best travel insurance ireland

Compare Travel Insurance Ireland

Compare travel insurance to find the best travel insurance in Ireland. We do all the searching for you to find the best & cheap travel insurance. With just a few clicks using our 'travel insurance compare' feature, you can purchase the best travel insurance policy. It's Quick and Easy!

Single trip covers you one trip from the time you leave Ireland until you return including travelling to multiple countries.

Annual multi-trip covers you for an unlimited number of trips for a specified duration within one year.

Backpacker will cover you for between 3 and 24 months and include travel to multiple destinations. This cover is also known as ‘long stay’ or ‘extended stay’.

Policies will normally exclude cover if you are travelling to an area or country where the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against travel. For advice on countries not to travel to and for more information prior to travel, visit https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/

Annual multi-trip: cover will commence on the specified start date. If you choose to include cancellation cover, it will begin on the policy start date you have selected and not the date you buy your insurance.

Single trip and backpacker: cover will commence on the day you incept the insurance if you choose to include cancellation cover.

What to consider

Annual multi-trip: if you choose to include cancellation cover, it will begin on the policy start date and not the date you buy your insurance. Therefore, if you set the start date for when your first trip begins, you will not be covered if you are unable to travel.

Single trip and backpacker: if you choose to include cancellation cover, it will begin on the date you buy your insurance. All other policy features will begin on the date you select.

Who is covered?

Individual: this is to cover Individual travellers travelling alone or together.

Couple: this will usually cover 2 adults residing at the same address.

Family: usually two adults and a specified number children under the age of 18 who live at the same address. This also includes single parent families.

Definitions may vary from insurer.

Individual: as the name suggests, this will cover one traveller.

Couple: this will typically cover two adults who live at the same address.

Family: this will typically cover two adults and up to four children under the age of 18 who live at the same address.

Winter sports: an additional cover required if you are going on a trip that will involve you skiing or snowboarding etc. This may also include cover for off-piste skiing and for your equipment.

Cruise cover: these policies include cover for cruises and may include extras such as missed port departure and cabin confinement.

Business Trip: these policies are tailored for the business traveler and may include additional cover for mobile phones, laptops or other items used in support of your business.

Always read the policy wording carefully as it may include specific conditions and exclusions. Please ensure that your insurance provider will cover you for all destinations on your cruise.

Private Heath Insurance

Insurers will usually offer a discount and cover some pre-existing conditions automatically if all the insured persons hold an eligible Private Health Insurance policy that covers in-patient medical treatment abroad of at least €55,000 per person per claim. The policies will usually re-quire you to claim from your PHI provider in the first instance if you receive medical treatment abroad with the Travel Insurance benefits offering a top up if you exceed the limit of your PHI.

Please refer to the insurer’s policy documents for full terms and conditions.

What is a medical condition?

An illness or injury for which you have taken medication or been given treatment.

This also includes conditions from which you have suffered symptoms, but not yet had a diagnosis and ongoing medical conditions. Policies may exclude any claims relating to being on a waiting list to receive a diagnosis or treatment or a terminal illness. This may also extend to non-travelling family members.

This policy is only available to you if you have been permanently resident in Ireland for the past six months.

What our customers say

Find Best Travel Insurance in Ireland with Ucompare

Ucompare's tool does all the hard work for you and helps you to compare & buy cheap travel insurance in Ireland.

Whether it's the annual travel insurance, single trip, backpacker travel, or global travel insurance; fill in our simple form & get multiple quotes to compare & choose the best insurance.

Annual trip Policy

Our annual trip holiday insurance policies cover avid travelers for a full 12-month period. You can select from various geographical locations, including Europe, the US, Australia, or even worldwide.

An annual trip travel insurance policy covers you for all trips made within the year, so you never need to worry about any last-minute panic to arrange travel insurance.

If you are a frequent flyer, it will often be much better value than individual policies for each trip.

Single trip Policy

We also offer a huge range of comprehensive single trip travel insurance options. If you don't travel as frequently, the single trip option can save you a lot of money and stress if anything doesn't go to plan.

This travel insurance type offers advantages, including the policy being tailor-made and designed especially for your trip abroad.

We offer a large range of add-on options for whatever you may need.

Backpacker Policy

If you are travelling for an extended period of time, our backpacker travel insurance options have you covered.

It is the most popular option for those jetting off to travel the world and is essential if you will be away from home for more than 3 months.

Our Backpacker travel insurance policy options can cover you for up to 2 years, so no matter how long you will be away for, make sure to get a quote today.

Benefits of Travel Insurance with Ucompare

Travelling brings you the most wonderful memories to cherish forever. But sometimes things may not always go according to the plan.

Lost luggage at the airport, flight cancellations, flight delays, natural disaster or a medical emergency can seriously hamper your travel plans.

Unfortunately, you don't have control over these mis happenings. But what's in your control is to buy the right holiday insurance policy which provides you the cover you need in these unfortunate circumstances.

Our travel insurance options come with a range of benefits to give you the best cover possible. These include delayed or lost baggage cover, trip cancellation cover, winter sports cover, and car hire excess cover.

Many benefits come as a standard with your policy. For any extras, you might require you can select various add-ons, so be sure to know what you are looking for with the help of our easy to understand comparison tool.

With the range of benefits on offer, you can select the perfect travel insurance policy tailored to your precise needs.

With some help from Ucompare, finding the best deal on your holiday insurance is quick and easy with our easy and stress-free comparison tool, there hasn’t been a better time to choose your next policy.

Hope this will help you find the best travel Insurance in Ireland

Buy Cheap Travel Insurance with Ucompare

Travel Insurance is absolutely essential for anyone who is considering travelling abroad. The Travel Insurance market in Ireland can be daunting so UCompare.ie has brought all of the main competitors together to make your life easier.

UCompare.ie offers a range of Cheap Travel Insurance products in Ireland and they also offer more comprehensive and specialised cover too.

There are a number of different ways in which you can save money on your travel insurance. For instance, many companies automatically select the postage and text message option when you are running a quotation, if you pay attention & remove these options you could save yourself up to €5.00.

Another way to save money is to watch out for the automatic renewal option. While this can be seen as convenient for some travellers, it also pays to shop around and ensure that you are getting the best deal around every year.

Top Travel Insurances for Ireland You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Ireland stands out for being steeped in history, home to stunning landscapes, and the host to a unique cultural heritage with traditional music and dance. What's more, it's also renowned among tourists for its legendary pubs and whiskeys! Although travelling to Ireland can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, out-the-pocket healthcare costs in the country tend to be expensive, so it's a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Ireland and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Ireland Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Ireland:

Best Travel Insurances for Ireland

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for Ireland? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to Ireland scroll down

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• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Ireland?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through Ireland.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Ireland or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Ireland:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to Ireland. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Ireland, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Ireland:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Ireland? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Ireland

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for Ireland. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in Ireland can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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Home » Europe » Ireland » Travel Insurance

Guide To Ireland Travel Insurance – ALL You Need To Know

Can’t hold out anymore on experiencing that Irish charm you’ve heard about? Then you’re in for a treat! Ireland is a joy to explore on your next hard-earned holiday. It’s a small but perfectly formed country, with spirited cities and breathtaking landscapes. Furthermore, Ireland is dotted with historical castles, quaint rustic villages and endless pints of Guiness. It’s chill, it’s safe, it’s totally fun and everybody agrees!

The Irish are known for their luck, and they certainly got lucky with their land. Ireland is blessed with glorious coastlines, rolling hills, and rugged mountains. Irish people won’t disappoint you with their wit and warmth, either. They definitely set the worldwide standard for humor!

But whilst the Irish may be lucky, do you feel lucky? Because if you prefer not to leave things down to chance this post is just for you. Let’s take a look at Ireland travel insurance!

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

Do I Need Travel Insurance For Ireland?

What should travel insurance in ireland cover, what is the best ireland travel insurance, how to choose the right ireland travel insurance for you.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

So what’s the craic on travel insurance in Ireland? Do you need it and if so why? First of all, do note that this guide is specifically about the Republic of Ireland (Eire). For Northern Ireland, you may want to consult our Guide to UK Travel Insurance . Now, back to Ireland, where travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement. And in a country which doesn’t exactly shout out ‘danger,’ you might wonder if it’s necessary and worth the expense.

Crime rates are very low. In fact, most of the danger stems from one too many Guinnesses turning to a street brawl (it happens). However, as is the case with every place you visit, opportunistic crime does happen – even in the Emerald Isle. Airlines and tour operators can go bust in the blink of an eye. This happened to Flybe , Europe’s largest regional airline, very recently. It’s worth considering insurance, as travel disruption can result in a lot of lost money.

Ultimately, we encourage all travelers to consider insurance, regardless of the destination. Even if it’s the cheapest Ireland travel insurance you can find! It won’t seem like a waste of money if you need it.

Need more convincing? Check out these other reasons why you should have travel insurance !

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Healthcare in Ireland

Irish healthcare is adequate, overall, but statistics show it lags behind its European comrades. Waiting lists are lengthy, and beds are limited. However, should you need emergency treatment while in Ireland, you can rely on it. Ireland’s healthcare comprises highly-trained Irish doctors as well as international ex-pats.

The healthcare system is a mixture of public and private. Available for all Irish citizens, the former is funded by taxes. Those who have medical cards have access to free healthcare. Anyone else will be required to pay subsidized fees in the public sector. Meanwhile, 45% of the Irish population choose to take out private healthcare insurance. This way, they receive the highest level of care and do not have to deal with the timely waiting lists. In fact, Ireland has one of Europe’s highest populations who opt to go private.

Now, let’s get over to costs. For a routine or non-emergency appointment, the cost of seeing a GP in Ireland as a tourist ranges between  €40-60 ($37 – $55 USD). This covers the cost of the consultation. Blood tests, x-rays, and further investigation will cost more. Plus, the cost of any prescription medicine. Meanwhile, a trip to an emergency ward will cost you around €100 ($117 USD).  You will pay approximately €80 per night to stay in a hospital. Typically, Irish hospitals will treat you and then ask you to pay afterward, or refer them to your Ireland travel insurance provider.

Good news if you’re from the UK or another European country! You can apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) before travel. This is provided free of charge and grants you access to subsidized, or sometimes free, emergency healthcare. But, EHIC recommends always traveling with travel insurance too, which covers medical and possessions.

Crime in Ireland

Crime in Ireland is low enough that the destination is popular with travelers and holidaymakers of all types. It’s a fabulous option to begin your solo backpacking lifestyle. The country has the 11th lowest homicide rate in Europe and the 23rd lowest in the world. In fact, in 2019, there was a decrease in homicides. However, attempted murder and sexual offences did increase (9% and 7% respectively). Irish cities are where most of the crimes occur, with Dublin, Limerick, and Cork city being among those with the highest reported incidents .

Property crime is your biggest contender while traveling in Ireland.  Keep your valuables secure on your person when sightseeing. Lock away all that you can in your hostel locker or safely in your guesthouse. Don’t leave valuables in your rental car either. The cheapest Ireland travel insurance will likely impose a surcharge for valuables, so check your small print in case you do end up needing to claim.

And finally, the drug trade is alive and well in Ireland. Dealing and trafficking are both crimes, which mainly occupy Dublin. An increase of 17.3% was observed in 2019. Stick to Guinness and castles, and you won’t find yourself in a pickle.

Issues Facing Travellers in Ireland

The first issue you’ll face in Ireland is deciphering an Irish accent over the jostling crowds of a Dublin Temple Bar brew, although your insurance won’t do much good there!

• Travel disruption – In terms of what your Ireland travel insurance can help you with, first up – the event that your airline goes bankrupt. It’s worth investing in some cover should this happen. If your flight is canceled, the best insurance for Ireland will see that your additional accommodation costs are covered while waiting for your new connection. They should reimburse you for the canceled flight, as well. Tour operators should be factored in here, too. They, too, can cancel schedules at the drop of a hat due to liquidation or unforeseen circumstances.
• Fluke natural disasters – Regarding natural disasters, Ireland’s soil is pretty much untouched. However, although you won’t find a volcano on the Emerald Isle, you might cross paths with the side effects. The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland in 2010 grounded flights across Europe due to ash. Check out the terms of your Ireland travel insurance so you know what the deal is should a fluke incident like that occur. Besides that, flooding and landslides can occasionally form a roadblock in your itinerary and lead to missing a connection.
• Petty theft – And, as we’ve said, issues like pickpocketing and other property theft are worth taking under consideration. It is recommended that travel insurance for visitors to Ireland cover your valuables, passport, and euros.

Popular Activities in Ireland

Most of the things you’ll want to do in Ireland are safe, focused on culture and gentle sightseeing. We’d hope that shouldn’t result in a claim on your Ireland travel insurance. But if you’re after an adrenaline rush, check out some of the following ideas!

• Cycling – You could pootle around a city or gear up a mountain bike for an adrenaline rush through the gorgeous scenery! Ensure you are covered in the event your two-wheeler is stolen or vandalized. Helmets are not a legal requirement for cyclists in Ireland, but they are recommended. Some Ireland travel insurers may stipulate that you should wear one. Scout your coverage T&Cs before squeezing into your lycra.
• Surfing – Surfing is one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets ! Mullaghmore has one of the largest swells in the Atlantic Ocean for the most daring. Alternatively, there are plenty of beginner spots for novices to catch your first wave. But surfing is definitely one of the activities to check your insurance for Ireland holidays covers because coral and rocks can hurt.
• Renting a car – Before embarking on your self-drive road trip around Ireland, check your travel insurance provides comprehensive cover. You need to protect the hire car itself, any other cars involved, and your personal injuries. Not all travel insurance will cover car rental expenses by default, so read closely.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

In our experience, most Ireland travel insurance policies will probably include the following;

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses

• Luggage and Personal Property

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

Non-medical emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption.

We feel that these are the most common key terms to look out for when you are comparing different insurance policies. We will not examine each one of these to see what they actually mean.

Emergency Medical costs are perhaps the single most important aspects of any travel insurance policy. If you have an accident or become seriously ill with a tropical illness, you may want to rest easy knowing that the medical costs and Doctors bills will be taken care of.

Many of you may have never seen a medical bill. However, we have seen too many for our liking and believe us, they can get very expensive very quickly. A friend of mine was once charged $10,000 for a leg infection in Costa Rica. Even 2 days in a Thai hospital cost him nearly $2,000.00! Thankfully he was insured on both occasions.

Pre-existing medical and health conditions may not be covered under this or they may be covered for an additional premium.

Ideally, Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical insurance should offer at least $100,000.00 of coverage but some run into the millions. If you are visiting the US, then do have a serious think about this.

Baggage and Personal Property

Luggage and Personal property coverage covers the value of your bags and what’s in them. It is most commonly used for lost luggage and Many policies also extend this to cover “on the ground” theft which comes in very useful if you are robbed once you reach your destination.

The limits on this do vary between policies. However, the maximum value rarely exceeds $1000 with a maximum item value between – $250 – $500.

This is probably enough for many travellers. However if you travel with a lot of electrical gear (laptop & camera), or are packing golf clubs or something, you may also wish to think about taking out a separate gadget cover.

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Emergency evacuation covers the cost of sending you back to your home country in a hospital. Let’s say that the above mentioned tropical illness is a very nasty one, and the decision is taken to send you home for further treatment; this will take care of the high costs of flying you home on a drip.

Repatriation is the cost of sending your remains home in the rare event that you die on your trip. Repatriation costs are not a burden I would want to leave to my family. Whilst this is thankfully rare, I do come across Facebook or “Go Fund Me” campaigns for somebody’s body to be flown home.

Non-medical Emergency Evacuation is when you have to be evacuated because of some sudden crisis.  Examples are outbreak of war/civil unrest and natural disasters that decimate infrastructure such as the South Asian Tsunami of 2006.

In more recent times, the Corona COVID-19 outbreak created the biggest international emergency evacuation situation ever. (FYI – it straddled both the medical and non-medical evacuation boundaries).

Emergency evacuation insurance covers the costs of having to book an emergency flight home ( which can be seriously expensive) and will also cover accommodation costs if you end up being flown to a random, “safe” country rather than going straight home.

Having to cancel an adventure that you were truly excited for is painful. However, being left out of pocket just makes it worse. Trip Cancellation cover can help you to recover the ‘non-refundable costs’ of your trip such as flight and hotel costs. Visa’s are also in this category.

To clarify, you can’t claim this simply because you changed your mind about the trip or fell out with your travel buddy. Proper cancellation reasons are things like sickness, family emergencies, bereavement, natural disaster and war – you get the gist.

Trip Interruption is when something goes wrong, even interrupts, and you have additional costs to pay because of it. One example, when your pre-paid hotel falls down and you are forced to book another one. Another example is when your flight home is cancelled and you need a few extra nights at your hotel.

Anything Else?

The above are what we consider to be the basic, bare-bones of travel insurance policies. However, some policies do offer a few more aspects to them. The very best Ireland travel insurance policies may also include the following;

Adventure Sports and Activities

Please note that Adventure sports and activities are not covered by all travel insurance policies. The definition of adventure sports and activities really does vary between providers but for example, can include;

• Trekking (altitude is usually a factor here)
• Swimming with Whales
• Improvised football games….

If you are going to be doing anything remotely physical or outdoorsy on your trip, then it may be sensible to check that your insurance provider is covering it. Broken jaws hurt enough without having high medical bills attached to them.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Accidental Death & Dismemberment cover doesn’t cover any travel related expenses as such but instead it basically provides you (or your next of kin) with monetary compensation in the event that something happens to you.

If you die, your loved ones get a payout. Or, if you lose a digit, YOU get a payout. I mean, how much is a finger really worth to you anyway?

It’s kind of like having a bit of life cover attached to your travel insurance.

“Well dear, I’m afraid there is good new and bad news. The bad news is that your parents both died on their trip to Ireland. The good news is that you get $10k!”

Gear and Electronics Cover

Some insurance policies do cover electronic gadgets but others do not. Those that do, sometimes charge an additional fee and they also usually limit the maximum item value.

If you only travel with a phone or a tablet then your travel insurer may well cover it entirely. However, if like me you travel with a MacBook, then you may wish to consider obtaining gadget cover.

Personally, I have had separate gadget cover on my MacBook Pro for years.

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Whilst they may all seem the same, not all insurers are. Some insurers offer lower prices than others and others offer higher coverage amounts. Some are infamous for not paying claims whilst others are celebrated for being fair and helpful.

Travel insurers – always the same yet always different. It isn’t possible (or legal) for us to say that anyone of them is the best, or is “better” than the others. No. Insurance is a very complex product and any policy takes into account a whole lot of data and a wide set of variables.

Remember that the “best” travel insurance always depends on where you are going, when you are going there and ultimately upon you and your needs. The best travel insurer for one trip, may not be the best for a different trip.

Below, we will introduce a few of the many travel insurance providers on offer. These are all firms we have used ourselves over the years.

SafetyWing are a relatively new player in the travel insurance space but are already making big waves. They specialise in cover for digital nomads and they offer open ended cover on a monthly subscription basis. Because they primarily cover digital nomads, they don’t offer much in the way of trip cancellation or delay so do take that into consideration.

However, SafetyWing really excels on the health side of travel insurance, covering dental and some complimentary treatments. In fact they even allow young children to be covered for free.

If cancellation and delay is not a concern for you or if you will be spending some considerable time on your trip, then maybe SafetyWing are right for you

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $250,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $3000
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $100,000
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $10,000
• Trip Cancellation -$0
• Trip Interruption – $5000

If you need more information or want to get a quote, then you can visit the website for yourself.

Talk about efficient and effective, Heymondo are up-to-date when it comes to combining travel insurance with technology in the digital world of 2024. What truly sets them apart is their assistance app offering a 24-hour medical chat, free emergency assistance calls and incident management. How reassuring is that?! They also have a convenient and complication-free way to make a claim straight from your phone.

Medical expenses are covered up to $10,000,000 USD so try not to damage yourself anything over that amount… If you’d like travel insurance that operates with that little extra swiftness and ease, give these guys a go. They offer multiple options – single trip, annual multi-trip and long stay. We’ve focused on single trip, but do check out the others and find what fits your next adventure.

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical/Dental Expenses –$10,000,000 USD
• Baggage and Personal Property – $2,500 USD
• Repatriation and Early Return – $500,000 USD
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $10,000 USD
• Trip Cancellation – $7,000 USD
• Trip Disruption – $1,500 USD
• Covid 19 coverage included in all plans

If you need more convincing, click our link below to get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance plan!

Columbus Direct

Named after one of history’s greatest (and most divisive explorers), Columbus Direct also specialise in insuring adventure-hungry explorers like us. They have been providing award-winning insurance for 30 years. What we like about this plan is that it does cover small amounts of personal cash. However, Gadget Cover is not available.

Columbus Direct actually offers a number of different travel insurance plans. Below we have focused on 1 of these and have set out the coverage amounts for the Globetrotter plan.

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $1,000,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $750
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $1,000,000
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $0
• Trip Cancellation -$1,000
• Trip Interruption (“Catastophe”) – $750

World Nomads

World Nomads have been insuring backpackers for years now. World Nomads specialise in backpacker travel insurance and their policies cover long way travel on one way tickets, trips to multiple countries and a whole lot of adventure activities. These guys are well used to dealing with backpackers like us, and they are regularly recommended by travel bloggers and industry insiders. We love them.

They offer 2 different policies depending on your needs. The Standard Plan is standard & the Explorer Plan covers a whole host of high risk, high fun activities. World Nomads are also one of the few travel insurers who will write you a policy after starting your trip. The one downside for us is that they don’t cover Pakistan.

Let’s look at the maximum coverage amounts a World Nomads travel insurance plan can offer with both the Standard & Explorer plan.

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses -$100,000/$100,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $1000/$3000
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $300,000/$500,000
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $25,000/$25,000
• Trip Cancellation -$2500/$10,000
• Trip Interruption – $2500/$10,000

If you want more info or to get a quote then visit the World Nomads site for yourself and take a look.

Iati Seguros

Iati Seguros is a Spanish based travel insurance company who we have personally used and loved. You will notice that they provide competitive cover amounts for the key travel insurance areas, and are competitively priced. So far we have heard nothing but good things about them.

They also offer multiple ones, but we have focused on the Standard Plan although we wholly encourage checking out all plans for yourself to identify the best one for your needs.

Standard Plan

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $200,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $1000
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – 100% of cost
• Trip Cancellation -$1,500
• Trip Interruption – 100% of cost

Insure My Equipment

Insuremyequipment.com does precisely what the name suggests. They are an online insurer for expensive equipment (like camera gear & gold clubs). You can use them to get specific pieces of gear insured but please bear in mind this policy is only for your specified gear.

An Insure My Equipment policy works well in combination with other travel insurance. Insure My Equipment policies are an excellent choice for professionals and backpackers with more $0000’s worth of camera equipment, expensive laptops or fishing rods.

I also know a few travelling musicians and DJs who use these guys so you are in cool company.

Choosing the right travel insurance for your Ireland holiday is like choosing a wife, it is something only you can decide (unless your Indian in which case your parents will do it) . You need to work out how much your trip is worth, how much equipment you plan to take and what activities you intend to engage in.

And of course, you need to ask yourself how much can you afford – how much you can afford to pay for cover, and how much you can afford to be out of pocket in the unlikely event of a claim. Sometimes, the cheapest Ireland travel insurance will be enough and sometimes it will be worth spending a bit more. Hopefully the information provided in this post will help you to decide – if not, then I just wasted 5 hours of my life in writing it!

Safety in Ireland Backpacking Ireland

Is Ireland Expensive? Where To Stay in Ireland

Final Thoughts on Ireland Travel Insurance

Well done, you made it all the way to the end! Now you’ve brushed up on your Ireland travel insurance need-to-knows, over to more interesting topics. It’s time to plan what you’re going to do in this remarkable country. We can help you out there, too.

Have a leaf through the rest of our Ireland travel content. We’ll tell you the best places to stay, the top attractions you shouldn’t miss, and restaurants you have to check out – everything you need in order to make the most of your time on the Emerald Isle! Safe travels in Ireland.

Aiden Freeborn

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Get a travel insurance quote from The AA

All the help you need to buy the right travel cover for your holiday, get a European Health Insurance Card, and what to do if things go wrong.

Why get travel insurance?

Travel insurance can protect you financially if something goes wrong when you’re travelling abroad or on holiday.

This could include paying for medical care if you fall ill, refunding your booking if you have to cancel or compensating you for lost or stolen personal belongings.

Find out how to secure the right travel insurance in our guide. Here’s what’s included:

What travel insurance covers

Types of travel insurance.

• Buying travel insurance in Ireland
• What the European Health Insurance Card covers
• Making a claim on your travel insurance

Holiday consumer rights

What’s covered by travel insurance.

It depends on the insurance provider and level of cover you choose, but most decent policies cover:

• Emergency medical assistance: which pays for the cost of medical treatment if you fall ill overseas. This also covers repatriation costs to get you home to Ireland if you’re not well enough to travel on a standard flight.
• Personal accidents & injury: which pays you a lump sum if you have a serious accident on your holiday resulting in life-changing injuries, for example, losing a limb or your sight.
• Cancellation & curtailment: which refunds the cost of your trip if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, for example, if you or a family member are seriously ill or you’re made redundant after you book.
• Luggage & personal possessions: which pays out the cost of replacing lost or stolen luggage and for essential items to tide you over if your baggage is delayed at the airport.
• Lost or stolen money & documents: covers your foreign currency, including cash like U.S. dollars or British pounds. This also covers your travel documents and passport if they’re lost or stolen on your trip.
• Personal liability cover: which protects you financially if you cause an accident or injure someone else while abroad.

You can also add extra cover to include things like:

• Winter sports, e.g. skiing and snowboarding
• Extreme sports, e.g. scuba diving or paragliding
• Golf equipment & bookings, including your clubs and green fees if you’re injured or too ill to play

Make sure you take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you’re travelling in Europe, even if you have travel insurance.

To get the right value from your insurance, it pays to get the right type of insurance tailored to your circumstances and the type of travel.

Here’s the types of insurance you can get in Ireland:

• Single trip insurance: This covers one trip only, usually for between 30 and 60 days and is the cheapest.
• Multi-trip insurance: Also called annual cover, it covers multiple trips in one year. It may cover worldwide or just Europe & UK trips.
• Backpackers insurance: Cover designed for travellers going on a long trip or holiday abroad. Many standard travel policies only offer cover for up to 30 days per trip, but with a backpacker policy, you can get cover for up to two years plus cover for visiting multiple counties.
• Winter travel insurance: Cover that includes extra protection for activities like skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Some standard travel insurance policies exclude these activities because they’re high risk and the cost of medical care on the slopes can be very expensive.
• Elderly travel insurance: Cover for older people can be harder to find or more expensive because over 65’s pose a greater risk for medical care. It may also have more restrictions, so take more time to read the T&Cs and compare quotes.
• Family travel insurance: Cover for your children will work out cheaper if you buy a family policy and if you choose annual family cover you’ll have the flexibility to travel as an individual or a couple too. Perfect for a snatched weekend away!

You can read our guides How to find the right travel insurance guide or How to get travel insurance as you get older to find out more about other types of insurance.

Single trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance?

If you have more than two trips planned per year, it’s usually cheaper to get an annual policy, but your age and medical history may affect what’s available.

With annual cover, you’ll be covered for any short trips in Ireland, but if you plan to travel outside of Europe and the UK or are unsure of your travel plans, choose an annual policy that covers worldwide destinations.

For a look at the pros and cons of single versus multi-trip insurance, visit How to choose the right travel insurance .

How to choose the right type of cover

You’ll save money by choosing the right type of travel insurance for your circumstances, so ask yourself these questions before buying:

• How many trips are you taking? Consider taking out annual cover if you plan to travel more than three times per year.
• What will you be doing? Consider specialist cover if you plan to go skiing or do another high-risk activity.
• Who is the cover for? Check for discounted cover if travelling as a couple, family or group. If you’re over 70 your choice may be more limited.

For more advice on finding the right insurance for your needs, visit our how to find the best travel insurance guide.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Losses due to epidemics, border closures, warnings, travel advisories or quarantine rules are generally not covered; however, some insurers offer COVID-19 related benefits.

They may provide cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses and accommodation cover if you get COVID-19 while abroad and are unable to return home as planned.

If this is an important concern, shop around, read the terms and conditions carefully and get several quotes before choosing a travel policy.

Buying travel insurance

How much does travel insurance cost.

Standard single trip insurance could cost you less than €25 if you are young with no underlying medical conditions, but may not provide the cover you need if it’s very cheap.

Annual or multi-trip travel insurance could cost around €50 or more for European cover and €65 or more for Worldwide cover. The older you are, the higher the premium regardless of your health.

If you have private medical insurance which covers you while you’re abroad, your travel insurance will be cheaper still.

What affects the price of cover?

• your destination
• your medical history
• whether you have private health insurance

To find the cheapest travel insurance quote, shop around so you can compare prices and benefits.

What if I have private medical insurance?

Even if your existing medical insurance covers you abroad, a comprehensive travel insurance policy can offer financial protection in other areas, for example, if you need to cancel your trip or your travel money is stolen.

The good news is that many travel insurers in Ireland offer a discount on your quote if your medical insurance covers you abroad, which could make your travel insurance even cheaper.

If you hold private medical insurance, you could get up to 25% off the travel cover price.

What’s the age limit on annual multi-trip cover?

For many annual policies, the maximum age limit is 75 years, but often people over 70 years must hold private health insurance.

Should you buy the cheapest travel insurance?

Although it’s tempting to pick the cheapest policy, it’s not always a good idea with travel insurance. The cheapest policies will offer less cover and have more exclusions.

It’s best not to scrimp on cover for medical expenses and personal liability because you could end up liable for eye-watering expenses if you get ill or are involved in an accident on holiday.

Also, pick a policy that fully covers the cost of the holiday and your belongings and find a policy that includes enough financial protection for you and your family.

Who offers travel insurance in Ireland?

Most of the large insurers in Ireland offer travel insurance, as do private health companies. An online search will also provide a selection of smaller, travel insurance specialists.

Although there are many insurance providers to choose from, many policies are underwritten by the same companies.

What you need to buy travel insurance

Before you buy your travel insurance, you’ll need to know:

• Your destination: usually shown as UK and the Channel Islands, Europe or Worldwide (including or excluding USA and Canada).
• The dates of your trip: this is the date you leave Ireland and the date you arrive back in Ireland.
• Who needs to be covered: usually shown as individual, couple or family but check the help information for exclusions.
• The age of each traveller if you’re buying a group policy, have that information to hand.

You may also be asked to confirm:

• If you hold private medical insurance that covers trips abroad
• If you need cover for winter sports

When should you buy travel insurance?

It’s best to buy your single-trip travel insurance as soon as you book your trip so you’re covered if the flights, accommodation or package holiday is cancelled.

This will also cover you if something happens before your trip starts, which means you have to cancel your holiday, e.g. you or a relative becomes seriously ill.

For an annual or multi-trip policy, you need to know roughly when you’ll be travelling as you have to choose a start date for your policy and it runs a year from that date. If you book a holiday that starts before your policy does, you won’t be covered.

The European Health Insurance Card

What is european health insurance (ehic).

It’s free healthcare available to Irish residents and EU citizens living in Ireland. The European Health Insurance Card, known as the EHIC or formerly E111, shows that you’re eligible for free healthcare when you travel in Europe.

If you’re travelling to the EU or European Economic Area (EEA) you should take it with you in case you become unwell or have an accident and need medical attention.

Each member of your family needs an EHIC when they travel within the EU. You can apply for them in person, by post, or online if you have a medical or drug payment scheme card.

What does it cover?

Here’s a summary of what the EHIC does and doesn’t cover you for:

• Free or reduced cost state healthcare in any of the EU and EEA countries
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Routine maternity care - as long as you’re not going there to give birth
• A temporary stay up to three months*

Not covered

• Private healthcare or costs for something like mountain rescue
• Ongoing or permanent healthcare
• Medical expenses, if your reason for going abroad is to have treatment
• The cost to fly you back to Ireland

*If you’re a student studying abroad, you’ll be covered for up to an academic year.

How to use the card

If you need medical care while you’re away, you must show your EHIC to the public medical centre or hospital as evidence of eligibility.

You can expect to get the same treatment and care as local residents and on the same terms.

If public healthcare is free in the country you’re visiting, you won’t pay anything, but if there’s a charge for medical services, you’ll be charged too.

Here’s more information about how to use your EHIC in each country and any costs involved.

Do you still need travel insurance?

Yes, it’s essential you get travel insurance and an EHIC, or you won’t be covered for things like cancellation and lost or stolen luggage.

Your EHIC just covers medical costs in the EU, but travel insurance can include many extras to suit your trip, such as winter sports cover. You can find out more about how to choose the best travel insurance in our helpful guide.

How to renew or apply for the EHIC

You can either apply or renew:

• In person: at any local health office except Dublin North West. Check what ID to take.
• By post: Print out an application form and post it to your local health office along with any documents required.
• Online: using the official HSE website

The EHIC is completely free. Never use a website that tries to charge you a fee.

Claiming on your travel insurance

You’ll need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible in the event of a problem.

Remember to take your travel insurance documents and their emergency contact details with you when you travel. Take a paper and electronic copy of the policy so you have more than one way of accessing the information.

If you’re taking expensive items abroad, jot down serial numbers or take photos of your electronics or jewellery before you travel.

Here’s the emergency claim numbers of popular travel insurers in Ireland:

Claiming for illness, accidents and medical emergencies

If you need medical treatment while you’re away, you’ll need to contact your insurer as soon as possible. Your insurer has to agree to any medical procedures, so do this before treatment takes place.

This may not be possible in an emergency, so get evidence of any treatments or medication you’ve paid for.

Depending on the country you’re in, you may have to pay up-front for treatment and claim it back when you get home, so always secure medication receipts or an invoice for medical treatment.

It’s vital you tell your insurer about any existing health problems or conditions when you take out insurance, or you may not be covered.

Claiming for lost, stolen or damaged belongings

If your belongings are lost or stolen, inform the local police within 24 hours of your items going missing and get a statement. If this isn’t possible, tell someone else such as your hotel manager, tour operator or airline and get a written report.

If you have to replace essential items, such as toiletries or clothing, keep receipts for everything you need to purchase and provide them as evidence to support your claim.

Your insurer will want to see that you’ve taken reasonable steps to look after your luggage or belongings whilst travelling, so be prepared for questions and support your claim with evidence wherever possible.

Claiming if you have to cancel your trip

Your claim for cancellation or trip curtailment will only be accepted under certain conditions. It’s wise to check the small print for acceptable reasons, but typically they will be:

• unexpected death, illness or injury involving you, your partner or fellow travellers
• unexpected damage to your home, such as fire, flood or burglary
• you’ve been advised not to travel due to pregnancy (after you bought insurance)
• you’ve been called for jury service or as a court witness

Check your policy schedule for the rules of reimbursement should you have to cut short your trip.

You now have the same rights whether you book your holiday at a high street retailer or online. Here are your consumer rights if you book a package holiday or linked travel arrangement.

When can you cancel?

You can cancel at any time up to the start of your holiday for a reasonable cancellation fee. The less notice you give, the more money you’ll lose.

You may be entitled to a full refund without paying any fee in the following situations:

• In extraordinary circumstances: e.g. war, terrorism, floods and earthquakes that will significantly affect the holiday or stop you from reaching your destination safely.
• If the price increases by more than 8%: you have the right to cancel without paying a charge. Contractually no price changes are allowed within 20 days of the departure date.
• If significant changes to the holiday are made: e.g. departure and arrival times that will affect your accommodation and transport arrangements.

When can the travel company cancel?

They may have to cancel due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control or where they can’t get the minimum number of participants needed for a trip to run. In these situations, you have the option of:

• A replacement holiday of equal or superior quality
• A lower quality holiday, plus a refund for the difference between the two trips
• A full refund

Can your holiday price go up after you’ve booked?

Yes, the cost can go up but not within 20 days of your departure date. The cost of your trip may be affected by increases to:

• Transport costs e.g. fuel prices
• Taxes, fees and duties charged at airports or ports
• Currency exchange rates

What are my package holiday rights?

If you book a package holiday, you should be:

• Given all the essential information from the retailer or trader before the booking is completed.
• Able to contact the organiser directly and through the retailer you bought the package from (if different).
• Entitled to a full refund and repatriation if the trader becomes insolvent.
• Able to transfer the holiday to another traveller, giving reasonable notice and you may have to pay costs.
• Offered suitable alternative arrangements at no extra cost if a significant proportion of the travel services can’t be provided.
• Given assistance if you’re in difficulty e.g. access to healthcare or alternative travel arrangements.

How to complain about your holiday

You must raise any issues with the travel organiser without delay, where you feel a service isn’t satisfactory. If you delay, it could affect the compensation you get.

They should be allowed to put things right, but if this doesn’t happen, you should gather evidence to support your complaint e.g. take photos or video footage.

If the matter is still unresolved when you’re back home, you should put your complaint in writing within 28 days of the holiday end date. Details of where to send your complaint should be shown in the contract’s terms and conditions.

If you’re unhappy with their response or they fail to respond within a reasonable timeframe, you can contact:

• The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CPPC): who can investigate Irish traders and ensure they comply with the Consumer Protection Act.
• ECC Ireland: who can settle complaints between consumers and traders in another EU country, not Ireland.

Travel companies may use arbitration to resolve complaints. This is where an independent party investigates and reviews the evidence to decide how much compensation to award.

You also have the option of pursuing a claim up to €2,000 through the Small Claims Court.

Specific travel insurance questions

What is the maximum length trip i can get cover for.

It depends on the insurer. Most insurance providers cover trips lasting up to 30 days, but you could find cover up to 60 days if you shop around.

If you buy an annual travel insurance policy, you’re covered for multiple trips but only up to the maximum duration per trip and total duration for the year.

If you need continuous cover for longer, backpacker insurance usually lasts up to a year but can last up to two years.

Do you need special travel cover if you're pregnant?

Most travel insurance policies will cover you to travel in the early stages of pregnancy, but you should always check how far into the pregnancy the cover will last. For example, you may be covered to travel up to 32 weeks into your pregnancy but not beyond this date. If you fall pregnant after taking out a travel insurance policy and will be at a late stage in your pregnancy when you’re due to travel, you may be able to claim for cancellation.

What is a linked travel arrangement?

This is where you buy two or more travel services from different companies that are linked. For example, you book a flight on one website and click on a targeted link to another website where you book accommodation for your trip.

The second booking must be made no later than 24 hours after the first, to count as a linked travel arrangement.

You have fewer rights with a linked travel arrangement than with a package contract and you’re only covered against insolvency with the first booking.

What does repatriation mean?

It’s the return of someone to their own country. For example, if you fall seriously ill during your holiday you’d have to travel back to Ireland early and may need treatment on the flight home.

Emergency repatriation can be very expensive because you may need to travel back to Ireland in a specialist air ambulance, or you might have to be brought home from a remote location.

Repatriation is usually included in the medical cover benefit of a travel insurance policy, but check the policy document to make sure.

Take us away with you

Travel insurance from €6.71*

InsureandGo offers  a range of travel insurance policies  for holidays and trips of all types, whether you’re looking to cover a lazy beach holiday or an action-packed adventure around the world. That’s why we’re  Ireland’s travel insurance specialist.

• Medical coverage up to €10m (Platinum product)
• Cancellation and personal belongings covered
• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Discount for private health insurance customers
• Online medical screening

Our travel insurance policies now provide cover for Cancellation and Curtailment as a result of a COVID diagnosis, and Medical Expenses incurred abroad as a result of a COVID diagnosis, subject to the policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

*Based on a single trip to anywhere in Europe for three days for someone aged 65 or under.

Single trip travel insurance

• Up to €7,500 Cancellation cover (Platinum product)
• Cover for trips of 3 days to up to 12 months
• Over 50 sports and activities covered free
• 24-hour emergency helpline

Annual multi-trip

• Unlimited number of trips covered
• Cover for trips of up to 60 days (Platinum product)

What are you covered for?

InsureandGo offers comprehensive coverage for your travel needs. Get a quote for an annual multi-trip or single trip travel insurance policy now.

Medical coverage

You will have access to medical coverage up to €10 million if you choose the Platinum option.

Cancellation

All of our travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip.

Emergency assistance

If you have an emergency, you can call our medical emergency line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Transparency

We are fully transparent to our clients. There are no hidden transaction fees in your coverage.

I’ve lost my documents. How do I retrieve them?

If you have lost your policy documents, you can retrieve them online. Enter your quote number and e-mail address to access your documents. If you would like your documents resent through the post or you have forgotten your quote number or if you have any other problems accessing your documents online, please call our customer service team on 091 545 904 or email [email protected] .

What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen abroad?

You should report any loss or thefts of passports to the local police in the country you are in as soon as possible. You will need the crime reference details they provide for the APS1 (which is the Lost or Stolen Passport Notification) form. You should also report the loss or theft to the Irish embassy of the country you are in. You can get details of your local Irish embassy wherever you are by visiting the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Irish embassy will issue you with replacement travel documents so you can travel back.

When will my documents arrive through the post?

Normally, we say to allow between 5 to 10 working days between you buying your policy and your documents being received in the post. However, we do always aim for your policy pack to be with you sooner. You can still travel with a printed copy of your emailed documents if the posted documents don't arrive in time.

What do I need to take on holiday with me?

We advise that you take your travel insurance certificate and the relevant policy wording booklet away with you.

You may travel with a printed copy of your emailed documents. If you are unable to print your emailed documents, simply write down your policy number and the emergency medical assistance and claims line telephone numbers from the back of our policy wording booklets which can be found here.

Read more FAQs

Emergency contact overseas

In the event of an emergency overseas, call +353 91 545908

Non-emergency claims

For non-emergency claims, please call +353 91 545907

Other enquiries

For other enquiries, please see our “Contact Us” page.

Wintersports cover

We will pay (up to the amount specified, based on the policy you choose) for:

loss, theft or damage to winter sports equipment, the hire of winter sports equipment (should your equipment be lost stolen or damaged), the cost of your ski pack (should you become ill or injured), extra travel and accommodation expenses if your outward or final return journey is delayed due to avalanche, and if the piste is closed for more than 12 hours.

Private health insurance discount

If you and each additional traveller on this policy have private health insurance in place providing inpatient medical cover abroad to a minimum of €55,000 per person per claim, you qualify for a reduced premium on your travel insurance. This cover must remain in place for the full duration of your policy with us.

In the event of a claim for inpatient medical treatment abroad, you must claim on your private health insurance first. The benefits payable under your travel insurance policy will commence once you have reached the limit on your private health insurance policy.

Destinations

Europe excluding Algeria, Israel, Jordan, Libya, Lebanon and Syria (Area 2)

The Continent of Europe, The Azores, any country or island with a Mediterranean coastline.

Please see list below:

Albania - Andorra - Austria - Balearic Islands - Belgium - Bosnia - Bulgaria - Canary Islands - Corsica - Crete - Croatia - Cyprus - Czech Republic + Slovakia - Denmark - Egypt - Finland - France - Greece - Germany - Hungary - Ibiza - Iceland - Italy - Lapland - Liechtenstein - Luxbbourg - Madeira - Mallorca - Malta - Menorca - Monaco - Morocco - Netherlands - Norway - Poland - Portugal - Romania - San Marino - Sardinia - Sicily - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - Tunisia - Turkey - Yugoslavia. Also included is these parts of the former USSR: Estonia - Belorussia - Latvia - Lithuania - Moldavia - Russia (Moscow) - Ukraine (Kiev)

Worldwide excluding USA/ Canada (Area 3) Worldwide including USA/ Canada (Area 4) United Kingdom and Channel Islands (Area 1)

Group types

Individual(s): Principal insured Person(s) that are not spouses or common law Partners.

Couple: Principal insured Person and his/her spouse or common law Partner.

Family: Principal Insured Person, his/her spouse or common law Partner, and their dependent child/children aged 17 years and younger.

The main traveler must be aged 18 or over, but not exceed 86

This date is too far from the current date

Travel Insurance

Ireland's award winning travel Insurance provider. We provide Annual, Single Trip and Backpacker travel insurance to suit different trips abroad, budgets and needs. Annual travel insurance provides European and/or Worldwide cover. Backpacker travel insurance covers trips to the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe and more. No matter what holiday or trip you have planned abroad, we will help you stay protected. Get a quick travel insurance quote below now.

• Discount applies if You and all Insured Persons on your travel insurance policy have Private Health Insurance, with a minimum of €55,000 inpatient medical cover abroad.

Important Conditions Relating To Health

Tel: 0818 286 525.

Please note certain medical conditions will incur an additional premium.

Medical Screening Line Opening Hours

• Monday: Friday 9am to 7pm
• Saturday: 9.30am to 4pm
• Sunday: 11am to 3pm
• Quoting Reference: Blue Irish Broker 2015-2016.

Private Health Insurance Members

If you hold a valid private health insurance with a minimum of €55,000 of inpatient medical cover abroad and have declared your private health insurance details to us, then you do not need to contact the medical screening line as detailed below.

Important note: If your private health insurance does not provide cover for the full duration of your trip abroad as stated on your validation certificate you will still be required to contact the Medical Screening Line to declare your medical conditions.

Non Private Health Insurance Members

At the time of taking out this policy, do you have or have you had any medical condition(s) for which you are taking or have taken prescribed medication or are waiting to receive, or have received treatment (including surgery, tests, or investigations) within the last 2 years?

If so, it is a condition of this policy that you will not be covered under Section A – Cancellation or Curtailment Charges, Section B – Emergency Medical and Other Expenses, Section C – Hospital Benefit, Section D – Personal Accident and Section X3 – Green Fees for any claims arising directly or indirectly from this medical condition(s) unless you contact the Medical Screening Line on and they have agreed in writing to cover your medical condition(s).

If you have only one medical condition and it is one of those shown in the table of ‘Medical Conditions which do not require screening’ below, then this will be covered under the policy without the need to contact us.

Exclusions that apply to all Insured Persons

These exclusions apply to all insured persons irrespective of whether they are a Private Health Insurance or Non Private Health Insurance holder.

The following exclusions apply to all insured persons at the time of taking out this policy or at the time of booking the trip.

You will not be covered under Section A – Cancellation or Curtailment Charges, Section B – Emergency Medical and Other Expenses, Section C – Hospital Benefit, Section D – Personal Accident and Section X3 – Green Fees for any claims arising directly or indirectly from:

• Any medical condition for which you are aware of but have not had a diagnosis.
• Any medical condition for which you have received a terminal prognosis.
• Any medical condition for which you are receiving or are on a waiting list for or have the knowledge of the need for surgery, treatment or investigation at a hospital, clinic or nursing home.

The following exclusions apply to all insured persons at all times:

• Any medical condition you have in respect of which a Medical Practitioner has advised you not to travel or would have done so had you sought his/her advice but despite this you still travel.
• Any surgery, treatment or investigations for which you intend to travel outside of Ireland to receive (including any expenses incurred due to the discovery of other medical conditions during and/or complications arising from these procedures).
• Any medical condition for which you are not taking the recommended treatment or prescribed medication as directed by a Medical Practitioner.
• Your travel against any health requirements stipulated by the carrier, their handling agents or any other public transport provider.

You should also refer to the general exclusions in the policy wording.

Exclusions that apply if a Close Relative or Travelling Companion has Medical Conditions

If any of the below exclusions apply to your close relative(s) or travel companion(s) at the time of taking out this policy or at the time of booking the trip, you will not be covered under Section A – Cancellation or Curtailment Charges, Section B – Emergency Medical and Other Expenses, Section C – Hospital Benefit, Section D – Personal Accident and Section X3 – Green Fees for any claims arising directly or indirectly from:

• Any medical condition for which a close relative or travelling companion have received a terminal prognosis.
• Any medical condition for which a close relative or travelling companion are receiving or on a waiting list for or have the knowledge of the need for surgery, treatment or investigation at a hospital, clinic or nursing home.
• Any medical condition for which a close relative or a travelling companion are aware of but for which they have not had a diagnosis.

Medical Conditions which do not require screening

Important Note: If you have more than one of the below medical conditions you must contact the Medical Screening Line or if you have any other medical condition in addition to any of the below, you must declare all conditions to medical screening..

• Achilles Tendon Injury
• Acid Reflux
• Anal Fissure/Fistula
• Allergy (requiring non prescriptive treatment only)
• Bells Palsy (in isolation only)
• Benign Prostatic Enlargement
• Broken/Fractured Bones(not head or spine)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Colds or Influenza
• Colitis (no hospital admissions in last 12 months
• Corneal Graft
• Cuts & Abrasions (non self-inflicted)
• Cyst Breast (Benign)
• Cyst Testicular (Benign)
• Diarrhoea and/or vomiting (resolved)
• Dislocated Hip
• Epididymitis
• Essential Tremor
• Fungal Nail Infection
• Gall Bladder Removal (if more than 3 months ago)
• Gastric Reflux
• Glandular Fever
• Hemorrhoids (Piles)
• Hernia (not Hiatus)
• Hip Replacement
• HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
• Hyperthyroidism
• (Overactive Thyroid)
• Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
• Hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol)
• Hysterectomy (provided carried out more than 6 months ago)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Macular Degeneration
• Menorrhagia
• Migraine (confirmed diagnosis, no on-going investigations)
• Myalgia (Muscular Rheumatism)
• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (if the only symptom is fatigue)
• Nasal Polyp(s)
• Neuralgia, Neuritis
• Nut Allergy
• Osteochondritis
• Osteoporosis, Osteopaenia (fragile bones) NO vertebral (backbone) fractures
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Reflex Oesophagitis
• Rhinitis (Allergic)
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
• Shoulder Injury
• Sleep Apnoea
• Tendon Injury
• Underactive Thyroid
• Varicose Veins legs only (if GP has confirmed that client is fit to travel)
• am resident in Ireland    (i)
• have not already departed on/commenced my trip
• have read and agree with the important conditions relating to health
• understand that this policy does not cover cancellation due to government lockdown or travel restrictions imposed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. There is no cover for any cancellation claim event relating to a Covid diagnosis occurring within 14 days of the date you purchased this insurance or the time of booking any Trip whichever is the later or if you and/or all insured persons are advised to self-isolate without a positive Covid diagnosis. Please refer to the Policy Wording for full information.

Private Health Insurance Discount

Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited offers significant discounts on our Annual Multi Trip and Single Trip policies for Insured Persons with VHI, Laya or Aviva Private Health Insurance policies. Your Private Health Insurance policy must include a minimum of €55,000 of inpatient medical cover abroad. If your Private Health Insurance policy includes this select ‘Yes’ in the ‘Private Health Insurance’ box on our website home page. Our Travel Insurance policy will provide the same benefits as on our standard policy, but it recognises that you already have cover on your Private Health Insurance policy for inpatient medical expenses abroad up to a specific limit (Min €55,000). Our Travel Insurance policy will top up the amount to the overseas medical expenses limit on your Private Health Insurance policy allowing you to save money on travel insurance premiums without sacrificing cover.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your Private Health Insurance policy covers you and all other travellers named on your Travel Insurance policy for a minimum of €55,000 of inpatient medical cover abroad.

Please note that not all Private Health Insurance Plans provide a minimum of €55,000 of inpatient medical cover abroad. Please check with your Private Health Insurance provider to ensure you have adequate cover to be eligible for this discount. If you cancel or fail to renew your Private Health Insurance policy, it is your responsibility to contact us as soon as is reasonably possible to update your Travel Insurance policy details and ensure you have sufficient cover. Any Private Health Insurance discount you received will be removed from the Travel Insurance policy and you may also be required to contact the Medical Screening Line to declare any medical conditions you or anyone named on your Travel Insurance policy has/has had.

Further information on Medical Screening can be found by clicking here.

Data Privacy Policy

This notice will inform you about our policies and procedures concerning the personal information about you that we collect, maintain and disclose, in connection with the insurance policies you obtain from us.

Information we may provide to others

We may disclose information about our applicants, customers and former customers, as permitted or required by law in conjunction with our normal insurance operations, such as:

• in the processing of an insurance claim.
• in connection with a legal proceeding.
• with government agencies conducting examinations of our procedures.
• internal database marketing.

Data Protection

We collect and maintain personal information about you in order to carry out our functions as a provider of insurance products. All personal information submitted is treated with the utmost confidentiality and with appropriate levels of security.

This information is used to manage the issuance of an insurance policy, including underwriting and claims handling, and may be stored as computer records and/or paper files to assist us to complete transactions, or follow up discrepancies, complaints or queries. Details may also be submitted to regulatory authorities and auditors. Unless otherwise instructed, we may use personal data for commercial purposes.

Personal Information Restrictions

Access to the information you submit is limited to those employees who have legitimate business needs for such information with respect to the insurance policies issued. We maintain physical, procedural and electronic safeguards to protect the privacy and confidentiality of your non-public personal information.

Internet Usage

Our websites do not contain any hidden codes or applications designed to obtain any kind of information about you from your computer, apart from what is required to establish a connection and transfer content between our website and your computer.

Our host servers do obtain information about the number of connections to it. This data may contain details such as your IP address, the kind of operating system you are using and the version of your internet browser. This information is used only for the purposes of analysing the traffic to the website. It does not contain any kind of data about you which may be classified as personal or private.

Our website uses ‘cookies’ to track visitor navigation. Cookies are small text files stored on your computer, which identify it to our website. Cookies do not contain viruses, and the cookies stored on your computer by the website do not contain any kind of personal, private or sensitive information. They are used simply to track navigation and remember data and preferences submitted by you. Cookies can be disabled on your browser, though this may hamper your ability to effectively obtain a quote and purchase a policy from our website.

Sensitive Data

Any sensitive data supplied by you in order to purchase an insurance policy, such as dates of birth or health details, will only be used for the purpose specified at the time of submitting this data.

We reserve the right to provide this information, when we are legally obliged, to official bodies such as the Police, the Courts, or other organisations investigating insurance fraud.

Call Monitoring

We may monitor and record telephone calls in order to improve our service to you and to prevent and detect fraud.

Marketing Preferences

We will use the details you have given us to provide you with information about the products and services of the Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited and our affiliates/partners which may interest you. Your data will not be shared with our affiliates/partners. We will not do so if you have already told us you do not want this information, see the ‘opt-out’ phone number email address below. We may also use your information for these purposes in the event that you do not take up a policy with us at this time and also after your policy has ended, unless you ask us not to.

We may contact you with a reminder that your insurance is due to be renewed. This contact may be made by a number of communication methods in addition to traditional correspondence, see below:

How we might contact you for marketing purposes?

From time to time we may contact you using the information you have provided in relation to our products and services in any of the following ways:

• Through digital and/ or other remote applications
• By text message

Why might we contact you?

We might contact you:

• about an enquiry you have made;
• with products or services offers from the Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited;
• in relation to your policy or quote;
• to ask for your feedback/views on the products and services we provide;
• to tell you about any important changes to our website; or
• where there is another genuine reason for doing so

How to Opt out

You can change your mind about receiving marketing information from us at any time. Each time we contact you electronically with marketing information or a marketing message, you can choose not to receive further marketing information from us to that email address or phone number. This is known as an ’opt-out’. If you want to ’opt-out’, please phone us on 0818 484 484 or email us at [email protected] . Please make sure you tell us about any changes to your marketing preferences for each affected address, email address or phone number you have registered with us.

Marketing Preference

We may contact you with a reminder that your insurance is due to be renewed. This contact may be made by a number of communication methods in addition to traditional correspondence, see below. We will also use the details you have given us to provide information about our products and services and those of other companies in the Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited and other companies whose products and services may interest you. However, we will not do so if you have already told us you do not want this information. We may also use your information for these purposes after your policy has ended, unless you ask us not to.

How we might contact you?

• about an enquiry you have made
• with relevant products or services offers
• in relation to your policy or quote
• to ask for your feedback/views on the products and services we provide

You can change your mind about receiving marketing information from us at any time. Each time we contact you electronically with marketing information or a marketing message, you can choose not to receive further marketing information from us to that email address or phone number. This is known as an ‘opt-out’. If you want to ‘opt-out’, please phone us on 0818 484 484 or email [email protected] . Please make sure you tell us about any changes to your marketing preferences for each affected address, email address or phone number you have registered with us.

By going ahead with a Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited quote or policy or by giving us personal information including sensitive personal information (as more particularly described in our Security and Privacy Statement) you will be explicitly agreeing to us, our agents, other insurers and the other persons described in this notice (and/or in the Security and Privacy Statement) processing it for all relevant purposes including but not limited to those described in this notice. Before you provide us with any information about others, you should make sure they are aware of how we will use their information and have agreed to this. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have obtained the permission of any such persons and have shown this notice to them to allow us to process their personal data for the purposes outlined in this notice. For our policy about taking instructions from persons other than the Policyholder, details about data transfers outside the European Economic Area, how to obtain copies of personal information and who to contact in the event of questions, please see the Security and Privacy Statement (which contains a full overview about Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited’s use of your personal information) which we expect you to read. You can view this by visiting our Privacy Policy or by contacting our Customer Services Manager at [email protected] for a hard copy.

You can obtain confirmation on what information is held about you and your previous claims on Insurance Link by visiting www.inslink.ie .

Before you travel, get a Risk assesment of your destination . Check Trip .

Travel Insurance with Covid-19 Medical & Cancellation Cover . Learn More .

Why Blue Insurance?

Online Annual European Premier Plus cover for person under 66 years holding private health insurance with medical cover abroad.

• Cancellation or Curtailment
• Emergency Medical Expenses
• Personal Accident
• Personal Money & Documents
• Personal Liability
• Missed Departure
• Holiday Abandonment

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Ireland Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for ireland.

Known for its lush green countryside, ancient castles, and lively traditions, Ireland captivates the hearts of visitors from around the world. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Dublin or marveling at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, Ireland promises a journey filled with unforgettable experiences. As you embark on your Irish adventure, you must be well-prepared for any unforeseen events. That's where travel insurance comes into play, offering coverage throughout your travels. In this guide, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of travel insurance for Ireland, helping you explore the Emerald Isle with confidence.

• What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Ireland? 

How does Travel Insurance for Ireland work?

• Do I need Travel Insurance for Ireland? 
• How much does Travel Insurance cost for Ireland? 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

• What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?
• Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Ireland?
• Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

What should your Travel Insurance cover for a trip to Ireland?

At a minimum, your travel insurance to Ireland should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State  outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage. AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Ireland.

Imagine you've planned an exciting journey to Ireland, ready to explore the historic sites and savor the scenic beauty. On the day of your departure, however, you receive news of unexpected severe weather conditions affecting your connecting flight. The airport announces a significant delay, leaving you stranded and unsure about the next steps. Here's where the "Trip Delay" benefit comes to your rescue. With this coverage, you can rest assured that your additional expenses, such as meals and accommodations during the unforeseen delay, are taken care of. In times of escalating challenges, AXA stands ready to assist you in devising a strategic course of action. Here’s how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Do I need Travel Insurance for Ireland?

 You don't have to get travel insurance for an Irish visa, but it's a good idea to follow the official advice and get yourself covered.  Here are several reasons why securing travel insurance for Ireland is recommended:

Medical Emergencies: While Ireland offers free healthcare to EU and UK residents, travelers from other regions may face substantial medical expenses in case of illness or injury. Having coverage for emergency medical expenses becomes essential so you can receive necessary medical care without worrying about hefty bills.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Trip Delays: Given Ireland's unpredictable weather conditions, having coverage for unexpected delays can be particularly relevant. Whether it's due to adverse weather affecting flights or other unforeseen circumstances, this benefit may cover additional expenses for meals and accommodations incurred while you wait for your flight.

How much does Travel Insurance cost for Ireland?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans:

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Ireland will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Ireland hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.

The Platinum Plan is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage for Ireland’s experience. " Cancel for Any Reason " offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the "Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver)" offers assistance when you're out exploring Ireland's stunning landscapes in a rental car. The "Loss Golf Days" benefit offered by the Platinum Plan is particularly beneficial for travelers visiting Ireland, a country renowned for its world-class golf courses. In the event of unexpected closures impacting your prepaid golf plans, this optional coverage offers reimbursement, allowing your golfing experience to remain pleasurable despite unforeseen disruptions.

What types of medical coverage do AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:

• Emergency Medical
• Emergency evacuation & repatriation
• Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation

Emergency medical: Covers unforeseen events such as fractures, burns, sudden illnesses, and allergic reactions.

Emergency evacuation and repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness.

Non-medical emergency evacuation and repatriation:  Assists in situations requiring immediate departure from a destination due to non-medical incidents. These events may include natural disasters or civil unrest, and the coverage provides support for evacuation.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Ireland?

As of March 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted. There is no requirement to fill out a passenger locator form, provide proof of vaccination or recovery, or undergo a COVID-19 test.

Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions?

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.   Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, 

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition that's been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation.

1. Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2. When should I buy Travel Insurance for Ireland?

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

3. Do Americans need travel insurance in Ireland?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. visitors to Ireland. However, having coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and rental cars can protect you from financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances and costly medical expenses.

4. What is needed to visit Ireland from the USA?

To enter Ireland, a valid passport is required. U.S. citizens can enjoy visa-free entry for tourism or business stays lasting up to 90 days. While there is no specific minimum passport validity requirement, it is advisable to possess a passport valid for the entire duration of your stay. Additionally, it is recommended to have evidence of ample funds to support your stay and a return airline ticket.

5. What happens if a tourist gets sick in Ireland?

If you become sick in Ireland, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance at  855-327-1442 . Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

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Travel Insurance for over 70s

Annual travel insurance from €19.95 *, affordable travel insurance.

Multitrip.com offers comprehensive travel insurance, whether you're traveling for business, pleasure, or adventure. We understand that unexpected events can occur, causing disruptions and inconvenience. That's why we are here to provide you with peace of mind by protecting your travel plans at affordable prices.

Flexible choice

Whether it's a weekend trip to Europe, a backpacker holiday to Asia, or multiple trips around the world each year, you can rest assured that with Multitrip.com you will find a travel insurance policy to suit your needs.

Expert Service

We believe that everyone deserves to travel with confidence, knowing that they are backed by a reliable and trustworthy insurance provider. Our team of experienced professionals are committed to delivering a high level of service and support, providing you with the assistance you need when you need it the most.

Covid Cover

We are committed to ensuring that you are protected against any unforeseen circumstances during your travels, including those related to COVID-19 medical and cancellation. With our enhanced coverage, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands. Learn More .

Travel Insurance Reviews from Multitrip.com Customers

So helpful on the phone and easy to get travel insurance at a great price would highly recommend. John - 5 Star Review - 31 st January 2023

Ireland's Favourite Travel Insurance Provider

Looking for travel insurance that gives you peace of mind no matter where you are? Here are three reasons to travel with Multitrip.com:

Competitive Prices

The travel insurance we offer is not only affordable, but we also allow you to compare travel insurance benefits across three levels of cover.

Multi-Award-Winning Provider

Multitrip.com is part of Cover-More Blue Insurance Services Limited, winner of numerous Best Travel Insurance Provider awards and Deloitte's Best Managed Companies Award.

Friendly Customer Service Team

Our customer service team is always happy to help you via phone, email and social media.

Easy Claims Process

The claims process is made as fast, simple and straight forward as possible. Liaise with an experienced team, committed to providing the highest standards of service.

Types of Travel Insurance

No matter what your travel style is, we’ve got a travel insurance type for you:

Planning a one-off trip? Whether it’s a long or short getaway, Single Trip Holiday Insurance could be the best option for you.

Love travelling? Save money with 1 or 2 Year Multitrip Travel Insurance - it covers unlimited trips, so you can holiday as much as you like.

Heading abroad to travel, work or study? Backpacker Holiday Insurance offers extensive protection whether you’re 18 or 49!

Travelling with children? Protect your family under one Multitrip Travel Insurance policy.

Hitting the slopes? Add Winter Sports Cover to your policy and stay protected whether you’re skiing or snowboarding.

Want to spend your retirement travelling? Find affordable holiday insurance with comprehensive cover for seniors over 70s.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Discover six of Multitrip.com's travel insurance benefits below* or explore more details here .

Cover the expenses of unused and irrecoverable travel and accommodation costs in case you need to cancel or cut short your travel.

Cover financial expenses should injury, illness or death occur during your trip outside Ireland.

Have 24/7 assistance should you require medical emergency abroad, repatriation or curtailment while on holiday.

Get cover against accidental loss of, theft of or damage to baggage/personal belongings.

Cover the expenses you become legally liable to pay if you cause another's bodily injury or property damage.

Get reimbursed for the costs of travel delays if your scheduled public transportation is delayed for over 12 hours.

Cancellation or Curtailment

Medical expenses, emergency assistance, baggage & personal belongings, personal liability, delayed departure.

*Terms & Conditions apply.

Upgrade Your Travel Insurance

Planning a holiday that’s unique to you? At Multitrip.com, you can include additional travel cover to suit your specific needs:

   Winter Sports

  travel disruption,   flight cancellation,   wedding,   business,   golf,   cruise connection,   excess waiver,   exam failure backpacker cover only, travel insurance tips.

• Purchase your policy straight after you've booked your trip:  If you buy your holiday insurance as soon as you book your flights and accommodation, Multitrip.com travel insurance can provide cover should mishaps affect your holiday before you even leave home.
• Personalise your cover to match every inch of your itinerary:  Hitting the slopes for a snowboarding sesh? Worried volcanic activity will affect your dream holiday? You can protect your bespoke trip with the additional coverage options.
• Always declare your medical conditions:  Multitrip.com travel insurance automatically covers a number of medical conditions, but if yours isn't listed, be sure to contact the Medical Screening line to find out more about the options available.

Our Travel Insurance is underwritten by

• Travel Insurance
• Best Travel Insurance Companies

11 Best Travel Insurance Companies Of May 2024

Expert Reviewed

Updated: May 6, 2024, 12:22pm

We evaluated 39 policies and found that Travel Insured International, WorldTrips and Travel Safe are among the best travel insurance companies. We evaluated costs and a variety of coverage features to find the best options. See all our top picks.

Considering Travel Insurance?

Via Forbes Advisor's Website

• Best “Cancel For Any Reason” Travel Insurance
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The Best Travel Insurance Companies: Summary

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We assessed cost, travel medical and evacuation limits, baggage and trip delay benefits, the availability of cancellation and interruption upgrades, and more. Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the methodology  for the ratings below.

• 39 travel insurance policies evaluated
• 1,482 coverage details analyzed
• 102 years of insurance experience on the editorial team

Our Picks For The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best for non-medical evacuation, travel insured international.

Top-scoring plan

Worldwide Trip Protector

Average price

Medical & evacuation limits per person

$100,000/$1 million

We recommend Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector policy because it offers robust benefits at the lowest average price among top-rated plans we analyzed. We also like its superior non-medical evacuation coverage.

• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrades available.
• Top-notch non-medical evacuation benefits of $150,000 per person.
• Good travel delay and baggage delay benefits kick in after just a 3-hour delay.

More: Travel Insured International Travel Insurance Review

I have been working with Travel Insured for over 15 years, and have been using them almost exclusively. Typically, they have been quite responsive and pay their claims in a timely fashion. – Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, chief experience officer of Live Well, Travel Often

• Medical coverage of $100,000 per person is on the low side compared to top competitors but might be enough for your needs.
• Missed connection benefits of $500 are low compared to top-rated competitors and for cruise and tours only.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Worldwide Trip Protector policy.

Also included:

• Pet kennel benefits of up to $500 are included if you return home three hours or more later than your planned return date.

Optional add-ons offered:

• Rental car damage and theft coverage of up to $50,000.
• Event ticket protection pays up to $1,000 if you can’t attend for a reason covered by the policy.
• Travel inconvenience coverage allows you to recoup money for unforeseen circumstances, such as closed beaches and attractions, rainy weather, tarmac delays and more.
• Bed rest benefits pay up to $4,000 if a doctor requires you to stay on bed rest for at least 48 hours during your trip.

GREAT FOR ADD-ON COVERAGE

Atlas Journey Premier

Average cost

$150,000/$1 million

We like the Atlas Journey Premier plan for its wide choice of add-ons. These add-ons provide extra coverage for pets traveling with you, adventure sports, destination weddings, hunting and fishing equipment and more. We also like that this plan has a low average cost compared to competitors.

• Very good travel delay benefits of $2,000 per person after only 5 hours.
• Very good missed connection coverage of $2,000 per person after 3 hours.

Another option is the Atlas Journey Preferred plan, but this policy doesn’t offer the “interruption for any reason” upgrade and has lower travel medical benefits of $100,000 per person. Still, it hits all the marks for great benefits at a low price. It also offers lots of choices for add-on coverage.

More: WorldTrips Travel Insurance Review

WorldTrips offers a streamlined process for purchasing insurance online and filing claims. A user-friendly interface and efficient claims handling contribute to a positive customer experience and increased satisfaction. – Joe Cronin , advisory board member

• Medical coverage limits of $150,000 aren’t as high compared to some top-rated competitors but you might find it’s sufficient.
• Baggage delay benefits have a 12-hour waiting period.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Atlas Journey Premier policy.

• Travel inconvenience benefits of $750 if your arrival home is delayed due to a transportation delay and you can’t work for at least two days, your flight lands at a different airport than scheduled, your passport is stolen and can’t be reissued, and more.
• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” coverage.
• Destination wedding coverage in case the wedding is canceled.
• Baggage insurance upgrade to $4,000 per person.
• Rental car theft and damage coverage of $50,000.
• Political or security evacuation benefits of $150,000 per person.
• Vacation rental accommodations coverage of $500 if unclean or overbooked.
• Adventure sports add-on to extend coverage to safaris, bungee jumping and more.
• Hunting and fishing coverage for equipment and cancellation due to government restrictions.
• School activities coverage if trip has to be canceled due a test, sporting event, etc.

BEST FOR MISSED CONNECTIONS

Classic Plus Plan

TravelSafe’s Classic Plus plan stood out in our analysis for its superior missed connection benefits of $2,500. We also like the Classic Plus plan’s top-notch medical evacuation coverage of $1 million.

• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade available.
• Superior baggage loss coverage limits of $2,500.
• Great travel delay limits of $2,000 per person after a 6-hour delay.

More: TravelSafe Travel Insurance Review

TravelSafe packs essential coverage into budget-friendly rates without skimping on key benefits, and its responsive claims handling preserves peace of mind. – Timon van Basten, tour guide and founder of Travel Spain 24

• $100,000 in medical benefits is on the low side compared to top competitors but might be sufficient for your needs.
• Baggage delay coverage is a little skimpy at $250 per person after a 12-hour delay.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Classic Plus policy.

• Itinerary change coverage of $250 per person if your travel supplier makes a change that forces you to lose non-refundable costs for missed activities.
• Reimburses $300 for fees if you have to redeposit frequent traveler awards for reasons covered by your trip cancellation insurance.
• Pet kennel coverage of $100 a day if your return home is delayed by 24 hours or more due to a reason covered in your policy.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% of lost trip costs.
• Accidental death and dismemberment for flights, up to $500,000 per person.
• Rental car damage and theft up to $35,000.
• Business equipment and sports equipment coverage of $1,000 if lost, stolen or damaged.

BEST FOR POLICY PERKS

Cruise Luxury

Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury plan is one of our favorites because it has a treasure trove of benefits such as “interruption for any reason” and “cancel for work reasons” coverage. You can upgrade to “cancel for any reason” coverage. Some competitors offer none or one of those options. We also like its excellent missed connection benefit of $2,500 per person.

Note that you do not have to be going on a cruise to take advantage of this policy’s coverage.

• “Interruption for any reason” benefit of $1,000 per person is included.
• Includes $25,000 per person in non-medical evacuation benefits for problems such as a natural disaster or security or political problem.
• Good travel delay benefits of $1,000 per person.

More: Nationwide Travel Insurance Review

Count me in as a believer in Nationwide’s trusted track record in insurance. Their travel policies check all the boxes, especially for cruises. My only gripe is that some of their medical limits seem lower than other guys. But the rates are easy on the wallet. – Tim Schmidt, travel expert, entrepreneur, published travel author and founder of All World

• Medical coverage of $150,000 per person is lower than most other top-rated plans but might be sufficient for your needs.
• 24-hour delay required for hurricane and weather coverage, compared to some competitor policies with only a 12-hour delay requirement.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Cruise Luxury policy.

• Inconvenience benefit of $250 per person if your cruise ship’s arrival at the next port of call is delayed for two or more hours due to mechanical breakdown or fire.
• “Interruption for any reason” up to $1,000.
• Coverage for extension of the school year, terrorism in an itinerary city, work-related emergency issues.
• Coverage if the CDC issues a health warning at your destination.

Optional add-on offered:

• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade that provides 75% reimbursement of insured trip cost if you cancel two or more days prior to your departure for a reason not listed in the base policy.

BEST FOR CUSTOMIZATION

Travel Guard Deluxe

The Travel Guard Deluxe plan impressed us with its optional pet, wedding, security, baggage, medical, adventures sports and travel inconvenience upgrades. These add-ons allow you to customize the policy to your needs. We also like that the policy includes benefits if, under certain conditions, you must start your trip earlier than planned—a feature not found in all policies.

• Offers upgrades to meet the needs and budgets of many kinds of travelers.
• Includes $100,000 per person for security evacuation and superior medical evacuation coverage of $1 million per person.
• Provides up to $750 per person for “travel inconveniences” such as a flight delay to your return destination, runway delays and cruise diversions.
• Has good travel delay coverage of $1,000 per person, with a short waiting period of 5 hours.

More: AIG Travel Insurance Review

AIG’s TravelGuard offers an easy-to-use online platform for purchasing insurance and filing claims. A streamlined process minimizes hassle for customers, making it convenient to obtain coverage and receive reimbursement for eligible expenses. – Joe Cronin , advisory board member

• The Travel Guard Deluxe policy has robust coverage across the board but also a high average cost ($539) compared to other top-rated policies.
• Medical expense coverage of $100,000 per person is on the low side but might be adequate for your needs.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Travel Guard Deluxe policy.

• Travel inconvenience benefits of $750 total ($250 per problem) if you encounter issues such as closed attractions, cruise diversion, hotel infestation, hotel construction and more.
• Trip exchange benefits of 50% of your trip cost that pay the difference in price between your original reservation and the new one.
• Ancillary evacuation benefits up to $5,000 for expenses related to return of children, bedside visits, baggage return and more.
• Flight accidental death and dismemberment coverage of $100,000 per person.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade.
• Rental vehicle damage coverage.
• “Name Your Family” upgrade allows you to add a person to your policy who will qualify for family member-related unforeseen events that can apply to claims for trip cancellation and interruption.
• Adventure Sports Bundle for adventure and extreme activities.
• Pet Bundle for boarding and medical expenses for illness or injury of dog or cat while traveling. Includes trip cancellation or trip interruption if your pet is in critical condition or dies within seven days before your departure.
• Wedding Bundle to cover trip cancellation due to wedding cancellation. Sorry cold-feeters: Coverage does not apply if you are the bride or groom.

The Travel Guard Preferred plan also earned 4.3 stars in our analysis. We recommend this policy if you’re looking for a lower price and don’t need the higher coverage amounts provided by the Deluxe plan. The Preferred plan provides $50,000 for medical expenses and $500,000 for medical evacuation benefits per person.

GREAT FOR MEDICAL & EVACUATION COVERAGE

Seven corners.

Trip Protection Choice

$500,000/$1 million

We like Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Choice plan because it has superior travel medical expenses and evacuation benefits. It also provides great upgrade options and benefits across the board.

• “Cancel for any reason” and “interruption for any reason” upgrade available.
• Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person.
• Includes $20,000 for non-medical evacuation

More: Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review

With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Seven Corners has built a reputation for reliability and customer service. Their track record of handling claims efficiently and providing support to customers in need adds to their credibility. Their Choice plan offers primary coverage, meaning they will pay all claims as if they are the primary insurer, so your claims will be processed faster. – Joe Cronin , advisory board member

• Hurricane and weather coverage has a 48-hour delay, compared to some competitors that require only 12-hour delays.
• Average cost ($527) is only so-so compared to other top-rated policies we evaluated.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Trip Protection Choice policy.

• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage of $40,000 per person for qualifying common carrier events
• Change fee compensation of $300 per person if you have to change your flight or original travel arrangements due to qualifying events.
• Pet kennel benefits of $500 if your return home is delayed by six hours or more due to qualifying missed connection, interruption or delay problems.
• Frequent traveler coverage of $500 to pay for the cost to redeposit awards due to a trip cancellation caused by a reason listed in your policy.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” coverage.
• Rental car damage coverage of $35,000.
• Sports & golf equipment rental coverage up to $5,000.
• Event ticket fee registration coverage of $15,000 if you can’t attend an event due to unforeseen reasons listed in trip cancellation and interruption coverage.

BEST FOR BAGGAGE

Axa assistance usa.

Platinum Plan

$250,000/$1 million

AXA’s Platinum plan is among our favorites because it hits all the high points for coverage that you’ll want if you’re looking for top-notch protection, including excellent baggage benefits of $3,000 per person. Excellent medical and non-medical evacuation benefits are another reason we like the Platinum plan.

• Generous medical and evacuation limits, plus $100,000 per person in non-medical evacuation—among the highest for plans we analyzed.
• Coverage for lost ski days, lost golf rounds and sports equipment rental.

More: AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance Review

AXA Assistance USA impresses with its strong global reach and access to an extensive network of medical providers. This is particularly valuable in travel insurance, where emergencies can occur in any part of the world. Their attention to detail in crafting policies that include benefits for trip cancellations and interruptions adds a layer of security that reaffirms their strengths in protecting travelers against a wide array of potential issues. – John Crist, founder of Prestizia Insurance

• Travel delay and baggage coverage kicks in only after a 12-hour delay.
• The average cost for the Platinum plan is only so-so compared to other top-rated plans, although you do get robust coverage for the money.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Platinum policy.

• “Cancel for any reason” coverage
• Rental car damage coverage of $50,000.
• Lost ski days
• Lost golf rounds

GREAT FOR PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION COVERAGE

Generali global assistance.

Generali’s Premium policy stood out in our analysis for its generous window for pre-existing condition coverage. Travelers with pre-existing conditions can get coverage as long as you buy a Premium policy up to or within 24 hours of your final trip deposit. Competitors often have a deadline of 10 to 20 days after making your first trip deposit .

We also like the policy’s excellent trip interruption insurance and superior medical evacuation benefits of $1 million per person.

• Excellent trip interruption coverage of up to 175% of your trip costs.
• Very good baggage loss coverage at $2,000 per person.

More: Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance Review

Generali Global Assistance excels in providing user-friendly services and efficient claims processing, which enhances customer experience significantly. Their policies are particularly valuable due to the inclusion of concierge services, which can be a lifesaver during unforeseen travel disruptions. – Pradeep Guragain, co-founder of Magical Nepal

• If you want “cancel for any reason” coverage you must buy it within 24 hours of making your initial trip deposit, compared to 10 to 20 days from top competitors.
• This plan’s “cancel for any reason” coverage will reimburse you for only 60% of lost trip costs; most competitors provide 75%.
• Baggage delay benefits kick in only after a 12-hour delay.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Premium policy.

• Rental car coverage for theft and damage of $25,000.
• Sporting equipment coverage of $2,000.
• Sporting equipment delay coverage of $500.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade that reimburses you 60% of your insured trip cost if you cancel at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Travelex insurance services.

Travel Select

$50,000/$500,000

We recommend Travelex’s Travel Select plan for families because it provides coverage for children at no extra cost (when accompanied by an adult covered by the policy). Its average price is also among the lowest among the companies we evaluated, making it an option to take a look at

• Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person after a 5-hour delay.

More: Travelex Travel Insurance Review

Travelex is a go-to for many of our clients due to its straightforward coverage options and ease of use. The company excels in offering plans that are simple to understand, which is great for first-time buyers of travel insurance. However, their basic plans might lack the depth of coverage seen with more premium offerings. – Jim Campbell, independent travel agent and founder of Honeymoons.com

• Medical coverage of $50,000 per person is on the low side, but you can buy an upgrade to double it.
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 12-hour delay and has a low $200 per person limit.
• Missed connection benefits of $750 per person are lower than many other competitors.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Travel Select policy.

• Sporting and golf equipment delay benefits of $200 after 24 hours or more.

Optional add-ons & upgrades offered:

• Medical coverage upgrade to $100,000 per person.
• Medical evacuation upgrade to $1 million per person.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage of 75% (up to max of $7,500).
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage of $200,000 per person for flights.
• Financial default coverage if your travel supplier goes out of business that provides 100% reimbursement of your insured trip cost.
• Car rental collision coverage of $35,000.
• Adventure sports upgrade to cover activities that would otherwise be excluded.

BEST FOR TRIP INTERRUPTION

Hth worldwide.

TripProtector Preferred Plan

We were impressed by TripProtector Preferred’s superior trip interruption benefits—200% of the trip cost. Most competitors provide 150%. Luxury-level benefits are another reason we recommend the TripProtector Preferred plan.

• Top-notch coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation.
• Coverage for adventure sports—such as zip-lining, snowmobiling, whitewater rafting, and more—are included.
• Very good travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person after a 6-hour delay.

More: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Review

My experience with HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance has been positive. While their policies may come at a slightly higher cost, the peace of mind and level of coverage they offer make it worth considering for travelers seeking comprehensive protection. HTH Worldwide stands out for its extensive coverage of medical emergencies, which is essential for international travel. Their policies are flexible, allowing travelers to customize coverage based on their specific requirements, and their worldwide assistance services ensure travelers have access to support wherever they are in the world. – Kevin Mercier, travel expert and founder of Kevmrc.com

• Higher average price ($602) compared to most companies we evaluated, but you’re buying robust benefits.
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 12-hour delay.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the TripProtector Preferred policy.

• Pet medical expense coverage of $250 if your dog or cat traveling with you gets injured or sick during your trip.
• Rental car coverage of $35,000 for damage and theft.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade available that provides 75% reimbursement of trip costs if you cancel at least two days prior to your scheduled departure.

GREAT FOR CRUISE ITINERARY CHANGE/INCONVENIENCE

Cruise Choice

$100,000/$500,000

The Cruise Choice plan gets our attention for its compensation if you miss activities because your cruise ship changes its itinerary and for the inconvenience of delays to the next port of call. The Cruise Choice plan’s competitive price is another reason we recommend taking a look.

• Includes ”interruption for any reason” coverage of $500 if you buy policy within 14 days of trip deposit.
• Includes $25,000 per person in non-medical evacuation benefits.
• Provides benefits if your cruise ship has a fire or mechanical breakdown that delays arrival at the next port of call for two or more hours.

Nationwide stands out primarily for its versatility in coverage options catering to diverse travel needs—a vital advantage often overlooked by travelers until they face a mishap. They have built a robust system for handling claims efficiently, which I find crucial for travel insurance, where timely support can dramatically impact the customer experience. – John Crist, founder of Prestizia Insurance

• Medical coverage of $100,000 per person is lower than most other top-rated plans but might be sufficient for your needs.
• 24-hour delay required for hurricane and weather coverage, compared to many competitors with shorter required times.
• “Cancel for any reason” coverage not available.

Here’s a look at whether top coverage types are included in the Cruise Choice policy.

• Shipboard service disruption of $200 per person if your cruise ship has a fire or mechanical breakdown that delays the next port of call for 2 or more hours or changes the scheduled itinerary.
• Coverage for an extended school year, terrorism in an itinerary city and work-related emergency issues.

These policies offer the highest level of medical coverage among the plans that we judged to be the best.

These policies offer the highest level of emergency medical coverage among the plans in our top picks.

These policies offer the highest maximum coverage limits for travel delays among the plans that we judged to be the best.

Nationwide’s Cruise Luxury policy offers the highest maximum coverage for delayed baggage among the plans that were our top picks.

Comprehensive travel insurance policies package together a number of valuable benefits. You can also buy policies that cover only trip cancellation or only medical expenses. With the wide variety of travel insurance plans available, you can find coverage levels that will fit your budget and trip needs.

Problems not covered by travel insurance tend to be similar among policies. We recommend that you read a policy’s exclusions so you’re not caught by surprise later if you try to make a claim. Typical exclusions include:

• Injuries from high-risk activities such as scuba diving.
• Problems that happen because you were drunk or using drugs.
• Medical tourism such as going abroad for a face lift or other elective procedure.
• Lost or stolen cash.

The average cost of travel insurance is 6% of your trip cost , based on our analysis. The cost of travel insurance is usually mainly based on the age of travelers and the trip cost being insured.

Unlike many other types of insurance, there are usually only a few factors that go into travel insurance pricing.

You can buy travel insurance from a travel agent, website or a travel supplier like an airline or cruise company. We’ve bought travel insurance online and it’s relatively easy. In our experience you can purchase a policy online within a few minutes.

• Begin shopping for a policy right after you make your first trip deposit. It’s wise to buy travel insurance right after you make your first trip deposit. That way you get the maximum length of time for cancellation coverage. Plus, you’ll qualify for time-sensitive benefits, such as CFAR and pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers .
• Start by estimating your non-refundable trip cost. If you’re unsure of your trip cost, estimate the amount and then update it later with the travel insurance company, as long as it’s before your departure date.
• Get quotes online or through a travel insurance agent. To get a quote, you typically need the travelers’ ages (or dates of birth), destination, travel dates, and the trip cost being insured.
• Assess policy options and prices. You’ll usually be presented with a selection of policies at different price points, with the more expensive ones usually providing higher coverage levels. Look at the coverage limits for each line item so you know what you’re buying. Once you select a policy, you can buy it online.
• Review the policy. You usually have two weeks or so to further review the policy. If you change your mind, you can get a refund, as long as it’s during the specified review period.

Here are some reasons you may need travel insurance.

You’re Traveling Overseas and Your Health Plan Doesn’t Have Global Coverage

Many health plans lack robust global coverage, or impose high out-of-network deductibles for care outside the U.S. We suggest that you check your health plan details to see what it provides outside the U.S. Travel medical insurance fills the gap.

You’re Going to a Remote Area or Out to Sea

If you won’t be near any quality medical facilities, even a small injury could turn into a major medical event. Medical evacuation coverage will pay to medevac you to an adequate facility.

You’re Traveling to a Hurricane-Prone Destination

If you’re concerned about hurricanes or other severe weather affecting your travel plans, you’ll want to make sure to buy a travel insurance policy that has trip interruption and trip cancellation insurance for hurricanes and other weather events.

If your trip is interrupted or canceled due to severe weather, you can file a claim and be reimbursed 100% for prepaid, non-refundable deposits.

To be eligible to file a travel insurance claim because of a storm, you must have bought your policy before the storm was named. Also, generally one of the following requirements must be met:

• Your destination is under a hurricane warning.
• Your destination is uninhabitable due to severe weather.
• Your (common carrier) airline is delayed for a specified amount of time listed in your policy—for example, six hours.

You Want Emergency Backup

The 24/7 travel assistance lines that are included with travel insurance can assist you with finding a pharmacy, language translation, replacing a lost passport and much more.

You Will Lose a Lot of Money in Non-Refundable Deposits if You Cancel the Trip

You want trip cancellation coverage you’re worried about the money you will lose if you have to cancel the trip.

Trip cancellation will cover 100% of the prepaid money you’ll lose, as long as you cancel for a reason listed in the policy. Problems typically covered for trip cancellation insurance claims include sickness, injury, severe weather, natural disasters, jury duty and more.

Ask an expert

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Policy

Shayla Northcutt

Forbes Advisor board member

Michelle Megna

Insurance Lead Editor

Insurance Managing Editor

Les Masterson

Insurance Editor

Ashlee Valentine

Assess Your Needs, Read Reviews

Choosing the right travel insurance policy is like packing an essential item for your trip—you never know when you might need it. I recommend considering not only your travel plans, but also who you are traveling with and their circumstances as well as personal health requirements. That way you can find a policy that offers peace of mind, covering everything from lost luggage to unexpected medical emergencies. It’s also crucial to look into each insurer’s customer service reputation and the ease of their claims process, because if something does happen, you’ll want support that’s both reliable and accessible.

Purchase a Policy When You Book Your Trip

I strongly recommend buying travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way you get the maximum length of coverage for trip cancellation benefits. I don’t think many people realize that buying a policy shortly after you make your first deposit also makes you eligible to buy upgrades, such as “cancel for any reason” coverage, and to get other time-sensitive benefits, such as a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver.

Buy Travel Medical Insurance for International Trips

If you’re traveling outside of the U.S., I would make sure you buy a policy with ample travel medical and emergency medical evacuation insurance. It’s important because you may have little to no coverage under your U.S. health plan. Look for a policy where the medical insurance is primary, meaning the policy will pay out first, before any other health insurance you have.

Review Travel Delay and Missed Connection Benefits

If you’re flying to your destination, your itinerary could be derailed by weather, airplane mechanical issues or missed connections. If you’re  worried about paying extra money due to a delay or missed connections, I recommend that you look for a policy that has a generous amount of travel delay and missed connection insurance.

Determine If You Need Adventure Activities Coverage

If you plan to participate in extreme sports or adventure excursions, I suggest buying a plan that specifically covers these activities, as they’re often excluded. A travel insurance agent can help you pinpoint a policy that will cover your particular adventures.

Decide How Much Flexibility You Want

I like the idea of “cancel for any reason” travel insurance because you never know what life will bring, and unfortunately it might bring a reason to cancel a trip that’s not covered by the base policy. Having CFAR coverage ensures you can get partial reimbursement for any oddball problems that crop up.

Americans are ready to take trips abroad in May: 86% of travel insurance purchases for trips taking place May 1-31, 2024, are for international trips, based on our analysis of policy sales.

Italy is the top international destination for trips this month, followed by Great Britain and France. In addition:

• The average trip cost being insured for people traveling outside the U.S. in May is $6,339.
• The average trip cost being insured for folks traveling within the U.S. this month is $7,111.
• Americans traveling internationally are paying an average of $405 for their travel insurance policies for May trips and domestic travelers are paying an average of $228.

Average Trip Cost for Popular Destinations

Here’s how average trip costs for five popular destinations are trending over the next three months. Numbers reflect the average of non-refundable trip costs being insured.

• Italy. After a near-record high in April, spending on trips is dipping in May and June, but a significant spike is trending for July trips.
• France. Average trip costs are climbing in May and June, then dropping back down in July.
• Great Britain. Spending on trips is increasing in May and June, with a major uptick in July.
• Japan. Average costs for trips in May are on the rise, but falling in June and July.
• Mexico. Travelers are spending more on trips in May compared to April, but less in June and July.

Forbes Advisor researched and analyzed 39 policies to find the best travel insurance. When companies had more than one travel insurance policy we used the highest-scoring plan. Ratings are based on the following metrics.

Cost (25% of score): We analyzed the average cost for each travel insurance policy for trips to popular destinations:

• Couple, age 30 for a Mexico trip costing $3,000.
• Couple, age 40, for an Italy trip costing $6,000.
• Family of four for an Italy trip costing $15,000.
• Family of four for a France trip costing $15,000.
• Family of four for a U.K. trip costing $15,000.
• Couple, age 65, for an Italy trip costing $6,000.
• Couple, age 70, for a Mexico trip costing $3,000.

Missed connection coverage (10% of score): Travel insurance policies were awarded more points if they include missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more.

Medical expenses (10% of score): Travel insurance policies with travel medical expense benefits of $250,000 and up per person were given the highest points.

Medical evacuation (10% of score): Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 and up per person were given the highest points.

“Cancel for any reason” upgrade (10%): Travel insurance policies received points if “cancel for any reason” upgrades are offered. More points were awarded for “cancel for any reason” upgrades with reimbursement levels of 75%.

Baggage delay required waiting time (5%): Policies with baggage delay benefits kicking in at 12 hours or less were given points.

Cancel for work reasons (5%): Travel insurance plans that allow cancellations for work reasons were awarded points.

Hurricane and weather (5%): Policies received points if the required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage was 12 hours or less.

“Interruption for any reason” upgrade (5%): Policies were awarded points if they offered an “interruption for any reason” upgrade.

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver (5%): Points were given to policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions (if purchased within a required timeframe after the first trip deposit).

Travel delay required waiting time (5%): Policies with travel delay benefits kicking in after six hours or less were given points.

Trip interruption travel insurance (5%): Points were given if trip interruption reimbursement is 150% or higher.

Read more: How Forbes Advisor rates travel insurance companies

While these policies were not among our winners, they may still be good options based on your travel needs. Many of these plans have lower coverage limits, which may be suitable depending on your trip.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of policy that reimburses you for money you lose from non-refundable deposits and payments when something goes wrong on your trip. These problems can range from lost baggage to flight delays to medical problems.

The more you’re spending on your trip, the more you likely need travel insurance. This is especially true for international trips and cruises, where travel problems become more expensive to solve.

What do I need for travel insurance?

The information you need to buy travel insurance includes the trip cost being insured, your age, your destination, length of trip and age. Buying travel insurance online is relatively easy. You don’t have to answer a lot of questions, and you can update your trip cost and itinerary later if plans change, as long as you do so before your departure.

Is there travel insurance for multiple trips?

While standard travel insurance plans are meant to cover one-time trips, frequent travelers should consider an annual travel insurance plan. These plans cover the same issues as a single-trip plan, such as trip cancellation and emergency medical situations. But they also offer the convenience of a one-time purchase for multiple trips.

What type of travel insurance do I need for my parents visiting me in the U.S.?

Travel insurance for parents visiting the U.S. is generally a travel medical insurance policy that helps pay medical costs if they get sick or injured during their visit. There are two main types of visitors medical insurance:

• Limited policies that have fixed benefits: These generally set a cap for what they’ll pay for each medical treatment that’s covered. You may need to pay a deductible for each medical illness or injury and then the policy will pay 100% after that, up to the cap. For example, coverage for an X-ray might be capped at $250.
• Comprehensive visitors insurance policies: These typically cost more but have more robust coverage and don’t put a cap on specific medical problems.

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• Travel Insurance for Parents Visiting the U.S.

Get Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the best insurance companies and helpful information on how to find the best travel, auto, home, health, life, pet, and small business coverage for your needs.

Michelle is a lead editor at Forbes Advisor. She has been a journalist for over 35 years, writing about insurance for consumers for the last decade. Prior to covering insurance, Michelle was a lifestyle reporter at the New York Daily News, a magazine editor covering consumer technology, a foreign correspondent for Time and various newswires and local newspaper reporter.

Shayla Northcutt is the CEO and founder of Northcutt Travel Agency and a leading world travel expert. Her main expertise includes destination weddings, honeymoons, large group travel, family travel, world travel and travel insurance. Northcutt appears regularly on KHOU 11 and ABC 13 Eyewitness News, among other media outlets, providing guidance on travel insurance for consumers. Her first-hand knowledge of destinations and resorts makes her a leading travel professional. Northcutt is married to an amazing husband and is a mom to two boys, Cayman and Crockett. She found a passion in travel and exploration of all the things the world had to offer. Feeling such a strong connection to the travel industry, she decided to open Northcutt Travel Agency in 2017. Northcutt has visited different parts of Europe numerous times, and has visited over 350 resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean leading to detailed first-hand knowledge of the resorts. She has also sailed on multiple cruise lines, giving her experience with the cruise world as well. The other places Northcutt has visited, and now helps people plan, include Disney, Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, Thailand and all major cruise lines.

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Travel Insurance Quotes .

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind that, should something go wrong while travelling, you have financial protection. Travel insurance covers travel disruption, illness or accident, lost or stolen possessions, lost baggage, or having to cancel or cut short your holiday.

Table of Content

Who provides travel insurance quotes in Ireland

Types of travel insurance policies

• Single trip travel insurance
• Annual or multi trip travel insurance
• Backpacking travel insurance
• Over 70’s travel insurance
• Family travel insurance

What is included as standard with health insurance

Add ons for travel insurance policies

How much are travel insurance quotes

How to lower the price of travel insurance quotes

Get a travel insurance quote today

Who provides travel insurance quotes in Ireland?

There are multiple providers of travel insurance in ireland. Most offer varying levels of cover and a variety of forms of additional cover.

Types of Travel Insurance Policy

There is an array of types of travel insurance but they can be generally categorised by either the length of time you will be away for or specific forms of travel insurance for specific types of travel.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

This form of travel insurance offers protection for a single holiday to one location usually for less than 30 days. The price may vary by location, depending on whether you are going to Europe or further afield such as the USA or CAnada or if you need worldwide cover.

Annual or Multi Trip Travel Insurance

Annual / multi trip policies cover you for multiple holidays (usually each of less than 30 days duration) within a year to multiple destinations, depending on the cover you choose. 

These types of policy can offer a higher level of cover than single trip policies, for example, the limits of medical emergency cover may be higher.

Backpacking Travel Insurance

Backpacking travel insurance offers protection for multiple destinations within a year, or even two years, without any limit on the duration of your stay. 

Backpacking travel insurance is essential for long term travellers, as it will offer financial protection should a medical emergency arise, and also for disrupted or missed travel arrangements, as well as lost or stolen possessions.

Over 70’s Travel Insurance

Over 70’s travel insurance is specifically for protecting the over ‘70’s. Over 70’s travel insurance is specifically designed to cater for older travellers who may have more than one pre existing health condition.

Family Travel Insurance

Family travel insurance is designed to cover a family group with more affordable children’s cover included in the policy. Some family health insurance policies have elements of travel cover included but may not cover all travel related eventualities.

What is included as standard with travel insurance?

Some benefits are included in all travel insurance policies. These would usually be included as standard in all policies, but it is a good idea to check this for a specific policy you are considering.

24/7 Support

• Medical Emergency and Repatriation Cover

Travel Disruption

• Cancellation or Curtailment of your holiday

Lost or Delayed Baggage

• Lost or Stolen Money or Possessions Cover
• Personal Liability

Personal Accident

It is invaluable to have support should something go wrong when you are on holiday. Having information and local knowledge can make a huge difference if something goes wrong.

Medical Emergency Cover and Repatriation

Emergency medical treatment, as well as medical evacuation, and repatriation home are included in all travel insurance policies. The amounts covered may seem very high, but it is really important to have adequate cover should the worst happen.

If you have private health insurance, you may have some protection for international medical treatment in an emergency and , if you have this kind of cover, you will get a reduction on the your travel insurance premium.

Travel disruption can mean different things, depending on the policy, but generally you will be financially protected or receive some compensation if flights are cancelled or delayed past a certain point.

This kind of protection is becoming more necessary as airport disruption and travel delays are more widespread post Covid. Airport delays, as well as strikes and protests among airport staff, may cause travel delays and it is important to check what is covered when purchasing your travel insurance.

Cancellation Curtailment of your Holiday

Cancellation or curtailment of your holiday offers financial protection if you have to cancel your holiday due to death or serious illness of a close family member.Curtailment cover usually involves illness of a member of the party travelling.

Like travel disruption cover, it is important to check what is covered in your policy. Natural disasters, such as wildfires,  would not automatically be covered under this aspect of your travel insurance. You may need to purchase additional cover for natural disasters, if available from your insurer.

Baggage that is delayed or lost in transit should generally be protected by travel insurance, however there will probably be overall and single item limits on this cover. 

There may also be a time factor, where your baggage has to be lost or delayed past a certain time frame to be covered.

Lost or Stolen Personal Money & Possessions While Abroad

Losing your passport, possessions, or money or having belongings stolen on holiday will, subject to limits, be covered by travel insurance. It is a good idea not to bring valuables on holiday as their value may be above the limits in your policy.

Personal Liability Cover

Personal liability cover will offer you protection if you are responsible for an accident, or if you damage another person’s property while on holiday. The maximum amount of cover varies between policies.

Most, but not all, travel insurance policies offer cover if you have an accident whilst on your holiday. If your accident while on holiday causes you injury or disablement, you will have financial protection.

It is important to note that this type of cover will generally not include active, sports holidays, or winter sports and you will have to arrange specific, additional cover for this type of travel.

Unless you purchase more specific cover, Covid 19 cover is, generally, limited to being unable to travel due to a diagnosis of Covid 19. You should also check the DFA website before travel for any COVID related advisories.

What add ons can you get for travel insurance?

Travel insurance offers a number of forms of additional protection. Some additional cover is to enhance protection included in more standard travel insurance eg. travel disruption, and some additional cover is for specific forms of travel eg. winter sports. 

Here are some examples of additional cover available:

• Natural Disaster or Civic Unrest cover
• Winter Sports Cover
• Cruise travel insurance
• Wedding travel insurance
• Golf travel insurance
• Business travel insurance

Travel disruption cover is enhanced protection if your holiday is disrupted by airport delays or strikes or you are forced to abandon your holiday due to extreme weather, natural disaster, or disease outbreak. 

Although travel disruption is included in all travel insurance the specific details can vary between insurers and policies and enhanced travel disruption cover offers higher levels of protection.

Natural Disaster / Civic Unrest Cover

Like the additional travel disruption cover, these types of additional cover offer enhanced protection in case of adverse weather or natural disaster or civic unrest or strikes. Again, it is really important to carefully examine what protection you are offered.

Winter Sports

For those who wish to participate in skiing or other winter sports or extreme sports, additional winter sports cover or sports cover offers protection and enhanced personal accident protection.

This cover may be available as standard on some policies but is usually an additional option.

Cruise Cover

Cruise cover offers protection for cruise travel. For example, if you are relying on air travel or public transport to travel to your designated cruise departure point and experience a delay, cruise travel insurance will offer financial protection.

Wedding Travel Cover

Wedding   travel offers protection to those who travel for their wedding and provides additional cover for personal possessions associated with weddings. Check with the DFA before travel as countries listed as advisory status will usually not be covered by insurance policies.

Golf Travel Insurance

Golf travel insurance offers additional protection for golf equipment and also specific protection. if you are too unwell to play on your golf holiday. Check with your travel carrier in advance of travel about their rules regarding sports equipment.

Business Travel Insurance

Business travel insurance offers enhanced protection if you are travelling for business purposes. It may offer higher levels of cover for electronics. Some business insurance will offer financial protection if you are ill and have to curtail your business trip.

How much is a travel insurance quote?

Travel insurance quotes will vary by provider, but single, shorter trip quotes for travel in Europe without additional options, will be cheaper than quotes for other policies.

Travel in Europe is cheaper than travel worldwide, and travel to the US and Canada is usually more expensive again, due to the high cost of healthcare in these destinations.

Additional options, such as travel disruption or winter sports, will increase the quote you can get for travel insurance.

If you have private health insurance, you will pay less for travel insurance.

Here are some examples of quotes for travel insurance.

Travel Insurance Quote 1:

Single trip to Europe for one week for a family of 4, both parents aged 40 and children aged 10 & 8, with private health insurance.

Travel Insurance Quote 2:

Backpacker, worldwide incl. USA/ Canada cover, for 6 months, age 22.

Travel Insurance Quote 3:

Business traveller, age 47, travelling to US, Brazil, UK, for ten days.

Travel Insurance Quote 4:

Golf Holiday, 1 week in EU, for a couple ages 47, 46 including additional catastrophe cover, couple has health insurance.

Travel Insurance Quote 5:

Skiing holiday for a single traveller, aged 29, with winter sports cover, in EU for 2 weeks, no private health insurance.

Travel Insurance Quote 6:

Single traveller to UK for one week, aged 78, with private health insurance.

How to lower the price of travel insurance?

There is little you can do about your age or any health issues you may have, but you can still find more affordable travel insurance by following our advice.

Shop around

Get quotes from multiple providers to see if you can save money. Use our assessment to see how you could save.

The cheapest policy is not always the best as it may not offer you the cover you need but you can still find savings by shopping around.

You may get cheaper travel insurance by choosing a higher excess but be aware that you will need to pay the excess amount before you are protected by your travel insurance so make sure it is an amount you can afford.

You may get cheaper travel insurance by buying online. If you require more specialist travel insurance, you may also find better cover and prices online.

Buy multi trip insurance

You will save by buying multi trip insurance if you plan to travel more than once or twice a year. You may also get higher levels of cover in a multi trip policy in comparison to a cheaper single trip policy.

Only pay for what you need

If you only plan to take a city break in Europe, you will not need an expensive worldwide, winter sports travel insurance policy. 

It is important to ensure you are adequately protected and it is never wise to skimp on medical cover, you may not need extensive additional protection for the trip you are planning.

Have private health insurance

If you have private health insurance, and you let your travel insurer know about this, you will save on travel insurance. Some insurers offer a 25% discount on travel insurance for customers who have private health insurance.

Get the best travel insurance quotes today.

Travel insurance can be complex, and it can be expensive if you choose the wrong cover. If something goes wrong on holiday, you will also be glad of the peace of mind that having the right travel insurance in place can bring.

Contact us today to get advice on purchasing travel insurance at the best price for your needs.

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in May 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers, top credit cards with travel insurance, methodology, best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include various forms of travel insurance.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your travel investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 12 hours.

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for three days.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Travel Insurance For a Trip From USA to Ireland (2024)

Travel insurance for Ireland vacations can provide peace of mind and cover medical and cancellation-related expenses that sometimes arise during international travel.

in under 2 minutes

with our comparison partner, Squaremouth

Josh Lew is a travel journalist and writer based in the midwestern U.S. He has been active for the past decade, covering airlines, international destinations and ecotourism for sites like TravelPulse and TreeHugger. He currently contributes to content writing agency World Words.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Ireland is an attractive destination for tourists on both sides of the Atlantic. In 2022, 1.5 million North Americans made the trans-ocean journey to the Emerald Isle, and 2.6 million visitors landed from mainland Europe.

If you invest in a transatlantic holiday to Ireland, you must manage financial and physical risks. The best travel insurance companies offer policies covering medical emergencies, rental car damage, flight delays, flight cancellations and other common travel dangers. Here’s what to consider when choosing insurance coverage for your Ireland adventure.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Ireland?

Ireland doesn’t require travel insurance for U.S. visitors. But coverage for medical events, trip cancellations and rental cars can save you from losing money to sunk costs and expensive medical bills. The U.S. Embassy warns that U.S. health insurance may not work in Ireland, and you may have to pay healthcare expenses upfront.

Travel to Ireland often requires connecting flights. A delay or cancellation could have a snowball effect, causing you to miss the next leg of your journey or lose hotel reservations. Strong Atlantic storms or ash from volcanic eruptions in neighboring Iceland could halt flights. Trip cancellation insurance accounts for these unexpected events.

Finally, despite good driving infrastructure , Irish roads compared to U.S. roads are narrow and winding, which may challenge many American tourists. It’s a smart reason for taking car rental insurance.

Here are the five travel insurance policy types to consider when planning an Ireland getaway.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

As its name suggests, cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage pays for a trip if it gets canceled without explanation. This is important because standard trip cancellation insurance covers cancellations only if they fall into specific categories.

With a standard policy, insurers offer reimbursement if the cancellation is beyond your control. Scheduling conflicts, such as a family event or a change in relationship status with your traveling companion, won’t qualify for coverage.

CFAR coverage lets you cancel for reasons that are excluded in standard cancellation policies and still receive compensation. It can prove useful for trips to Ireland planned well in advance because it protects against conflicts that come up between your booking date and departure date.

Gear Theft Protection

Travel insurance plans often include a modest amount of coverage for lost luggage or theft. But these policies have limited payouts for gear theft. If you have a valuable phone, camera, computer or other device, insurance may not cover its full value.

According to the U.S. Department of State , theft rates in Ireland have increased in recent years, and tourists are often targets. So adding gear theft coverage could be a good idea.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Injuries, accidents and illnesses happen anywhere. Medical emergencies are especially stressful when you are traveling in an unfamiliar country. If you are hurt or ill, you will have to seek treatment from a hospital or medical clinic. This type of travel insurance covers those bills.

According to the State Department, Ireland has excellent healthcare facilities capable of providing emergency assistance and quality treatment. Unless your private medical insurance works internationally or you’re eligible for coverage through Ireland’s Department of Social Protection, you’ll pay out of pocket for care.

If you purchase travel insurance for medical emergencies , you might want to seek a policy including medical evacuation insurance. This covers the cost of a medical flight back to the U.S. or another location. These policies usually include coverage for repatriation of remains, should you die abroad.

While Ireland has excellent medical care, the State Department warns that waiting for some procedures can be lengthy, so evacuation insurance could help you get faster access to care.

Rental Car Protection

Auto rental companies in Ireland require car insurance. These agencies provide collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage when you rent the vehicle. This basic policy covers damage after a deductible gets paid. Most companies also have a “CDW excess” option with complete, no-deductible coverage.

While you can choose convenient insurance products when renting, you can waive them if you already have coverage. Some premium credit cards automatically insure rental vehicles that get paid with their card. If you have a single-trip itinerary requiring a significant amount of driving, you can purchase a separate rental car policy or find a comprehensive travel insurance plan with vehicle coverage.

Before you purchase rental car protection, check your policy document for your vehicle insurance at home. Some include coverage for rentals. Take these documents with you to Ireland so that a rental car company can verify your coverage.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance covers 100% of the cost of your trip if you cancel for specific reasons. The insurance provider usually pays claims for travel canceled because of a death in the family, jury duty or a court summons, natural disasters or conflict in your destination, verifiable illness occurring before your departure date or military deployment.

Insurers list exclusions, such as scheduling conflicts, non-emergency appointments or falling out with travel companions. Insurers may also consider excluding pre-existing medical conditions . While coverage applies to unexpected illnesses or injuries, it won’t protect for healthcare issues you already know about or illnesses beginning before you bought the policy.

Because of the cost of international travel, trip cancellation insurance is typically a good investment, and it brings peace of mind from knowing unexpected events won’t cause a complete loss of your travel budget.

How Much Does Ireland Travel Insurance Cost?

Different factors can affect the cost of travel insurance for an Ireland vacation. For many travelers, a comprehensive plan with cancellation, interruption , emergency medical and evacuation coverage provides good value.

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Ireland. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to Ireland for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

Rating Factors

These quotes are from insurer websites, and they’re an average of seven trips outlined in our methodology. These trips have varying numbers of travelers, traveler ages and trip costs.

Other options may be more suitable for some travelers. For example, multi-trip insurance or an annual multi-trip policy could provide better value for frequent international fliers or backpacker-style travelers visiting multiple destinations over a long period.

For a look at the full details of travel insurance costs, go here: How Much Is Travel Insurance?

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Ireland?

You can get a travel insurance quote from each insurer’s website. While comprehensive cancellation and medical coverage may be the most convenient choice, you may not need all the elements.

Here are some of the protections you may already have:

• Your private health insurance may cover many medical expenses for international travel. If this is the case, you don’t need medical coverage as part of your travel insurance.
• If you book your flight and hotel with a credit card, you may already have cancellation coverage. Contact your credit card company or look at its FAQs page to find out the full details of any coverage.
• Airlines often offer cancellation insurance when you book your ticket. Also, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) points out that airlines must refund money to passengers for canceled flights that result in the cancellation of an entire trip. However, the compensation only covers the price of a flight and any associated fees. It doesn’t cover fees for canceled hotel reservations or other lost travel costs.

By checking these various coverages, you can avoid wasting money by paying for insurance that you already have through another source.

Ireland Safety Tips

According to the State Department , Ireland currently has a Level 1 travel advisory. This rating means it is generally safe in the country if you use standard travel tips for safety.

Potential issues to be aware of when traveling in Ireland include crime and safety, problems with day trips and tours and safety from e COVID-19.

Crime and Safety

Even though Ireland is relatively safe, crime is rising. Ireland’s Central Statistics Office found a 41% increase in theft between 2021 and 2022 and a 17% bump in assaults and harassment.

Thefts of tourists may occur near ATMs, and thieves may attempt to break into rental cars, which have specific identifying stickers. Take common-sense measures to stay out of dangerous situations, such as remaining in crowded areas at night, using ATMs inside banks during the day and not leaving valuables in visible places inside your car.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

Some Ireland excursions can be hazardous. For example, 1,435 cyclists were injured on Irish roads between 2016 and 2021. Many of these incidents involved cars hitting cyclists on rural roads. You can avoid dangerous situations by biking with a group or taking a tour with a trusted guide.

Some of Ireland’s most popular hiking trails and mountains have treacherous conditions. For instance, Croagh Patrick, a popular mountain on the western coast, experiences high winds and unstable trail surfaces that can make climbing dangerous.

You should always check weather reports, seek local insights, or travel with a group or guide when attempting hiking or other adventure activities in Ireland.

Ireland today has no COVID-19-related travel restrictions . Arriving passengers no longer need to provide vaccine documentation or coronavirus test results. The Irish government issues guidance related to the virus but has lifted all restrictions.

Should You Get Travel Insurance For a Trip to Ireland?

Travel insurance is worth it for tourists visiting Ireland. Even if you don’t encounter a cancellation, medical treatment or other crisis during your visit, you will have peace of mind knowing you are covered if something does happen. The protection leaves you free to enjoy your trip without worrying about possible “what-ifs.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in Ireland

How do i make a travel insurance claim while in ireland.

You must take specific steps to claim compensation for a flight cancellation or medical emergency during your Ireland trip. First, make sure an insurance claim is necessary. Airlines must book passengers on other flights after cancellations unless their trip was canceled because of weather or some other uncontrollable event.

Airlines don’t have to pay for hotels during extended delays, so you may be able to file a claim with your insurer. It will review the circumstances and make a compensation decision.

Is it worth getting travel insurance for Ireland?

Travel insurance is a sound investment for international travelers. But research your current policies to see if adding travel insurance is necessary. Some private health insurance may cover emergency medical care overseas, and your credit card could offer reimbursement for cancellations of any aspects of the trip you pay for with it.

Do Americans need travel insurance for Ireland?

Ireland doesn’t mandate travel insurance for international visitors. But the State Department says they don’t have to pay for healthcare or repatriation of remains for Americans abroad. A comprehensive policy or an a la carte plan covering any gaps in current insurance can cover these unlikely but expensive events.

What is the best travel insurance for Ireland?

The best travel insurance policy depends on your coverage needs and available budget. While researching different companies, look closely at coverage limits to ensure the plan provides enough compensation for the problems you might encounter while in Ireland.

If you have questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

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Best travel insurance plans for 2024: a unique and comprehensive list for travelers from international citizens insurance.

Including the Best Plans for Seniors, Global Nomads, Visitors to the USA, Pets, Adventure Sports Addicts and More

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / May 2, 2024 / International Citizens Insurance, a leading international insurance broker, has announced the best travel insurance plans for 2024 summer travel. As the cost of airfare and hotels continues to rise along with the increase in flight delays and cruise cancellations, this list could not have come at a better time for travelers looking to protect their travel plans and their finances.

"This summer's travel season promises a high level of demand, increasing costs, and a strong potential for travel disruptions due to political unrest, weather, and other factors," said Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance. "Our clients want travel insurance they can trust to help them if they suffer a cancellation, a medical emergency, lost luggage, a natural disaster, or have to change plans due to unforeseen events. With this list, they will be able to find the best overall travel insurers as well as the right plans for their individual needs."

International Citizens Insurance judged each company and plan on six key criteria: the user-friendliness of their site, the ease of policy purchase, the number of countries plans are offered in, how extensive the benefits are, the ease of making a claim and the quality of the company's customer service. The most trusted insurers include WorldTrips , who made history as one of the first insurers to offer plans for purchase over the internet; GeoBlue Travel Insurance , which supports seniors with coverage for people up to 84 years old; and Trawick International, which offers coverage for over 500 adventure sports activities.

To help customers find the best insurance for their specific needs, International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best insurance for several use cases, including Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, travel medical plans, and insurance with coverage for pets. International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best plans for clients with special needs, including seniors, missionaries and volunteers, U.S. citizens abroad, and digital nomads.

In today's unpredictable world, travel insurance has become the most essential accessory for any international traveler. Travelers want trip cancellation insurance to protect their trip and travel medical insurance plans to protect their health. But with so many companies out there, which ones can you trust?

Learn more about the best travel insurance companies at https://www.internationalinsurance.com/travel-insurance/best-companies.php .

About International Citizens Insurance

International Citizens Insurance is the insurance division of International Citizens Group. We provide educational content, reviews, and unique comparison engines that enable travelers and expatriates to research, quote, compare, and purchase global life, travel, and international health insurance from various carriers.

Contact Information

Joe Cronin President [email protected] 617-500-6738

Andrew Blomberg Vice President, Global Group Benefits [email protected] (339) 221-5190

SOURCE: International Citizens Insurance

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Best Cheap Travel Insurance of May 2024

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The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

In an ever-evolving world, emergency medical and evacuation travel insurance coverage is essential, especially if you're traveling internationally. However, sports equipment coverage, pet protection, and cancel for any reason coverage are among the increasingly popular coverage options that are changing the way we travel. We've gathered the best cheap travel insurance plans to help you protect your trip while on a budget.

Our top picks for the best cheap travel insurance

• Best overall: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance

Best for trip cancellation: Aegis Travel Insurance

• Best value: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for reputation: Trawick International Travel Insurance

How we rate the best cheap travel insurance »

Compare the Top Affordable Travel Insurance

The best travel insurance meets your needs at a price you're willing to pay. Sometimes, you're just not willing to pay that much. The following companies offer decent coverage for low prices. To determine which companies made this list, we compared quotes across the travel insurance industry for the same trip, making a note of which companies offered particularly good coverage in certain areas and which companies were well reviewed.

Here are the best affordable travel insurance companies picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

Best overall: HTH Worldwide

The HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance Economy plan offers the most comprehensive coverage across major categories of all the providers in this guide.

You'll have some peace of mind with up to $75,000 of financial protection for eligible medical emergencies, and up to $500,000 per person for medical evacuation costs. For more everyday expenses, you can also relax with baggage loss and delay, trip interruption, cancellation and delay coverage that will help you recoup many, if not all, of your costs.

However, this plan falls short on missed connection benefits and accidental death coverage, both of which are not available under most circumstances (missed connection coverage only applies to cruises, and will only cover up to $500 per person after a three-hour delay).

Read our HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance review here.

The Aegis Travel Insurance Trip Cancellation Plan is exactly that: a cost-effective plan that offers protection in the event that your trip is canceled for a covered reason. The plan we priced out for our hypothetical trip cost just 1.16% of our total travel expenses — a very small amount of money to pay for the guarantee of our money back in the right circumstances.

The benefit is that this plan can supplement other coverage you already have, or give you a little bit of protection for a trip where you might not otherwise have opted for insurance altogether. On the downside, you won't get any protection for medical emergencies, trip interruption or delays or lost bags from this plan.

Read our Aegis Travel Insurance review here.

Best value: Nationwide

Nationwide Travel Insurance  is a well-rounded alternative to HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Economy. This plan offers solid protection for both travel-related snafus as well as situations that might call for emergency medical and evacuation, making it a good choice for trips where you have cause to worry about potential interruptions or delays. However, it does not offer protection for missed connections or accidental death.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here

Best for reputation: Trawick

The Trawick International Travel Insurance Safe Travels Explorer plan has been purchased by more than 36,000 travelers since 2020, and it has great reviews to boot. And no wonder: Trawick offers generous trip delay coverage of up to $2,000 per person, although hopefully you won't need to reach that reimbursement amount because the daily limit is $150.

You'll also be able to rely on a $200 reimbursement per person for lost baggage - one of the higher amounts amongst these affordable plans, although this amount pales in comparison to the baggage loss coverage offered through the best travel credit cards .

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

Types of Affordable Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage.

This type of insurance offers extensive protection, covering everything from medical issues to trip cancellations. While it's more expensive up front, it can save you a lot in the long run.

Medical-Only Coverage

As the name suggests, this policy focuses solely on medical emergencies, making it a cost-effective option for travelers who are primarily concerned about health-related expenses.

Evacuation and Repatriation

In extreme cases where you need to be evacuated due to a medical emergency or a natural disaster, this coverage ensures that you can return home safely without incurring huge costs.

Benefits of Opting for Cheap Travel Insurance

Cost savings.

Cheap travel insurance can significantly reduce your travel expenses, ensuring that you're not overpaying for coverage you might not need.

Adequate Coverage for Less

Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's lacking. Many affordable policies offer substantial coverage, giving you peace of mind without breaking the bank.

How to Pick The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Plan for You

No single travel insurance plan will meet the needs of every single traveler. By nature, we are diverse and evolving meaning travel insurance should be equally so. Travel insurance for a week-long trip to a big city shouldn't be the same as the coverage for a backpacking expedition in the mountains. A splurge to purchase comprehensive insurance coverage may also be worth it for international ventures or other large expenditures.

In most cases, the cost difference between a basic and comprehensive travel insurance plan isn't as significant as you might think. Regardless, it's generally a good idea to choose a trusted travel insurance provider known for exceptional customer service and coverage. (For this roundup, we looked at traveler reviews shared through the travel agency SquareMouth.)

• Assessing Your Travel Needs: Consider the nature of your trip, the destination, and your own personal needs when choosing a policy. This ensures that you're not over-insured or underinsured.
• Comparing Different Policies: Don't settle for the first policy you find. Compare different options, looking at their coverage and prices, to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
• Reading the Fine Print: Always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what's covered, what's not, and the process for making a claim.

How We Reviewed Cheap Travel Insurance

To determine the best insurance plan for travelers on a budget, we evaluated dozens of products using a hypothetical trip to Australia for a single traveler, age 26, with a total cost of $2,500 for flight, hotel and other incidentals. We then compiled the plans that covered the essentials at the lowest costs.

Of note: All of these plans include COVID-related medical coverage and 24-hour assistance, and pay at least 100% of your trip cost for eligible trip cancellations. None include rental car coverage.

The four winning plans cost between $29 to $74 — significantly below the average cost of comprehensive travel insurance , which can range between 4%-8% of total travel expenses, according to the US Travel Insurance Association.

But these affordable plans also come with comparably low ceilings for various aspects of coverage such as emergency medical, trip cancellation, or delay — and do not include rental car or " cancel for any reason" (CFAR) protection . So if you think you might need these benefits, it may well be worth upgrading to a comprehensive travel insurance plan for a few more dollars, just for the peace of mind.

Convenience and Flexibility

Each of the plans in this list include 24-hour assistance worldwide from reputable insurance providers. And despite being on the lower end of insurance plans, each of these options includes refunds for up to 100% of your total trip cost for eligible reasons. Each of these plans also includes medical coverage for COVID-related issues that may arise during your travels, which may come in handy as the pandemic continues to evolve worldwide.

Sufficient Coverage in Essential Categories

The cheapest travel insurance plan will rarely cover every scenario that could go awry on your trip. However, each of these plans can at least help you get your money back in the event that your travel is canceled for an eligible reason, and most of them include travel medical insurance if you incur emergency medical bills while traveling. We also factor in what travelers are most concerned about now. 

You can read more about how Business Insider rates insurance here.

Best Cheap Travel Insurance FAQs

How can i reduce the cost of travel insurance.

You can reduce the cost of travel insurance by opting for simpler coverage or choosing higher deductibles on travel medical insurance. You can also consider annual travel insurance , which will save you money in the long run if you take multiple trips over one year.

Can cheap travel insurance provide enough coverage for international trips?

Yes, many affordable policies offer comprehensive coverage suitable for international travel. It's crucial to compare policies and understand your needs. You can find our guide on the best international travel insurance here.

Why is travel insurance so cheap?

Travel insurance is relatively cheap because it only covers you for a set period of time, and depending on your plan, the level of coverage you get may not be particularly high. However, even with high coverage limits and extras like cancel for any reason coverage , travel insurance is relatively affordable. 

How much should travel insurance cost?

The average cost of travel insurance is 4%-8% of your trip's cost. This usually translates into a premium between $89 to $399. That said, many companies offer premiums far below average costs.

How do I find the right travel insurance plan for my budget?

When shopping for travel insurance, consider the type of trip you're planning. If you're planning leisurely excursions in a big city, you may not need as much emergency medical coverage as you would if you're planning a serious hiking expedition in the mountains. A good plan should include trip cancellation, some emergency medical protection, and 24-hour assistance at a minimum.

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