From July 14 to July 30, 2028, the Summer Olympics will take place across Los Angeles and Southern California. Organized by LA28, the Games will bring together millions of visitors to watch elite athletes compete in swimming, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, cycling, surfing, and many more summer sports.
If you plan to attend, you’ll likely split your time between stadium venues, beach events, and different neighborhoods throughout the Los Angeles area, making careful planning essential. Being aware of summer travel risks and having the right Summer 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 Summer Olympics?
Travel insurance is not required for traveling to the United States for the Olympic Games, but it is strongly recommended, especially for international visitors.
Summer Olympic trips often involve:
- Nonrefundable event tickets
- Prepaid accommodations
- Domestic flights or rideshare travel between venues
- Transportation that could be impacted by traffic, crowding, or summer heat
If illness, injury, or unexpected disruptions prevent you from attending, trip cancellation insurance can help recover prepaid expenses.
Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, when available, provides additional flexibility if plans change unexpectedly.
Medical travel insurance is particularly important in the U.S., where even minor emergencies can result in high medical costs. Injuries from crowded venues, heat-related illness, or accidents can be expensive without coverage.
A travel medical plan can help cover:
- Hospital care and emergency treatment
- Diagnostic testing
- Ambulance services
- Emergency evacuation
- Repatriation if needed
This ensures peace of mind and financial protection while enjoying the Games.
The Best Summer Olympics Travel Insurance
Below are our recommended travel plans for attending the 2028 Summer Olympics, selected for their medical coverage, evacuation benefits, and trip protection.
These plans help safeguard your trip against unexpected disruptions related to summer 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
Getting Around During the LA28 Games
While the Games are centered in Los Angeles, events will take place across multiple venues throughout the city and surrounding Southern California.
As a result, visitors can expect to use a mix of transportation options, including:
- Metro rail and bus systems within Los Angeles
- Rideshare services and taxis
- Shuttle services provided for Olympic venues
- Rental cars for suburban or coastal venues
Traffic congestion is common in Los Angeles, and large crowds for Olympic events may cause delays. Therefore, allow extra travel time between venues and avoid scheduling tightly back-to-back events across distant locations.
If you plan to drive, confirm that your rental vehicle includes sufficient insurance coverage. Basic rental policies may not cover all risks.
Investing in international car insurance or supplemental coverage can provide extra protection against accidents, theft, liability, and other unexpected situations while traveling in the U.S.
Travel Warnings and Safety Alerts
The United States implements robust security measures during major international events, including increased police presence, venue security screenings, and traffic monitoring.
For the LA28 Games, large crowds and summer heat are the primary risks rather than severe weather.
Stay informed by monitoring:
- Local weather advisories, especially heat alerts
- Traffic and public transit disruptions
- Venue access and schedule changes
Real-time updates will be available through the official LA28 website and local authorities.
Emergency Numbers in the United States
If an emergency arises during your trip, dial:
- General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911
Operators are available 24/7 across Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Safest Places to Stay During the LA28 Games
Choosing accommodations near your primary event locations can make your trip safer and more convenient.
Popular areas for visitors include:
- Downtown Los Angeles – Close to major arenas, cultural attractions, and transit hubs. Well-policed and visitor-friendly.
- Santa Monica – Ideal for beach events and coastal venues, with strong infrastructure for tourists.
- Pasadena – Near historic stadiums and suburban venues, with low crime rates.
- Inglewood – Close to large sports complexes and Olympic arenas, with easy access to public transportation.
Southern California is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions still apply. Stay aware in crowded venues and transit hubs, secure your valuables, and choose accommodations with convenient access to your main events.
5 Safety Tips for the Summer Olympics in LA
Attending the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles is an unforgettable experience, but summer heat, large crowds, and busy city travel require extra preparation.
Whether you’re cheering at stadiums, watching beach events, or exploring nearby neighborhoods, these safety tips will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
1. Prepare for Heat and Sun Exposure
July in Los Angeles can be very hot. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and use hats or sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn and heat-related illness.
2. Plan for Traffic and Transportation Delays
Heavy traffic and crowded public transit are common during major events. Allow extra travel time between venues and avoid scheduling tight back-to-back events.
3. Confirm Insurance Coverage for Activities
If you plan to participate in recreational activities such as surfing, cycling, or beach sports, make sure your travel insurance covers them.
4. Watch for Pickpocketing in Crowded Areas
Large crowds at Olympic venues and transit hubs can attract petty theft. Keep valuables secure and avoid carrying unnecessary items, including your passport.
5. Protect Your Health
Long days, sun exposure, and physical exertion can strain your body. Travel medical insurance ensures access to high-quality care and emergency services if needed.
Enjoy the LA28 Games with Peace of Mind
Whether you’re cheering from a stadium, catching beach events, or exploring Los Angeles between competitions, the 2028 Summer Olympics promise an unforgettable experience.
With the right travel insurance in place, you can focus on the thrills, the sun, and the unforgettable moments – leaving the worries behind and making every second count.
So get ready, stay safe, and let the Games begin!
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.
View
Full Bio
