- The best single trip travel insurance plans
- What Is Single Trip Travel Insurance?
- The price of single trip travel insurance
- What does single trip travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of single trip travel insurance
- Why take out single trip travel insurance?
- How to choose the right single trip travel insurance
- Does my current insurance cover single trip travel insurance?
- FAQ
single trip travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Single trip insurance covers one specific journey for risks like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between €25 and €45, depending on your age and cover.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and cancellations but often excludes undeclared pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Your EHIC, VHI, or Laya plan offers limited cover, often excluding cancellation and non-EU repatriation.
5. Tips: Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and check that the policy’s medical and cancellation limits suit your trip.
6. Other useful info: Your EHIC card has limited use in the UK post-Brexit, making comprehensive travel insurance highly advisable.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 38 travel insurance policies available in Ireland, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best single trip travel insurance.
The best single trip travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best single trip travel insurance plans available for residents of Ireland in 2025. These options are recognised for their high medical limits, low deductibles and flexible features, ensuring thorough and reliable cover for your upcoming journey.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 10.0M € | 0 € | • Simple online sign-up process. • Covers pre-existing medical conditions. • Includes lost baggage and documents. • Multilingual 24/7 emergency assistance. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 8.0M € | 0-50 € | • No age restrictions. • Adventure sports easily added. • Mobile claim management. • Support in multiple languages. |
| Tourist Card | 10.0M € | 75 € | • High baggage cover limit. • Trip cancellation included. • Policy date flexibility. • Family and group discounts. |
| World Travel | 5.0M € | 50 € | • Fast claims payout. • Winter sports included. • Affordable pricing. • Covers both medical and travel disruptions. |
| Globe Partner | 1.0M € | 100 € | • Ideal for shorter trips. • Very competitive rates. • Paperless enrollment. • Reliable basic protection. |
| Globe Traveller | 1.0M € | 100 € | • Long policy validity. • Option for premium upgrades. • Emergency cash advance. • Global coverage including remote regions. |
• Covers pre-existing medical conditions.
• Includes lost baggage and documents.
• Multilingual 24/7 emergency assistance.
• Adventure sports easily added.
• Mobile claim management.
• Support in multiple languages.
• Trip cancellation included.
• Policy date flexibility.
• Family and group discounts.
• Winter sports included.
• Affordable pricing.
• Covers both medical and travel disruptions.
• Very competitive rates.
• Paperless enrollment.
• Reliable basic protection.
• Option for premium upgrades.
• Emergency cash advance.
• Global coverage including remote regions.
The best single trip travel insurance depends on your planned activities and destination. Use HelloSafe’s comparison tool to find the right policy and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat Is Single Trip Travel Insurance?
Single trip travel insurance is a policy that provides cover for Irish residents on one specific journey abroad, from departure until return to Ireland.
It protects against unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and loss of baggage for the duration of a single holiday or business trip.
The cover is purchased per journey and ends when you return home.
Single trip travel insurance is not the same as annual multi-trip insurance, which covers multiple journeys within a set period.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out single trip travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Ireland:
- When you only take one or two holidays per year.
- If your trip has high non-refundable costs like flights or hotels.
- For travel to countries with expensive healthcare, like the USA.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions to declare.
- When your holiday includes adventure sports or specific high-risk activities.
- For a single, long-duration trip, like a backpacking adventure.
- When travelling outside the EU where your EHIC offers no cover.
The price of single trip travel insurance
On average, single trip travel insurance costs between 3% and 7% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 4 days city break in Paris | €550 | €18 to €28 |
| 10 days holiday in Spain | €1,200 | €30 to €60 |
| 2 weeks exploring Thailand | €2,100 | €65 to €120 |
| 3 weeks road trip in the USA | €3,000 | €90 to €190 |
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 single trip travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer your journey, the higher the premium.
- destination: travel to countries with expensive healthcare, such as the USA or Canada, increases the price.
- traveller’s age: older individuals generally pay more for coverage.
- level of coverage: more comprehensive plans and higher medical limits cost more.
- optional benefits: cover for pre-existing conditions, adventure sports, or valuable items can raise the overall cost.
What does single trip travel insurance cover?
Single trip travel insurance protects you for a specific journey, with coverage starting at departure and ending on your return to Ireland.
It is designed for one-off holidays or trips, offering tailored protection for your chosen travel dates.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Reimburses you if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason before departure. | We recommend a minimum cover of €1,500 and avoiding deductibles over €50. Pre-existing illness, visa refusal, and change of mind are common exclusions. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Covers transport costs if you miss your flight due to a delay beyond your control. | Look for at least €250 with no deductible. Not covered if you are late on your own or the delay isn’t confirmed in writing. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Offers a fixed payout if your flight or train is significantly delayed. | Aim for €100 or more after 4 hours. Claims are excluded for delays under 4 hours or without proof from the carrier. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Compensates you if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during the trip. | Minimum recommended: €1,200. Avoid deductibles higher than €30. Items left unattended and normal wear and tear are not covered. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Pays for essentials if your checked bag is delayed on arrival at your destination. | Look for €150 after 24 hours of delay. Deductibles are rare. Items delayed on your return, or unproven cases, are excluded from most policies. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency medical treatment if you fall ill or are injured while travelling. | At least €1.5M cover recommended, no deductible or maximum €50. Chronic illnesses, routine check-ups, and cosmetic care are not included. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Arranges and covers emergency transport back to Ireland if your health requires it. | Cover should be unlimited and approved by the insurer’s doctors. Repatriation refused by the traveller or for convenience is excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment needed during your trip. | Choose at least €200 cover, avoiding deductibles above €30. Routine dental work and cosmetic procedures are not covered. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers accidental injury or damage you cause to others during your trip. | Opt for at least €450,000 and no more than €100 deductible. Claims for incidents involving family, rental property, or vehicles are excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds unused services if you have to cut your trip short unexpectedly. | A minimum of €1,000 is recommended, with a low deductible. Voluntary returns and minor reasons (such as homesickness) are not covered by most insurers. |
Pre-existing illness, visa refusal, and change of mind are common exclusions.
Not covered if you are late on your own or the delay isn’t confirmed in writing.
Claims are excluded for delays under 4 hours or without proof from the carrier.
Items left unattended and normal wear and tear are not covered.
Items delayed on your return, or unproven cases, are excluded from most policies.
Chronic illnesses, routine check-ups, and cosmetic care are not included.
Repatriation refused by the traveller or for convenience is excluded.
Routine dental work and cosmetic procedures are not covered.
Claims for incidents involving family, rental property, or vehicles are excluded.
Voluntary returns and minor reasons (such as homesickness) are not covered by most insurers.
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.
Comparing different single trip travel insurance plans on HelloSafe helps you identify the coverage most suited to your journey and traveller profile.
The conditions of single trip travel insurance
To activate your single trip travel insurance and enable full protection, several standard conditions must be met by Irish residents.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before your departure from Ireland and not once you are abroad.
- Residency requirement: you must be an Irish resident at the time you take out the insurance.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip must not exceed the contract’s maximum duration, which varies by insurer, for example 30 or 90 days.
- One trip validity: cover is only in force for a single, specific journey, from departure to return.
- Premium paid in advance: you must pay the insurance premium fully before the policy starts.
- Incident notification: you must inform the insurer as soon as possible in the event of loss, hospitalisation, or other claim.
- Documented claims: you need to provide evidence (receipts, reports, certificates) when submitting a claim.
- Excluded destinations: travel to countries under official Irish government travel warnings is not covered by most policies.
Watch out!
Many Irish travellers buy single trip insurance last-minute, missing out on a key benefit. Cancellation cover starts from your purchase date, not your departure date. To be protected if you have to cancel your trip, buy your policy as soon as you've booked your flights and accommodation.
Why take out single trip travel insurance?
While travelling, even a minor health issue can quickly become expensive, especially outside Ireland. Medical bills and unexpected incidents may far exceed the total cost of your single 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%, according to medical expenses limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to 100%, if medically necessary |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalisation |
| Up to 100%, based on policy limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, excluding excess and exclusions |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Often covered up to a specific limit |
- Europe: €150 to €250
- North America: €800 to €1,200
- Asia: €100 to €200
- Europe: €15,000 to €25,000
- North America: €45,000 to €65,000
- Asia: €35,000 to €50,000
- Europe: €8,000 to €15,000
- North America: €35,000 to €55,000
- Asia: €5,000 to €12,000
- Europe: €200 to €350
- North America: €1,000 to €1,500
- Asia: €150 to €300
- Europe: €150 to €300
- North America: €800 to €1,200
- Asia: €100 to €250
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, single trip travel insurance also covers many other risks: trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or theft, personal liability abroad, legal expenses, emergency cash advances and repatriation assistance.
Good to know
An accident abroad can cost a fortune, and your EHIC or bank card won't cover repatriation. A single trip policy is essential for peace of mind. Insurers like Chapka even offer direct payment to hospitals, so you’re not left out of pocket. Protect your holiday.
How to choose the right single trip travel insurance
Coverage details like reimbursement rates, claim limits, and conditions can vary widely from one single trip travel insurance plan to another. To select the right cover, comparing criteria relevant to your trip and personal situation is essential.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Covers medical costs, cancellations, and liability up to a maximum | Check reimbursement limits carefully and choose higher cover for destinations with costly healthcare. |
| 📉 Deductible | This is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in | Prefer low or zero deductibles for medical and cancellation to reduce out-of-pocket costs. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Terms may restrict when or how cover applies | Read policy conditions in detail and subscribe early to access cancellation rights. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Premiums, exclusions or age limits might apply from 65 or 70 | Check age restrictions and ensure coverage remains valid for all travelers on your policy. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Plans may have limits from 30 to 90 days per journey | Verify trip duration matches your booking so that cover doesn’t unexpectedly expire. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Regions like the USA or Canada require higher cover due to local costs | Confirm chosen country is allowed and select worldwide or USA/Canada cover if needed. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank cards or health policies may already provide some limited cover | Review overlap with bank or health insurance to prevent paying for duplicate cover. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure sports, hiking or winter sports may require a special option | Declare all sports or activities to avoid refusals or exclusions in the event of a claim. |
| 🔍 Offer comparison | Policies differ widely in price and scope | Use impartial comparison tools to find efficient cover, comparing medical, cancellation and baggage. |
Does my current insurance cover single trip travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurance or the Irish public health system, can offer you a single trip 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 | Single trip travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (HSE) | Almost Never | Emergency medical within EU with EHIC, actual costs only, no repatriation, no cancellation. No cover for baggage, trip cancellation, personal liability or non-EU medical repatriation. | Travel insurance offers up to €10,000,000 medical cover worldwide, and also insures cancellation, baggage, and personal liability. |
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Almost Never | Emergency public healthcare in EEA/Switzerland, no private hospital or repatriation, no non-medical cover. No trip cancellation, lost luggage, personal liability, or worldwide emergency coverage. | Travel insurance provides full cover for repatriation, baggage, cancellation, and up to €10,000,000 for emergencies outside EU. |
| Private health insurance (VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare) | Limited Coverage | Medical emergencies abroad, medical up to €65,000-€75,000, some worldwide limits, no non-medical cover. No trip cancellation, baggage, personal liability, or travel delay cover. | Travel insurance can reimburse up to €10,000,000 medical, plus lost baggage, cancellation, personal liability, and more. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Never | Rarely covers medical emergencies, no baggage, liability, or cancellation, maximum amounts usually under €50,000. No repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage, or personal liability cover. | Travel insurance covers up to €10,000,000 for medical, offers emergency repatriation, cancellation, liability, and baggage protection. |
| Premium credit card (AIB Platinum, Bank of Ireland Gold) | Limited Coverage | Some medical cover up to €650,000, basic baggage €1,200, no repatriation, no liability, limited to 90 days. No trip cancellation, limited personal accident or legal expenses, and coverage is restricted. | Travel insurance covers up to €10,000,000 for medical, includes repatriation, cancellation, baggage, delays, accidents, and legal costs. |
No cover for baggage, trip cancellation, personal liability or non-EU medical repatriation.
No trip cancellation, lost luggage, personal liability, or worldwide emergency coverage.
No trip cancellation, baggage, personal liability, or travel delay cover.
No repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage, or personal liability cover.
No trip cancellation, limited personal accident or legal expenses, and coverage is restricted.
Expert advice
Bank cards and health insurance often exclude trip curtailment due to a relative’s illness or death. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is mandatory if your destination country requires it for visa approval, such as Cuba or Russia. For most other destinations, it is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. For example, if you fall ill in the USA, medical care can cost thousands of euros, and insurance can prevent major financial issues.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
It is best to purchase single trip travel insurance as soon as you book your flights or pay for your accommodation. Early purchase ensures you’re protected against unforeseen events like cancellation, illness, or accidents before departure, and also allows you to benefit from refund options if plans change.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
First, compare available policies—using a site like HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool can help. Next, check the guarantees, coverage amounts, and exclusions relevant for single trip journeys. Then, purchase the best policy online. Finally, you’ll receive your certificate by email to include with your travel documents if needed.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase single trip travel insurance any time before departure. However, buying it soon after booking means you can benefit from trip cancellation cover. Waiting until just before you leave may limit coverage for some pre-departure events, so it is best not to delay.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible and follow their claims procedure, usually outlined in your policy documents. Gather supporting paperwork, such as receipts, medical certificates, or police reports if baggage is lost. The insurer will guide you through submitting forms, and reimbursement is usually processed within a few weeks.
Are adventure sports covered by single trip travel insurance?
Many single trip policies include basic recreational activities but often exclude higher-risk sports such as skiing, scuba diving, or mountain biking. If you plan these, check if your insurer offers them as add-ons. Always read the policy details to ensure your chosen activities are covered before purchasing your insurance.
Does single trip travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Most insurers exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless they are stable and declared when you apply. Some providers offer optional coverage for certain conditions, usually at a higher premium. Always honestly disclose your health history and read the policy’s medical terms carefully to avoid issues when claiming.
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is mandatory if your destination country requires it for visa approval, such as Cuba or Russia. For most other destinations, it is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. For example, if you fall ill in the USA, medical care can cost thousands of euros, and insurance can prevent major financial issues.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
It is best to purchase single trip travel insurance as soon as you book your flights or pay for your accommodation. Early purchase ensures you’re protected against unforeseen events like cancellation, illness, or accidents before departure, and also allows you to benefit from refund options if plans change.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
First, compare available policies—using a site like HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool can help. Next, check the guarantees, coverage amounts, and exclusions relevant for single trip journeys. Then, purchase the best policy online. Finally, you’ll receive your certificate by email to include with your travel documents if needed.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase single trip travel insurance any time before departure. However, buying it soon after booking means you can benefit from trip cancellation cover. Waiting until just before you leave may limit coverage for some pre-departure events, so it is best not to delay.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible and follow their claims procedure, usually outlined in your policy documents. Gather supporting paperwork, such as receipts, medical certificates, or police reports if baggage is lost. The insurer will guide you through submitting forms, and reimbursement is usually processed within a few weeks.
Are adventure sports covered by single trip travel insurance?
Many single trip policies include basic recreational activities but often exclude higher-risk sports such as skiing, scuba diving, or mountain biking. If you plan these, check if your insurer offers them as add-ons. Always read the policy details to ensure your chosen activities are covered before purchasing your insurance.
Does single trip travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Most insurers exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless they are stable and declared when you apply. Some providers offer optional coverage for certain conditions, usually at a higher premium. Always honestly disclose your health history and read the policy’s medical terms carefully to avoid issues when claiming.
