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What’s covered by travel insurance?

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

This could include paying for medical care if you fall ill, refunding your booking if you have to cancel or compensating you for lost or stolen personal belongings. It depends on the insurance provider and level of cover you choose, but most decent policies cover:

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

You can also add extra cover to include things like:

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to choose the right type of cover

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

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

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

How much does travel insurance cost?

These figures represent the average insurance premium cost in Ireland for a healthy adult in their 30s buying standard cover.

Destination	Single Trip	Annual Multi-Trip
Europe	€16 – €50	€40 – €70
Worldwide (inc. USA & Canada)	€40 - €80	€65 – €100+

Note: Add-ons and high-risk activities: Extras such as winter sports, golf equipment cover, or cruise protection will increase the policy’s total cost.

Standard single trip insurance could cost you around €20 if you are young with no underlying medical conditions, but if it’s very cheap, it may not provide the cover you need.

The older you are, the higher the premium, regardless of your health. Cover prices increase significantly for travellers over 65 and can double for those over 70.

What affects the price of cover?

• your destination
• your age
• your medical history
• amount of excess
• whether you have private health insurance

To find the cheapest travel insurance quote, shop around to compare prices and benefits.

What if you have private medical insurance?

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

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

Holding a valid private medical insurance policy (like Vhi, Laya, or Irish Life Health) that covers you abroad can often reduce these base premiums by up to 25%.

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

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

Should you buy the cheapest travel insurance?

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

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

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

Who offers travel insurance in Ireland?

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

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

What you need to buy travel insurance

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

• Your destination: Typically shown as UK and the Channel Islands, Europe or Worldwide (including or excluding USA and Canada).
• The dates of your trip: The date you leave Ireland and the date you arrive back in Ireland.
• Who needs to be covered: Usually indicated as individual, couple or family but check the help information for exclusions.
• The age of each traveller If you’re buying a group policy, make sure you have details of each traveller to hand.
• The nature of your trip: For instance, if you’re skiing and need winter sports cover.

You may also be asked to confirm if you hold private medical insurance that covers trips abroad.

When should you buy travel insurance?

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

This also covers you if something happens before your trip starts, such as you or a relative becoming seriously ill.

For an annual or multi-trip policy, you need to know roughly when you’ll be travelling. This is because you’ll have to choose a start date for your policy which will run a year from that date.

If you book a holiday that starts before your policy does, you won’t be covered.

What is European Health Insurance (EHIC)?

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

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

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

What does it cover?

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

Covered

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

Not covered

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

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

EHIC vs Private health or travel insurance

While the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is essential for travel within Europe, it is not a replacement for private travel or health insurance. Here is a breakdown of how they compare:

Feature	European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)	Private travel / medical insurance
Cost to obtain	Free	Paid premium (varies by age, duration, and cover)
Geographic coverage	EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland	Worldwide (depends on the policy you choose)
Healthcare facilities	Public / state hospitals only	Private clinics and public hospitals
Emergency repatriation	❌ Not covered	Covered (medical flights or air ambulances home)
Search & Rescue	❌ Not covered	Covered (depends on the policy and activities)
Pre-existing conditions	Covered for emergency treatments	Varies (must be declared and may cost extra)
Non-Medical cover	❌ Not covered	Covers cancellations, lost luggage, delays, and theft
Upfront costs	Same terms as locals (you may have to pay a small state fee)	Usually covered directly by insurer, or claimed back later

The best strategy is to travel with both. Many private travel insurers will actually waive your excess fee if you use your EHIC to cover the base cost of your medical treatment in a European public hospital.

How to use the card

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

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

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

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

Do you still need travel insurance?

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

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

How to renew or apply for the EHIC

You can either apply or renew:

• Online: Visit the HSE website to apply digitally. This is the quickest method.
• By post or email: Visit the HSE website to find out more.

You will need your:

• e-mail address
• PPS number
• Date of birth

Your EHIC card will be posted to you within 10 working days of applying.

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

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

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

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

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

Insurance company	Claims number	Calling from abroad
AA Insurance	01 431 1204	+353 143 11204
AIG	01 661 9133	+44 (0) 1273 723 146
Allianz Travel	1866 884 3556	-
An Post Insurance	1800 719 087	+353 (0)1 440 2762
Aviva	1800 940 515	+353 (0) 1 440 1790
Blue Insurance	091 560 619	-
Chill Insurance	091 560 665	+353 91 601 612
InsureandGo	091 545 907	+353 91 545 908 (emergencies)
Laya Travel Insurance	01 261 1508	+44 1273 456 683
Multitrip	091 560 638	-
VHI	046 9077358	-

Claiming for illness, accidents and medical emergencies

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

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

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

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

Claiming for lost, stolen or damaged belongings

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

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

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

Claiming if you have to cancel your trip

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

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

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

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

When can you cancel?

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

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

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

When can the travel company cancel?

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

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

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

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

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

What are my package holiday rights?

If you book a package holiday, you should be:

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

How to complain about your holiday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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