Travel insurance

Ireland: Best Travel Insurance Plans in 2025

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Table of Contents
  • What is travel insurance?
  • What is the price of travel insurance?
  • What does travel insurance cover?
  • What are the conditions to meet?
  • Why take out travel insurance?
  • How to choose the right travel insurance
  • Do my current insurers offer travel insurance?
  • FAQ
  • On the same topic
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travel insurance: key takeaways

1. Definition: Travel insurance is a policy that protects you financially from unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage.

2. Price: For a one-week European trip, basic travel insurance in Ireland can cost from approximately €10 to €25.

3. Coverage: Policies usually cover medical emergencies and cancellations but often exclude pre-existing conditions and claims involving alcohol or high-risk activities.

4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and private health insurance offer limited travel cover, which is often insufficient for comprehensive protection abroad.

5. Tips: Always compare policies, declare all pre-existing medical conditions, and check the excess amount before you decide to buy.

6. Other useful info: Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides state healthcare in the EU but does not cover repatriation or cancellations.

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Why trust HelloSafe ?

HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Ireland, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best one for you.

What is travel insurance?

travel insurance is a policy that protects you from financial loss if your trip is disrupted by unexpected events. It usually covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, theft or loss of belongings, and travel delays.
Cover levels vary based on your policy, destination, and personal risk.

It is essential because it covers high costs from medical or travel emergencies that your EHIC, private insurance, or credit card may not fully support abroad.

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Expert advice

Here are the situations where taking out travel insurance is especially recommended:
- You are travelling to a country with expensive healthcare services.
- Your EHIC does not cover all medical costs in Europe.
- Your trip involves significant non-refundable prepaid expenses.
- You or a companion have a pre-existing medical condition.
- You plan to take part in sports or adventure activities.
- You are travelling to remote areas with limited emergency services.
- Your itinerary includes cruises or multiple connecting flights.

What is the price of travel insurance?

On average, travel insurance costs between 5% and 10% of the total price of your trip.

TripTrip costIndicative price per person
One week in Spain1,200 €18 – 60 €
Two weeks in the United States3,000 €90 – 300 €
One month in Southeast Asia2,500 €75 – 250 €
Three-day city break in London600 €10 – 30 €
One week in Spain
Trip cost
1,200 €
Indicative price per person
18 – 60 €
Two weeks in the United States
Trip cost
3,000 €
Indicative price per person
90 – 300 €
One month in Southeast Asia
Trip cost
2,500 €
Indicative price per person
75 – 250 €
Three-day city break in London
Trip cost
600 €
Indicative price per person
10 – 30 €

These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.

The price of your travel insurance depends on several factors:

  • trip duration: the longer your travel period, the higher the price.
  • destination: trips to countries with expensive medical care, such as the USA, usually cost more to insure.
  • traveller’s age: older travellers often pay higher premiums.
  • level of coverage: comprehensive or premium plans cost more than basic coverage.
  • pre-existing medical conditions: cover for these usually increases the price.
  • activities included: covering risky sports or valuable items raises the cost.

What does travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance protects you from unexpected problems during your trip. Here's what it usually covers, and what it may not.

Covered guaranteeDefinitionExpert advice
❌ Trip cancellationReimburses non-refundable costs if you cancel before departure.
  • Choose at least €3,000 cover and maximum €100 excess.
  • Watch out for exclusions for epidemics, pre existing conditions, and personal decisions such as a change of mind.
⏸️ Trip curtailment/interruptionPays for extra costs if you have to shorten your trip due to emergencies.
  • Coverage should match your total trip value, with a maximum €100 excess.
  • Common exclusions include strikes, unrest, or issues known before booking.
🧳 Baggage insuranceCovers loss, theft, or damage of your luggage and belongings during transport or stay.
  • Get at least €1,500 cover and keep excess below €100.
  • Exclusions often include unattended bags, high value items, or delays under 12 hours.
🚑 Emergency medical expensesKey guarantee. Pays for urgent medical care or hospitalisation abroad.
  • Secure minimum €2M cover, ideally €5M for outside EU, and lowest possible excess.
  • Exclusions can include risky sports, alcohol related incidents, and known medical conditions.
🏥 HospitalisationPays hospital fees and related costs during your trip.
  • Select a plan offering full hospital costs up to the medical expenses limit.
  • Exclusions may include psychiatric care, cosmetic surgery, or non emergencies.
💊 Medical repatriationKey guarantee. Pays to bring you back to Ireland if medically needed.
  • At least €300,000 cover and max €100 excess.
  • Policies may exclude non medical repatriation, conflict zones, or private flights not organised by the insurer.
🚗 Personal liability abroadCovers accidental damage or injury you cause to others while abroad.
  • Choose at least €1.5M cover and prefer excess under €500.
  • Exclusions often include vehicle use, damage to rental property, or intentional acts.
🕗 Travel delayCompensates for necessary meals or accommodation if travel is delayed.
  • Minimum cover €300 with excess below €50.
  • Exclusions include airline strikes, missed check in, and pre existing issues causing delay.
🤕 Personal accidentUsually optional. Pays a lump sum for death or permanent disability during your trip.
  • Select at least €50,000 coverage and the lowest excess possible.
  • Exclusions include adventure sports, alcohol, or accidents during work.
🛠️ Assistance servicesOffers a 24/7 helpline for medical, legal, or translation advice and emergencies.
  • The plan should have unlimited assistance and a global hotline.
  • Exclusions usually cover non urgent support, remote locations, or advice not linked to an emergency.
🗄️ Loss of documentsReimburses the cost to replace lost or stolen passports, visas, or travel documents.
  • Choose at least €300 cover and no more than €50 excess.
  • Exclusions often apply when documents were left unattended or not reported quickly to authorities or your insurer.
💵 Personal moneyCovers stolen or lost cash and travellers’ cheques.
  • At least €250 cover with excess under €50 is recommended.
  • Exclusions include unattended money, currency exchange losses, or theft not reported to police within 24 hours.
❌ Trip cancellation
Definition
Reimburses non-refundable costs if you cancel before departure.
Expert advice
  • Choose at least €3,000 cover and maximum €100 excess.
  • Watch out for exclusions for epidemics, pre existing conditions, and personal decisions such as a change of mind.
⏸️ Trip curtailment/interruption
Definition
Pays for extra costs if you have to shorten your trip due to emergencies.
Expert advice
  • Coverage should match your total trip value, with a maximum €100 excess.
  • Common exclusions include strikes, unrest, or issues known before booking.
🧳 Baggage insurance
Definition
Covers loss, theft, or damage of your luggage and belongings during transport or stay.
Expert advice
  • Get at least €1,500 cover and keep excess below €100.
  • Exclusions often include unattended bags, high value items, or delays under 12 hours.
🚑 Emergency medical expenses
Definition
Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical care or hospitalisation abroad.
Expert advice
  • Secure minimum €2M cover, ideally €5M for outside EU, and lowest possible excess.
  • Exclusions can include risky sports, alcohol related incidents, and known medical conditions.
🏥 Hospitalisation
Definition
Pays hospital fees and related costs during your trip.
Expert advice
  • Select a plan offering full hospital costs up to the medical expenses limit.
  • Exclusions may include psychiatric care, cosmetic surgery, or non emergencies.
💊 Medical repatriation
Definition
Key guarantee. Pays to bring you back to Ireland if medically needed.
Expert advice
  • At least €300,000 cover and max €100 excess.
  • Policies may exclude non medical repatriation, conflict zones, or private flights not organised by the insurer.
🚗 Personal liability abroad
Definition
Covers accidental damage or injury you cause to others while abroad.
Expert advice
  • Choose at least €1.5M cover and prefer excess under €500.
  • Exclusions often include vehicle use, damage to rental property, or intentional acts.
🕗 Travel delay
Definition
Compensates for necessary meals or accommodation if travel is delayed.
Expert advice
  • Minimum cover €300 with excess below €50.
  • Exclusions include airline strikes, missed check in, and pre existing issues causing delay.
🤕 Personal accident
Definition
Usually optional. Pays a lump sum for death or permanent disability during your trip.
Expert advice
  • Select at least €50,000 coverage and the lowest excess possible.
  • Exclusions include adventure sports, alcohol, or accidents during work.
🛠️ Assistance services
Definition
Offers a 24/7 helpline for medical, legal, or translation advice and emergencies.
Expert advice
  • The plan should have unlimited assistance and a global hotline.
  • Exclusions usually cover non urgent support, remote locations, or advice not linked to an emergency.
🗄️ Loss of documents
Definition
Reimburses the cost to replace lost or stolen passports, visas, or travel documents.
Expert advice
  • Choose at least €300 cover and no more than €50 excess.
  • Exclusions often apply when documents were left unattended or not reported quickly to authorities or your insurer.
💵 Personal money
Definition
Covers stolen or lost cash and travellers’ cheques.
Expert advice
  • At least €250 cover with excess under €50 is recommended.
  • Exclusions include unattended money, currency exchange losses, or theft not reported to police within 24 hours.

Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.

To find the travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.

What are the conditions to meet?

  • Trip duration: the trip must not last longer than the maximum duration set by the policy, commonly 31-60 days per journey.
  • Policy purchase: travel insurance must be bought and activated before you leave Ireland or your home country.
  • Full payment: the policy premium must be fully paid before departure or coverage may not apply.
  • Accurate declaration: all health and travel details you provide must be true and complete to avoid claim refusals.
  • Pre-existing conditions: these must be declared and accepted by the insurer for them to be covered.
  • Approved destinations: coverage is usually not offered for countries with official Irish government travel warnings.
  • Activity coverage: some activities, like winter sports, need to be specifically included in your travel insurance policy.
  • Residency: you must be resident in Ireland at the time of buying the policy.

If your circumstances change after purchase, always inform your insurer as this may affect your travel insurance coverage.

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Watch out!

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not a substitute for travel insurance. While useful in the EU, it does not cover private medical care, repatriation, trip cancellation, or lost baggage. For comprehensive protection against these risks, a dedicated travel insurance policy is essential, even for holidays in Spain or Portugal.

Why take out travel insurance?

Medical emergencies abroad can happen at any time, and healthcare costs can quickly become a significant financial concern without proper travel insurance.

Here are some examples of medical costs abroad:

Type of treatmentAverage cost (€)What travel insurance covers
Sprained ankle while hiking
  • Europe: 500 to 1,000
  • North America: 1,400 to 3,000
  • Asia: 180 to 600
Up to 100%, usually €2 million to €10 million for medical care
Cut from a scooter accident
  • Europe: 900 to 1,800
  • North America: 2,500 to 5,000
  • Asia: 400 to 900
Up to 100%, including hospitalisation and surgery
Food poisoning with hospital stay
  • Europe: 1,100 to 2,700
  • North America: 3,000 to 6,500
  • Asia: 500 to 1,600
Up to 100%, covers hospital and prescription costs
Tooth infection treatment
  • Europe: 250 to 600
  • North America: 500 to 1,000
  • Asia: 100 to 300
Limited, up to €300 to €500 for dental emergencies
Respiratory infection consultation
  • Europe: 80 to 250
  • North America: 200 to 600
  • Asia: 60 to 210
Up to 100% of outpatient and treatment costs
Average cost of common medical treatments abroad and travel insurance coverage.
Sprained ankle while hiking
Average cost (€)
  • Europe: 500 to 1,000
  • North America: 1,400 to 3,000
  • Asia: 180 to 600
What travel insurance covers
Up to 100%, usually €2 million to €10 million for medical care
Cut from a scooter accident
Average cost (€)
  • Europe: 900 to 1,800
  • North America: 2,500 to 5,000
  • Asia: 400 to 900
What travel insurance covers
Up to 100%, including hospitalisation and surgery
Food poisoning with hospital stay
Average cost (€)
  • Europe: 1,100 to 2,700
  • North America: 3,000 to 6,500
  • Asia: 500 to 1,600
What travel insurance covers
Up to 100%, covers hospital and prescription costs
Tooth infection treatment
Average cost (€)
  • Europe: 250 to 600
  • North America: 500 to 1,000
  • Asia: 100 to 300
What travel insurance covers
Limited, up to €300 to €500 for dental emergencies
Respiratory infection consultation
Average cost (€)
  • Europe: 80 to 250
  • North America: 200 to 600
  • Asia: 60 to 210
What travel insurance covers
Up to 100% of outpatient and treatment costs
Average cost of common medical treatments abroad and travel insurance coverage.

Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.

💡 Travel insurance can also cover trip cancellation, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability, 24/7 emergency assistance, and repatriation. These extra guarantees help protect you from common travel risks and costly disruptions.

How to choose the right travel insurance

Travel insurance plans in Ireland vary widely in terms of reimbursement and limits. Knowing which criteria to compare ensures the guarantees you choose are relevant for your needs.

CriterionWhy it mattersExpert tip
💰 Reimbursement limitsSet the maximum amount paid for emergencies or lossesAlways select at least €2 million for medical cover, especially when travelling to the USA or outside the EU.
📉 DeductiblesImpact what you pay out of pocket for each claimLower deductibles (below €100) reduce unexpected extra costs. Check how excess applies to each section of your plan.
📝 Policy conditionsAffect legal validity and claims eligibilityCarefully review age restrictions, pre-existing condition clauses, and medical stability rules before buying.
👵 Traveller's ageChanges cover, especially for those over 65Compare plans if you are over 65. Insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for travellers above 62.
🗓️ Trip durationCan limit coverage periodsVerify the maximum days per trip your plan will cover before departure, particularly for long or round-the-world trips.
🌍 Geographic areaCoverage is often region-specificMake sure all destinations and layovers are included. For worldwide, check for exclusions on high-risk countries.
🧑‍💼 Traveller profileDetermines what extras you might needThink about cover for sports, business equipment, or family members depending on your trip type.
🏦 Existing cover (bank, health)May reduce or duplicate travel insurance benefitsCheck what your bank, home or health insurance already covers before buying additional guarantees.
🧗 Planned activitiesMany policies exclude adventurous or risky activitiesAdd optional cover for winter sports or adventure, or opt for a tailor-made plan if needed.
💻 Online comparison & purchaseMakes it easier to identify the best offerUse HelloSafe to easily compare plans by price, cover, and features before purchasing.
💰 Reimbursement limits
Why it matters
Set the maximum amount paid for emergencies or losses
Expert tip
Always select at least €2 million for medical cover, especially when travelling to the USA or outside the EU.
📉 Deductibles
Why it matters
Impact what you pay out of pocket for each claim
Expert tip
Lower deductibles (below €100) reduce unexpected extra costs. Check how excess applies to each section of your plan.
📝 Policy conditions
Why it matters
Affect legal validity and claims eligibility
Expert tip
Carefully review age restrictions, pre-existing condition clauses, and medical stability rules before buying.
👵 Traveller's age
Why it matters
Changes cover, especially for those over 65
Expert tip
Compare plans if you are over 65. Insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for travellers above 62.
🗓️ Trip duration
Why it matters
Can limit coverage periods
Expert tip
Verify the maximum days per trip your plan will cover before departure, particularly for long or round-the-world trips.
🌍 Geographic area
Why it matters
Coverage is often region-specific
Expert tip
Make sure all destinations and layovers are included. For worldwide, check for exclusions on high-risk countries.
🧑‍💼 Traveller profile
Why it matters
Determines what extras you might need
Expert tip
Think about cover for sports, business equipment, or family members depending on your trip type.
🏦 Existing cover (bank, health)
Why it matters
May reduce or duplicate travel insurance benefits
Expert tip
Check what your bank, home or health insurance already covers before buying additional guarantees.
🧗 Planned activities
Why it matters
Many policies exclude adventurous or risky activities
Expert tip
Add optional cover for winter sports or adventure, or opt for a tailor-made plan if needed.
💻 Online comparison & purchase
Why it matters
Makes it easier to identify the best offer
Expert tip
Use HelloSafe to easily compare plans by price, cover, and features before purchasing.
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Good to know

Many insurers now offer 24/7 telemedicine services, a lifesaver when you're unsure about a local clinic. For instance, Heymondo's app lets you chat with a doctor from anywhere, providing peace of mind before you even step into a medical facility.

Do my current insurers offer travel insurance?

It is reasonable to consider whether your current insurance, like credit card coverage or the public health system, can serve as travel insurance, but it is usually not sufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.

Type of insuranceTravel insurance included?What it coversWhy Travel Insurance is better
Public health insurance (HSE)NeverEmergency public medical care only in Ireland. No cover for illness, theft, delays, or repatriation abroad.Travel insurance includes up to €10,000,000 medical cover, repatriation, baggage, delays, and 24/7 worldwide cover.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)Limited coverageEmergency medical care in public facilities in EU countries only. No cover for private care, baggage, or cancellation.Travel insurance covers private clinics, trip cancellation, and medical evacuation up to €10,000,000 outside the EU.
Private health insurance (VHI, Laya, Irish Life)Limited coverageEmergency medical costs abroad up to €55,000. No cover for trip cancellation, repatriation, or lost luggage.Travel insurance reimburses up to €10,000,000 for medical, plus trip cancellation and loss or theft of belongings.
Classic credit card (Bank of Ireland, AIB, Ulster Bank)Limited coverageBasic medical cover, accidental death, lost bags. Sometimes capped at €250,000. Excludes many holiday risks.Travel insurance provides much higher medical limits, trip curtailment, missed connections, and cover for pre-existing conditions.
Premium credit card (Platinum, World Elite, Signature)Limited coverageBetter medical cover, cover often required trip to be paid with card. Max cover usually €500,000.Travel insurance offers higher sum insured, automatic worldwide cover, and more extensive protection for interruption or lost items.
Public health insurance (HSE)
Travel insurance included?
Never
What it covers
Emergency public medical care only in Ireland. No cover for illness, theft, delays, or repatriation abroad.
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance includes up to €10,000,000 medical cover, repatriation, baggage, delays, and 24/7 worldwide cover.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Travel insurance included?
Limited coverage
What it covers
Emergency medical care in public facilities in EU countries only. No cover for private care, baggage, or cancellation.
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance covers private clinics, trip cancellation, and medical evacuation up to €10,000,000 outside the EU.
Private health insurance (VHI, Laya, Irish Life)
Travel insurance included?
Limited coverage
What it covers
Emergency medical costs abroad up to €55,000. No cover for trip cancellation, repatriation, or lost luggage.
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance reimburses up to €10,000,000 for medical, plus trip cancellation and loss or theft of belongings.
Classic credit card (Bank of Ireland, AIB, Ulster Bank)
Travel insurance included?
Limited coverage
What it covers
Basic medical cover, accidental death, lost bags. Sometimes capped at €250,000. Excludes many holiday risks.
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance provides much higher medical limits, trip curtailment, missed connections, and cover for pre-existing conditions.
Premium credit card (Platinum, World Elite, Signature)
Travel insurance included?
Limited coverage
What it covers
Better medical cover, cover often required trip to be paid with card. Max cover usually €500,000.
Why Travel Insurance is better
Travel insurance offers higher sum insured, automatic worldwide cover, and more extensive protection for interruption or lost items.
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Expert advice

Some important coverages such as trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death is almost never covered by bank cards and health insurances. Always check the exclusions of your existing policies. In any case, buying travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer.

FAQ

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Travel insurance is not legally required to leave Ireland or travel within the EU, but it is mandatory for entry to certain countries such as Russia, Cuba, or the Schengen area. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended—for example, a medical emergency in the USA without cover can result in costs of thousands of euros.

When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?

The best time to purchase travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. Early purchase ensures you are covered for trip cancellation and pre-departure incidents like illness or family emergencies, offering maximum financial protection from the very start.

How do I purchase travel insurance?

First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the guarantees and read policy exclusions relevant to your specific needs. Once you have chosen a policy, purchase it online. You will then receive your certificate by email within minutes.

Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after booking your trip, but coverage for cancellation or changes will often only start from the policy issue date. It is best to buy as soon as possible to protect your financial investment in case you must cancel your plans.

How do I make a claim?

To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible and collect all necessary documents, such as receipts, police reports, and medical records. Submit your claim form with supporting evidence to the insurer. Claims are usually reviewed within a few weeks, depending on the provider.

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Many Irish policies exclude pre-existing conditions unless specifically declared and accepted by the insurer, sometimes requiring additional premium or medical screening. Always disclose your medical history upfront and check your policy’s definition of a pre-existing condition before travelling.

Is travel insurance valid for adventure sports or hazardous activities?

Standard travel insurance policies often exclude hazardous activities like skiing or scuba diving unless you purchase a special add-on. If you plan adventure sports, confirm that your activity is covered and consider an upgrade if you want protection for sports-related accidents or injuries.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Travel insurance is not legally required to leave Ireland or travel within the EU, but it is mandatory for entry to certain countries such as Russia, Cuba, or the Schengen area. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended—for example, a medical emergency in the USA without cover can result in costs of thousands of euros.

When is it recommended to purchase travel insurance?

The best time to purchase travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. Early purchase ensures you are covered for trip cancellation and pre-departure incidents like illness or family emergencies, offering maximum financial protection from the very start.

How do I purchase travel insurance?

First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check the guarantees and read policy exclusions relevant to your specific needs. Once you have chosen a policy, purchase it online. You will then receive your certificate by email within minutes.

Can I purchase travel insurance after booking?

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after booking your trip, but coverage for cancellation or changes will often only start from the policy issue date. It is best to buy as soon as possible to protect your financial investment in case you must cancel your plans.

How do I make a claim?

To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible and collect all necessary documents, such as receipts, police reports, and medical records. Submit your claim form with supporting evidence to the insurer. Claims are usually reviewed within a few weeks, depending on the provider.

Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Many Irish policies exclude pre-existing conditions unless specifically declared and accepted by the insurer, sometimes requiring additional premium or medical screening. Always disclose your medical history upfront and check your policy’s definition of a pre-existing condition before travelling.

Is travel insurance valid for adventure sports or hazardous activities?

Standard travel insurance policies often exclude hazardous activities like skiing or scuba diving unless you purchase a special add-on. If you plan adventure sports, confirm that your activity is covered and consider an upgrade if you want protection for sports-related accidents or injuries.

On the same topic

A. Fruchard
A. Fruchard
Insurance expert
HelloSafe
Co-founder of HelloSafe and an experienced entrepreneur in the insurance and personal finance sector, Antoine uses his experience and in-depth knowledge of the market to help Internet users make the right choices. With an MBA in economics, he is a committed expert whose mission is to make personal finance and insurance issues simple and understandable. With a rich career marked by the creation of innovative companies, Antoine's ambition has always been to bring transparency to complex issues and to give power back to consumers. With HelloSafe, he continues to translate this vision by providing accurate advice, impartial comparisons and detailed explanations of travel insurance. He has analysed hundreds of contracts to reveal the best options available on the market.

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