World Cup fans issued travel insurance warning and ‘must-do checklist’ before they head to the tournament

As the group stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup get underway across the USA, Canada and Mexico, the travel insurance experts at Go.Compare are urging fans travelling overseas to make sure their cover is fit for purpose before they set off. 

Rhys Jones, spokesperson at Go.Compare Travel, said: “If you’re heading to North America to follow the FIFA World Cup in person, you’re likely looking forward to a once-in-a-lifetime trip. But before you pack the passport and check your flight times, it’s vital to make sure that your travel insurance gives you the right level of protection for where you’re going. 

“It’s well known that medical treatment in the USA can be extremely expensive, and some annual worldwide policies don’t automatically include cover for the United States. And while travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement to enter the country, it can be an essential financial safety net if something goes wrong before or during your trip. It’s also not unusual for U.S. hospitals to demand proof of your insurance before they treat you, so having your documents easily accessible could make things much simpler if you need medical help.” 

Insights from KFF show that the average cost of a single night in an American hospital is $3,297 (around £2,449), rising to $4,744 (around £3,524) in California. 

By comparison, the median cost of single-trip USA travel insurance is just £3.70 per day, highlighting the significant cost difference between being protected and the potentially high expenses you could face without cover.*  

Travel insurance isn’t just a financial safety net for any unexpected medical conditions either, as Rhys explains: 

“Cancelled flights, lost or stolen luggage, and other unexpected disruptions can all turn an exciting trip into a stressful and expensive experience. The right travel insurance can help protect you financially if plans change before you depart, or if something goes wrong while you’re away.” 

To help travellers heading to North America make sure they have the right level of cover in place, Rhys has put together his must-do travel insurance checklist before kick-off: 

• Check that your destination is included on your policy, particularly if you’re travelling to the USA as part of a wider North America trip. 

• Keep a printed or digital copy of your insurance documents with you while travelling so you can quickly access emergency assistance details if needed. Using an app like Renewal means you can have all your details to hand when you need them. 

• Make sure your policy includes sufficient medical cover, cancellation protection, baggage cover and cover for travel disruption. 

• Declare any pre-existing medical conditions when you buy your policy, as failing to do so could affect any future claim. 

• Read the policy wording carefully so you understand exclusions, limits and any excess you may need to pay. 

Travellers should also keep their policy documents easily accessible before and during the trip. Having a printed copy to hand or storing the details digitally in the Go.Compare Renewal app, could make it quicker and easier to contact assistance services or begin a claim if the unexpected happens. 

To compare cover and find out more about USA travel insurance, visit Go.Compare’s website.