Fans from the United States account for the largest majority of ticket spending for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina, based on data from Visa. In general, Northern Italy is expected to see a 160% increase in international travelers. With the high demand, U.S. fans are expected to spend over $2,000 for their overall trip cost.
For a modest amount, you can add travel insurance to protect your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, which can protect a significant portion of your trip cost if there's a disruption in your plans. Our licensed insurance specialists assessed the best travel insurance plans for U.S. travelers to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games based on the overall trip coverage, cost, and certain benefits for a U.S. traveler going abroad.
Best Travel Insurance Plans for the 2026 Winter Olympics
What Does Travel Insurance For the Olympics Cover?
If you are a U.S. resident traveling to Italy for the 2026 Olympics, travel insurance can make a difference if there is a mishap in your trip plans. While travel insurance is not required if you are in Italy for less than 90 days, it is highly recommended to protect your overall trip investment. During a busy time like the Olympics, travel insurance can protect you in case of a cancellation, interruption, or delay that affects your itinerary.
For a trip to Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo for the 2026 Winter Olympics, find travel insurance coverage that has the following benefits:
- Trip Cancellation: If you need to cancel your trip before your scheduled departure date for a covered reason under your insurance policy, travel insurance can cover your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses that you were not able to use.
- Trip Interruption: Similar to trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption benefits go into effect if a covered, unforeseen event causes you to not complete your trip. The main difference is that trip interruption coverage will protect your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses once the trip has already started. Meanwhile, trip cancellation covers you before you depart.
- Trip Delay and Missed Connections: Trip delay coverage can provide reimbursement for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses you could not use if your trip is delayed by several hours for a covered reason. This coverage can also pay for additional costs like meals, extra transportation, and lodging if an overnight stay is necessary and the airline does not provide vouchers for these expenses. This coverage can be beneficial for U.S. travelers going to Italy, especially during a busy time like the Winter Olympics.
- Baggage Delay and Loss: Many travel insurance policies include coverage to replace essential items if your baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged. This benefit gives you the ability to purchase necessary clothing, medications, and personal items, usually up to a certain limit determined by your insurance policy.
- Theft Coverage for Passports and Documents: While Italy is generally safe, crowded tourist destinations see higher rates of pickpocketing. Travel insurance can help recover essential documents including your passport and credit cards if your items are stolen while traveling, ensuring a smooth journey home. Some travel insurance policies may even offer coverage for emergency cash transfers, which can be useful in case you lose access to your funds.
- Rental Car Coverage: Most travel insurance plans may include or have an optional add-on for rental car protection, making sure you get reimbursement if your rental car is damaged or stolen while in Italy. It can also provide coverage if you have valuable possessions stolen from your rental car, given that they weren't left in plain sight.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: If you happen to get injured, especially in a remote location or somewhere with limited medical facilities, travel insurance can provide coverage for your medical evacuation and transport to the nearest suitable hospital.
- Emergency Medical Expenses: From a minor to major injury or sickness, travel insurance may provide coverage for the cost of your medical expenses during your trip to Italy. Especially if you are traveling internationally, this can save you potentially thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
- 24/7 Assistance Services: Beyond emergency medical coordination, the 24/7 assistance services provided by your insurance can help with everyday challenges like locating ATMs, getting embassy contact information, or providing translation services when language barriers arise.
| Benefits | Trip Protection Choice | iTravelInsured SE | Pathway Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Trip Interruption | Up to 150% | Up to 150% | Up to 150% |
| Trip Delay | Up to $2,000, $250 per day, after 6 hours | Up to $2,000, $125 per day | Up to $2,000, $300 per day, after 6 hours |
| Missed Connection | Up to $1,500 Tour or Cruise Connection | Up to $500 | Up to $500 |
| Baggage and Valuable Loss | Up to $2,500, $250 per item | Up to $1,500, $250 per item | Up to $1,000, $250 per item |
| Baggage Delay | Up to $500 | Up to $250 | Up to $500 |
| Rental Car Coverage | Optional Add-on Available | Up to $40,000 | Optional Add-on Available |
| Medical Emergency Evacuation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Medical Emergency Coverage | Up to $500,000 | Up to $250,000 | Up to $100,000 |
| 24/7 Assistance Services | Covered | Covered | Covered |
What are the Common Scenarios Travelers to Italy May Face?
A trip to Italy can be one to remember. However, even the most mapped-out trips can face a snag along the way. While we like to avoid thinking about scenarios that could happen, it is important to keep them in mind and consider how travel insurance can help you.
Scenario #1: Petty Theft in Popular Tourist Spots
While traveling on a busy train in Italy, you notice that your wallet with all of your cash and credit cards is missing. With a police report, travel insurance can help you in this case by reimbursing for replacement costs and coverage for unauthorized credit card use. The 24/7 assistance team can provide emergency cash transfers, help you locate the nearest US embassy, and assist with police reports and documentation required for your insurance claim.
Scenario #2: Delay Before Your Departure
While waiting for your flight to Italy from New York, a major winter storm causes your flight to be canceled. Your airline automatically rebooks you to the next available flight, which departs the next day. Oftentimes, airlines will not charge you extra if you were involuntarily rebooked, but travel insurance can reimburse you for the prepaid, nonrefundable expenses that you were not able to use that day. This can include your hotel, scheduled transportation, and event tickets.
Scenario #3: Cancellation Due to Family Emergency
A few days before your trip, a close relative in your household is hospitalized, and you need to stay home to take care of them. Without insurance, you could lose all of your nonrefundable costs related to your trip. However, trip cancellation coverage with insurance allows you to recoup up to 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, that way, you can focus more on your time with your relative without consequences.
Tips for Finding the Right Plan for the 2026 Winter Olympics
- Make sure your plan covers event tickets: While most travel insurance plans cover most prepaid, nonrefundable activities, it is important to make sure that it also explicitly covers your event tickets. Some plans may have an optional add-on for event ticket coverage, while other plans may automatically cover them. You can always contact the insurance provider to double-check if your tickets to the 2026 Winter Olympics are covered.
- Prioritize protecting your trip costs: Protecting your financial investment for an expensive trip to the Olympics can save you thousands of dollars in case you can't go on your trip anymore. Especially during the winter time, when the weather can be unpredictable, trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage can be a lifesaver.
- Compare multiple options: Looking at a marketplace for travel insurance allows you to compare multiple providers and policies side-by-side to make sure you make a good decision. Comparing plans is essential to view plans based on your travel needs and budget.
- Get your travel insurance plan early: If you purchase travel insurance early, typically within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit, you can be qualified for the pre-existing conditions waiver as well as time-sensitive add-ons like Cancel For Any Reason insurance.
Prioritize Travel Insurance for Your Trip
Navigating through the logistics of your trip, especially for a big event like the 2026 Winter Olympics can be intimidating. However, planning ahead, making sure you have the right travel documents, and obtaining a travel insurance plan can ensure that your trip will be a worry-free adventure.
Plan ahead now for your 2026 trip to Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. If you have any questions or want to make sure that your trip is fully covered, our Customer Sucess Team is one chat away to help support and guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I am going to both Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo for the 2026 Winter Olympics, can one policy cover both destinations?
Since both destinations are located in Italy, a single travel insurance policy can provide coverage for your entire trip. As long as your coverage dates represent your full stay in Italy, the policy will cover all prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses that you accounted for.
I am traveling with another person, can I add them to my policy?
Yes, travel insurance allows you to add another person to your policy. When getting an insurance quote, you may be asked how many travelers are going with you. Then, you are able to add your travel companion's information. Oftentimes, travel insurance policies may require you and your travel companion to live in the same state, so it is best to compare plans and make sure that both you and your companion are covered.
What kinds of reasons are covered for trip cancellation coverage?
Covered reasons for cancellations with trip insurance can include:
- Family or travel companion illness or death
- Damage to your house due to a natural disaster, such as a flood, fire or earthquake
- Complete cessation of travel services due to a strike
- Terror strike in your destination country
- You or your companion is affected by a job termination or a layoff
- Inclement weather
- You or your travel companion becomes pregnant and is not allowed to travel during pregnancy
- You or your travel companion is summoned to appear in court, including jury duty
However, it is recommended to review your specific policy documents for any limits and exclusions for trip cancellation.
Will travel insurance cover food poisoning or other food-related illnesses?
Yes, travel insurance is able to cover medical treatment for food poisoning or food-related illnesses that occur during your trip, including doctor visits, medications, and hospitalization if necessary. Additionally, if severe food poisoning disrupts your itinerary, trip interruption benefits may apply to cover unused prepaid expenses and additional costs for altered travel arrangements.
How much is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage if I want to add it to my insurance policy?
Cancel For Any Reason insurance is typically about 40% to 50% of the base premium. For example, if your trip insurance plan is $100, the CFAR add-on can be about $40 to $50 extra. However, it may be worth it for travelers who want the flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason, and still recuperate a majority of the costs that they would have otherwise lost.
Can I insure just a portion of my trip?
Yes, you can insure any expenses you wish to protect on your policy. All you need to do is enter specifically the amount you want coverage for. For example, if your flight costs $500 and your hotel costs $300, and your primary concern is the cost of your flight, you can just enter $500 in the cost that the quote tool will ask for. From there, the insurance options you will get will be specialized to a $500 coverage protection.
However, certain plans and companies require you to disclose the full cost of your trip, so it's good to glance at your policy details or call your insurance company to understand what their requirements are.
If I need to file a claim, what is the claim submission deadline once I return home from my trip?
Typically, you can file a claim within 30 to 90 days after an incident, however, it is recommended to do it as soon as possible for a stronger claim. The deadline to submit a claim varies from plan to plan, so it is best to check with your insurance provider when exactly they would like you to file a claim.
What is the claims process like if an incident happens while I am in Italy?
To successfully navigate the claims process, follow these key steps:
- Notify your insurance company immediately after an incident occurs.
- Compile appropriate documentation, such as medical records, police reports, and transportation delay statements.
- Request itemized receipts for all expenses related to covered events (if applicable).
- Submit a complete claim form that includes all supporting documentation.
- Monitor and follow up regularly on your claim status.
- Quickly provide any additional documentation requested by the claims team to ensure a quicker process.
Most companies accept electronic claim submissions, although some may require original documents for certain claim types. Processing times typically range from 15 to 45 days after all necessary documentation is received.
