Travel insurance for sports fans

Are you a sports fan planning to catch your favourite events overseas? It might be the Olympic Games, Tour de France, or the Paralympic Games. It’s never too early to prepare for your trip.

Here's how to choose the best insurance policy for your needs.

Travel insurance for major sporting events

Travelling to watch sporting events is exciting, but it comes with risks. From medical emergencies to trip cancellations and lost luggage, anything can happen. That's why it’s a good idea to consider buying travel insurance. It ensures you're covered. So, you can focus on enjoying the games and not worry about unexpected expenses.

Over the next 5 years, several major sporting events are happening, including:

• 2024 Olympic Games in Paris (July 26–August 11)
• 2025 British and Irish Lions tour in Australia
• 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in France
• 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico
• 2027 Cricket World Cup in India
• 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup in Australia
• 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles

Events like these can unfortunately cause prices for accommodation and flights to skyrocket. Getting insurance can help you avoid losing lots of money if anything goes wrong. It’s a small price to pay compared to the cost of the trip.

Tourist Tax

If you’re heading to Paris for the Olympics, you need to be aware of the tourist tax price increase. The costs have gone up to support the local metro and bus system. The tax applies to those staying in tourist residences and hotels. It also applies to those in outdoor accommodation, such as tents and caravans. You pay the tax per person per night. It varies based on the accommodation’s star rating. So, include this cost in your budget.

Bed bugs

When planning a trip to Paris for the Olympics, bed bugs are probably the last thing on your mind. But many hotels in Paris have been known to experience bed bug infestations. Yikes!

Travel insurance usually doesn't cover bed bugs. But, some policies might help if local authorities force you to move from your booked accommodation. Always check your policy details to see what is and isn’t covered.

Popular destinations for sporting events

Many sports fans travel to visit iconic venues. These include Wembley Stadium in London, Camp Nou in Barcelona, and the Allianz Arena in Munich. These European locations often host major events. If you plan to attend, you may want to look into European travel insurance.

For events across the globe, like those in Madison Square Garden in New York or the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, you may need worldwide travel insurance. This will help to ensure you're covered no matter where you go.

Single trip or annual insurance?

If you're only attending one event, single trip insurance might be enough. But if you plan to travel to more than one event in a year, annual travel insurance could save you money and hassle. It covers multiple trips within a year. So, you’re protected whether you’re jetting off to the Olympics or hopping over to the Tour de France.

Adventurous sports insurance

Are you travelling to do adventurous sports while abroad? If you're traveling to play sports, regular travel insurance might not cover them. These include skiing, bungee jumping, and scuba diving. Make sure your policy covers the adventurous sports you plan to do. This way, you're protected against injuries and accidents specific to these activities. Allowing you to enjoy your thrill-seeking adventures without worry.

Choosing the right travel insurance policy

Here are some tips to help you select the best choice to suit your needs:

• Trip cancellation cover: Look for a policy that reimburses you if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. Don’t let a red card ruin your plans.

• Lost luggage: Make sure your policy covers lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. You don’t want to be without your team shirt, flag, or any other essentials.

• Medical cover: Make sure the policy covers medical emergencies. This includes hospital stays and emergency evacuations. Be prepared in case of any unexpected fouls. Any pre-existing conditions not declared won't be covered.

• Read the fine print: Understand the exclusions and limitations of the policy to avoid surprises later. Don’t get caught offside.

• Compare policies: Don’t settle for the first policy you find. Compare different options to find the best travel insurance for sports events. It’s like scouting for the best player.

With the right travel insurance, you can enjoy every moment without worry. Safe travels and enjoy the games!