Travelling to the World Cup? What Irish Fans Need to Know About Travel Insurance
The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, attracting fans from across the globe. While Ireland may not have qualified for the 2026 tournament, many Irish football supporters are still expected to travel to the USA, Canada and Mexico to experience the excitement firsthand.
If you're planning a World Cup trip, travel insurance should be an important part of your preparations. Having the right cover in place can help protect you if things don't go according to plan and give you peace of mind while you're away.
Here are some common questions travellers may have before heading to the tournament.
When should I buy travel insurance?
One of the most common mistakes people make is waiting until just before departure to arrange travel insurance.
In most cases, it's best to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This is because some elements of cover, such as trip cancellation, may begin from the date you buy the policy.
For example, if you need to cancel your trip due to illness or another insured event before you travel, having insurance in place early could help protect you from financial loss.
Why is travel insurance important for travel to North America?
Medical treatment abroad can be expensive, particularly in the United States, where healthcare costs can be significantly higher than many travellers expect.
Travel insurance can help provide protection for unexpected medical expenses, emergency treatment and hospital stays while abroad. Depending on the policy, it may also provide cover for emergency medical repatriation if you need to return home for treatment.
Travel insurance can also help protect against other unexpected events such as trip cancellations, travel delays, lost baggage and theft of personal belongings.
Do I need to declare pre-existing medical conditions?
Yes. When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to provide accurate information about any pre-existing medical conditions.
Failing to disclose relevant medical information could affect your cover or result in a claim being declined. If you are unsure whether a condition needs to be declared, contact your insurer and ask for guidance before purchasing your policy.
Taking the time to provide complete and accurate information can help ensure you have the protection you need while travelling.
Does travel insurance cover World Cup tickets?
This depends on your policy.
Not all travel insurance policies provide cover for event tickets, and the circumstances under which a claim may be made can vary between insurers.
If match tickets form a significant part of your travel plans, it is important to read your policy documents carefully and understand exactly what is covered and what exclusions may apply.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Travel disruption can happen for a variety of reasons, particularly during major international events when airports and transport networks are under pressure.
Many travel insurance policies include some level of cover for travel delays, missed departures or cancellations, although the extent of cover can vary.
Before you travel, check your policy documents to understand what assistance may be available if your journey is disrupted and what evidence you may need if you later make a claim.
What happens if my luggage is lost or stolen?
Lost baggage and theft are among the more common issues travellers encounter abroad.
Travel insurance may provide cover for lost, stolen or damaged luggage and personal belongings, subject to policy terms, limits and exclusions.
If your belongings are lost or stolen, report the incident to the relevant authorities or transport provider as soon as possible and keep any documentation, receipts or reference numbers, as these may be required when making a claim.
What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen?
Losing your passport can be stressful, especially when travelling internationally.
If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the local police and contact the nearest Irish embassy or consulate for assistance.
While travel insurance may help with some of the costs associated with replacing travel documents, cover varies between policies, so it is important to check your policy wording before you travel.
What should I do if something goes wrong while I'm abroad?
Before leaving Ireland, save your insurer's emergency contact details and keep a copy of your policy documents somewhere accessible.
Many insurers offer 24-hour emergency assistance services that can provide support if you experience a medical emergency, require advice or need help navigating an unexpected situation.
If an incident occurs, contact your insurer as soon as possible and keep records of any expenses, reports or correspondence that may support a future claim.
Does alcohol affect travel insurance claims?
Travel insurance is designed to protect against unexpected events, but policyholders are expected to act responsibly and take reasonable care of themselves and their belongings.
Claims involving excessive alcohol consumption, reckless behaviour or illegal activity may not be covered, depending on the circumstances and the terms of the policy.
Understanding what your policy covers before you travel can help avoid surprises later.
Before You Travel
If you're heading to the World Cup, taking a few simple steps before departure can help your trip run more smoothly:
Buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.
Read your policy documents carefully.
Declare any pre-existing medical conditions.
Check what cover is provided for cancellations, delays and lost belongings.
Save your insurer's emergency contact details.
Keep copies of important travel documents.
Check the latest travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs before you travel.
The World Cup promises to be an unforgettable experience for football fans. By planning ahead and understanding your travel insurance cover, you can focus on enjoying the tournament and making the most of your trip.
Need More Assistance?
If you have further questions, you can contact Insurance Ireland’s Information Services team:
Email: feedback@insuranceireland.eu
Tel: (01) 676 1820