Travel Insurance Guide
Protect your World Cup 2026 trip with the right coverage
Do NOT travel without insurance
A medical emergency in the United States without insurance can result in bills exceeding $50,000. Travel insurance typically costs less than 5% of your total trip cost and can save you from financial disaster.
What FIFA Does NOT Cover
Medical emergencies or hospital visits
FIFA tickets do not include any health coverage
Trip cancellation due to personal reasons
If you can't attend, FIFA has limited refund policies
Lost or stolen luggage
Airlines have limited liability; FIFA venues are not responsible
Flight delays or cancellations
No compensation from FIFA for travel disruptions
Theft of personal belongings at venues
Stadium security does not cover lost or stolen items
Natural disasters or extreme weather cancellations
Force majeure events may not trigger FIFA refunds
Recommended Coverage Types
Medical & Emergency Evacuation
EssentialCovers hospital visits, emergency treatment, ambulance services, and medical evacuation back to your home country.
Recommended Coverage
$100,000+ medical coverage
Why It Matters
A single ER visit in the US can cost $3,000-$10,000+. Surgery or ICU stays can exceed $100,000.
Trip Cancellation & Interruption
Highly RecommendedReimburses non-refundable costs if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, injury, or covered events.
Recommended Coverage
Coverage equal to total trip cost
Why It Matters
World Cup trips often involve $3,000-$10,000+ in non-refundable bookings.
Lost & Delayed Luggage
RecommendedCovers replacement of essential items if your luggage is lost, stolen, or significantly delayed.
Recommended Coverage
$1,500-$3,000 coverage
Why It Matters
Airlines typically only cover $1,500-$3,500 per passenger for lost bags, and claims take weeks.
Flight Delay & Missed Connection
RecommendedCovers meals, accommodation, and rebooking costs when flights are significantly delayed or connections are missed.
Recommended Coverage
$500-$1,000 per delay
Why It Matters
Peak World Cup travel means flights will be full — rebooking can be expensive.
Personal Liability
Nice to HaveCovers legal costs and damages if you accidentally injure someone or damage property.
Recommended Coverage
$1,000,000 coverage
Why It Matters
Liability lawsuits are common in the US and settlements can be very large.
Country-Specific Considerations
United States
CRITICAL- •The US has the most expensive healthcare in the world — no universal coverage for visitors
- •An ambulance ride alone can cost $1,000-$5,000
- •ER visits average $2,500-$5,000 even for minor issues
- •Hospital stays average $3,000-$5,000 per day
- •Ensure your policy covers at least $100,000 in medical expenses for the US
Canada
IMPORTANT- •Canada has universal healthcare for residents, but NOT for visitors
- •Visitor medical costs are lower than the US but still significant
- •ER visits can cost $500-$2,000 for non-residents
- •Ambulance services cost $400-$800 depending on province
- •Prescription medications must be paid out of pocket
Mexico
RECOMMENDED- •Healthcare costs are much lower than the US/Canada
- •Private hospitals in tourist areas provide excellent English-speaking care
- •Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation to your home country
- •Some travel insurance policies exclude certain Mexican states — verify coverage area
- •Traveler's illness (Montezuma's revenge) is common — ensure coverage for common ailments
Estimated Costs
| Trip Duration | Basic Coverage | Comprehensive Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | $30-$60 | $60-$120 |
| 2 weeks | $50-$100 | $100-$200 |
| 3 weeks | $70-$140 | $140-$280 |
| 4 weeks | $90-$170 | $170-$340 |
Don't Leave Home Without Coverage
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Many policies offer free cancellation within 10-14 days, and buying early gives you the most coverage for trip cancellation.
Buy early for best coverage
Compare at least 3 providers
Read the fine print