- The best annual travel insurance plans
- Annual Travel Insurance Explained
- The price of annual travel insurance
- What does annual travel insurance cover?
- The Conditions of Annual Travel Insurance
- Why take out annual travel insurance?
- How to choose the right annual travel insurance
- Do Your Current Insurance Policies Cover Annual Travel Insurance?
- FAQ
annual travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Annual travel insurance provides cover for all your trips over a 12-month period, ideal for frequent travellers.
2. Price: A basic annual policy for European travel can cost from around €30, depending on your age and needs.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Your bank card, VHI, or Laya plan offers limited travel cover; the EHIC is not insurance.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and check the policy's maximum trip duration limit before you purchase your cover.
6. Other useful info: Remember your EHIC is no longer valid for travel to the UK, making comprehensive insurance essential.
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 annual travel insurance.
The best annual travel insurance plans
The following table showcases some of the best annual travel insurance options for residents of Ireland. These plans are recognized for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and clear policy terms, making them suitable for frequent travellers seeking comprehensive protection.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 10.0M € | 0 € | Includes extended trip duration within annual cover.Easy online claim process.No age-based premium increase.Multi-currency care and payment. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 8.0M € | 0 € | 24/7 multilingual support.Covers most adventure sports.Direct billing with many clinics.No deductible. |
| Tourist Card | 10.0M € | 75 € | Strong winter sports coverage.Family discounts available.Pre-existing condition options.Quick online claims. |
| World Travel | 5.0M € | 50 € | Flexible trip length choices.Several add-ons for sports/activities.Includes emergency cash advances.Covers trip curtailment. |
| Globe Partner | 1.0M € | 100 € | Straightforward, basic cover.Suitable for EU regional travel.Competitive pricing for singles.Simple claim procedure. |
| Globe Traveller | 1.0M € | 100 € | Valid for trips up to 12 months.Solid senior traveller terms.Option to renew abroad.Support in several languages. |
The best annual travel insurance depends on your individual travel habits. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the most suitable policy and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareAnnual Travel Insurance Explained
Annual travel insurance is a policy that covers Irish residents for an unlimited number of trips taken over a 12-month period, each subject to a maximum duration limit per trip.
It provides continuous protection for all eligible journeys within the policy year, including medical emergencies, cancellations, and baggage issues.
Annual travel insurance is also called multi-trip or yearly travel insurance and is cost-effective for those making several trips a year.
It differs from single trip cover, which protects only one journey.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out annual travel insurance is especially relevant if you live in Ireland:
- When you plan on taking several trips within a single year.
- For any trips to the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.
- If you travel regularly for business purposes throughout the year.
- For frequent last-minute getaways or spontaneous short breaks abroad.
- If you frequently visit family or friends living abroad.
- When it is more cost-effective than buying multiple single policies.
- To avoid buying a new policy for every single trip.
The price of annual travel insurance
On average, annual travel insurance costs between €120 and €650 per year, depending on destinations, trip frequency, and coverage level.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Four weekend city breaks in Europe (3 days each) | €1,600 | €120 to €180 (annual) |
| Three family holidays plus two business trips | €6,000 | €200 to €350 (annual) |
| Six-month backpacking trip across several Asian countries | €8,000 | €450 to €650 (annual) |
| Monthly family visits within Europe and two long-haul trips | €5,000 | €300 to €500 (annual) |
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 annual travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip frequency and duration: taking more trips or longer journeys in a year increases the overall premium.
- destination: worldwide coverage is more expensive than European-only plans, and high-cost destinations such as the USA or Japan raise the price.
- traveller’s age: older travellers are charged higher premiums, and some insurers may have age-related restrictions.
- level of coverage: higher medical expense limits, low excess, and extra options such as winter sports or business cover increase the cost.
- selected options: add-ons for adventure activities, valuables, pre-existing conditions, or family coverage will impact the final price.
What does annual travel insurance cover?
Annual travel insurance is a policy that covers multiple trips abroad over a 12-month period, with limits on the maximum trip length.
It is mainly designed for frequent travellers, including those who travel for business or holidays several times a year.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of pre-paid costs if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason before departure. | At least €1,500 is recommended, with a deductible below €50. Change of mind, known events, and work-related reasons are common exclusions. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Covers transport if you miss your flight due to a reason beyond your control. | Seek cover of €250 minimum and no deductible. Not covered for personal lateness or if you cannot prove the delay. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during any trip in the year. | €1,500 minimum with deductible under €30 is best. Unattended bags, fragile items, and valuables over sub-limits are often excluded. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Refund of essential expenses if bags are delayed at your destination. | €150+ after 24 hours is appropriate, seldom with a deductible. Not covered for return trips or if the airline does not provide written proof. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Fixed sum paid if transport is delayed significantly. | €100 or more after 4 hours is standard, no deductible. Delays under 4 hours or without written confirmation from the transport provider are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency healthcare on any trip. | Minimum €1.5M cover, deductible max €50. Pre-existing medical conditions, routine treatment, and cosmetic care are not included. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency transport back to Ireland when medically needed. | Cover should be unlimited or at least €1.5M. Convenience or non-emergency repatriation is usually excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment needed on a trip. | €200 minimum and deductible under €30 is advised. Planned dental work, check-ups, and cosmetic dentistry are excluded from cover. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers if you injure someone or damage property accidentally overseas. | At least €450,000 recommended, deductible below €100. Family harm, intended acts, or damage to rented property are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays lawyer fees and bail following a legal incident while travelling. | €3,000 for legal fees and €7,500 for bail are useful limits. Claims related to criminal acts, alcohol, or contractual disputes are generally not covered. |
Change of mind, known events, and work-related reasons are common exclusions.
Not covered for personal lateness or if you cannot prove the delay.
Unattended bags, fragile items, and valuables over sub-limits are often excluded.
Not covered for return trips or if the airline does not provide written proof.
Delays under 4 hours or without written confirmation from the transport provider are not covered.
Pre-existing medical conditions, routine treatment, and cosmetic care are not included.
Convenience or non-emergency repatriation is usually excluded.
Planned dental work, check-ups, and cosmetic dentistry are excluded from cover.
Family harm, intended acts, or damage to rented property are excluded.
Claims related to criminal acts, alcohol, or contractual disputes are generally not covered.
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 annual travel insurance best suited to your needs and trips, compare offers on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of Annual Travel Insurance
To ensure your annual travel insurance is valid for all your trips, several standard conditions must be respected by Irish residents.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before your first trip starts and not while already travelling.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of Ireland when taking out and holding the policy.
- Trip duration limit: each individual trip must not exceed the maximum number of days allowed per trip by your policy.
- Maximum number of trips: unlimited trips are permitted, but each trip must begin and end within the policy period.
- Premium payment: the full annual premium must be paid before your coverage period commences.
- Incident notification: you must inform the insurer promptly if an incident occurs, such as illness, theft, or an accident.
- Destination restrictions: trips to destinations under Irish government advisories or those listed as excluded by the insurer are not covered.
- Claims documentation: support all claims with appropriate evidence, for example receipts, medical certificates, or police reports.
Watch out!
A key misunderstanding is that annual insurance covers cancellation for trips you've already booked. In reality, cancellation cover only applies to holidays booked *after* your policy starts. To be fully protected, always buy your annual policy before booking any trips for the upcoming year.
Why take out annual travel insurance?
Medical emergencies and accidents can happen unexpectedly on any trip, and overseas medical costs can quickly become unmanageable without annual travel insurance.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100%, depending on policy limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often covered 100% if medically necessary and urgent |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, depending on base and optional limits |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually 100%, subject to policy terms and deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Often partial, subject to limit or sub-limit |
- Europe: €200 to €400
- North America: €800 to €1,200
- Asia: €100 to €300
- Europe: €15,000 to €25,000
- North America: €50,000 to €80,000
- Asia: €30,000 to €60,000
- Europe: €8,000 to €15,000
- North America: €25,000 to €50,000
- Asia: €3,000 to €8,000
- Europe: €150 to €350
- North America: €600 to €1,000
- Asia: €80 to €250
- Europe: €200 to €500
- North America: €800 to €1,500
- Asia: €100 to €400
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.
In addition to medical expenses, annual travel insurance also covers many other risks: trip cancellation, unexpected trip curtailment, loss or theft of baggage, personal liability, travel delays, winter sports, legal expenses, and emergency assistance services.
Good to know
Planning a few trips this year, even just to the UK? Your EHIC won't cover you there. An annual policy is cheaper than multiple plans and protects you from unexpected medical bills up to €10,000,000. Get year-round peace of mind with a provider like AVA Assurances.
How to choose the right annual travel insurance
Coverage levels, deductibles, and conditions for annual travel insurance in Ireland vary widely. To get the right protection for your trips, it is crucial to compare several factors relevant to your travel habits and needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | These set the maximum the insurer pays for medical or other expenses abroad | Always check if limits cover destinations like the USA, where costs are especially high. |
| 📉 Deductible | This is your share of the cost for each claim | Opt for a low or zero deductible, especially for family or frequent travel. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Requirements differ for cancellations, claims, and updates | Pay attention to how quickly you need to purchase to secure all annual cover benefits. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Premiums and coverage limits may change at 60 or 65 | Confirm if your age is accepted and if exclusions or price increases apply after certain ages. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Needs differ for solo, couples, family, and frequent business travelers | Select family or group policies if traveling together, as these often cost less per person. |
| 📆 Maximum trip duration | Each trip length under annual cover is limited (30, 45, or 90 days typically) | Check if your longest planned trip fits within your chosen insurer’s duration allowance. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Some plans exclude or limit cover for USA, Canada, or countries under sanctions | Secure worldwide cover if traveling globally, especially if the USA or Asia is on your list. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank cards, health plans, or home insurance may offer partial overlap, affecting needs | Review what your existing cards or insurance already include to avoid unnecessary duplication. |
| 🧗 Activities and sports | Risky activities (e.g., ski, diving, hiking, or work travel) might require an extra rider | Declare all planned adventure or sports activities to avoid surprise exclusions or refusals. |
Do Your Current Insurance Policies Cover Annual Travel Insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or public health coverage, can provide adequate annual travel insurance, but unfortunately, it is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Annual travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Insurance (HSE - Health Service Executive) | Never | Emergency medical treatment within EU/EEA, actual costs only. Repatriation is not covered. No cover for trip cancellation, baggage loss, personal liability or travel outside the EU/EEA. | Travel insurance can cover up to €10,000,000 medical costs, cancellation up to €10,000, and baggage, liability, and repatriation worldwide. |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Never | State healthcare for emergency medical treatment in EU/EEA. No private care, no repatriation. No cover for non-medical costs, trip cancellation, baggage, or travel outside the EU/EEA. | Travel insurance provides repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage cover, and high limits – services never included with the EHIC. |
| Private Health Insurance (VHI / Irish Life Health) | Almost Never | Emergency medical abroad, up to €65,000-€100,000. No trip cancellation or personal belongings cover. No cover for missed flights, liability, or winter sports. These are all vital for frequent travel. | Travel insurance extends limits up to €10,000,000 and covers cancellation, accident, baggage, and sports – beyond private health cover. |
| Classic Credit Card (Bank of Ireland Visa / AIB Visa) | Never | May include emergency medical cover up to €250,000-€650,000 for short single trips only. No cover for annual trips, cancellation, sports, or interrupted travel. No year-round protection or cover for multiple journeys each year. | Travel insurance offers annual cover, medical limits up to €10,000,000, and additional guarantees such as cancellation and trip delay. |
| Premium Credit Card (AIB Platinum / Ulster Bank Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical cover up to €1,000,000 per single trip, some cancellation and baggage. Does not provide full multi-trip annual cover. No winter sports, missed flight, or legal expenses for all trips in the year. | Travel insurance gives continuous cover, medical up to €10,000,000, legal expenses, sports, and other key protections not matched by any card insurance. |
No cover for trip cancellation, baggage loss, personal liability or travel outside the EU/EEA.
No cover for non-medical costs, trip cancellation, baggage, or travel outside the EU/EEA.
No cover for missed flights, liability, or winter sports. These are all vital for frequent travel.
No year-round protection or cover for multiple journeys each year.
No winter sports, missed flight, or legal expenses for all trips in the year.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance often won't cover trip interruption for a relative's illness or death. Always read the small print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is usually not mandatory, but it is required by some countries for visa approvals, notably for long stays in Schengen states. For most trips, it is not legally required, yet it is highly recommended. For example, a skiing holiday in France or several business trips per year expose you to risks where insurance prevents unexpected expenses.
When is it recommended to purchase annual travel insurance?
It is best to buy annual travel insurance just before your first planned trip of the year. Purchasing early ensures your coverage is in place for cancellations, medical emergencies, or delays from the moment you book. This timing maximises your coverage period and can save you money if your travel plans change.
How do I purchase annual travel insurance?
First, compare major insurers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to get an overview of the market. Check the guarantees, limits, and exclusions specific to annual plans, as some benefits have annual caps. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. You will then receive your certificate directly by email.
Can I purchase annual travel insurance after my first trip is booked?
Yes, annual travel insurance can be purchased any time before your first trip begins. However, having active cover before booking your first holiday or business trip can safeguard you against cancellation risks from the outset. Try to organise your policy as soon as your initial travel dates are set.
Are all trips abroad covered under annual travel insurance?
Annual policies cover multiple trips throughout a year, but individual trip duration caps usually apply—commonly 30, 45, or 90 days per trip. Longer journeys may require separate or extended-stay policies. Always check your policy's trip length limits and consider your typical travel habits before purchasing.
How do I make a claim with annual travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible after an incident and submit an online or paper claim form. Collect supporting documentation, such as receipts, booking confirmations, or medical reports, as needed. Most insurers process straightforward claims within two weeks after receiving all required information.
Can families or groups be included in one annual policy?
Many insurers offer family or group annual policies that cover several people under a single contract. This can be more cost-effective than separate policies and ensures all members are covered for the same benefits and limits. Always check for maximum group size and any age restrictions that may apply.
Does annual travel insurance cover business and leisure trips?
Most annual travel insurance policies cover both business and personal travel as standard, provided trips fall within trip length limits and eligible activities. However, specialised business equipment, work-related liability, or extended corporate stays may require specific add-ons or a business travel policy. Always verify with your insurer.
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is usually not mandatory, but it is required by some countries for visa approvals, notably for long stays in Schengen states. For most trips, it is not legally required, yet it is highly recommended. For example, a skiing holiday in France or several business trips per year expose you to risks where insurance prevents unexpected expenses.
When is it recommended to purchase annual travel insurance?
It is best to buy annual travel insurance just before your first planned trip of the year. Purchasing early ensures your coverage is in place for cancellations, medical emergencies, or delays from the moment you book. This timing maximises your coverage period and can save you money if your travel plans change.
How do I purchase annual travel insurance?
First, compare major insurers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to get an overview of the market. Check the guarantees, limits, and exclusions specific to annual plans, as some benefits have annual caps. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. You will then receive your certificate directly by email.
Can I purchase annual travel insurance after my first trip is booked?
Yes, annual travel insurance can be purchased any time before your first trip begins. However, having active cover before booking your first holiday or business trip can safeguard you against cancellation risks from the outset. Try to organise your policy as soon as your initial travel dates are set.
Are all trips abroad covered under annual travel insurance?
Annual policies cover multiple trips throughout a year, but individual trip duration caps usually apply—commonly 30, 45, or 90 days per trip. Longer journeys may require separate or extended-stay policies. Always check your policy's trip length limits and consider your typical travel habits before purchasing.
How do I make a claim with annual travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible after an incident and submit an online or paper claim form. Collect supporting documentation, such as receipts, booking confirmations, or medical reports, as needed. Most insurers process straightforward claims within two weeks after receiving all required information.
Can families or groups be included in one annual policy?
Many insurers offer family or group annual policies that cover several people under a single contract. This can be more cost-effective than separate policies and ensures all members are covered for the same benefits and limits. Always check for maximum group size and any age restrictions that may apply.
Does annual travel insurance cover business and leisure trips?
Most annual travel insurance policies cover both business and personal travel as standard, provided trips fall within trip length limits and eligible activities. However, specialised business equipment, work-related liability, or extended corporate stays may require specific add-ons or a business travel policy. Always verify with your insurer.
