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Annual Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance from €14.99* with 24/7 GP access.

*AA Travel Insurance Annual Multi Trip Value price covers one adult under 50 to Europe with private medical insurance. AA Ireland is tied to Inter Partner Assistance SA for travel insurance policies.

Discover AA Travel Insurance Features And Benefits 🏝

Peace of mind for every adventure: Travel anywhere with AA Travel Insurance Ireland! Our comprehensive coverage protects you at home or abroad, including 24/7 access to a GP – that’s standard! Plus, there are even more benefits to discover. Get a quote today!

Annual Multi Trip

Get cover before, during and after your holiday the whole year.

Cancellation Cover

Cover up to €6,000 for any lost travel and accommodation costs if cancelling your trip is unavoidable

Medical Cover

Emergency medical and repatriation cover up to €10,000,000

Baggage Cover

If your baggage is delayed for more than 12 hours we cover you for up to €300 (€50 per day)

Winter Sports Cover

Covers a wide array of winter sports activities including skiing and snowboarding

COVID-19 Cover

Cancellation, Curtailment, Medical Expenses & additional accommodation cover if you contract COVID-19 while abroad & unable to return home as planned.

Important Notice: Aer Lingus Strikes

Any AA Travel Insurance policy purchased on or after 19th June 2024 will not cover claims arising from industrial action of Aer Lingus staff or partners. Any claims arising from policies purchased before 19th June 2024 will be reviewed at the point of claim in line with our existing terms & conditions. Please see your policy documents for more information.

24/7 access to a GP as standard.

All AA Travel Insurance policies now give you access to an English speaking GP 24/7 whilst you are abroad. If you need a doctor , they are just a call away or click away…

Our Cover Options You Might be Interested In....

Eyeing a short adventure?

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Big break or mini-vacation? We can help you plan!

Backpacker Travel Insuranceurance

With AA Travel Insurance, we have something for everyone.

Get cheap holiday Insurance from as low as €14.99  We Cover Medical, Baggage, Annual Multi-Trip, Cancellation etc.

Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ✨

What does travel insurance not cover.

With AA Travel Insurance you can include additional add-ons like Travel Disruption, Car Hire Excess, Cruise Connection, Golf, Wedding & Winter Sports cover to you policy so you can avoid not being covered in these situations

When should I buy travel insurance?

 You should buy travel insurance as soon as you begin planning your holiday that way you can ensure you’re fully covered, or opt for an annual multi-trip policy to cover all your trips throughout the year. Learn More.

I have a medical condition. Can I buy your travel insurance?

Of course! But in order to ensure your pre-existing medical condition is covered, you would need to speak to our Medical Screening line. An additional premium would occur to cover pre-existing conditions. Read More.

What does AA Travel Insurance cover in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Yes we do! We’ll cover you for cancellations, shortened trips, medical costs, and extra lodging expenses if COVID-19 affects your travel plans and you’re unable to return home on schedule. Read More.

Already Insured with us? 🤝

We hope your trip will go off without a hitch, but should something change. We’re here.

Uncover Our Travel Tips & Guides

Boost Your Travel Know-How – Explore Tips on Our Travel Hubs!

The Best Time to Buy Travel Insurance: Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Hottest Holiday Destinations This Summer

5 Unexpected Situations Where Travel Insurance Saves the Day

Terms and Conditions

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.  

AXA already looks after millions of people around the world

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Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip.

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

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Travel Insurance

Get 20% Off Your Travel Insurance By Buying Online*

*20% online discount automatically applied to all new business AIG Direct Travel Insurance quotes.

Important Notice:  Please be advised that the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine may impact travel insurance coverages and benefits, and AIG’s ability to provide certain travel-related assistance services, for travel to, from or within Ukraine, Belarus or Russia.

Travel Policies

Help & Advice

Discover The Benefits of AIG Travel Insurance

Annual multi trip travel insurance starting from €2.82 per month[ 4 ]..

With all our travel insurance policies you will also get a wide range of benefits as listed below and in our  product information document .

Quick Claims Process

Our claims process is designed to be quick and hassle-free, so you can get back to enjoying your travels as soon as possible.

• Flexible Cover Options

Choose from a range of plans to fit your specific needs and budget, whether you're traveling solo or with family and friends.

Global Coverage

We provide coverage for trips all around the world, so you can travel with peace of mind no matter where you go.

24/7 Customer Support

Our knowledgeable and friendly customer service team is always available to assist you, whenever you need it

Choose the Best Travel Insurance Policy For You

Pick up a travel policy and explore more with our fantastic cover that provides a range of benefits with a 20% online discount[ 1 ]. If you have private medical insurance that has overseas medical cover, you could save even more with a 25% discount on your travel cover.[ 2 ]

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Take a long weekend away from €6.44 per trip [ 3 ], you can get budget holiday insurance that's quick, simple and cost effective for short term trips up to 120 days.

Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance 

From only €2.82 per month (€33.89 per year) [ 4 ], travel around Europe as much as you like for up to 12 months, with 17 days of our winter sports or skiing cover free.

Long Stay Travel Insurance

If you're in it for the long haul, more than 3 months and up to 12 months, enjoy peace of mind with our Extended Stay travel insurance; perfect for globetrotters.

Winter Sports Travel Insurance 

Make the most of winter and the various activities it offers with our Ski & Winter Sports cover.

Family Travel Insurance 

Add up to 4 dependents at no extra charge, so you can go on and enjoy your family trip.

Backpacker Travel Insurance 

Get 24/7 emergency assistance as standard so you can span the globe with added piece of mind.

Golf Travel Insurance

Enjoy the fairways around the globe with our excellent cover for Golfers.

Covid-19 Update

Find out what AIG Travel insurance provides cover for in relation to Covid-19.

[1]  20% online discount automatically applied to all new business AIG Direct Travel Insurance quotes. 

[2]  25% discount is subject to owning Private Medical Insurance that provides overseas medical cover for all insured persons for the duration of their time abroad.

[3]  Price of €6.44 is based on an individual buying online aged 18-54 holding Private Health Insurance which provides medical cover for the duration of their time abroad, travelling for 3 days (2 nights) on a European Budget policy. Example correct as of 21/11/2023. 

[4]  Price of €33.89 is based on an individual buying online aged 18-54 holding Private Health Insurance which provides medical cover for the duration of their time abroad on a European Budget policy. Example correct as of 21/11/2023. 

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Notice

Due to the widespread media reports of Coronavirus (Covid-19), and the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement declaring Covid-19 a pandemic, Covid-19 is a foreseen or known event. If you are purchasing a new policy, certain covers will not apply.   AIG Travel insurance provides cover for the following Covid-19 related events:

a)  for trip cancellation  (Section A of the policy document attached) if  1)  an Insured Person,  2)  a person who an Insured Person has booked to travel with  3)  a relative or friend living abroad who an Insured Person had planned to stay with or  4)  a Business Associate has a  confirmed and documented diagnosis of COVID-19*  at the time of departure which prevents the Insured Person from travelling.

b) for medical expenses  (Section B of the policy document) and  cutting your trip short  (Section C of the policy document) coverage if an Insured Person has a  confirmed and documented diagnosis of COVID-19*  whilst on a covered trip to a country that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has allocated a security status of Normal Precautions or High Degree of Caution to.

Please note that travel to a country that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has allocated a security status of Avoid Non-Essential Travel or Do Not Travel to is excluded by our policy.

All other Covid-19 related claims are excluded. We encourage AIG travel policyholders to please refer to their  policy wording  for full details or get in touch with us on 1800 344 455 with any further queries. All claims submitted will be assessed in line with the terms, conditions and exclusions clearly detailed in the policy wording.

*Confirmed and documented diagnosis of COVID-19  means a positive PCR or antigen test which has been conducted by a trained clinician. Self-administered antigen tests will not be accepted as a valid confirmation of a positive diagnosis.

Enjoy a Worry-Free Holiday with Travel Insurance From AIG

Travel insurance fedback from aig customers, more than 3 in 4 aig customers would recommend us. [5].

[5] Based on a combined promoter score of 74% in 8,050 AIG new business customers and renewing customers from June 2022 to June 2023.

Customer images are for illustration purposes only and are not reflective of the customer in order to protect their privacy.

• Quick Claim Process

Claims made easy. We'll always aim to make your travel insurance claim as quick and easy as possible.

"SORTED A PROBLEM OTHER COMPANIES STRUGGLED TO."

EDDIE - JANUARY 2024

Whether you're taking a break abroad or enjoying a staycation, we have a policy for you. See our  policy booklet for details.

"IT WAS STRAIGHTFORWARD AND A GOOD SELECTION OF OPTIONS TO FIT PEOPLE'S BUDGETS."

DARREN - JANUARY 2024

24/7 Help & Support

Whenever you need us, our 24/7 emergency assistance helpline are here to help as standard.

"I CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT A PROBLEM AND THEY GOT TO ME FAST AND SORTED IT OUT."

CHRISTENA - JANUARY 2024

79% of travel customers are delighted with our service [6]

[6] Based on a combined promoter score of 79% in Q1 2023 AIG new business travel customers

"THE STAFF WERE VERY FRIENDLY AND INFORMATIVE AND ANSWERED ALL MY QUESTIONS.  MY ONLINE EXPERIENCE WAS EQUALLY EXCELLENT."

DEIRDRE - DECEMBER 2023

• 24/7 Support
• Great Customer Service

You Might Also Be Interested In...

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance is insurance that is designed to protect your health, belongings and the cost of your trip should anything go wrong while you are abroad or in some cases before you leave.

Do You Have Private Medical Insurance?

Having a plan that covers medical treatment while you are abroad, might qualify you for cheaper travel insurance premium. 

Do You Need Car Hire Excess Insurance?

Our Car Hire Excess Insurance can help take care of that nasty bill you may be left with if your rental car becomes damaged or stolen.

Get your great value Travel Insurance today

Frequently asked questions.

You can find a list of our most frequently asked questions on our FAQ page. 

Our insurance policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, or travel to or through Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea or the Crimea region, or countries where the Department of Foreign Affairs have allocated  a security status of 'avoid non-essential travel' or 'do not travel'.  Other exclusions and conditions may apply so please check the  Policy Wording  for details.

Policy Documents

You can find our Travel Insurance Policy Document and IPIDs including all our historical versions, by following the link below.

Have A Question?

You can contact our customer service team between 9am - 5pm on  1800 344 455 . If you need help with your existing policy or are looking to renew, you can find all your relevant information on our  Existing Customers  page.

Explore Our Travel Tips & Guides

Know more and make better choices - find useful tips and ideas on our  Travel Insurance Blog

Ski Holidays Guides

Whether you're an experienced skier or a novice hitting the slopes for the first time, our comprehensive guides have everything you need to make your ski trip a success.

Travel Destination Guides & Inspiration

Traveling around Europe or dreaming of exploring South America or embarking on an African safari? We've got you covered with expert tips and things to know before you go.

Car Hire Tips & Advice

Learn how to save money on car rentals and discover must-know tips for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Prepare yourself for a stress-free car rental experience and make the most of your travels.

Backpacking Tips & Advice

Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or planning your first adventure, our expert insights cover everything you need to know. From essential packing lists and practical travel tips to guidance on planning a gap year trip, we have you covered.

Travel Safety Tips & Advice

From practical airport safety measures, navigating last-minute holiday bookings, understanding the risks associated with traveling without insurance, ensuring hotel safety, and handling flight cancellations, our guide equips you with the knowledge to protect yourself and your travels.

Family Travel Tips & Advice

We understand that traveling with children requires careful planning, patience, and creativity. That's why we've curated a comprehensive guide that covers various aspects of family travel.

Terms and Conditions:

[2]  25% discount is subject to owning Private Medical Insurance that provides overseas medical cover for all insured persons for the duration of their time abroad.

[3]  Price of €6.44 is based on an individual buying online aged 18-54 holding Private Health Insurance which provides medical cover for the duration of their time abroad, travelling for 3 days (2 nights) on a European Budget policy. Example correct as of 21/11/2023.

[4]  Price of €33.89 is based on an individual buying online aged 18-54 holding Private Health Insurance which provides medical cover for the duration of their time abroad on a European Budget policy. Example correct as of 21/11/2023. 

[5]  Based on a combined promoter score of 74% in 8,050 AIG new business customers and renewing customers from June 2022 to June 2023.

• Our products are available for Ireland residents only.

• You must be 18 years or over to purchase a policy.

• Your trip must not have already started to purchase a policy from us.

• Upper age limits may apply, depending on the product selected.

• You may wish to compare the terms and conditions of this policy with those of your existing life, health, home and car insurance policies, as well as any other cover which you may already have or is available to you, including through other insurers, as a member of an organization, or through your bank/credit card program(s).

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AIB Travel Insurance

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Planning the trip of a lifetime or a last minute city break? Today, accommodation and flights can be arranged in seconds - and with AIB, great value Travel Insurance is just few clicks away too. Get a quote now, then get instant cover that’s perfect for your travel plans.

Key benefits

• 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance.
• Buy your policy online and get up to a 20% discount.*
• Summer promotion – Up to an additional 10% off Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Policies until 31 st August 2024. **
• Competitively priced policies for all travel occasions, including single trips, multi trips, winter sports and backpacking.  
• Unlimited medical expense cover.***

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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.

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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

Heading to Ireland soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
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• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 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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Is your UK travel insurance valid when flying from Dublin Airport?

We’ve already witnessed the value of the sterling pound weakening, which ultimately means the cost of travel will be higher. No-frill airlines and European routes, that we currently have the luxury of using, are enabled by the EU’s removal of old bi-lateral restrictions to encourage competition on routes between union countries. Now that the UK are leaving the EU, we may find that regular flights from Northern Ireland and the wider UK will not be operating as quite as freely (or cheaply)!

Flying from Dublin Airport

Typically, Northern Ireland’s airports don’t have a wide range of routes, and as such travellers regularly book connecting flights when flying from Belfast, or opt to depart from Dublin’s Airport. Dublin offers a wider flight selection and is less than two hours drive away. But for those choosing this option, have you ever stopped to think that once you cross the border, your UK travel insurance could be void?

UK Travel Insurance

Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, you should always ensure you have adequate travel insurance cover. This will mean that you are covered in event of an emergency, like an unexpected illness or theft.

If you are flying from Dublin Airport, remember you will be flying from an airport outside of the UK (but within the EU post Brexit). Therefore, you need to make sure your travel insurance covers your departure location, your arrival destination, and your return travel. If you have bought a travel insurance policy in the UK, read the fine print to confirm if you are being covered if you opt to fly from Ireland.

Travel Insurance helps to cover medical expenses, cancellations, personal belongings, and being aware of your policy’s terms and conditions could prevent you from realising your cover isn’t valid when it is too late.

We work hard to source the best value travel insurance quotes for our clients. Our quotes match your needs, whether you are going on a family holiday, a single-trip, or inter-railing across Europe. We listen to what you want from your policy, and most of all, make sure it will be valid regardless of where you are flying from. If you are travelling soon, give us a call to discuss our travel and holiday policies today.

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Travel insurance for Ireland

Do UK residents need travel insurance for Ireland? And what healthcare is available for Brits if they’re visiting the country?

Our guide covers key things to consider if you’re visiting Ireland, like local culture, getting around and travel risks the right policy may help safeguard you against.

Healthcare for Brits in Ireland

What you need will depend on whereabouts you’re visiting on the island of Ireland.

For UK citizens visiting Northern Ireland, the NHS functions as it would in Scotland, England or Wales. But if you're visit the republic of Ireland you'll need a UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) or a European Health insurance Card (Ehic) that's still in date. These entitle you to the same healthcare as Irish nationals.

If you’ve lost your Ghic or Ehic, being able to prove that you’re a UK resident can help. You can call the Health Overseas Healthcare Team (+44 191 218 1999) to get a Provisional Replacement.

There are certain important things Ghic and Ehic won’t cover. Medical repatriation and some costly parts of emergency medical rescue like airlifts aren't covered. Therefore, it’s important to have good quality holiday insurance for the worst-case scenario. Make sure your policy has the Covid-19 cover you need on your travels.

Protect what matters when you go with good travel insurance

Travel risks in ireland.

Ireland is considered a safe place to visit. Visitors are advised to take normal precautions against things like pickpocketing and bag theft whilst in busy cities such as Dublin, much as they would in London.

To travel prepared, check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Ireland before you go. remember that travelling against is advice could invalidate your travel insurance.

Anyone who has been a victim of crime can contact the Irish Tourist Assistance Service , who are built to help visitors in this circumstance.

Irish culture

Irish culture is rich and ancient. A couple of words that you need to watch out for are Garda (police), and Mná (women) and Fir (men). So be careful – the word “Mná” on the toilet is not a typo of “men”.

Live music, particularly in popular nightlife areas like Dublin, is very prevalent in Ireland and will often be high-quality folk music. There is very little to make one feel like they’ve got into a culture like its music, and fortunately in Dublin, it’s almost unavoidable on a night out.

Galway is the European Capital of Culture 2020 and the county - and Ireland generally - is going to be awash with cultural events of every shape and size. From touring theatre to installations, concerts to events that defy description, the year promises a spellbinding array of attractions for visitors.

Major cities in the Republic of Ireland tend to be more expensive than you might be used to in the UK, comparable to and sometimes dearer than London. It’s not unusual for a pint of beer to cost €7-8. However, prices in shops tend to be similar. The Post Office City Costs Barometer rates Dublin as roughly £40 more expensive for a weekend break than London.

Getting around

Transport in Ireland is very similar to the UK, with bus services and train services operating in much the same way.

Driving in Ireland is also very similar to the UK. Make sure that you have your driving licence on you at all times, including your VC5 (logbook) and details of car insurance and road tax . The drinking and driving limit was reduced in 2011 to be 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood for fully-qualified drivers (20mg/100ml for new, learner and professional drivers) – which is less than the English law of 80mg per 100ml blood.

However, it is always difficult to know exactly how much you’ve had and how that relates to drink-drive limits. It’s therefore never sensible to drive after drinking, even if you’ve only had a very small amount. The penalties for being over the limit in Ireland are very severe, and random tests are conducted by Gardai.

While it might be tempting to feel like the Republic of Ireland is the same as the rest of the UK, remember that it isn’t and is more like a European country with regards to going on holiday.

Due to the RoI being in the EU, your Ghic is going to be important should you become unwell – however, as mentioned above, this is no substitute for good travel insurance. Whether it’s for medical repatriation, your hotel cancelling your booking or your airline losing your luggage , travel insurance is a vital part of going away.

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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.

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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.

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.

The savvy fin-tech insurer Faye provides whole-trip travel coverage and care that brings out the best in each journey with industry-leading technology that enables smarter and smoother assistance with faster claims resolutions. Their excellent app-based travel insurance covers your health, your trip and your gear all via an app that provides real-time proactive solutions, quick reimbursements and 24/7 customer support.

If you ever do need to make a claim, then you simply log in to the app and the claim will be assessed super quickly from anywhere in the world! My friend made a claim and was able to manage everything directly on the app. She was even able to purchase ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ Insurance that allows you to quite literally cancel for any reason, and be refunded up to 75% of non-refundable bookings.

Best of all, if the claim is successful then the funds will be immediately credited to the smart wallet on your phone or device and ready for you to spend.

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

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.

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Aiden Freeborn

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Insure My Travel

Your Ticket To Quality Cover

Family Travel Insurance

When taking a family holiday, Travel Insurance should be as important a consideration as passports, clothes for all, and games and books to keep younger members happy while travelling. Yet a surprising number of families are not properly covered, leaving themselves open to huge difficulties if they suffer a last minute cancellation, loss of luggage, or an accident or illness to one of their travelling party.

At Insure My Travel, we offer Family Travel Insurance to protect against all such mishaps, from rates as low as:

• €52 for Annual Multi-Trip Worldwide Travel for a family of four (two adults and two children)
• €31 for a typical two-week European holiday for the same family of four

Who does  Family Travel Insurance  cover

A Family Travel Insurance policy will cover a parent or parents, and children up to the age of 18 (or 23, if in full-time education).

Family Travel Insurance is available in both Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip policies, with the best choice for you depending on the travel plans of your own family.

However, no matter how often you may plan to travel, a Family Travel Insurance policy to cover all members of your family is the best choice as it is far more cost-effective that purchasing individual policies for each person travelling.

Benefits of Family Travel Insurance

The many benefits included in our Family Travel Insurance policies include:

• 24 hour/365 days a year bi-lingual medical assistance hotline
• Emergency Medical and Transportation cover up to €10 million
• Lost, stolen or damaged Baggage cover up to €3,000 per person
• Luggage Delay Insurance
• Delayed Departure Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance

You can also upgrade to include optional covers such as:

• Winter Sports Cover
• Excess Waiver
• Business Cover
• Wedding Cover
• Flight Cancellation Cover
• Cruise Connection Cover

Click below to Get A Quote for your Single Trip or Annual Multi Trip Family Travel Insurance policy.

Get Your Family Travel Insurance Quote

47 Upper Dorset Street, Dublin 1 1890 904 904 [email protected] National Insurance Ltd trading as Insure My Travel is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

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Travel Insurance

Before heading to Dublin, it's a good idea to make sure you're covered should the unexpected happen. Get to know how the healthcare system works in Ireland, and compare insurance .

When on holiday, you never know what you might find. The best way to travel in peace, and avoid the unexpected ruining your holiday, is by taking out medical insurance . That way, you'll be covered against bad luck in Ireland.

Check Your Insurance

Before taking out travel insurance in Dublin, you should c heck the policies you already have (car, home, etc.) to confirm whether or not they include medical insurance in Ireland.

Another alternative is to check the insurance offered by your credit card. Often, if you've already bought a flight to Dublin by card, you'll have some kind of insurance included.

Taking out Travel Insurance

Taking out travel insurance before travelling is essential if you want to make the most of your holidays without a care in the world. At Civitatis we offer complete medical insurance, starting from only € 9 ( US$ 9.70) per person:

Civitatis travel insurance

You may also be interested in

Travel advice.

Find out about Ireland’s entry requirements, depending on where you are from, including the UK, the United States and Australia.

Before Ireland was conquered by the English, the main language spoken was Irish or Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) during the Middle Ages.

Mistakes Tourists Make While Visiting Dublin

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

Dublin has long appealed to tourists thanks to its rich history, vibrant pub culture and walkability. But travelers tend to make a few mistakes during their time in Ireland’s capital city ― and locals certainly take note.

To help future visitors, we asked people who’ve lived in Dublin to share some of the faux pas they’ve observed. From misguided itineraries to public transit mishaps, here are nine common blunders among tourists visiting Dublin and some advice for avoiding them on your travels.

Limiting your visit to the city center

“Don’t just stick to the city center. Check out the neighborhoods. Rathmines is a short walk from the city center and is great for thrift shopping and cute places to eat. There’s even a revamped vintage cinema, The Stella , which is a great way to spend an evening. Stoneybatter has some of the best restaurants in Dublin (book in advance for Grano ) and even has an urban sauna which is perfect after a day of exploring.” ― Tara Povey, blogger at Where Is Tara?

“A mistake is not knowing that Dublin is a city of villages. If visitors only hang out in Temple Bar and don’t explore other neighborhoods like Stoneybatter, Ranelagh, Donnybrook and Clontarf, they miss out on a more authentic experience.” ― Catherine Reilly, managing director of Brendan Vacations

Not utilizing public transit

“The public transport in Dublin is pretty good, so don’t waste your money on Uber s and taxis. Pick up a Leap card in any convenience store and explore the city using the LUAS, the DART and local buses. It will definitely help your travel budget.” ― Povey

Going only to touristy pubs

“A mistake tourists should avoid when traveling to Dublin is only visiting touristy pubs. The pub plays a central role in Irish social culture. It’s where friends and neighbors meet to chat and catch up over a couple of pints, watch a football match, or escape the cold and rain. Yet many tourists only visit the lively pubs in Temple Bar and miss out on the more local experience. If you’re coming to Dublin, try to get out of the city center and head to a local neighborhood pub. It’s a great way to meet locals and get a feel of traditional Irish pub culture.” — Tamar Marder, blogger at World By Weekend

“Temple Bar is not the only place to get a drink in Dublin. In fact, it’s probably the most expensive part of Dublin for a pint and is full of tourists. Venture a bit further to areas such as South William Street (I recommend Grogan’s) or Capel Street (Check out Bar 1661 for cocktails) for some more authentic places to grab a drink and mix with locals.” ― Povey

Expecting clubs to stay open late

“A mistake is not realizing that our nightclubs end quite early in comparison to other major cities. Most of our clubs close around 2:30 a.m. with a select few going until 4 a.m. After that there’s absolutely nowhere to go dancing, which is why our house party scene is quite significant.” ― Sarah Hanrahan , Irish travel creator

Thinking you’re in the U.K.

“One of the biggest mistakes I see tourists make when visiting Dublin is thinking Ireland is part of the U.K. Even those who know Dublin is not in the U.K. often assume that the Irish and British are mostly the same. Not only is this offensive to Irish people (who endured a long history of life under British rule), but it couldn’t be further from the truth! While the two countries have close ties, Ireland has a unique culture that holds its own against its larger island neighbor. So, when you’re in Dublin, don’t embarrass yourself (and upset the locals!) by referring to the Irish as British.” — Marder

Missing out on live music

“Dublin is known for its vibrant music scene. Go to The Cobblestone, Whelan’s, O’Donoghue’s for live sessions.” ― Reilly

Misunderstanding bus payment

“One mistake I can think of is tourists thinking they can pay by bank card on busses; our public busses require a specific card ― a Leap Card ― to pay for your journey, or the exact amount of money for the cost of the fare. The bus driver doesn’t handle the cash and you won’t get change.” ― Hanrahan

Skipping the local food

“Another mistake is not trying local food ― soda bread, Cashel blue cheese, fish and chips, Murphy’s Ice Cream.” ― Reilly

Not allocating enough time for Dublin

“A big mistake is not allocating enough time for Dublin. Take a walking tour with a local — who else is going to tell you that Dublin has a hidden network of underground rivers flowing beneath its streets?” ― Reilly

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Consumer Insight

July 9, 2024

Should You Get Travel Insurance? What You Should Know About Protecting Your Trips

Are you headed abroad for the summer? Planning a road trip before school starts again? You've put a lot of thought and planning into your vacation. And, you've spent a lot of money on flights, hotels, and more. Unexpected circumstances like injury, illness, flight delays or natural disasters could cut a trip short, leaving you with unforeseen costs. But there are insurance options that can protect your finances. 

Should I get travel insurance? Before you buy a policy, ask yourself: 

• What are the chances you'll be impacted by severe weather or another event?
• How willing are you to take risks?
• How much are you willing to pay for a back-up plan?
• Do you have questionable health or is a loved one ill?

If you cannot afford to cancel and rebook your trip or your health insurance doesn't cover you abroad, you should consider travel insurance. You typically don't need travel insurance for short trips close to home.

How much does travel insurance cost?  Travel insurance usually costs between 4-8% of a trip's price, according to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association. Several factors fo into the cost like the policy holder's age, your destination, and the length of your trip. 

When should I buy travel insurance?  It is a good idea for policy holders to coverage when they book their trip.Travel insurance is intended to protect travelers against sudden and unforeseen events. Typically, if you buy travel insurance after a winter or tropical storm is named, your plan won't provide coverage for claims related to that event.

What are the different types of travel insurance?  There are several types of categories of travel insurance including:

• Trip cancellation.   Reimburses pre-paid travel expenses if you are prevented from taking your trip for a reason covered by your policy. It is typically included in every comprehensive policy. You will usually receive reimbursement if your trip is cancelled for: unexpected illness or injury of you or a traveling companion that deems you unfit to travel; hospitalization or death of non-traveling family member; weather or common carrier issues; unforeseen natural disaster at home or the destination; a legal obligation such as being called for jury duty or serving as a witness in court.
• Travel medical and major medical.  Provides protection if you become ill or injured while traveling. Travel medical insurance provides short-term medical coverage.
• Emergency medical evacuation.  Provides coverage for services such as air evacuation and medical transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility then home if warranted. This type of coverage is useful if you're traveling to a rural area without easy access to medical facilities.  In the event a person passes away during travel, repatriation coverage will cover for the insurer to handle the necessary transportation.
• Accidental death and dismemberment.  Provides coverage to beneficiaries if you die in an accident on the trip or pays a sum to you if you lose a hand, foot, limb or eyesight from an accident. Some plans only apply to an accident that occurs on an aircraft.
• Baggage loss.   Reimburses for loss of baggage or personal items. Check with your credit card company to find out if it coverages baggage loss. 
• Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policies .  These policies are more expensive and typically only reimburse you a percentage of your travel costs. The reason for cancellation is not relevant. There is usually a time frame for when cancellations are allowed, and you must insure all of your pre-paid and non-refundable expenses. CFAR policies are usually added as an extra option in addition to trip cancellation coverage.

Does travel insurance cover epidemics and pandemics? Travel insurance policies typically exclude epidemics and pandemics. According to Allianz Global Assistance, a travel insurance provider, "Trip cancellations and trip interruptions due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, or fear of travel are generally not covered."

COVID-19 is a known event, meaning it is  not  likely that travel insurance policies will cover changes in plans or cancellations for that reason. Review your travel policy to find out which exclusions apply.

There may be coverage if a specific country imposes travel restrictions. Some airlines and tour companies will allow cancellations outside of an insurance policy. Additionally, travel policies with medical coverage may cover any illnesses or hospitalizations that occur during a trip, but you need to review your policy to see if your policy is one of them.

What do travel insurance policies cover?  Each type of insurance has its coverage limitations and exclusions. Be sure ask your agent or company about these before you buy a policy. 

• Travel cancellation:   Exclusions might include canceling your trip due to being detained by customs or having to cancel due to a work obligation. If your flight is delayed, you may or may not be covered. Some policies only cover trip cancellation claim if you lose more than 50% of your scheduled trip length due to a covered delay. You also must make a good faith effort to continue your travels using alternative means. A "Cancel for Any Reason" policy is an option for broader coverage but reimbursement is usually for less than the full cost of the trip.
• Travel medical and major medical insurance.  Find out if your policy requires you to obtain prior approval before seeking medical care. Also check if any pre-existing medical conditions will exclude you from coverage.
• Emergency medical evacuation/repatriation:  Coverage may not cover you if you're participating in an activity your insurer considers dangerous such as sky diving. There are specialty insurance products for some activities, such as SCUBA diving.

Will travel insurance cover my property if it is lost or stolen during a trip?  Most homeowners insurance policies cover personal property lost or stolen during a trip. Check with your insurer to see what they cover while you are traveling. If you have expensive items, you might want to add a  rider  to your current homeowners policy to cover them. 

About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners

As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.

GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences. These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. We are not a comparison-tool and these offers do not represent all available deposit, investment, loan or credit products.

4 Reasons That Buying Travel Insurance Will Save You in the Long Run

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Trusted by Millions of Readers

While traveling is a great opportunity for relaxation and exploration, it’s no secret that travel comes with many potential risks. From losing luggage to delayed flights to unexpected illness, a variety of things can quickly turn south while traveling. Because of this, many travel and insurance experts recommend travel insurance.

If you can’t afford to lose any money that was invested in an extensive vacation, travel insurance may be a beneficial resource. Here are the reasons experts say consumers may need travel insurance .

If You’re Traveling Overseas

Most domestic health insurance plans don’t cover you if you travel internationally. Therefore, if you get sick or injured, you will have to pay any medical expenses out of pocket.

“For serious conditions like broken bones or a heart attack, paying for hospitalization yourself might not be financially possible,” said Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners Inc. , a travel insurance provider. 

Additionally, even if the country you’re traveling to has universal healthcare, this does not automatically mean you are eligible for free medical care.

“Those services are intended for citizens of that country, not tourists and visitors,” Murchland said. “Even though medical treatment may be less expensive than in the U.S., it’s best not to depend on the universal healthcare system as free treatment is not guaranteed.”

Furthermore, some countries require you to have travel insurance.

“For example, Cuba, Turkey, Thailand and the UAE all require travel insurance for certain visa types, but even if it isn’t required, having at least a basic travel insurance plan is always a smart idea, especially if you’re traveling with children,” said Erika Kullberg, attorney, personal finance expert and creator of Erika.com .

If You Have Preexisting Health Conditions

Some travel insurance plans offer protection for preexisting health conditions as well as medical costs from sickness or injuries.

“While this is often a concern for older travelers, preexisting conditions coverage might be important to travelers of any age, particularly if they suffer from chronic pain and illness,” Murchland said.

Trip Protection Benefits

Many factors, such as lost luggage and flight delays, can heavily impact both your travel plans and your finances. However, travel insurance often comes with trip protection benefits that can reimburse travelers for these exact situations.

“Losing baggage during transit is a nightmare, but a good travel insurance policy can provide compensation for lost, stolen or even delayed baggage items,” Kullberg said. “You can also be covered for any costs incurred due to travel delays, such as food and accommodation expenses.”

Flexibility With Changing Plans

One never knows when unexpected events may require you to change or reschedule your travel plans. Travel insurance offers flexibility when it comes to accommodating these unprecedented situations.

“If you need to cancel at the last minute due to illness or emergency, you can be reimbursed for typically nonrefundable trip costs,” Kullberg said.

“Optional benefits like Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) give you added flexibility to change your plans and still have some of your trip expenses reimbursed, no matter the reason for that change,” Murchland said.

Additional Benefits of Travel Insurance

While the cost of travel insurance ultimately depends on many factors, such as the cost of your trip, investing in travel insurance may be pricey. However, this cost is still a lot lower than the money one may lose when they aren’t reimbursed for a canceled or rescheduled trip.

“In some instances, a $100 policy could save you thousands if you face a cancellation,” Murchland said.

Additionally, for those who like to travel stress-free, travel insurance may be a great benefit.

“Some travelers aren’t bothered at all by the unknown, while others get nervous about a long list of hypothetical things that could go wrong before or during vacation,” Murchland said. “If you fit into the group that tries to avoid risk, you’ll love travel insurance. Instead of stressing about all the what-ifs, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that your coverage will protect your money, health and belongings if the unexpected happens.”

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Best Travel Insurance Companies of July 2024

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Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

• Best Overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance
• Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for Adventure Sports :  World Nomads Travel Insurance

Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

Best Overall Travel Insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up

Axa assistance usa.

AXA offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Cruises

Travel guard.

AIG is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review .

Best Travel Insurance for Reputation

C&f travel insured.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review . 

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Tin leg travel insurance.

Tin Leg is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Worldtrips travel insurance.

WorldTrips has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Affordability

Trawick international travel insurance.

Trawick is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips

Travelex travel insurance.

Travelex offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review .

Best for Adventure Traveling

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads distinguishes itself from others by covering over 300 sports and activities, from skydiving to golf. Additionally, its one of the few travel insurance companies that allow you to purchase after departing for your destination. However, you'll have a 72-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in.

That said, World Nomads doesn't have the highest coverage limits compared to its competitors on this list. It also doesn't have the most customization, only providing two plans to choose from with no options for pre-existing condition coverage. Yet, World Nomads still stands out for its sports coverage and post-departure coverage.

Read our World Nomads review .

Get Travel Insurance Quotes

Introduction to travel insurance, why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

How do i find the right travel insurance.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Does travel insurance ever pay out?

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

What is the average cost of travel insurance?

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Does travel insurance cover canceled flights?

Yes, travel insurance typically offers some coverage of canceled flights, but if this benefit is important to you, make sure you read the fine print of your policy to make sure it offers adequate reimbursement. If you think you may need to cancel your travel plans, you should consider purchasing cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

What is the best travel insurance for adventure sports?

For adventure sports coverage, you'll want to look at World Nomads , which covers over 300 sports.

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South Africans lose visa-free entry to Ireland

South Africa and Botswana nationals are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, effective from Wednesday.

A transit visa will also be required if intending to transit through Ireland en route to another destination.

"This is a carefully considered decision which will bring Ireland into closer alignment with the Schengen area in respect of both countries, and into line with the UK in respect of South Africa," justice minister Helen McEntee said on Monday.

She said in recent years a significant number of international protection applications, which are referred to as refugee status in South Africa, have been received from nationals of Botswana and South Africa.

The Dublin visa office will establish a dedicated desk to process applications from South African passport holders. The department will also establish three visa applications centres in South Africa  with visa service provider VFS Global.

Transitional arrangements will be put in place for nationals of Botswana and South Africa who have existing arrangements made before July 10 2024 to travel to Ireland until August 9. Those  who have existing travel arrangements are advised to check irishimmigration.ie for further information.

Ireland is clamping down on illegal entry into the country.

More than 3,700 "doorstop" operations were carried out on flights that pose risks of irregular migration at Dublin airport in the first half of 2024, and more than 115 people were arrested for arriving without appropriate documentation in the same period.

World’s most powerful passports: SA’s ‘green mamba’ rises one spot

The government said its border management unit continues to provide training and 24-hour advice to airlines on how to identify and deal with immigration abuse. A review of carrier liability legislation has been completed and new increased levels of fines will soon  be introduced.

Other nationalities who require visas for travel to Ireland include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, China, Qatar, Rwanda, Thailand, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

A year ago, South African passport holders had visa-free access to 106 countries. These include Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Argentina, Israel, Seychelles, Peru and Qatar. A visa was required for 121 countries, including Morocco, Mexico and Malta.

Two years ago a South Africa passport allowed citizens visa-free entry to 105 countries in the world, ranking it in 55th place from a high of 35th place in 2008 and 2009.

The government was advised then by travel experts to do more to reduce passport fraud to improve the rating and ensure an effective, automated evisa system to improve the processing of applications.

The world’s most powerful passports: Japan tops the ratings

New home affairs minister leon schreiber extends temporary visa concession, africa’s workers among the unhappiest, living the high life, and catching some rugby, in visa-free hong kong.

• ‘A R5m lump sum and then R1m paid monthly to EFF’: Jailed VBS boss Tshifhiwa ... South Africa
• 'How we looted VBS': Tshifhiwa Matodzi details how the now-defunct bank ... South Africa
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US Embassy in Dublin issues security alert for American travelers

The United States Embassy in Dublin issued a security alert for American travelers this week following an attack on a U.S. visitor.

“With a number of recent incidents reported in Irish media, the U.S. Embassy in Dublin reminds U.S. citizens to exercise good personal security practices while traveling,” the alert read. The embassy urged travelers to safeguard credit cards, passports and other valuables; avoid walking alone, particularly in the dark; and watch out for potential pickpocketing, mugging and other theft, among other safety measures.

The alert comes after a U.S. traveler was assaulted in the city on July 19. “The incident is believed to have occurred at around 10:40 p.m. when it’s reported a number of persons attacked a man,” the press office for the Garda, Ireland's police force, said in an emailed statement.

He was taken to a hospital and was in “serious but stable” condition following the incident, the statement said. Irish media reports identified the victim as 57-year-old Stephen Termini from Buffalo, New York. He was kicked and beaten, according to media outlet RTÉ .

Garda’s press office told USA TODAY it does not comment on victims or named individuals.

Stay safe while traveling: Here are 17 CIA tips, advice to think like a spy on vacation

Three minors have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said. The alleged attackers were 14, 15 and 16, according to the Irish Times .

A Ukrainian actor performing at a Dublin theater was also attacked by a group of people in June.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].