Best Travel Insurance | Quotes 2025

Travel insurance is increasingly being taken out by travellers staying abroad, whether for their holidays, as expats or even as part of a round-the-world trip or studies in another country. It is an essential safeguard in case of health problems or other issues while travelling.

But how does travel insurance work? What does it cover and what are its guarantees? How do you take out a travel insurance policy online? Discover the best travel insurance and Covid travel insurance policies in Ireland with our online comparison tool and expert advice.

Travel Insurance

• Who: Irish travellers abroad, students, professionals
• Why: to be covered for medical expenses, cancellation and other travel risks
• Price: from 15,71 € to 90 € for a short stay in Europe
• Duration: from a few days to two years depending on the chosen formula
• Obligation: Travel insurance is mandatory to obtain a visa for some countries

What is a travel insurance?

A travel insurance aims to protect you against certain risks associated with your trips abroad. When you travel to another country, you may face unexpected events such as an accident, baggage theft or illness. By taking out a travel insurance policy, you can protect yourself against these eventualities by being compensated in various circumstances.

Good to know

Travel insurance can be useful before your trip, especially if you need to cancel your trip, or during your stay, to reimburse you if you encounter any problems. Most travel insurance policies also include an assistance and legal protection contract.

Travel insurance in Ireland offers two main types of protection:

• The insurance cover: this segment covers compensation, which can be in the form of an advance or reimbursement for expenses incurred due to an accident, illness, damage caused to third parties, and other similar situations.
• The assistance cover: this part provides support and assistance in case of difficult circumstances, such as repatriation, loss or theft of luggage, or legal fees.

Types of travel insurances in Ireland

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Ideal for those taking a one-time trip, whether for leisure or business. It provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency assistance. 

Main coverages: 

• Medical expenses
• Trip cancellation
• Lost baggage
• Emergency medical repatriation

Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Designed for frequent travelers who take multiple trips within a year. Offers financial protection for unexpected events across multiple journeys. 

Main coverages: 

• Emergency medical expenses
• Trip cancellations
• Lost luggage
• Travel delays

Annual Travel Insurance

Best suited for those who travel regularly throughout the year. It provides continuous coverage, often at a better value than purchasing multiple single-trip policies. 

Main coverages: 

• Unlimited trips within the year
• Medical emergencies
• Trip interruptions
• Lost baggage

Backpacker Travel Insurance

Tailored for young travelers embarking on extended trips or working holidays. This policy ensures protection against medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations. 

Main coverages:

• Medical emergencies
• Personal belongings theft
• Legal assistance
• Adventure sports coverage

Family Travel Insurance

Provides coverage for the whole family under one policy, ensuring everyone is protected during their travels. 

Main coverages:

• Medical treatment abroad
• Trip cancellation
• Lost luggage
• Emergency family assistance

Business Travel Insurance

Designed for professionals who travel for work. Includes benefits such as coverage for lost work equipment and business cancellations. 

Main coverages:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Flight delays
• Loss of business documents/equipment
• Trip cancellations

Schengen Travel Insurance

Mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa. It covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and certain travel-related risks within the Schengen zone. 

Main coverages:

• Medical emergencies
• Hospital treatment
• Repatriation
• Travel assistance

Senior Travel Insurance

Designed for travelers over 70 or 80, offering comprehensive coverage tailored to their needs, including extended medical care. 

Main coverages:

• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip interruption
• Pre-existing condition coverage

What does travel insurance cover?

The benefits of travel insurance vary depending on the type of policy taken out by the traveller. Here is an overview of the main benefits included in a typical travel insurance policy, with concise descriptions and coverage limits generally observed in the market. You can use a travel insurance comparison website to see which policy best suits your needs and budget.

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance provides comprehensive protection against various risks during your travels, but it also has some exclusions. It is crucial to know these exclusions to avoid surprises and understand the limits of your coverage. Here is a table of the main common exclusions in travel insurance policies.

Travel Insurance Requirements for Visas

Some destinations require travel insurance to obtain a visa. Here is a list of countries where travel insurance is mandatory:

• Schengen Area : a minimum cover of 30 000 € for medical expenses, including emergencies and repatriation, is required for Schengen visas.
• Russia : travel insurance covering medical expenses for the entire duration of the stay is required, with a minimum coverage varying according to the requirements of the consulate.
• Cuba : travellers must have travel insurance covering medical expenses and present proof of insurance upon arrival.
• Algeria : requires proof of medical insurance covering the entire duration of the stay.
• China : some visa categories, especially for long stays, may require travel insurance with medical cover.
• Iran : travel insurance is mandatory for visitors, covering medical expenses and accidents.
• Turkey : for long-stay visas, proof of health insurance covering healthcare in Turkey is required.
• Saudi Arabia : visit visas require medical insurance covering medical expenses and emergencies.

How does travel insurance work?

Getting a travel insurance policy online

You can now get a travel insurance policy online. Here are the steps involved in getting a policy:

• Choose your insurer and coverage type: compare different travel insurance offers online to choose the one that best suits your needs (medical cover, cancellation, luggage, etc.).
• Provide the necessary information: fill out an online form with personal information (name, address, date of birth, etc.). Indicate your travel details (destination, departure and return dates, nature of travel, etc.).
• Choose additional options: Select any desired optional covers, such as coverage for extreme sports, professional activities, or pre-existing medical conditions.
• Payment: Make the payment for the insurance premium using a secure method (credit card, bank transfer, etc.). Receive a payment confirmation and a summary of your insurance policy by email.

With Hellosafe, you can take out your travel insurance online to receive your certificate immediately. We negotiate the best rates for you with the best insurers on the market to offer you the contract best suited to your trip at a competitive price.

Getting your travel insurance certificate

After subscribing and paying, you will generally receive a travel insurance certificate by email. This document certifies that you are covered by the insurance.

Make sure that all the information on the travel insurance certificate is correct (name, dates, destination, coverage, etc.).

If there is an error, contact the insurer immediately to correct the information.

Good to know

A travel insurance certificate may be required to obtain a visa (for example, for Schengen visas).

Keep an electronic copy and a printed copy of the certificate with you during your trip, in case it is requested by local authorities or in case of medical need.

Claim Process

If you experience an issue during your trip, here are the steps you need to follow to get support from your insurer:

• Notification of the incident: In case of a claim (illness, accident, trip cancellation, lost baggage, etc.), inform your insurer immediately. Most insurers offer 24/7 assistance by phone or online.
• Preparation of required documents: Gather all supporting documents required for your claim, such as:
• Medical certificates
• Hospital reports
• Loss or theft reports (police report)
• Flight tickets, hotel bookings, and payment receipts
• Proof of payment for medical expenses or other incurred costs
• Submission of the claim: Fill out the claim form provided by the insurer, attaching all supporting documents. Submit the claim electronically through the insurer's website or by post, as instructed.
• Claim tracking: The insurer will review your claim and may contact you for additional information. Track the status of your claim online or by phone to know the progress of the processing.
• Receipt of compensation: Once the claim is approved, the insurer will reimburse the costs covered by the insurance according to the terms of your policy. The amount will be paid to you by bank transfer or any other agreed payment method.

Good to know

Most insurers offer apps that allow you to report claims, request compensation and track the progress of your case.

How much does travel insurance cost in 2025?

The price of travel insurance can vary greatly from one policy to another and according to different criteria. While prices can also vary depending on the insurer you choose, they also vary greatly depending on certain conditions, including: 

• Your travel destination : it goes without saying that the price of your travel insurance policy will be affected by your destination. The higher the health risks or medical expenses in the country you are visiting, the higher your premium will be. This is why there are specific formulas for trips to the United States and Canada, for example.

• Trip duration : travel insurance policies are typically available for short trips of less than 3 months and for longer trips. It is important to note that the longer the trip, the more expensive the insurance will be.

• Traveller's age: Most of the time, the rates displayed by insurers for their travel insurance policy only concern travellers under 35 years old. Most of the time, a surcharge is applied beyond this age, due to the increasing health risks.

• The extent of coverage : the more guarantees your travel insurance policy has, the higher the price will be. It is also worth noting that some guarantees are offered as options, such as Covid cover or cancellation cover.

• The number of people insured : if you are travelling as a family or group, you can also benefit from better rates by taking out family travel insurance for all the travellers accompanying you.

To give you an idea of the cost of travel insurance in Ireland, here is a summary of travel insurance prices depending on the type of policy chosen and the insurer:

Best Travel Insurance in Ireland

When travelling within Europe, it's essential to choose travel insurance that caters to your specific needs. Several options are available in the market, with some offering dedicated European coverage. These insurance policies can cover various incidents such as medical expenses, trip interruptions, baggage loss, and much more.

Some travel insurance policies are designed for short trips, less than three months, such as the one offered by Heymondo. Others, like those from ACS or Mondial Care, offer coverage more suitable for longer stays, over three months.

To choose the best travel insurance for your needs, it's recommended to:

• Compare the prices and coverages offered by each insurance company.
• Consider the duration of your stay.
• Consider the activities you plan to engage in during your trip (some risky sports may require specific coverage).
• Look at the reimbursement ceiling in the event of a claim.
• Check the insurance waiting period.
• Read the general conditions carefully.

Travel Insurance Covid: How does it work?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more countries have been requiring travellers to provide proof of specific insurance before allowing them to enter their territory. In some countries, a statement covering COVID-19-Related costs is even required on the travel insurance certificate.

Remember that insurance linked to bank cards does not always provide a compliant certificate with what is expected upon arrival in these countries. It is therefore highly recommended to take out a real travel insurance policy that will provide you with this certificate. In addition, this insurance will also cover healthcare costs abroad if you contract Covid or if your condition requires treatment.

Among the other guarantees included in travel insurance policies that cover Covid, you will specifically find:

• Cover for extended stay costs if your condition prevents you from travelling and you are placed in quarantine.

Good to know

Finally, some cancellation insurances allow you to get a refund for your trip if you tested positive for Covid or were a contact case before your departure and this departure is therefore impossible.

How does travel insurance on my Visa or Mastercard work?

Travel insurance on bank cards only applies to high-end cards that have :

For example

For your bank card travel insurance to come into play, you must have paid for the trip with the bank card in question.

To find out the exact guarantees of your bank card insurance and the elements covered and not covered, use our free tool by simply entering the name of your card and the name of your bank.

Round the World: what is the best travel insurance for international travel?

A good travel insurance policy for an international trip or a round the world trip should include guarantees that are necessary to cover you in different countries and that of course concerns long stays. Here are our top 3 travel insurance policies for trips around the world and internationally:

What to Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance in Ireland

To compare and find the best travel insurance in Ireland for your needs, or even a cheap travel insurance policy, you need to compare some essential criteria, including:

• The level of reimbursement of medical expenses : medical consultations, dental expenses or even hospitalisation costs or the purchase of medication can be expensive abroad. Don't forget to keep the invoices you will pay on site in order to be reimbursed within a few weeks by your insurance company. However, remember that most travel insurance will not take into account illnesses or accidents that occurred before your departure abroad, nor chronic illnesses.

• Repatriation and assistance : while repatriation to Ireland is rare, it's vital to check your insurance covers this sufficiently. If your health requires it and local medical care cannot address it, your insurer covers the repatriation costs.

• Cover in case of death: In the event of death during your trip, most travel insurance policies in Ireland will cover the repatriation of the body. They will also cover the cost of the coffin, the cost of travel for a family member, and the death benefit and disability benefit.

• The level of liability insurance : if you are responsible during your trip for an accident that results in bodily injury and material damage to a third party, this assistance will be very useful. It will cover the damage caused to third parties as well as legal assistance.

• Travel assistance cover : this section will mainly cover the costs of finding money in advance in case of theft, transmitting urgent messages, a penalty bond or even filing a complaint. This guarantee may be offered as an option or be included directly in the contract.

• Cover for extreme sports: if you are planning to practice an extreme or dangerous sport during your holidays such as scuba diving, paragliding or skydiving, you will also need to make sure your travel insurance covers you for these activities. Remember that accidents that may occur while practicing these extreme sports are among the exclusions of the standard coverage of travel insurance.

• Travel insurance for your luggage: if you are traveling with valuables in your luggage, you should consider travel insurance that includes luggage cover. Most travel insurance policies now offer luggage cover, which provides reimbursement of up to 3 000 € on average for lost or stolen luggage.

Find Cheap Travel Insurance in Ireland

To find cheap travel insurance in Ireland, it's essential to use online comparison websites. They give you a comprehensive overview of the different offers available in the market in just a few clicks. These tools consider your profile, needs and budget.

• Compare the prices of different insurance companies based on your criteria.
• Remember to check the coverage offered. A cheaper insurance may mean less coverage.
• Take advantage of discounts and promotions offered by some insurance companies.
• Consider the option of an annual insurance policy if you travel frequently. It may be more economical in the long run.
• Finally, don't hesitate to request multiple quotes to create competition.

Why should I get travel insurance?

There are a number of ways to get travel insurance in Ireland. You can choose to do it through:

• Directly from a travel insurance provider specializing in this type of coverage. Some well-known names include Allianz, AXA and Chill.
• Through a travel agency when you buy your trip. This is often the simplest option, but not necessarily the most economical.
• Online, using travel insurance comparison websites. They aggregate several offers and allow you to compare them to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

You can also easily purchase your travel insurance online with Hellosafe using our tool that will offer you the best contracts available for your stay and allow you to get your certificate immediately.

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A. Fruchard

Insurance expert

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.