Do I need travel insurance for World Cup 2026?

Yes, absolutely. Healthcare in the USA is extremely expensive. A single ER visit can cost thousands of dollars. Ensure your policy covers at least $50,000 in medical expenses and $100,000 for emergency evacuation.

What vaccinations do I need for World Cup 2026?

Ensure routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Flu, COVID-19) are up to date. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are highly recommended for travelers visiting Mexico due to food and water safety risks.

Can I refill prescriptions in the USA, Canada, or Mexico?

It is very difficult to refill foreign prescriptions. You should bring enough medication for your entire trip plus an extra 7-10 day supply. In Mexico, many medications are available over-the-counter, but quality can vary.

Is tap water safe to drink in the host countries?

Tap water is safe in the USA and Canada. In Mexico, tap water is NOT safe to drink. Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

How do I handle altitude sickness in Mexico City?

Mexico City is at 7,350 ft. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol on your first day, eat light meals, and rest. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

World Cup 2026 Health & Medical Preparedness: Stay Safe

Transparency: This guide contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, which helps fund our independent journalism.

Guide SectionWhy Health Prep Matters

Nothing ruins a World Cup faster than a severe case of "Montezuma's Revenge," heat exhaustion in a packed stadium, or realizing you left critical medication at home.

I have seen it happen too many times: fans spend thousands on tickets and flights, only to spend the semi-final in a hotel bathroom or, worse, an emergency room. Medical emergencies abroad are expensive, stressful, and dangerous without preparation.

This guide is your insurance policy. We will cover everything from the vaccinations you need 8 weeks out to the exact contents of the first aid kit you should carry on match day. The good news? Simple preparation prevents 90% of travel health issues.

Prevention

Simple preparation prevents 90% of travel health issues.

Cost Savings

Avoid expensive ER visits and emergency evacuations with proper insurance.

Peace of Mind

Enjoy the matches knowing you are prepared for any medical situation.

Guide SectionPre-Departure Preparation

Doctor Visit

Schedule an appointment with your GP or a travel medicine specialist 4-8 weeks before you fly.

Current prescription refills
Travel vaccinations
Managing chronic conditions
Doctor's note for meds

Vaccinations

Strongly recommended by the CDC:

Routine VaccinesMMR, Tdap (tetanus), Flu, COVID-19.
Hepatitis AEssential for Mexico.
TyphoidRecommended for Mexico street food safety.

Medical Documentation

Medication ListGeneric names + dosages

Allergy ListTranslated to Spanish/French

Insurance CardCopy front/back + policy #

Blood TypeFor severe emergencies

Guide SectionTravel Insurance (CRITICAL)

Healthcare Cost Warning

The USA has the most expensive healthcare in the world. Your domestic insurance likely provides zero coverage abroad.

ER Visit $1,000 - $3,000+

Ambulance $500 - $2,000+

Hospital Night $5,000 - $50,000+

Evacuation $50,000+

What to Look For

Medical Expenses: $50,000 USD minimum
Emergency Evacuation: $100,000 USD minimum
Repatriation Coverage
COVID-19 Coverage

Get Allianz Quote

Check World Nomads

Guide SectionMedications & Prescriptions

Rule #1: Bring enough for your entire trip PLUS an extra 7-10 days. Delays happen.

Original Bottles

Pills must be in original pharmacy containers with your name.

Carry-On Only

NEVER check essential medication. Lost bags happen.

Doctor's Letter

Carry a signed letter, especially for controlled substances.

Travel Medical Kit Essentials

Pain & Fever

• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Aspirin

Digestive

• Imodium (ESSENTIAL for Mexico)
• Pepto-Bismol / Tums
• Probiotics

First Aid

• Band-aids & Neosporin
• Moleskin (for blisters)
• Tweezers & Thermometer

Must-Haves

• Electrolyte packets (Liquid IV)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Insect Repellent (DEET)

Buy Complete First Aid Kit

Guide SectionCountry-Specific Health

🇺🇸

USA

QualityWorld-class but expensive
AccessUrgent Care ($100-200)
EmergencyDial 911

🇲🇽

Mexico

QualityExcellent private care; cheap
AccessPrivate hospitals (Angeles/ABC)
EmergencyDial 911

🇨🇦

Canada

QualityExcellent public system
AccessWalk-in clinics ($100-300)
EmergencyDial 911

Montezuma's Revenge

Very common in Mexico. Caused by bacteria in water/food.

No tap water (even brushing teeth).
No ice or raw salads.
Hydrate & Imodium.

Altitude Sickness (CDMX)

Mexico City is at 7,350 ft. The air is thinner.

Drink 3-4L water daily.
Avoid alcohol on Day 1.
Eat light carbs & rest.

Guide SectionCommon Health Issues

Dehydration & Heat Illness

Major risk in Dallas, Miami, Monterrey. Temps can reach 105°F.

Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness / Dizziness
• Nausea / Cool, clammy skin

Move to AC. Drink electrolytes.

Heat Stroke (EMERGENCY)

• Body temp 104°F+
• Hot, DRY skin (no sweat)
• Confusion / Unconsciousness

Call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Fatal.

Blisters & Feet

You will walk 5-10 miles on match day.

• Break in shoes 1-2 months before.
• Wear Merino wool socks (not cotton).
• Apply moleskin to hotspots immediately.

Sunburn

Sun intensity is high in host cities.

• SPF 50+ broad spectrum.
• Apply 30 mins before sun.
• Reapply every 2 hours.

Shop Cooling Towels Buy Electrolytes

Guide SectionChronic Conditions

Diabetes

Bring extra insulin/strips
Use cooling case
Medical alert bracelet

Asthma

Air quality can trigger
Bring extra inhalers
Know your triggers

Allergies

Translation cards
Bring 2+ EpiPens
Research local cuisine

Guide SectionEmergency Situations

Go to ER / Call 911

Chest pain / Breathing trouble
Severe allergic reaction
Head injury with confusion
Heat stroke signs
Severe bleeding

Go to Urgent Care

Minor cuts / Stitches
Sprains / Strains
Moderate flu/illness
Prescription refills
UTI / Ear infection

Finding Help Abroad

USA

Google "Urgent care near me".

Canada

Look for "Walk-in clinic".

Mexico

Ask concierge for private doctor. Use insurance assistance.

Guide SectionPre-Departure Checklist

8–12 Weeks Out

Doctor & Dentist

Book appointments. Discuss vaccines and prescriptions. Buy travel insurance.

4–6 Weeks Out

Meds & Docs

Get 2nd vaccine doses. Fill extra prescriptions. Get doctor's letters.

2–3 Weeks Out

Supplies

Build first aid kit. Buy OTC meds. Copy medical docs.

1 Week Out

Pack & Prep

Pack meds in carry-on. Test translation apps. Break in shoes.

Guide SectionFAQ

Do I really need travel insurance?

Yes. It is non-negotiable. One accident in the USA can cost you $50,000+. Your home insurance likely does not cover you abroad.

Is tap water safe in Mexico?

No. Never drink tap water in Mexico. Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth to avoid parasites and bacteria.

Can I refill prescriptions abroad?

It is extremely difficult. You often need a local doctor to write a new prescription. Bring enough supply for your whole trip plus extras.

How do I prevent altitude sickness in Mexico City?

Hydrate heavily (3-4L/day), avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours, eat light meals, and take it easy. If symptoms are severe, seek medical help.

What if I have a food allergy and don't speak Spanish?

Carry a printed 'chef card' in Spanish listing your allergies. Use a translation app. When in doubt, stick to simple, whole foods you can identify.

Preparedness is Peace of Mind

Your health is the foundation of your World Cup experience. Proper preparation ensures you'll remember the goals, not the stomach cramps.

Get Travel Insurance

More Packing Tips

Transparency: This guide contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, which helps fund our independent journalism.

Guide SectionWhy Health Prep Matters

Nothing ruins a World Cup faster than a severe case of "Montezuma's Revenge," heat exhaustion in a packed stadium, or realizing you left critical medication at home.