The 2026 World Cup promises to be historic. For the first time, the tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In total, there will be 48 national teams, 16 host cities, and millions of fans from around the world.
Many Belgian fans are planning to cross the Atlantic to cheer on the Red Devils. And we understand why. But while booking tickets and accommodations is the first step, preparing for your trip from a health perspective is just as important—and far too often overlooked.
A hospital stay or medical issue abroad can quickly turn a dream trip into a complicated and very costly experience. A single night in the emergency room in the United States can cost more than $10,000. Without proper preparation, you’ll be responsible for these costs in full.
So here’s what you need to know before you pack your bags.
Healthcare systems operate very differently from country to country
In Belgium, we benefit from one of the most developed social security systems in the world. Our reimbursements, our health insurance plans, our accessible hospitals—all of this seems normal to us.
However, this is not the case everywhere—far from it.
The United States: the country with the most expensive healthcare in the world
The United States does not have a universal public healthcare system. Each medical procedure is billed directly to the patient at a high cost.
Here are a few concrete examples:
- An emergency room visit without hospitalization: between $500 and $3,000, depending on the state and the facility;
- A 3-day hospital stay for an infection or a fracture: between $15,000 and $40,000;
- A simple surgical procedure (appendicitis, complex fracture): between $30,000 and $80,000;
- An ambulance ride: between $500 and $2,500, depending on the distance.
Without adequate coverage, you’ll be responsible for these costs in full. U.S. hospitals may also require a financial commitment before even beginning certain treatments.
Canada: A Public Healthcare System Reserved for Residents
Canada has an excellent public healthcare system—but it’s exclusively reserved for its citizens and permanent residents. As a Belgian tourist, you’ll be treated as a private patient.
- A doctor’s visit: between 100 and 300 Canadian dollars;
- A visit to the emergency room: between 500 and 1,500 Canadian dollars;
- A hospital stay: starting at 1,500 Canadian dollars per day.
Wait times at public facilities can also be long for non-urgent cases, often leading tourists to seek care at private clinics, which are more expensive.
Mexico: Infrastructure Varies by Region
Mexico’s host cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey—have modern, well-equipped private hospitals. However, private facilities consistently require immediate payment or a financial guarantee before providing any care.
- A private medical consultation: between $50 and $200;
- Hospitalization: between $500 and $3,000 per day, depending on the facility.
What You Need to Know About Your Usual Coverage
This is a question many travelers forget to ask before leaving. It’s important to understand the answer clearly.
Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. It is recognized only within the European Economic Area and in a few countries that have signed specific agreements with the European Union.
There is no social security agreement between Belgium and these three countries that would allow for automatic coverage of your medical expenses while you’re there.
Belgian health insurance providers do not cover medical expenses incurred abroad outside the European Economic Area. This means that your usual reimbursements through your health insurance provider do not apply to medical care received in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
In practice, a Belgian traveler who falls ill or is injured in one of these three countries must generally pay the full cost on-site, with no possibility of reimbursement through the usual channels.
Our advice: Purchase travel insurance before you leave
Given these realities, the best solution is to purchase specific travel insurance before you leave. It’s a simple, accessible process—and much less expensive than it might seem at first glance—especially when compared to the financial risks it covers.
Good travel insurance generally includes:
- coverage of medical and hospitalization expenses incurred abroad, with no limits or high coverage limits;
- coverage of emergency dental expenses;
- 24/7 assistance accessible from abroad, which can contact the hospital, provide financial guarantees, and help you navigate the process;
- protection in the event of trip cancellation or interruption for medical reasons;
- coverage for lost or stolen luggage.
What should you look for when choosing travel insurance?
Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. Before purchasing a policy, carefully check the following:
- The medical coverage limit — for the United States, aim for a minimum of $500,000 in medical coverage. Anything less may prove insufficient in the event of a prolonged hospital stay.
- Exclusions — some policies exclude sports, outdoor activities, or injuries related to alcohol consumption. Read the terms and conditions.
- The enrollment deadline — ideally, purchase your insurance as soon as you book your trip, so you’re covered in case of cancellation before departure.
- The assistance hotline number — make sure a number that can be reached 24 hours a day from abroad is included, and write it down before you leave.
What should you do in the event of a medical emergency while traveling?
No one plans to get sick while traveling. But knowing how to respond can make a real difference.
1. Call your travel assistance provider immediately
This should be your first instinct—even before worrying about administrative formalities. Your assistance service can:
- refer you to the most appropriate medical facility;
- contact the hospital to provide financial guarantee and prevent you from having to pay large sums upfront;
- help you with administrative procedures in a foreign country;
- coordinate communication with your loved ones in Belgium.
Helpful tip: Write down your assistance number on a piece of paper, separate from your phone. If you lose your phone or it breaks, you’ll need it.
2. Keep all medical and financial documents
In English-speaking countries, the administrative aspects of healthcare are highly documented. Be sure to keep the following:
- all medical reports and records, even those written in English or Spanish;
- itemized invoices, line by line;
- prescriptions issued locally;
- proof of payment, even partial payments;
- the names of the doctors and facilities that treated you.
These documents will be essential for claiming reimbursement from your travel insurance.
3. Take photos of everything immediately
Take photos of all your medical documents and invoices as soon as you receive them and send them to a family member or upload them to an online storage service. This protects you in case of loss.
4. Don’t sign anything without understanding it
In U.S. and Mexican hospitals, you may be asked to sign financial documents in a rush. If you don’t understand what you’re signing, ask your assistance service for help before signing anything.
A Few Things to Know Depending on the Host City
Heat: A Serious Risk
The matches will be played in June and July. Cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, and Guadalajara can experience temperatures exceeding 35 to 40°C. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest hours of the day (12 p.m.–4 p.m.).
Signs of heatstroke to watch for: severe headaches, confusion, hot and dry skin, and a lack of sweating despite the heat. If these symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.
Mexico City: Be Aware of the Altitude
Mexico City is located at an altitude of 2,250 meters. Altitude sickness can affect even healthy people, especially during the first few days: headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea. Allow yourself time to acclimate, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol during the first few days.
Tap Water
In Mexico, tap water is not safe to drink for tourists who aren’t accustomed to it. Drink only bottled water, including when brushing your teeth. In the United States and Canada, tap water is generally safe to drink.
Your Complete Pre-Departure Checklist
Essential Documents
✔ Valid passport — check the expiration date (the United States requires that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your return date)
✔ ESTA authorization for the United States (must be requested online at least 72 hours before departure)
✔ Flight tickets and accommodation confirmations
✔ Your travel insurance policy and the assistance number written down on paper
✔
Contact information for Belgian embassies (see below)
Health and Medications
✔ A sufficient supply of your regular medications—pack extra in case of flight delays
✔ Current prescriptions, preferably translated into English
✔ A list of your allergies and significant medical history (in English)
✔ Basic first-aid kit (antiseptic, bandages, pain relievers)
✔ SPF 50+ sunscreen
Practical precautions
✔
Power adapter (outlets are different in North America)
✔ Water bottle and bottled water (especially in Mexico)
✔ Digital copies of all your documents stored in a secure cloud storage service
✔ A family member or friend in Belgium who knows your travel details
Emergency Numbers
- United States, Canada, and Mexico: 911
- Belgian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (USA): +1 202 333 6900
- Belgian Embassy in Ottawa (Canada): +1 613 236 7267
- Belgian Embassy in Mexico City: +52 55 5280 0758
Enjoy the adventure with peace of mind
The 2026 World Cup is a rare opportunity. Seeing the Red Devils on the world stage, in legendary stadiums across the United States, Canada, or Mexico—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many fans.
Don’t let the unexpected spoil this moment. A few hours of health-related preparation can save you weeks of administrative and financial complications.
Before you leave, be sure to:
- Purchase travel insurance covering medical expenses of at least $500,000 for the United States;
- Save the number for your assistance provider in your phone and write it down on a separate piece of paper;
- Pack enough of your medications and prescriptions;
- Let a loved one know your travel details and insurance coverage;
- Read the terms and conditions of your travel insurance before you leave—especially the exclusions.
Because whether you're traveling or at home, your health is always a top priority.
Neutra – Your health, our priority.
This article is provided for informational purposes only. The amounts listed are estimates based on generally observed data and may vary depending on the facility, situation, and time of year. Contact your travel insurer for specific information about your coverage.