose you’ve purchased your event tickets, made your hotel reservations and booked a flight to Paris. But then before you leave, your spouse has a car accident, or your son or daughter gets sick and can’t travel. Or maybe you miss your flight and can’t get to Paris in time to use your tickets. Trip cancellation insurance can’t erase the disappointment of not being able to see this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, but it can make sure that you don’t take a huge financial hit for canceling your trip.
The Paris Olympic Games are only taking place in specific locations for a limited time, which means your plans won’t be as flexible as they are on other trips — and you’ve no doubt spent a considerable sum to get tickets, a place to stay and flights. For the Summer Olympics, cancel for any reason insurance means that if something goes awry before your trip, you can cancel and get at least some of your money back. CFAR might also come in handy if you’re not sure whether or not your loved one is going to the Games — you can book your trip but cancel if he or she doesn’t make it to the competition.
Besides trip cancellation coverage, travel medical insurance is another good idea. What if you decide to try renting a bicycle to get around Paris and its environs but take a spill because it’s been a while since you last pedaled around? You’ll get great medical care anywhere in France, but you will be expected to pay for any treatment you receive. Medical travel insurance will help you pay for everything from an emergency room (A&E) visit to X-rays and crutches.
Related: France Travel Insurance Advice
Best Travel Insurance for the Olympic Games
Our team is here to help you find the best international travel insurance package. We have coverage options that include medical travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance, cancel for any reason travel insurance and more.
Dos and Don’ts for Getting Around During the Olympics
Lots of people are planning to go to Paris for the Olympics, and plenty of them are going to use public transportation. So if you’re planning on traveling by metro, bus or tram, give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Keep in mind that it probably won’t be faster to travel by car, as several roads are going to be closed to non-Olympic traffic.
If you can ride a bicycle, you’ll have another option for getting to Olympic sites. There are bike routes to every place where athletes will compete in Paris and the Île-de-France region (except Villepinte’s North Paris Arena). Vélib’ (combining the words vélo and libérté, or bike freedom) is a great way to rent a bike on the cheap. The service has 19,000 bikes, 40% of which are electric.
Safe Travels Voyager
- Valid for U.S. citizens/residents traveling within the U.S. and/or internationally
- Comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and post-departure travel coverage
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) available
Travel Warnings and Alerts for the Summer Olympics in Paris
France is aware that the Olympic Games are a potential target for attacks, and officials are taking steps to make sure visitors stay secure. That starts with the opening ceremony, which is scheduled to take place along the Seine. Planners originally wanted tourists to be able to attend this event for free, but security concerns made them decide to require tickets and lower the number of attendees.
If the security threat rises, the French government has said the opening ceremony may take place at another location, such as the Stade de France in the city of Saint-Denis. Should an attack or disruption occur, the official Paris 2024 page should provide important updates.
Emergency Contact Information for Paris and France
If you’re in any kind of emergency situation, here are the numbers to call:
- Ambulance/SAMU: 15
- Police: 17
- Fire: 18
- General emergency number: 112
Related: Best Hospitals in France
Safest Places to Stay in Paris for the Summer Olympics
There are plenty of safe places in Paris, in particular the 13th,14th and 15th arrondissements. And don’t forget that events are taking place in the Île-de-France region around Paris as well as in the city itself. Places like Nanterre, Colombes and Versailles are all competition sites, and they have lower crime rates than the City of Light. However, be aware that the city of Saint-Denis, where the Stade de France and the Aquatics Center are, has higher crime rates. While you should be fine traveling there during the day, try to find another place to sleep at night.
5 Tips for Safety at the Summer Olympics in Paris
1. Be Prepared for Hot Weather
These are the Summer Olympic Games, so of course the events are taking place in July and August. However, those months are the hottest ones in Paris. The weather can also be quite humid, which can make heat even more oppressive. Take care of yourself by packing light clothing. You might also appreciate having a small fan, electric or wooden, as many places aren’t air conditioned.
2. Be Cautious Buying Tickets for the 2024 Olympics
Protect yourself by only purchasing tickets via the official Paris 2024 ticketing website. In addition, make sure you check the event location before completing your purchase! If you’re in Paris, you don’t want to get tickets for the sailing competition in Marseille, which is nearly 500 miles (almost 800 kilometers) south of Paris. The surfing competition is even farther out of the way, as it’s taking place in Tahiti.
3. Pay Attention to Security Alerts
As mentioned above, going to the Games comes with some security risks. To maintain your safety at the Summer Olympics, check the news or the official Olympics website before leaving your hotel or rental. When you’re out in public, pay attention to any announcements, whether you’re sitting in a RER train car or you’re at an Olympic venue.
4. Watch Out for Would-Be Thieves
There are going to be crowds everywhere during the Olympics in Paris. People will be crammed into metro cars, packed into stadiums and more. It’s exciting, but these crowds are going to attract pickpockets and other thieves. Keep a close eye on your bags when you’re on your way to your hotel. When you’re at the Games, make sure your family’s passports and money aren’t in open back pockets or easy-to-grab purses.
5. Take Care of Your Health
Another part of safety is trying to stay healthy. Not only will this help you enjoy the fabulous Games, it will be easier to pay attention to any safety risks if you’re not feverish or light-headed. Of course, getting sick is a part of life, which is why travel medical coverage is such a good idea. If you do feel unwell and need to see a doctor, this insurance can help you find a provider and cover the costs of the visit.
Travel Insurance Coverage for the Olympics
To give you an idea of Olympic holiday travel insurance coverage, review the Atlas Travel Medical Plan, which is ideal for both U.S. and non-U.S. Citizens who are traveling to watch the events.
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
- Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance
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
Trip Cancelation Insurance for Travel to the Olympics
If you have paid a large amount of money for your expected trip to the Olympics this summer and want to insure against the possibility of cancelation, consider the trip cancellation plan listed below.
iTravelInsured Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Three levels of trip protection for U.S. citizens and residents traveling abroad
- $500,000 in Emergency Medical and $1,000,000 in Medical Evacuation cover included
- 100% Trip Cancellation and 150% Trip Interruption
- Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) optional upgrade available (LX Plan)
If you are anticipating doing some sports yourself and need travel insurance for extreme sports, we offer the Patriot Travel plan that offers coverage for extreme and adventure sports. Get a quote or buy the Patriot Plan with the extreme sports insurance rider add-on (for an additional fee).
International Citizens Insurance is also happy to provide insurance for groups who are traveling to the Olympics. If you have a group that you need coverage for we can tailor plans and offer discounted rates to provide travel insurance for the Olympics – please review group travel insurance options for more information.
Enjoy the Summer Games in the City of Light!
There are lots of reasons to go to the Olympics. You might have a friend or family member who’s competing. You could be covering the event for your blog. Or maybe you love the idea of seeing swimmers racing in the Seine (as long as pollution levels are low enough for them to do this). Whatever the motivation for your trip, don’t forget to enjoy yourself as you make unforgettable memories.
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