Travel Insurance

A simple guide to travel insurance, what it can cover and what to consider before you travel

Travel Insurance - What Is It? 

Travel insurance is a type of cover you buy before travelling that can help protect you financially if something goes wrong before or during your trip. 

It can cover issues such as medical emergencies abroad, cancelled or delayed trips, lost or stolen luggage, and having to return home earlier than planned. Travel insurance is not legally required in Ireland, but it can help reduce the financial impact of unexpected travel problems.

How Travel Insurance Works 

  • You buy a travel insurance policy before you travel. 

  • You pay a premium, either for a single trip or for a full year. 

  • If something covered happens, you can make a claim to recover some or all of the costs, up to the limits set out in your policy. 

Policies vary between providers, so it’s important to understand what is covered, what is excluded, and any limits or excesses that apply. 

Types of Travel Insurance

Single-Trip Travel Insurance 

  • Covers one specific trip for a set period. 

  • Suitable for people who travel occasionally or are taking a once-off holiday. 

Annual / Multi-Trip Travel Insurance 

  • Covers multiple trips over a 12-month period. 

  • Often, it includes limits on how long each individual trip can last. 

  • It can be more cost-effective if you travel frequently. 

Family Travel Insurance 

  • Covers adults and children travelling together under one policy. 

  • Usually, it only applies when the family travels as a group. 

Specialised Travel Insurance 

Some policies are designed for specific needs, such as: 

  • Older travellers 

  • Backpackers or long-stay travellers 

  • Business travel 

  • Pre-existing Medical Conditions 

  • Activity undertaken. 

Cover and eligibility can vary depending on age, trip length, and destination.

What Travel Insurance Can Cover 

Depending on the policy, travel insurance may provide cover for a range of unexpected events. This can include medical expenses and emergency treatment while abroad, as well as emergency repatriation if you need to return to Ireland for medical reasons. Policies may also cover the cost of cancelling a trip or cutting it short, along with certain expenses caused by travel delays or missed departures. In addition, travel insurance can help protect against the loss, theft or damage of luggage and personal belongings, and may include personal liability cover if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while travelling. 

Not all travel insurance policies include all these types of cover as standard, and limits, conditions and exclusions apply. It’s important to check the policy wording to understand what is covered and how much you can claim and talk to your travel insurance provider. 

What Travel Insurance Often Doesn’t Cover 

Travel insurance policies usually include exclusions, which are situations or events that are not covered. These commonly include pre-existing medical conditions that have not been disclosed and accepted by the insurer, as well as claims arising from travel against official government advice. Some policies may exclude certain sports or higher-risk activities unless extra cover is added. Losses linked to alcohol or drug use, or valuables left unattended, are also typically excluded. Because exclusions can vary between policies, it’s important to read the policy terms carefully, so you understand what is not covered before you travel. 

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance 

Before buying travel insurance, it can help to consider: 

  • Where you are travelling and how long you will be away 

  • Who is travelling (individual, couple, or family) 

  • Your health and medical history 

  • Any activities you plan to take part in 

  • Whether you need single-trip or annual cover 

Some bank accounts or credit cards offer limited travel insurance, but these policies may have lower coverage limits or exclusions. 

When Should You Buy Travel Insurance? 

It’s generally best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, especially if you have paid for flights or accommodation in advance. This can help protect you if you need to cancel before you travel, as well as while you are away. 

Before You Travel

Travel insurance is one part of preparing for a trip abroad. Before you travel, it is also important to check the latest official advice for your destination and make sure you have the documents and information you may need. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s TravelWise Checklist recommends checking: 

  • That your passport meets the validity requirements for your destination 

  • That you have comprehensive travel insurance 

  • That your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is up to date, if relevant to your trip 

  • The latest official travel advice for your destination 

Taking these steps can help you prepare for unexpected situations while abroad. You can find more information on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s TravelWise Checklist. 

Key Things to Remember 

When buying travel insurance, it’s important to give accurate and complete information, especially about your health and travel plans, as incorrect or missing details may affect your cover. You should also make sure that the medical cover limits are high enough for your destination, as healthcare costs can vary widely between countries. Check what excess applies if you need to make a claim, as this is the amount you may have to pay yourself. Finally, keep your policy details and emergency contact numbers with you while travelling, so you can access them quickly if needed. 

PLEASE NOTE 

The information outlined above is not intended to be exhaustive. Instead, we recommend that you ask your insurer or broker to explain in detail any aspects that you may be unclear on.