A complete guide to travel insurance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 and will run until July 19 across Canada, the United States and Mexico. In Canada, games will take place in both Toronto and Vancouver. 

Whether you’re a Canadian travelling abroad or between provinces, or a visitor arriving in Canada, there’s one thing you’ll need: travel insurance. 

We know the last thing you want to think about is what can go wrong. But the reality is that both domestic and international travel come with risks that could turn your trip into a financial nightmare. Medical emergencies, lost or delayed baggage and interruptions are just a few risks you want to be prepared for. 

Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance for the 2026 World Cup. 

Is travel insurance mandatory to enter the host countries of the World Cup?

No, travel insurance is not mandatory to enter the host countries of the World Cup. However, it is highly recommended that you secure medical insurance. In addition, a travel insurance policy can financially protect you from losing the thousands of dollars you’ve spent on your trip if you’re unable to make it for a covered reason. 

What does a travel insurance policy cover you for when travelling to the World Cup?

Typical travel insurance policies will cover you for: 

1. Medical insurance

Travel medical insurance is arguably the most critical type of coverage you’ll need for the World Cup. It covers you for emergency care, medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. While most care is included, common exclusions to be aware of include pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities, unless your policy states that they are covered. If you’re travelling with a pre-existing condition, you can buy a specialized plan to ensure you are covered. 

If you are a Canadian travelling outside your home province, your provincial health card may not fully cover you for all services. For example, if you’re flying into Vancouver from Toronto, your Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) won’t cover things like ambulance services or prescription drugs. If you need this type of care, you may be asked to pay an upfront cost and be reimbursed from your home province upon return. To avoid paying out of pocket, having even a small amount of coverage can protect you. 

Also read: Do you need travel insurance within Canada?

2. Trip cancellation and interruption 

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is typically offered as part of a comprehensive travel insurance policy. It covers you if you need to cancel your trip before you leave or cut it short for an insured reason. It can help you recoup financial losses that typical airline coverage doesn’t cover. 

If you were to make a claim, you’d get reimbursed for any prepaid or non-refundable expenses you made for the trip. For example, your game tickets. 

It’s likely that you’re spending thousands of dollars on tickets, accommodations and activities while visiting a new city. Having this insurance protects your financial investment in the World Cup.

3. Baggage delays

If your bags get lost or delayed, insurance can help pay to replace your missing items. This includes your clothes, toiletries, and travel documents, such as your passport. Most airlines will provide a reimbursement for baggage, but there are limits. Having extra coverage can help fill the gaps, especially if you have high-value items like a special jersey of your favourite team. 

Also read: Baggage insurance in Canada: What you need to know

A travel insurance policy not only offers financial protection, but it also provides priceless peace of mind. Compare personalized travel insurance quotes today on Ratehub.ca. 

What are other factors to consider when travelling for the World Cup?

Aside from standard travel insurance coverage, here are additional considerations to keep in mind:

Multi-destination travel

Since the World Cup is taking place across three countries, you may not be covered for all destinations under a single policy. Although it depends on how you booked your travel. Let’s say you’re a Canadian flying to the U.S., then to Mexico to watch two matches. If you booked it under a single itinerary, your policy will cover both destinations. However, if you fly to the U.S., then fly home, and a week later take a new flight to Mexico to see a game, you’d have to buy two separate policies to be covered. 

In this case, you may consider purchasing multi-trip insurance. Instead of buying a new policy each time, a multi-trip plan covers you for all the trips you take in a year, saving you time and money. It’s typically designed for frequent flyers, but it can be a great stress reliever if you’re planning to watch several games throughout the World Cup. 

Also read: How to travel more often with annual multi-trip travel insurance

Rental car insurance

If you opt to rent a car during your trip, you’ll need special auto insurance. Most companies will offer you rental car insurance when you pick up the vehicle. But you might already have coverage you can use. Typically, this is either through your auto insurance policy or your credit card. The key is to confirm you’re covered before declining insurance at the desk to avoid surprise out-of-pocket costs. 

Also read: How rental car insurance works in Canada

Super Visa insurance

Super Visa insurance is designed to cover your parents or grandparents who visit you for an extended stay. This type of travel insurance may be helpful if your family members are big soccer fans and plan to fly to Canada to watch a few games. With Super Visa insurance, they’d be covered for up to five years. 

Travel advisories

As with any upcoming trip, it’s essential to check for travel advisories and entry requirements to ensure you stay safe and come prepared. The Government of Canada released FIFA World Cup resources, including advice for Canadians travelling to the U.S., what you need to enter Canada and information for fans and travellers.

For more information about travel insurance, visit the Government of Canada website.

The bottom line

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking place across three countries and several cities, including Toronto and Vancouver in Canada. Whether you’re travelling to Canada as a visitor or a Canadian citizen travelling to the U.S. or Mexico to watch a match, having travel insurance is crucial. It will cover you for any medical emergency care you may need and protect you against cancellations or delays that impact your trip. If you’re taking multiple trips, consider multi-trip travel insurance for continuous coverage. Find your best travel insurance rate today by comparing personalized quotes on Ratehub.ca. 

Also read:

• How to choose the best travel insurance for Canadians flying abroad
• 5 expert tips to cut travel insurance costs
• Is travel insurance tax deductible in Canada?