Who is responsible for a player's insurance costs when on national team duty?

The correct answer reflects that the club the player is contracted to is typically responsible for covering the insurance costs when a player is on national team duty. This is generally due to the contractual obligations that clubs have towards their players, which often include provisions for insuring them against potential injuries that could occur while they are participating in national team activities.

Clubs invest significant resources into developing players and protecting their investment through various means, including insurance. When a player is called to represent their national team, they remain under the contractual umbrella of their club, making the club accountable for such costs. Therefore, it is reasonable for clubs to ensure that the player has adequate insurance coverage during this time, as the club is liable for the player's well-being and any potential risks that arise from playing for the national team.

The other options present situations where the responsibility for insurance does not typically rest. National team federations might have some liability in certain circumstances, but generally, direct responsibility lies with the player's club during this time. Family members and the players themselves usually do not bear the financial burden of these costs.