Travel insurance for Ireland from £1.17^[1]

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance isn’t mandatory when visiting Ireland but it’s still a good idea to have a policy at it means you will be protected from unexpected costs, such as cancellation, lost luggage and medical expenses

• UK citizens can access emergency healthcare in Ireland with a GHIC, but the card isn’t a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance

• If you have a pre-existing medical condition then you will need to tell your insurer or risk not being covered.

Do I need travel insurance for Ireland?

While it's not a legal requirement, having travel insurance for your trip to Ireland is a wise decision. Ireland may be right on our doorsteps, but that doesn’t mean that nothing can go wrong when it comes to your travels.

You’ll have access to emergency medical care should you need it. But there are other ways that your holiday could go wrong.

Unexpected cancellation or changes to your travel plans, lost or stolen bags and other types of unexpected costs are all scenarios where travel insurance would come in useful.

Most importantly, having travel insurance in place means you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing you’re covered should anything go wrong.

What type of travel insurance do I need for Ireland?

To travel to Ireland, you will need European cover. The type of policy you choose will depend on your travel plans. Here are some options:

What does travel insurance cover?

Most travel insurance for Ireland will include the following:

• Medical expenses: Most insurers will offer cover for medical expenses up to £5m. If you’re a UK resident, you should be able to access healthcare (even though the UK is no longer in the EU) – but having good travel insurance makes sure you’ll be protected from any extra expenses.

• Cancellation cover: This cover will pay out up to a certain amount if you need to cancel your holiday or cut it short due to an emergency.

• Repatriation: If you need to be taken home because of an emergency, your insurance will cover the cost of bringing you back to the UK.

• Baggage cover: Travel insurance will cover your luggage and possessions if items get lost or stolen during your trip. If you’re taking any particularly expensive items – such as jewellery – you might need to list them on the policy.

• Gadget cover: This is an optional cover that you can add to your policy to protect any gadgets or devices you're taking with you, such as a mobile phone, camera, or eReader.

• Passport cover: This optional cover will protect you against extra expenses if your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad.

• Golf cover: If you're planning a golfing holiday, this optional cover will give you extra protection for golfing activities in Ireland and can even cover golf equipment you bring with you for your trip.

Always pay attention to the excess on your policy. This is the amount you will need to pay out of pocket towards any claim.

Opting for a higher excess will make your insurance cheaper, but you need to make sure you choose an amount you can afford to pay should you need to make a claim. It's equally important to read through your policy document thoroughly to understand all the details of your cover.

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What won’t be covered?

Knowing the exclusions of your travel insurance policy is as important as knowing what is included. Some common exclusions are:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: any medical conditions will need to be declared to the insurer or there is a risk they could invalidate the policy

• Travel against government advice

• Incidents related to war, civil unrest or terrorism

• Accidents resulting from alcohol or drug use

How much is travel insurance for Ireland?

Cover for trips to Ireland start at £1.17^[1] on MoneySuperMarket.

The cost of your travel insurance will depend on various factors, including your age, your travelling companions and your general health. Factors like the type of policy you choose and the optional excess are also relevant. If you have a pre-existing medical condition then your policy might be more expensive. But while it might be tempting to withhold information, you must declare any medical conditions to your insurer. Failture to do so could mean you end up having to face the full cost of any claim.

The average cost our customers pay for travel insurance to Ireland is £1.17^[2].

When should I buy my travel insurance for Ireland?

It’s a good idea to buy your travel insurance policy as soon as you book your trip. This means you are covered for cancellation before you leave.

Is a GHIC valid in Ireland?

Yes, a Global Health Insurance Card is valid in Ireland, although UK residents do not need one to access state healthcare there. UK residents can access necessary healthcare in Ireland, and this arrangement remains unaffected by Brexit.

If you have a GHIC, it makes sense to take it with you. That said, you can also provide other forms of ID, such as a driving licence or proof of address, along with a photo ID.

Are any vaccinations required for Ireland?

No special vaccinations are required for traveling to Ireland, but it's wise to ensure you're up to date on routine vaccinations.

Can a GHIC replace travel insurance?

A GHIC is not an alternative to – or replacement for – travel insurance. It covers emergency healthcare needs but does not offer the comprehensive protection that travel insurance provides for things like theft, loss, and cancellation.

Compare tailored travel insurance quotes for Ireland

Travel insurance can give you financial protection when travelling to Ireland, but not all policies are the same. It’s important to compare policies before you buy.

MoneySuperMarket’s comparison tool can assist in finding the best travel insurance quotes tailored to your needs, allowing you to apply online and potentially secure cover on the same day. We work with 59^[3] providers so you can compare policies and be sure of finding the one that’s right for you.