Thousands of British holidaymakers will be journeying across the Atlantic this year, with many drawn by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, yet they risk losing an average of £20,000 if they neglect to arrange vital coverage before setting off.

While the majority concentrate on securing flights, accommodation and  match tickets, experts have emphasised the necessity of confirming travel insurance plans as well.

Dr Asimah Hanif, an NHS GP working alongside travel insurance provider Staysure, pointed out that overseas medical treatment can often leave tourists confronting hefty expenses.

In the United States, though, this poses an even more serious worry as there’s no universal health care system and medical costs are known for climbing into thousands of pounds for standard hospital treatment.

She said: “Many people assume they will only need medical care abroad in the event of a serious emergency. However, this overlooks more common health issues such as heat exhaustion or infectious illnesses like flu, which can easily spread in crowded, hot environments.

“For older travellers, or those with pre-existing medical conditions, these seemingly minor issues can quickly lead to the need for medical treatment and result in significant costs, particularly in the United States.”

The FIFA World Cup will take place across Mexico, Canada and the United States this summer, with ticket demand breaking all previous records and thousands getting ready to make the journey. For many supporters, this marks a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

However, common football-related mishaps such as slips and trips could prove financially devastating for some. The summer heat and lenghty travel are also expected to increase the likelihood of injuries and illness among fans.

Data from Staysure in 2025 showed the highest claims in these countries related to hospital treatment, emergency care and medical repatriation. The average claim reached almost £20,000, with some extreme instances exceeding £1million.

Dr Asimah observed: “These are not unusual scenarios, things like chest pain, dehydration, infections or a fall can mean scans, overnight hospital stays or specialist treatment. In North America, those costs escalate very quickly.”

She warned that one of the biggest mistakes travellers and football fans could make this year is leaving their travel insurance until the last minute or assuming they won’t need it at all.

She added: “Travel insurance is not just about lost luggage or delays. It is about making sure you are protected financially and medically if something unexpected happens.

“With the right cover, you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about worst case scenarios.”

The doctor encouraged individuals to try securing medical travel insurance immediately after their trip is booked.