- The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
- What is comprehensive travel insurance?
- The price of comprehensive travel insurance
- What comprehensive travel insurance covers
- The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
- Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Checking Your Current Policies for comprehensive Travel Insurance Coverage
- FAQ
- On the same topic
comprehensive travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Comprehensive insurance covers major risks like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage before and during your trip.
2. Price: For a week in Europe, comprehensive cover from Ireland generally costs between €15 and €40 per person.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical care, cancellation, and baggage, but excludes undeclared medical conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, HSE (EHIC), VHI, or Laya offer limited cover, often excluding cancellation or full repatriation costs.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and check policy limits for medical expenses and cancellation before you purchase.
6. Other useful info: Your EHIC provides state healthcare in the EU, but won't cover repatriation or private medical costs.
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 comprehensive travel insurance.
The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best comprehensive travel insurance plans available for residents of Ireland in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, providing optimal protection for worry-free travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 8.0 M € | 0 € | • Covers many adventure activities. • 24/7 multilingual claims support. • Reliable business travel cover. • Direct billing at global hospitals. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 8.0 M € | 0 € | • Sports and adventure activities included. • Medical evacuation and repatriation. • Digital claims platform. • Zero deductible. |
| Tourist Card | 5.0 M € | 75 € | • Extensive trip cancellation cover. • Pre-existing condition options. • Winter sports insurance. • Online claims. |
| World Travel | 3.0 M € | 50 € | • Legal assistance abroad included. • Strong personal liability benefits. • Child and family policies. • Rapid claim referral. |
| Globe Partner | 2.0 M € | 100 € | • Flexible duration options. • Business equipment coverage. • Simple renewal process. • Good for digital nomads. |
| Globe Traveller | 2.0 M € | 100 € | • Valid for long journeys. • Includes pregnancy complication cover. • Senior-friendly policy terms. • Emergency dental care abroad. |
• 24/7 multilingual claims support.
• Reliable business travel cover.
• Direct billing at global hospitals.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation.
• Digital claims platform.
• Zero deductible.
• Pre-existing condition options.
• Winter sports insurance.
• Online claims.
• Strong personal liability benefits.
• Child and family policies.
• Rapid claim referral.
• Business equipment coverage.
• Simple renewal process.
• Good for digital nomads.
• Includes pregnancy complication cover.
• Senior-friendly policy terms.
• Emergency dental care abroad.
The best comprehensive travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is comprehensive travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a multi-risk policy that covers a wide range of incidents that may occur before or during a trip.
It typically includes cover for medical expenses abroad, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, and 24/7 emergency support.
This insurance is designed to offer broad protection in one contract, regardless of your destination or trip length.
Comprehensive travel insurance is more extensive than basic policies, as it combines several key guarantees and often includes higher coverage limits.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out comprehensive travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Ireland:
- When travelling outside the EU, where your EHIC is not valid.
- For trips to countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- If you have booked an expensive or non-refundable holiday.
- If you have any pre-existing medical condition, regardless of severity.
- When participating in winter sports or adventure activities abroad.
- For travel to Great Britain, where the EHIC is not accepted.
- If travelling with valuable items like electronics or sports gear.
The price of comprehensive travel insurance
On average, comprehensive travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend in Rome (3 days) | €400 | €12 to €25 |
| Tour in Thailand (2 weeks) | €2,000 | €60 to €120 |
| Road trip across the USA (3 weeks) | €3,500 | €110 to €200 |
| Mediterranean cruise (1 week) | €1,800 | €55 to €95 |
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 comprehensive travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the period abroad, the higher the insurance premium.
- destination: medical costs in countries like the USA or Japan lead to higher premiums.
- traveller’s age: older travellers generally pay more for coverage.
- level of coverage: a plan with higher limits and more guarantees increases the price.
- selected options: adding cover for valuable items, sports, or cancellation raises the cost.
What comprehensive travel insurance covers
Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to offer full coverage at every stage of your journey: before departure, during travel, and while abroad.
It protects your health, belongings, legal rights, and finances against the most common travel-related risks.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure. | We recommend a minimum cover of €1,500 and avoiding deductibles over €50. Common exclusions: pre-existing illness, visa refusal, and change of mind are generally excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Covers extra transport if you miss your flight due to delay beyond your control. | Aim for €250 minimum cover. There should be no deductible. Exclusions: you are not covered if you are late due to your own fault or the delay is not confirmed in writing. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during the trip. | Choose at least €1,000 cover. Avoid plans with a deductible above €30. Exclusions: unattended baggage or losses not reported to the carrier are usually not covered. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Fixed compensation for long flight or train delays. | Look for €100+ compensation after 4h delay. There should be no deductible. Delays under 4h or without written proof are typically excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Covers urgent medical care if you fall ill or are injured while abroad. | We recommend €1.5M minimum, with no deductible or a maximum of €50. Routine care and chronic illness are almost always excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Transport back to Ireland if your health requires it. | This should be unlimited and arranged by the insurer. Exclusions: claims may be denied if repatriation is refused by the traveller, or in cases of non-essential repatriation. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Covers urgent dental treatment during the trip. | €200 minimum is recommended. Avoid deductibles over €30. Exclusions: cosmetic, planned, or preventive care is never covered. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers injury or damage you cause to others during your trip. | At least €450,000 cover is advised. Deductibles should not exceed €100. Exclusions: damage to family, rented items, or intended acts is not covered. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Compensation to buy essentials if your bag is delayed. | Opt for €150 after 24h of delay. Deductibles are rare. Exclusions: return trip delays and cases not reported to the carrier are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers lawyer fees or bail abroad following an incident. | Look for €3,000 for legal costs and €7,500 for bail. Exclusions: alcohol-related events, criminal acts, or civil disputes are usually not covered. |
Common exclusions: pre-existing illness, visa refusal, and change of mind are generally excluded.
Exclusions: you are not covered if you are late due to your own fault or the delay is not confirmed in writing.
Exclusions: unattended baggage or losses not reported to the carrier are usually not covered.
Delays under 4h or without written proof are typically excluded.
Routine care and chronic illness are almost always excluded.
Exclusions: claims may be denied if repatriation is refused by the traveller, or in cases of non-essential repatriation.
Exclusions: cosmetic, planned, or preventive care is never covered.
Exclusions: damage to family, rented items, or intended acts is not covered.
Exclusions: return trip delays and cases not reported to the carrier are not covered.
Exclusions: alcohol-related events, criminal acts, or civil disputes are usually 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 comprehensive travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
To activate your comprehensive travel insurance and make your benefits valid, several conditions must be met as detailed in your contract.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the insurance before your departure from Ireland and not while already abroad.
- Residency requirement: you have to be an Irish resident at the time of policy purchase.
- Policy duration respect: each trip must not exceed the maximum length allowed, often 30, 45, or 90 days per trip.
- Full payment of premium: premiums must be paid in full and on time for the coverage to apply.
- Incident notification: you must report any accident, loss, or hospitalisation to the insurer as quickly as possible, usually within a set timeframe.
- Supporting documents: valid proof, such as medical certificates or police reports, is needed when making a claim.
- Destination restriction: travel must not be to destinations under official Irish government travel warnings.
- Purpose of trip: coverage is for leisure or business trips, not permanent emigration or long-term relocation.
Watch out!
A common mistake is buying insurance just before you travel. For comprehensive cancellation cover to be valid, you must purchase your policy when you book your trip. Otherwise, you're not protected against unforeseen events forcing you to cancel your holiday and lose your non-refundable deposits.
Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
While travelling, there are many risks and even routine medical care can quickly result in significant expenses abroad.
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%, according to policy limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often covered 100% if medically necessary |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, depending on your plan |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually 100%, subject to deductible |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Normally 100%, minus any excess |
- Europe: €180 to €250
- North America: €450 to €650
- Asia: €80 to €150
- Europe: €15,000 to €25,000
- North America: €45,000 to €65,000
- Asia: €35,000 to €55,000
- Europe: €8,000 to €12,000
- North America: €25,000 to €40,000
- Asia: €5,000 to €10,000
- Europe: €120 to €200
- North America: €350 to €500
- Asia: €60 to €120
- Europe: €150 to €220
- North America: €400 to €600
- Asia: €70 to €140
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, comprehensive travel insurance also covers many other risks: trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability abroad, legal expenses, and emergency assistance including repatriation or teleconsultation.
Good to know
Don't let a mishap ruin your holiday. An accident abroad can cost thousands, far beyond what your EHIC covers. Comprehensive insurance protects against massive medical bills and repatriation costs, ensuring you're never left stranded. Some policies even offer direct billing with hospitals.
How to Choose the Right comprehensive Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance plans vary in what they reimburse, their ceilings and their exclusions, so it is essential to compare offers. Choosing the right guarantees tailored to your travel style helps avoid both gaps in cover and unnecessary costs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Guarantees can be capped, leaving you to cover excess costs in case of major claims | Always check if medical cover is above €2,000,000, especially for USA or Canada. |
| 📉 Deductible | The amount you must pay yourself affects claim outcomes and your total outlay | Favour policies with low or zero deductible for medical, even if premium is higher. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Standard policies limit cover by trip length, which may not fit long journeys | For long trips, select a policy that matches your exact itinerary and allows extensions. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Traveller profile | Needs differ for couples, families, solo or senior travellers | Tailor cover to your group type, considering family plans or no-age-limit products for seniors. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Prices and medical costs abroad depend on destination | Check that destinations outside the EU, especially the USA or Asia, are not excluded. |
| ✈️ Planned activities | Exclusions often apply to sports, excursions or volunteering | Declare in advance high-risk activities like skiing, diving or trekking to avoid cover refusals. |
| 🏦 Existing coverage | Some benefits may already be included in your bank card or private insurance | Compare existing cover carefully so you do not pay twice or assume you are protected. |
| 📑 Policy conditions | Rules around cancellation, claim timing and declarations can limit your entitlements | Read the general and special conditions in detail to avoid unpleasant surprises at claim time. |
| 🔍 Offer comparison | A wide variety of plans, services and prices are available in Ireland | Use comparison sites to check what is included, excluded and which services are most useful. |
Checking Your Current Policies for comprehensive Travel Insurance Coverage
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurance or public health coverage, can offer you a comprehensive 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 | Comprehensive travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (HSE) | Never | Emergency public medical care within EU via EHIC, no worldwide cover, no repatriation. No cancellation, legal costs, baggage, delays, liability, business or sports cover outside the EU. | Travel insurance reimburses up to €10,000,000 for medical, cancellation, sports, liability, and complete global support. |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Never | Public hospital care in the EU/EEA, no private facilities, no repatriation, no baggage or non-medical. No personal effects, trip interruption, legal, adventure sports, or global medical coverage. | Travel insurance guarantees cover up to €10,000,000 worldwide, with cancellation, legal, and valuables all included. |
| Private health insurance (VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare) | Almost Never | Emergency medical abroad, up to €65,000, no cancellation, no repatriation, limited duration and worldwide limits. No baggage, interruption, legal expenses, or adventure sports are included as with comprehensive cover. | Travel insurance provides up to €10,000,000 plus baggage, legal, repatriation, accident, delay, and sports cover. |
| Classic credit card (AIB Visa Classic, Bank of Ireland Mastercard Standard) | Never | Sometimes basic medical to €300,000, no repatriation, no liability, no sports cover, no legal expenses. No global guarantee for cancellation, baggage, medical, delay, or liability as in comprehensive insurance. | Travel insurance offers full cover up to €10,000,000 with legal costs, sports, valuables, and travel disruption included. |
| Premium credit card (AIB Platinum, Ulster Bank Platinum) | Limited coverage | Some medical up to €1,000,000, baggage up to €1,500, limited cancellation/accident, no adventure sports, legal, or global repatriation. No broad cover for interruption, sports, global delay, or business equipment abroad. | Travel insurance insures up to €10,000,000 with full global cancellation, legal, liability, and adventure sports guarantees. |
No cancellation, legal costs, baggage, delays, liability, business or sports cover outside the EU.
No personal effects, trip interruption, legal, adventure sports, or global medical coverage.
No baggage, interruption, legal expenses, or adventure sports are included as with comprehensive cover.
No global guarantee for cancellation, baggage, medical, delay, or liability as in comprehensive insurance.
No broad cover for interruption, sports, global delay, or business equipment abroad.
Expert advice
Many bank card and health insurance policies exclude key situations like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant 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 comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory if you are visiting countries that require proof of insurance for granting visas, like Russia or some Schengen states. For most destinations, it is not legally required but is highly recommended. For example, if you have an accident while on a dream holiday in the USA, comprehensive cover can protect you from bills running into thousands of euros.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Early purchase gives you the broadest protection, covering pre-departure events like illness or cancellation. This ensures you benefit from full policy features and financial protection from the moment you invest in your travel plans.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
1/ Compare available comprehensive policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. 2/ Carefully check guarantees and exclusions, especially for adventure sports, pre-existing conditions, and worldwide coverage. 3/ Purchase your chosen policy securely online. 4/ Receive your certificate by email, ready to use for visa applications or emergencies.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy comprehensive travel insurance after you have booked your travel, often right up to the day before departure. However, buying early means you are covered for unexpected cancellations or problems that might arise before your trip actually begins. Always check your policy’s purchase deadlines.
How do I make a claim on comprehensive travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurer’s helpline or submit a claim online as soon as possible. Gather all necessary paperwork, such as medical records, receipts, or police reports in case of theft. Most Irish insurers process claims within a few weeks if all supporting documents are included and complete.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover adventure sports?
Many comprehensive policies include some adventure sports or offer optional cover for high-risk activities like skiing or scuba diving. Always check the policy terms and specify your planned sports. For very high-risk adventures such as mountaineering, you may require an additional premium or a specialist policy.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by comprehensive travel insurance?
Pre-existing medical conditions are not always automatically covered under comprehensive travel insurance. Some policies allow additional coverage if the conditions are stable and declared. Always disclose your full medical history when applying and check what documentation or extra premium might be needed.
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory if you are visiting countries that require proof of insurance for granting visas, like Russia or some Schengen states. For most destinations, it is not legally required but is highly recommended. For example, if you have an accident while on a dream holiday in the USA, comprehensive cover can protect you from bills running into thousands of euros.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Early purchase gives you the broadest protection, covering pre-departure events like illness or cancellation. This ensures you benefit from full policy features and financial protection from the moment you invest in your travel plans.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
1/ Compare available comprehensive policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. 2/ Carefully check guarantees and exclusions, especially for adventure sports, pre-existing conditions, and worldwide coverage. 3/ Purchase your chosen policy securely online. 4/ Receive your certificate by email, ready to use for visa applications or emergencies.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can buy comprehensive travel insurance after you have booked your travel, often right up to the day before departure. However, buying early means you are covered for unexpected cancellations or problems that might arise before your trip actually begins. Always check your policy’s purchase deadlines.
How do I make a claim on comprehensive travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurer’s helpline or submit a claim online as soon as possible. Gather all necessary paperwork, such as medical records, receipts, or police reports in case of theft. Most Irish insurers process claims within a few weeks if all supporting documents are included and complete.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover adventure sports?
Many comprehensive policies include some adventure sports or offer optional cover for high-risk activities like skiing or scuba diving. Always check the policy terms and specify your planned sports. For very high-risk adventures such as mountaineering, you may require an additional premium or a specialist policy.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by comprehensive travel insurance?
Pre-existing medical conditions are not always automatically covered under comprehensive travel insurance. Some policies allow additional coverage if the conditions are stable and declared. Always disclose your full medical history when applying and check what documentation or extra premium might be needed.
On the same topic
