- The best short term travel insurance plans
- What is short term travel insurance?
- The price of short term travel insurance
- What does short term travel insurance cover?
- What are the conditions of short term travel insurance?
- Why take out short term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right short term travel insurance
- Do your current insurance policies cover short term travel insurance?
- FAQ
short term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Short term insurance covers single trips for medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage abroad.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between €15 and €25 for a single adult.
3. Coverage: It covers medical care and cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards, EHIC, and private health insurance (VHI/Laya) offer limited cover, often excluding repatriation.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and check the policy's medical and cancellation coverage limits.
6. Other useful info: Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 42 travel insurance policies available in Ireland, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best short-term travel insurance.
The best short term travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best short term travel insurance plans available for residents of Ireland in 2025. These options are well-suited to temporary trips and stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and straightforward conditions.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 11.0M € | 0 € | • Immediate cover on purchase. • Easy policy management online. • Includes adventure sports as standard. • No surcharge for older travellers. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 11.0M € | 0 € | • 24/7 English-speaking emergency support. • Adventure sports included. • Mobile app claims. • No deductible. |
| Tourist Card | 8.0M € | 75 € | • Family discounts. • Fast WhatsApp and online claims. • Adventure activity coverage. • Pre-existing condition options. |
| World Travel | 5.0M € | 50 € | • Direct hospital payment guarantee. • Extended dental cover. • Fast claims. • Senior flexible cover. |
| Globe Partner | 1.0M € | 100 € | • Budget-friendly premiums. • Paperless policy process. • Group and student options. • Basic, essential cover focus. |
| Globe Traveller | 1.0M € | 100 € | • Includes longer trip options. • No upper age restriction. • Multi-language service. • Straightforward claims procedure. |
• Easy policy management online.
• Includes adventure sports as standard.
• No surcharge for older travellers.
• Adventure sports included.
• Mobile app claims.
• No deductible.
• Fast WhatsApp and online claims.
• Adventure activity coverage.
• Pre-existing condition options.
• Extended dental cover.
• Fast claims.
• Senior flexible cover.
• Paperless policy process.
• Group and student options.
• Basic, essential cover focus.
• No upper age restriction.
• Multi-language service.
• Straightforward claims procedure.
The best short term travel insurance depends on personal situation. Use HelloSafe’s comparison tool to find your ideal policy and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is short term travel insurance?
Short term travel insurance is temporary cover designed to protect Irish residents for a single trip or travel period, usually between 1 and 90 days.
It provides financial protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and personal liability while abroad.
This type of insurance is best for occasional travellers who do not need annual cover.
It is also referred to as "single trip" or "temporary travel insurance.".
Short term cover is distinct from multi-trip policies, as it only protects one specific journey.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out short term travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Ireland:
- When travelling outside the EU, where your EHIC is not valid.
- For any trip to the UK, as your EHIC is not valid.
- If visiting countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- For expensive trips with non-refundable flights or accommodation.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, regardless of age.
- To cover medical repatriation back to Ireland, which EHIC excludes.
- When taking part in adventure sports like skiing or diving.
The price of short term travel insurance
On average, short term travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total trip price.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| City break in Paris (4 days) | €600 | €18 to €35 |
| Beach holiday in Portugal (10 days) | €1,200 | €36 to €65 |
| Two-week tour of the United States | €2,500 | €75 to €150 |
| Backpacking in Thailand (3 weeks) | €1,800 | €55 to €110 |
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 short term travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the trip, the higher the premium.
- destination: destinations with higher healthcare costs or travel risks, such as the USA or Japan, will result in higher insurance prices.
- traveller’s age: policies for older travellers generally cost more.
- level of cover: a premium with higher coverage limits and lower excess will cost more than a basic policy.
- activities or options selected: adding sports cover, business equipment, or cancellation for any reason increases the cost.
What does short term travel insurance cover?
Short term travel insurance is temporary protection for trips up to 90 days. It is designed for single journeys, covering unexpected events during your travel period.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of non-refundable costs if you cancel before travel. | Choose a limit of at least €1,500 and a deductible below €50. Pre-existing conditions, change of mind, and visa refusal are commonly excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays for extra transport if you miss your departure. | A minimum of €250 is advised, with no deductible. Excludes cases where you are late, or cannot provide proof of official delay. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency healthcare abroad. | Look for at least €1M cover, and no deductible or a max of €50. Routine care, chronic illness, and pregnancy-related costs are usually excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Evacuation to Ireland in a health crisis. | Cover should be unlimited and managed by your insurer. Insurer may refuse claims if you decline recommended repatriation or travel against medical advice. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged. | At least €1,000 should be covered, avoid deductibles above €30. Unattended bags, valuables over sub-limits, and fragile items are typical exclusions. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Fixed payment for significant delays during travel. | Seek €100+ after 4 hours. No deductible preferred. Claims are not paid for delays under 4 hours or when proof is missing. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent treatment of dental pain or injury. | A €200 minimum is important, keep deductible below €30. Planned dental care, check-ups, and cosmetic work are not included. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers injury or damage accidentally caused to others. | Limit should be minimum €450,000, with a deductible under €100. Claims involving family, intentional or professional acts, and damage to rented items are not covered. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Compensation for essentials if bags are delayed. | You should receive €150 after 24h of delay, deductibles are not common. Not covered for return trips or if you lack airline confirmation. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays legal costs if you need a lawyer abroad. | Adequate cover is €3,000 for fees and €7,500 for bail. Cases related to alcohol, criminal offences, or family law are excluded. |
Pre-existing conditions, change of mind, and visa refusal are commonly excluded.
Excludes cases where you are late, or cannot provide proof of official delay.
Routine care, chronic illness, and pregnancy-related costs are usually excluded.
Insurer may refuse claims if you decline recommended repatriation or travel against medical advice.
Unattended bags, valuables over sub-limits, and fragile items are typical exclusions.
Claims are not paid for delays under 4 hours or when proof is missing.
Planned dental care, check-ups, and cosmetic work are not included.
Claims involving family, intentional or professional acts, and damage to rented items are not covered.
Not covered for return trips or if you lack airline confirmation.
Cases related to alcohol, criminal offences, or family law are excluded.
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 short term travel insurance best suited to your needs and your journey, compare offers on HelloSafe.
What are the conditions of short term travel insurance?
To ensure your short term travel insurance is valid, several important conditions generally apply in Ireland.
- Residency requirement: you must be a permanent resident of Ireland at the time you purchase the policy.
- Timing of subscription: you need to take out the insurance before leaving Ireland, usually before your trip begins.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip must not exceed the maximum number of days covered, typically between 1 and 90 days.
- Origin of travel: your journey must start and return to Ireland unless otherwise specified in your contract.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot already be abroad when you buy the policy; insurance must start before you leave.
- Notification duty: you must inform the insurer promptly in case of an incident, such as hospitalisation or theft.
- Required documentation: you are required to provide official proof or certificates (such as medical statements or police reports) with your claim.
- Destination restrictions: travel to countries or regions under official government travel advisories may not be covered by the policy.
Watch out!
A common mistake is buying insurance just before you fly. To be covered for trip cancellation, you must purchase your policy when you book your holiday. This protects you against unforeseen events, like illness or bereavement, that could force you to cancel before you even pack your bags.
Why take out short term travel insurance?
While travelling, even a minor health issue can quickly lead to high expenses, especially outside Ireland or the EU. Without cover, these costs are entirely your responsibility and can greatly exceed the price of your trip.
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 |
| Up to 100%, usually if medically necessary |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, depending on policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually 100%, up to the maximum stated |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Typically 100% minus any excess |
- Europe: €200 to €400
- North America: €800 to €1,500
- Asia: €100 to €300
- Europe: €15,000 to €25,000
- North America: €80,000 to €120,000
- Asia: €25,000 to €40,000
- Europe: €8,000 to €15,000
- North America: €35,000 to €50,000
- Asia: €3,000 to €8,000
- Europe: €200 to €400
- North America: €1,000 to €1,500
- Asia: €100 to €200
- Europe: €100 to €250
- North America: €600 to €900
- Asia: €50 to €120
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, short term travel insurance can also include guarantees for trip cancellation or interruption, loss or delay of baggage, civil liability abroad, repatriation benefits and 24/7 emergency assistance. These protections are especially useful if your travel plans are disrupted.
Good to know
An accident abroad can be costly—a broken leg in the USA can exceed €25,000. Comprehensive cover protects you from massive medical bills and repatriation costs, ensuring peace of mind. Insurers like Chapka can even pay the hospital directly, so you're not left out of pocket.
How to choose the right short term travel insurance
Not all short term travel insurance policies offer the same coverage. Reimbursement levels, deductibles and eligibility vary. It is important to compare based on your own trip type and needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Insufficient limits might leave you exposed to high costs on claims | Choose limits matching your destination’s healthcare costs, especially for USA or Canada travel. |
| 📉 Deductible | You may have to pay part of any claim before insurance helps | Favour low or no deductible contracts for essential healthcare guarantees abroad. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Coverage starts and stops under strict conditions | Understand cancellation/refund deadlines as well as claim timeframes before you depart. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Some policies exclude or surcharge older adults | Check for age limits or surcharges if you are over 65 or need senior-specific coverage. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Traveller profile | Single, couple, family or senior: needs and prices vary | Pick a plan fitting your situation, including group, solo or family short term coverage. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Short term contracts usually cover 1 to 90 days | Check that the total trip days are covered, and explore annual plans for longer or frequent travel. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Cover and price depend on trip region | Choose global coverage for multi-country trips or specify regions for cheaper policies. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank cards or health insurance may already cover some risks | Compare your current protections before buying new short term travel insurance. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Many sports or risky activities are not automatically covered | Declare any activities (like skiing, diving) to ensure you are not excluded from critical protections. |
Do your current insurance policies cover short term travel insurance?
It is understandable to ask if your existing insurances, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, are enough for short term travel, but unfortunately these almost never offer full protection. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Short term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (HSE, Ireland) | Almost Never | Covers emergency treatment inside the EU, sometimes via EHIC. No repatriation. Max actual costs covered. No cover for cancellation, baggage loss, or medical care worldwide. | Travel insurance covers up to €10,000,000 worldwide, including cancellation, baggage, and liability guarantees. |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Almost Never | Provides emergency healthcare in the EU only, does not pay for private care or repatriation. No cover outside EU or for trip cancellation, baggage, liability, or private hospitals. | Travel insurance covers private healthcare, repatriation, trip delays, and more up to €10,000,000. |
| Private health insurance (VHI, Laya Healthcare) | Almost Never | Some urgent medical costs, limited to €65,000 - €1,300,000 depending on plan and region. No baggage, cancellation, or full repatriation coverage. | Travel insurance adds cover up to €10,000,000 for cancellation, baggage, personal liability, plus 24/7 assistance. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, AIB Visa) | Never | No travel medical, no repatriation, no travel guarantees. No cover for emergency medical, cancellation, or lost/delayed baggage. | Travel insurance offers emergency medical up to €10,000,000, repatriation, and travel inconveniences worldwide. |
| Premium credit card (Mastercard Gold, Visa Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical cover up to €1,300,000, baggage up to €2,500, limited cancellation. No adventure activities or extended travel. No full liability, trip interruption, or all risks. | Travel insurance insures higher sums, sports, liability, all destinations, and guarantees up to €10,000,000. |
No cover for cancellation, baggage loss, or medical care worldwide.
No cover outside EU or for trip cancellation, baggage, liability, or private hospitals.
No baggage, cancellation, or full repatriation coverage.
No cover for emergency medical, cancellation, or lost/delayed baggage.
No full liability, trip interruption, or all risks.
Expert advice
Bank card and health insurance policies often exclude crucial events like trip interruption due to a relative's illness. Read the terms carefully to avoid nasty surprises abroad. For complete peace of mind, it's always safer to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is mandatory if you are travelling to countries that require proof of insurance for visa applications, such as Schengen area countries. For most destinations, it is not legally required but is strongly recommended. For example, a holiday in Spain could involve medical emergencies or lost baggage where insurance would be crucial to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
It is best to purchase short term travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip. Buying early ensures that you gain immediate trip cancellation protection and coverage for unexpected events before departure. Waiting too long can mean losing crucial benefits if something happens before your journey begins.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
First, compare available offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find suitable plans for short term trips. Next, carefully check all guarantees and exclusions, as some benefits apply differently for temporary coverage. Then, purchase your chosen policy securely online. Finally, you will receive your certificate of insurance by email, often within minutes.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase short term travel insurance even after you have booked your trip. However, for full cancellation coverage and peace of mind from the start, it is best to buy it as early as possible. Most insurers allow you to purchase up to the day before departure, but conditions related to pre-existing issues may apply depending on policy terms.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim on your short term travel insurance, contact your insurer as soon as possible and request a claim form or open a claim via their website or mobile app. Provide all supporting documents such as medical reports, receipts, and police reports for lost or stolen items. Claims are usually processed within 10-15 business days for complete applications.
Does short term travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most short term travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 cover for emergency medical expenses if you contract the virus abroad. Some policies may also cover quarantine costs or trip cancellation if you test positive before travel. Always check the policy wording, as coverage for government-imposed restrictions or cancellations can differ widely.
Is baggage loss included with short term travel insurance?
Yes, short term travel insurance typically includes cover for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage during your trip. Compensation amounts usually range from €1,500 to €3,000 depending on the policy. Exclusions may apply for high-value items or if luggage is left unattended, so reviewing all terms before purchasing is important.
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is mandatory if you are travelling to countries that require proof of insurance for visa applications, such as Schengen area countries. For most destinations, it is not legally required but is strongly recommended. For example, a holiday in Spain could involve medical emergencies or lost baggage where insurance would be crucial to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
It is best to purchase short term travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip. Buying early ensures that you gain immediate trip cancellation protection and coverage for unexpected events before departure. Waiting too long can mean losing crucial benefits if something happens before your journey begins.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
First, compare available offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find suitable plans for short term trips. Next, carefully check all guarantees and exclusions, as some benefits apply differently for temporary coverage. Then, purchase your chosen policy securely online. Finally, you will receive your certificate of insurance by email, often within minutes.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase short term travel insurance even after you have booked your trip. However, for full cancellation coverage and peace of mind from the start, it is best to buy it as early as possible. Most insurers allow you to purchase up to the day before departure, but conditions related to pre-existing issues may apply depending on policy terms.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim on your short term travel insurance, contact your insurer as soon as possible and request a claim form or open a claim via their website or mobile app. Provide all supporting documents such as medical reports, receipts, and police reports for lost or stolen items. Claims are usually processed within 10-15 business days for complete applications.
Does short term travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most short term travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 cover for emergency medical expenses if you contract the virus abroad. Some policies may also cover quarantine costs or trip cancellation if you test positive before travel. Always check the policy wording, as coverage for government-imposed restrictions or cancellations can differ widely.
Is baggage loss included with short term travel insurance?
Yes, short term travel insurance typically includes cover for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage during your trip. Compensation amounts usually range from €1,500 to €3,000 depending on the policy. Exclusions may apply for high-value items or if luggage is left unattended, so reviewing all terms before purchasing is important.
