site_name

Ireland Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for ireland.

Known for its lush green countryside, ancient castles, and lively traditions, Ireland captivates the hearts of visitors from around the world. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Dublin or marveling at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, Ireland promises a journey filled with unforgettable experiences. As you embark on your Irish adventure, you must be well-prepared for any unforeseen events. That's where travel insurance comes into play, offering coverage throughout your travels. In this guide, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of travel insurance for Ireland, helping you explore the Emerald Isle with confidence.

  • What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Ireland? 

How does Travel Insurance for Ireland work?

  • Do I need Travel Insurance for Ireland? 
  • How much does Travel Insurance cost for Ireland? 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

  • What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?
  • Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Ireland?
  • Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

What should your Travel Insurance cover for a trip to Ireland?

At a minimum, your travel insurance to Ireland should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State  outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage. AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.

  • Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
  • Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
  • Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
  • Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Ireland.

Imagine you've planned an exciting journey to Ireland, ready to explore the historic sites and savor the scenic beauty. On the day of your departure, however, you receive news of unexpected severe weather conditions affecting your connecting flight. The airport announces a significant delay, leaving you stranded and unsure about the next steps. Here's where the "Trip Delay" benefit comes to your rescue. With this coverage, you can rest assured that your additional expenses, such as meals and accommodations during the unforeseen delay, are taken care of. In times of escalating challenges, AXA stands ready to assist you in devising a strategic course of action. Here’s how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits: 

  • Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
  • Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
  • Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

  • Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
  • COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
  • Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 
  • Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Baggage Benefits: 

  • Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
  • Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:

  • Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
  • Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
  • Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
  • Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Do I need Travel Insurance for Ireland?

 You don't have to get travel insurance for an Irish visa, but it's a good idea to follow the official advice and get yourself covered.  Here are several reasons why securing travel insurance for Ireland is recommended:

Medical Emergencies: While Ireland offers free healthcare to EU and UK residents, travelers from other regions may face substantial medical expenses in case of illness or injury. Having coverage for emergency medical expenses becomes essential so you can receive necessary medical care without worrying about hefty bills.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Trip Delays: Given Ireland's unpredictable weather conditions, having coverage for unexpected delays can be particularly relevant. Whether it's due to adverse weather affecting flights or other unforeseen circumstances, this benefit may cover additional expenses for meals and accommodations incurred while you wait for your flight.

How much does Travel Insurance cost for Ireland?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans:

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Ireland will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Ireland hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.

The Platinum Plan is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage for Ireland’s experience. " Cancel for Any Reason " offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the "Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver)" offers assistance when you're out exploring Ireland's stunning landscapes in a rental car. The "Loss Golf Days" benefit offered by the Platinum Plan is particularly beneficial for travelers visiting Ireland, a country renowned for its world-class golf courses. In the event of unexpected closures impacting your prepaid golf plans, this optional coverage offers reimbursement, allowing your golfing experience to remain pleasurable despite unforeseen disruptions.

What types of medical coverage do AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:

  • Emergency Medical
  • Emergency evacuation & repatriation
  • Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation

Emergency medical: Covers unforeseen events such as fractures, burns, sudden illnesses, and allergic reactions.

Emergency evacuation and repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness.

Non-medical emergency evacuation and repatriation:  Assists in situations requiring immediate departure from a destination due to non-medical incidents. These events may include natural disasters or civil unrest, and the coverage provides support for evacuation.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Ireland?

As of March 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted. There is no requirement to fill out a passenger locator form, provide proof of vaccination or recovery, or undergo a COVID-19 test.

Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions?

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.   Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, 

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition that's been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation.

1. Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2. When should I buy Travel Insurance for Ireland?

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

3. Do Americans need travel insurance in Ireland?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. visitors to Ireland. However, having coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and rental cars can protect you from financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances and costly medical expenses.

4. What is needed to visit Ireland from the USA?

To enter Ireland, a valid passport is required. U.S. citizens can enjoy visa-free entry for tourism or business stays lasting up to 90 days. While there is no specific minimum passport validity requirement, it is advisable to possess a passport valid for the entire duration of your stay. Additionally, it is recommended to have evidence of ample funds to support your stay and a return airline ticket.

5. What happens if a tourist gets sick in Ireland?

If you become sick in Ireland, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance at  855-327-1442 . Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

AXA already looks after millions of people around the world

With our travel insurance we can take great care of you too

Get AXA Travel Insurance and travel worry free!

licensed representatives

Travel Assistance Wherever, Whenever

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip.

  • Best Travel Insurance 2024
  • Cheapest Travel Insurance
  • Trip Cancellation Insurance
  • Cancel for Any Reason Insurance
  • Seniors' Travel Insurance
  • Annual Travel Insurance
  • Cruise Insurance
  • COVID-19 Travel Insurance
  • Travel Medical Insurance
  • Medical Evacuation Insurance
  • Pregnancy Travel Insurance
  • Pre-existing Conditions Insurance
  • Mexico Travel Insurance
  • Italy Travel Insurance
  • France Travel Insurance
  • Spain Travel Insurance
  • Canada Travel Insurance
  • UK Travel Insurance
  • Germany Travel Insurance
  • Bahamas Travel Insurance
  • Costa Rica Travel Insurance
  • Disney Travel Insurance
  • Schengen Travel Insurance
  • Is travel insurance worth it?
  • Average cost of travel insurance
  • Is airline flight insurance worth it?
  • Places to travel without a passport
  • All travel insurance guides
  • Best Pet Insurance 2024
  • Cheap Pet Insurance
  • Cat Insurance
  • Pet Dental Insurance
  • Pet Insurance That Pays Vets Directly
  • Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions
  • Pet Insurance with No Waiting Period
  • Paw Protect Review
  • Spot Pet Insurance Review
  • Embrace Pet Insurance Review
  • Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review
  • Pets Best Insurance Review
  • Lemonade Pet Insurance Review
  • Pumpkin Pet Insurance Review
  • Fetch Pet Insurance Review
  • Figo Pet Insurance Review
  • CarePlus by Chewy Review
  • MetLife Pet Insurance Review
  • Average cost of pet insurance
  • What does pet insurance cover?
  • Is pet insurance worth it?
  • How much do cat vaccinations cost?
  • How much do dog vaccinations cost?
  • All pet insurance guides
  • Best Business Insurance 2024
  • Business Owner Policy (BOP)
  • General Liability Insurance
  • E&O Professional Liability Insurance
  • Workers' Compensation Insurance
  • Commercial Property Insurance
  • Cyber Liability Insurance
  • Inland Marine Insurance
  • Commercial Auto Insurance
  • Product Liability Insurance
  • Commercial Umbrella Insurance
  • Fidelity Bond Insurance
  • Business Personal Property Insurance
  • Medical Malpractice insurance
  • California Workers' Compensation Insurance
  • Contractor's Insurance
  • Home-Based Business Insurance
  • Sole Proprietor's Insurance
  • Handyman's Insurance
  • Photographer's Insurance
  • Esthetician's Insurance
  • Salon Insurance
  • Personal Trainer's Insurance
  • Electrician's Insurance
  • E-commerce Business Insurance
  • Landscaper's Insurance
  • Best Credit Cards 2024
  • Best Sign-Up Bonuses
  • Instant Approval Cards
  • Best Cash Back Credit Cards
  • Best Rewards Credit Cards
  • Credit Cards for Bad Credit
  • Balance Transfer Credit Cards
  • Student Credit Cards
  • 0% Interest Credit Cards
  • Credit Cards for No Credit History
  • Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
  • Best Travel Credit Cards
  • Best Airline Credit Cards
  • Best Hotel Credit Cards
  • Best Gas Credit Cards
  • Best Business Credit Cards
  • Best Secured Credit Cards
  • Best American Express Cards
  • American Express Delta Cards
  • American Express Business Cards
  • Best Capital One Cards
  • Capital One Business Cards
  • Best Chase Cards
  • Chase Business Cards
  • Best Citi Credit Cards
  • Best U.S. Bank Cards
  • Best Discover Cards
  • Amex Platinum Card Review
  • Amex Gold Card Review
  • Amex Blue Cash Preferred Review
  • Amex Blue Cash Everyday Review
  • Capital One Venture Card Review
  • Capital One Venture X Card Review
  • Capital One SavorOne Card Review
  • Capital One Quicksilver Card Review
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve Review
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Review
  • United Explorer Review
  • United Club Infinite Review
  • Milestone Mastercard Review
  • Destiny Mastercard Review
  • OpenSky Credit Card Review
  • Self Credit Builder Review
  • Chime Credit Builder Review
  • Aspire Card Review
  • Amex Gold vs Platinum
  • Amex Platinum vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • Capital One Venture vs Venture X
  • Capital One SavorOne vs Quicksilver
  • How to get Amex pre-approval
  • Amex travel insurance explained
  • Chase Sapphire travel insurance guide
  • Chase Pay Yourself Back
  • CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck
  • All credit card guides
  • Citibank Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Capital One Savings Account Interest Rate
  • American Express Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Western Alliance Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Barclays Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Discover Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Chase Savings Account Interest Rate
  • U.S. Bank Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Marcus Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Synchrony Bank Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Ally Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Bank of America Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Wells Fargo Savings Account Interest Rates
  • SoFi Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Best Savings Accounts & Interest Rates
  • Best High Yield Savings Accounts
  • Best 7% Interest Savings Accounts
  • Best 5% Interest Savings Accounts
  • Savings Interest Calculator
  • Emergency Fund Calculator
  • Pros and Cons of High-Yield Savings Accounts
  • Types of Savings Accounts
  • Checking vs Savings Accounts
  • Average Savings by Age
  • How Much Should I Have in Savings?
  • How to Make Money
  • How to Save Money
  • Compare Best Checking Accounts
  • Compare Online Checking Accounts
  • Best Business Checking Accounts
  • Compare Best Teen Checking Accounts
  • Best Student Checking Accounts
  • Best Joint Checking Accounts
  • Best Second Chance Checking Accounts
  • Chase Checking Account Review
  • Bluevine Business Checking Review
  • Amex Rewards Checking Account Review
  • E&O Professional Liability Insurance
  • Best Savings Accounts & Interest Rates
  • All Insurance Guides
  • Ireland Travel Insurance

On This Page

  • Key takeaways

Do I need travel insurance to visit Ireland?

Our top picks for the best travel insurance for ireland, ireland travel information & requirements, why ireland travel insurance is important , what types of travel insurance do i need for ireland, what isn’t covered by travel insurance for ireland, how much does travel insurance for ireland cost, tips for getting the best ireland travel insurance, faqs: ireland travel insurance, related topics.

Travel Insurance for a Trip to Ireland: Compare Plans & Prices

Leigh Morgan

  • Ireland does not accept U.S. health insurance, including Medicare. Therefore, at a minimum, we recommend you buy travel medical insurance for your trip to Ireland.
  • Many travelers aren’t aware that Ireland has some occasional political unrest, pickpockets, tourist scams, and a lack of medical facilities in some rural areas.
  • To protect yourself and your belongings, it’s a good idea to buy a comprehensive travel insurance plan that can cover these risks.
  • Based on our research, our top picks for the best Ireland travel insurance come from Seven Corners, Generali Global Assistance, and Detour Insurance ( skip ahead to view these plans ).
  • To help you find the best travel insurance policy for your trip to Ireland, try using an online comparison tool to look at coverage options and prices from multiple providers.

Whether you want to visit the Cliffs of Moher, explore the streets of Dublin or indulge in a pint of Guinness, Ireland has something for everyone to enjoy.

But no matter how carefully you plan, mayhem can happen. One way to prepare yourself for unexpected situations, such as travel delays or medical emergencies, is to purchase travel insurance for Ireland before your departure. 

We created this guide to answer all your most pressing questions about buying travel insurance for a trip to the Emerald Isle:

  • Does Ireland require tourists to purchase travel insurance?
  • What does a travel insurance policy cover?
  • Why do you need insurance before traveling to Ireland?

Our top picks for the best ireland travel insurance

  • Seven Corners: Best Rated Robust Coverage
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best Rated Plan for Emergency Assistance
  • Detour Insurance: Best Value Coverage

Seven Corners

Generali global assistance, detour insurance.

Detour Insurance

Although Ireland has no laws requiring travelers to purchase insurance before they arrive, we recommend all American travelers to Ireland buy a travel insurance policy before leaving. 

The main reason for this is that U.S. healthcare plans do not work abroad and paying a hospital bill in Euros can add up very quickly . So, travel insurance is well worth the cost . Additionally, travel insurance can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short due to a reason stipulated in the policy. It can also cover the cost of hospital bills and medical transport back to the U.S. if needed.

Best Rated Robust Coverage

Why we like it.

  • Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cancellation & Interruption coverage standard
  • Covers action sports & equipment
  • Cancel for any reason not included standard
  • Must meet waiver for pre-existing conditions to be covered

Best Rated Plan for Emergency Assistance

  • High emergency medical and medical evacuation coverage
  • Cancelation & interruption coverage
  • Offers hurricane and weather coverage
  • Extensive loss or delay coverage.
  • No pre-existing condition coverage

Best Value Coverage

Are there covid-19 restrictions for u.s. tourists.

As of March 2022, Ireland has no entry restrictions related to COVID-19 . You don’t need to provide proof of vaccination, take a COVID-19 test or quarantine when you arrive at your destination.

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Ireland?

To travel to Ireland, you must have a valid U.S. passport. You don’t need a visa for leisure trips of any length, but you do need one for any business trip lasting longer than 90 days.

Is it safe to visit Ireland?

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Ireland, which indicates the lowest level of risk. Ireland has low rates of violent crime, but you should still pay attention to your surroundings and take steps to protect your belongings against theft and vandalism.

Risk of political unrest

Although Ireland has the lowest travel advisory level, you may be shocked to find that there is some risk of political unrest. This risk is especially high at the border separating Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland. During your visit, you may also encounter anti-war protests, making it important to stay aware of your surroundings. Many comprehensive travel insurance plans can cover cancellations or interruptions due to domestic terrorism or civil unrest. 

Exploring isolated rural areas

Many people travel to Dublin, but Ireland also has numerous remote villages and counties. If you plan to travel to one of them, carrying medical evacuation insurance is important. This type of travel insurance pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you’re injured or come down with a serious illness. Many policies also cover repatriation expenses, which are the costs of returning to the United States from a foreign country.

Risk of pickpockets and tourist scams

Pickpockets in Dublin and other large cities tend to target travelers who aren’t familiar with the area and therefore pay less attention to their wallets, handbags and other possessions. 

It’s important to note that travel insurance can cover stolen, damaged or lost belongings which can be a godsend if something happens to your stuff while traveling. It can even offer a stipend to replace clothing and other necessary items during your trip. While this may not replace sentimental or valuable items, it can at least ease your mind so your trip isn’t completely ruined.

At a minimum, we recommend you opt for a travel medical policy which covers medical expenses, medical evacuation costs, and cancellation for medical reasons. This is because American health insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid) doesn’t cover you abroad.

That said, here are some of the most useful types of travel insurance to have on hand when visiting Ireland:

Travel medical insurance

At a minimum, your travel insurance plan should include medical coverage. Travel medical insurance covers the cost of medical care you receive abroad. It can reimburse you for the cost of lab tests, X-rays, medications and other medical expenses. If you happen to get sick or injured while in Ireland, your insurance company will reimburse you for the cost of medical intervention, tests, and medications offered at the hospital. 

Medical evacuation insurance

Although Ireland is small, it’s quite rural. Medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of picking you up and transporting you to the nearest suitable medical facility if you’re injured or come down with a serious illness while you’re in a remote area. Therefore this coverage is important to consider for travel to Ireland.

Trip cancellation insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance plans will offer some form of trip cancellation coverage, and this type of protection is great to have for expensive trips overseas. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip to Ireland before it even starts. For example, if you catch COVID shortly before your trip, you should be able to get reimbursed for what you spent on flights, hotels and other prepaid trip expenses. Trip cancellation insurance usually covers unforeseen circumstances, such as illnesses, injuries and deaths.

Optional CFAR insurance add-on

To ensure you’re covered for any type of cancellation, you can also purchase cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance which allows you to cancel for any reason at all. This type of coverage is usually sold as an add-on to your policy and will reimburse you for around 50% to 70% of your total prepaid travel expenses.

Trip interruption insurance

If you have to cut your trip short due to a covered reason like injury or illness, trip interruption coverage can reimburse you for your prepaid non-refundable trip expenses for the remainder of your trip. 

Depending on the circumstances, your insurance company may also reimburse you for changing your new flights to get home early or re-route your trip once you are recovered. This may also include supplementing the cost of alternate hotel bookings, or cab fare. 

For example, if you miss several tours you already paid for due to a bout of food poisoning, you may be able to get back what you spent on admission and other fees by using trip interruption insurance.

Trip delay insurance

Much like trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance reimburses you for expenses incurred due to common carrier delays (airlines, bus lines, train companies, etc). Given that a delay can cause a massive domino effect on connections, hotels, tours, and car bookings, this type of insurance is key for overseas travel like Ireland. 

In most cases, you will be reimbursed if the delay reaches a minimum amount of time, such as six hours or 12 hours. For example, if your flight is delayed by 12 hours, you may have to stay in Ireland for an extra night. Trip delay insurance may cover your additional hotel, food and transportation costs. Note that this type of coverage may not be offered by cheaper travel plans . 

Insurance for personal items

Due to the amount of lost baggage and the increase in pick-pockets these days, insuring your personal items is key when traveling to Ireland. 

Some companies offer insurance for baggage and personal items (phone, computer, etc), giving you extra protection. If a covered item is lost or stolen during your trip, your insurer will reimburse you up to the coverage limit.

Rental car coverage

Rental car coverage can be very expensive when bought through the car rental agency. The good news is many travel insurance policies offer coverage for this as part of your travel policy. 

If you plan to rent a car in Ireland, it’s wise to purchase a policy with rental car coverage that can pay to repair a damaged rental vehicle. Most plans cover up to around $35,000 of damages.

When buying travel insurance for Ireland, you should know that it typically won’t cover the following scenarios:

  • Claims resulting from intentional acts
  • Expenses arising from illegal activities, alcohol, or drugs
  • Expenses for medical tourism
  • Normal bad weather
  • Buying coverage after a storm has been named 

Additionally, some policies may have restrictions for the following

  • Pre-existing medical conditions (see link for special policies)
  • Some adventure sports (often an add-on coverage)

All of these scenarios vary by provider, so we recommend having a look at the “exclusions” section of each travel policy before you buy.

On the low end, travel insurance for a trip to Ireland can cost as little as around $1 a day. This type of policy will include basic medical and medical evacuation coverage.

For a policy that offers more protection, such as one with trip cancellation and interruption coverage, you can expect to pay around $7 to $11 per day.

To give you a better idea of how much travel insurance costs for a trip to Ireland, we got several quotes from top insurance providers.

Each quote is based on these trip details:

  • Age: 35 years old
  • Destination: Ireland
  • Trip Length: 7 days
  • Trip cost: $2,000

Our quotes for basic travel insurance are in this first table. The cheapest travel insurance costs less than $1 per day for this type of coverage.

Example Where Plan Doesn’t Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

For travel insurance that included trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, we found that you can expect to pay around $7 to $11 per day. You can see our quotes for these more comprehensive coverage options in the following table.

Example Where Plan Does Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

Bear in mind that several factors affect the cost of Ireland travel insurance, such as:

  • Trip cost: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for up to 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses, so the total cost of your trip affects your premium.
  • Age: Older people are more likely to have medical emergencies when they travel, increasing the cost of their travel insurance. That said, there are some affordable policies made for senior travelers . 
  • Destination: Some destinations are riskier than others. Insurers account for the increased risk by charging more for their policies.
  • Coverage limits: Many companies offer multiple plans, giving you more control over your coverage. You’ll pay more for a plan with high limits than you will for a basic plan.

To get the best travel insurance for your trip to Ireland, follow these tips:

Shop around.

Don’t be afraid to compare several quotes to see if you can save money without sacrificing coverage.

Check with your credit card issuer.

Determine if you already have some travel insurance benefits. For example, many travel credit cards offer rental car protection.

Determine how much coverage you need.

If you don’t plan to participate in adventure sports, you probably don’t need to pay for a plan that includes coverage for mountain climbing, parasailing and other risky activities.

Can I use my American insurance in Ireland?

No. Medicare and Medicaid don’t cover any medical services received overseas. It’s also rare for a private health plan to cover expenses incurred outside the United States.

Therefore, we recommend you buy an affordable medical travel insurance policy at a minimum.

Can Americans get free healthcare in Ireland?

No. Irish citizens receive healthcare benefits through the Department of Social Protection, but these benefits aren’t available to tourists from other countries. You must pay all medical costs upfront or buy a travel insurance plan to cover the costs.

What documents do you need to travel to Ireland?

American travelers need a valid U.S. passport. You’ll also need a visa if you’re planning to stay in the country for more than 90 days.

Leigh Morgan

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last 5 years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

Explore related articles by topic

  • All Travel Insurance Articles
  • Learn the Basics
  • Health & Medical
  • Insurance Provider Reviews
  • Insurance by Destination
  • Trip Planning & Ideas

Best Travel Insurance Companies & Plans in 2024

Best Travel Insurance Companies & Plans in 2024

Holly D. Johnson

Best Medical Evacuation Insurance Plans 2024

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

Best Cruise Insurance Plans for 2024

Best Cruise Insurance Plans for 2024

Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans for 2024

Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans for 2024

Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies - Top Plans 2024

Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies - Top Plans 2024

Best Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance

Best Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance

Best Annual Travel Insurance: Multi-Trip Coverage

Best Annual Travel Insurance: Multi-Trip Coverage

Best Travel Medical Insurance - Top Plans & Providers 2024

Best Travel Medical Insurance - Top Plans & Providers 2024

A pink piggy bank on a desk in the foreground with a person sitting at the desk in the background.

  • Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

A top-view of a model airplane with an umbrella over top of it, symbolizing flight insurance.

Is Flight Insurance Worth It? | Airlines' Limited Coverage Explained

A pregnant person wearing a striped shirt is standing, holding their belly in one hand and the handle of a piece of luggage in the other hand

Guide to Traveling While Pregnant: Pregnancy Travel Insurance

A couple enjoying a romantic boat ride

10 Romantic Anniversary Getaway Ideas for 2023

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions April 2024

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions April 2024

22 Places to Travel Without a Passport in 2024

22 Places to Travel Without a Passport in 2024

A person looking at a waterfall in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Insurance: Requirements, Tips & Safety Info

Best Spain Travel Insurance: Top Plans & Cost

Best Spain Travel Insurance: Top Plans & Cost

Best Italy Travel Insurance: Plans, Cost, & Tips

Best Italy Travel Insurance: Plans, Cost, & Tips

Disney World Castle at Night

Best Travel Insurance for your Vacation to Disney World

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Coverage: What To Know & How It Works

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Coverage: What To Know & How It Works

A woman sitting in front of a computer while holding an American Express credit card in her hand

2024 Complete Guide to American Express Travel Insurance

Leigh Morgan

Schengen Travel Insurance: Coverage for your Schengen Visa Application

A sandy beach in Mexico

Mexico Travel Insurance: Top Plans in 2024

church illuminated in december in Mexico City

Best Places to Spend Christmas in Mexico this December

A cityscape view of Toronto at night

Travel Insurance to Canada: Tips & Quotes for US Visitors

Sarah Stasik

Best Travel Insurance for France Vacations in 2024

Alana Luna (Musselman)

Travel Insurance for Germany: Tourist Information & Tips

View of the London Eye cantilevered observation wheel from the banks of the Thames at night

Best UK Travel Insurance: Coverage Tips & Plans April 2024

A wide shot of Nassau Harbour Lighthouse on the Bahamas island of Paradise Island

Travel Insurance for Trips to the Bahamas: Tips & Safety Info

A map of Europe with each nation's flag flying above the country

Europe Travel Insurance: Your Essential Coverage Guide

A woman in a living room is seen stressing over something she has read on her tablet.

Best Trip Cancellation Insurance Plans for 2024

LA Times Compare Team

What Countries Require Travel Insurance for Entry?

A cityscape view of Manila, focusing on the the skyscrapers and harbor.

Philippines Travel Insurance: Coverage Requirements & Costs

Aerial view of the Santo Domingo Malecon boardwalk, showing the beach and sea.

Travel Insurance for the Dominican Republic: Requirements & Tips

Hayley Harrison

Travel Insurance for Trips Cuba: Tips & Safety Info

Imogen Sharma

AXA Travel Insurance Review April 2024

View of the Khmer temples in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Travel Insurance for Thailand: US Visitor Requirements & Tips

A person taking a picture with a camera on a tripod overlooking the cliffs in Ireland.

Travel Insurance for a Japan Vacation: Tips & Safety Info

A woman talking on a cell phone and waving.

Faye Travel Insurance Review April 2024

A person wearing a backpack taking a picture of the scenery in Brazil.

Travel Insurance for Brazil: Visitor Tips & Safety Info

A man and woman riding in a boat in Bali.

Travel Insurance for Bali: US Visitor Requirements & Quotes

A person sitting at the top of a ancient amphitheater in Turkey.

Travel Insurance for Turkey: U.S. Visitor Quotes & Requirements

A person standing in a stone temple in India.

Travel Insurance for India: U.S. Visitor Requirements & Quotes

A person standing on a cliff overlooking the coastline in Australia.

Australia Travel Insurance: Trip Info & Quotes for U.S. Visitors

A man and woman holding hands in front of a stone colosseum.

Generali Travel Insurance Review April 2024

A person looking over their shoulder in a train terminal.

Travelex Travel Insurance Review for 2024

A woman holding a suitcase in one hand and an umbrella in the other with a background of a blue sky with clouds.

Tin Leg Insurance Review for April 2024

A man, a woman and a child hugging in an airport.

Travel Insured International Review for 2024

A woman sitting in a terminal next to a backpack.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review April 2024

Two people sitting next to each other and looking at a mobile phone.

HTH WorldWide Travel Insurance Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Two women looking at a map and a man loading luggage into a vehicle.

Medjet Travel Insurance Review 2024: What You Need To Know

The Southern Ocean and snow-covered landscape of Antarctica.

Antarctica Travel Insurance: Tips & Requirements for US Visitors

A person looking across the Kenyan landscape.

Travel Insurance for Kenya: Recommendations & Requirements

The silhouette of people riding elephants around a tree in Botswana.

Travel Insurance for Botswana: Compare Your Coverage Options

A herd of elephants in Tanzania.

Travel Insurance for Tanzania: Compare Your Coverage Options

A person taking a picture of elephants while on an African safari trip.

Travel Insurance for an African Safari: Coverage Options & Costs

Nationwide Cruise Insurance Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Elizabeth Smith

  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Insurance for Seniors
  • Cheap Travel Insurance
  • Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • How Much is Travel Insurance?
  • Is Flight Insurance Worth It?
  • Anniversary Trip Ideas
  • Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
  • Places to Travel Without a Passport
  • Christmas In Mexico
  • Europe Travel Insurance
  • Compulsory Insurance Destinations
  • Philippines Travel Insurance
  • Dominican Republic Travel Insurance
  • Cuba Travel Insurance
  • AXA Travel Insurance Review
  • Travel Insurance for Thailand
  • Japan Travel Insurance
  • Faye Travel Insurance Review
  • Brazil Travel Insurance
  • Travel Insurance Bali
  • Travel Insurance Turkey
  • India Travel Insurance
  • Australia Travel Insurance
  • Generali Travel Insurance Review
  • Travelex Travel Insurance Review
  • Tin Leg Travel Insurance Review
  • Travel Insured International Travel Insurance Review
  • Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review
  • HTH WorldWide Travel Insurance Review
  • Medjet Travel Insurance Review
  • Antarctica Travel Insurance
  • Kenya Travel Insurance
  • Botswana Travel Insurance
  • Tanzania Travel Insurance
  • Safari Travel Insurance
  • Nationwide Cruise Insurance Review

Policy Details

#

LA Times Compare is committed to helping you compare products and services in a safe and helpful manner. It’s our goal to help you make sound financial decisions and choose financial products with confidence. Although we don’t feature all of the products and services available on the market, we are confident in our ability to sound advice and guidance.

We work to ensure that the information and advice we offer on our website is objective, unbiased, verifiable, easy to understand for all audiences, and free of charge to our users.

We are able to offer this and our services thanks to partners that compensate us. This may affect which products we write about as well as where and how product offers appear on our website – such as the order in which they appear. This does not affect our ability to offer unbiased reviews and information about these products and all partner offers are clearly marked. Given our collaboration with top providers, it’s important to note that our partners are not involved in deciding the order in which brands and products appear. We leave this to our editorial team who reviews and rates each product independently.

At LA Times Compare, our mission is to help our readers reach their financial goals by making smarter choices. As such, we follow stringent editorial guidelines to ensure we offer accurate, fact-checked and unbiased information that aligns with the needs of the Los Angeles Times audience. Learn how we are compensated by our partners.

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

  • Meet the Team
  • Work with Us
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Budget Travel
  • Work & Travel
  • The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
  • Travel Resources
  • How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Ireland » Travel Insurance

Guide To Ireland Travel Insurance – ALL You Need To Know

Can’t hold out anymore on experiencing that Irish charm you’ve heard about? Then you’re in for a treat! Ireland is a joy to explore on your next hard-earned holiday. It’s a small but perfectly formed country, with spirited cities and breathtaking landscapes. Furthermore, Ireland is dotted with historical castles, quaint rustic villages and endless pints of Guiness. It’s chill, it’s safe, it’s totally fun and everybody agrees!

The Irish are known for their luck, and they certainly got lucky with their land. Ireland is blessed with glorious coastlines, rolling hills, and rugged mountains. Irish people won’t disappoint you with their wit and warmth, either. They definitely set the worldwide standard for humor!

But whilst the Irish may be lucky, do you feel lucky? Because if you prefer not to leave things down to chance this post is just for you. Let’s take a look at Ireland travel insurance!

irish travel insurance

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

Do I Need Travel Insurance For Ireland?

What should travel insurance in ireland cover, what is the best ireland travel insurance, how to choose the right ireland travel insurance for you.

Belfast, Ireland

So what’s the craic on travel insurance in Ireland? Do you need it and if so why? First of all, do note that this guide is specifically about the Republic of Ireland (Eire). For Northern Ireland, you may want to consult our Guide to UK Travel Insurance . Now, back to Ireland, where travel insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement. And in a country which doesn’t exactly shout out ‘danger,’ you might wonder if it’s necessary and worth the expense.

Crime rates are very low. In fact, most of the danger stems from one too many Guinnesses turning to a street brawl (it happens). However, as is the case with every place you visit, opportunistic crime does happen – even in the Emerald Isle. Airlines and tour operators can go bust in the blink of an eye. This happened to Flybe , Europe’s largest regional airline, very recently. It’s worth considering insurance, as travel disruption can result in a lot of lost money.

Ultimately, we encourage all travelers to consider insurance, regardless of the destination. Even if it’s the cheapest Ireland travel insurance you can find! It won’t seem like a waste of money if you need it.

Need more convincing? Check out these other reasons why you should have travel insurance !

irish travel insurance

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Healthcare in Ireland

Irish healthcare is adequate, overall, but statistics show it lags behind its European comrades. Waiting lists are lengthy, and beds are limited. However, should you need emergency treatment while in Ireland, you can rely on it. Ireland’s healthcare comprises highly-trained Irish doctors as well as international ex-pats.

The healthcare system is a mixture of public and private. Available for all Irish citizens, the former is funded by taxes. Those who have medical cards have access to free healthcare. Anyone else will be required to pay subsidized fees in the public sector. Meanwhile, 45% of the Irish population choose to take out private healthcare insurance. This way, they receive the highest level of care and do not have to deal with the timely waiting lists. In fact, Ireland has one of Europe’s highest populations who opt to go private.

Now, let’s get over to costs. For a routine or non-emergency appointment, the cost of seeing a GP in Ireland as a tourist ranges between  €40-60 ($37 – $55 USD). This covers the cost of the consultation. Blood tests, x-rays, and further investigation will cost more. Plus, the cost of any prescription medicine. Meanwhile, a trip to an emergency ward will cost you around €100 ($117 USD).  You will pay approximately €80 per night to stay in a hospital. Typically, Irish hospitals will treat you and then ask you to pay afterward, or refer them to your Ireland travel insurance provider.

Good news if you’re from the UK or another European country! You can apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) before travel. This is provided free of charge and grants you access to subsidized, or sometimes free, emergency healthcare. But, EHIC recommends always traveling with travel insurance too, which covers medical and possessions.

Crime in Ireland

Crime in Ireland is low enough that the destination is popular with travelers and holidaymakers of all types. It’s a fabulous option to begin your solo backpacking lifestyle. The country has the 11th lowest homicide rate in Europe and the 23rd lowest in the world. In fact, in 2019, there was a decrease in homicides. However, attempted murder and sexual offences did increase (9% and 7% respectively). Irish cities are where most of the crimes occur, with Dublin, Limerick, and Cork city being among those with the highest reported incidents .

Property crime is your biggest contender while traveling in Ireland.  Keep your valuables secure on your person when sightseeing. Lock away all that you can in your hostel locker or safely in your guesthouse. Don’t leave valuables in your rental car either. The cheapest Ireland travel insurance will likely impose a surcharge for valuables, so check your small print in case you do end up needing to claim.

And finally, the drug trade is alive and well in Ireland. Dealing and trafficking are both crimes, which mainly occupy Dublin. An increase of 17.3% was observed in 2019. Stick to Guinness and castles, and you won’t find yourself in a pickle.

Issues Facing Travellers in Ireland

The first issue you’ll face in Ireland is deciphering an Irish accent over the jostling crowds of a Dublin Temple Bar brew, although your insurance won’t do much good there!

  • Travel disruption – In terms of what your Ireland travel insurance can help you with, first up – the event that your airline goes bankrupt. It’s worth investing in some cover should this happen. If your flight is canceled, the best insurance for Ireland will see that your additional accommodation costs are covered while waiting for your new connection. They should reimburse you for the canceled flight, as well. Tour operators should be factored in here, too. They, too, can cancel schedules at the drop of a hat due to liquidation or unforeseen circumstances.
  • Fluke natural disasters – Regarding natural disasters, Ireland’s soil is pretty much untouched. However, although you won’t find a volcano on the Emerald Isle, you might cross paths with the side effects. The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland in 2010 grounded flights across Europe due to ash. Check out the terms of your Ireland travel insurance so you know what the deal is should a fluke incident like that occur. Besides that, flooding and landslides can occasionally form a roadblock in your itinerary and lead to missing a connection.
  • Petty theft – And, as we’ve said, issues like pickpocketing and other property theft are worth taking under consideration. It is recommended that travel insurance for visitors to Ireland cover your valuables, passport, and euros.

Popular Activities in Ireland

Most of the things you’ll want to do in Ireland are safe, focused on culture and gentle sightseeing. We’d hope that shouldn’t result in a claim on your Ireland travel insurance. But if you’re after an adrenaline rush, check out some of the following ideas!

  • Cycling – You could pootle around a city or gear up a mountain bike for an adrenaline rush through the gorgeous scenery! Ensure you are covered in the event your two-wheeler is stolen or vandalized. Helmets are not a legal requirement for cyclists in Ireland, but they are recommended. Some Ireland travel insurers may stipulate that you should wear one. Scout your coverage T&Cs before squeezing into your lycra.
  • Surfing – Surfing is one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets ! Mullaghmore has one of the largest swells in the Atlantic Ocean for the most daring. Alternatively, there are plenty of beginner spots for novices to catch your first wave. But surfing is definitely one of the activities to check your insurance for Ireland holidays covers because coral and rocks can hurt.
  • Renting a car – Before embarking on your self-drive road trip around Ireland, check your travel insurance provides comprehensive cover. You need to protect the hire car itself, any other cars involved, and your personal injuries. Not all travel insurance will cover car rental expenses by default, so read closely.

packable travel medical kit

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Best Hostels in Ireland

In our experience, most Ireland travel insurance policies will probably include the following;

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses

  • Luggage and Personal Property

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

Non-medical emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption.

We feel that these are the most common key terms to look out for when you are comparing different insurance policies. We will not examine each one of these to see what they actually mean.

Emergency Medical costs are perhaps the single most important aspects of any travel insurance policy. If you have an accident or become seriously ill with a tropical illness, you may want to rest easy knowing that the medical costs and Doctors bills will be taken care of.

Many of you may have never seen a medical bill. However, we have seen too many for our liking and believe us, they can get very expensive very quickly. A friend of mine was once charged $10,000 for a leg infection in Costa Rica. Even 2 days in a Thai hospital cost him nearly $2,000.00! Thankfully he was insured on both occasions.

Pre-existing medical and health conditions may not be covered under this or they may be covered for an additional premium.

Ideally, Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical insurance should offer at least $100,000.00 of coverage but some run into the millions. If you are visiting the US, then do have a serious think about this.

Baggage and Personal Property

Luggage and Personal property coverage covers the value of your bags and what’s in them. It is most commonly used for lost luggage and Many policies also extend this to cover “on the ground” theft which comes in very useful if you are robbed once you reach your destination.

The limits on this do vary between policies. However, the maximum value rarely exceeds $1000 with a maximum item value between – $250 – $500.

This is probably enough for many travellers. However if you travel with a lot of electrical gear (laptop & camera), or are packing golf clubs or something, you may also wish to think about taking out a separate gadget cover.

audy on top of a mountain in japan with the osprey aether

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Emergency evacuation covers the cost of sending you back to your home country in a hospital. Let’s say that the above mentioned tropical illness is a very nasty one, and the decision is taken to send you home for further treatment; this will take care of the high costs of flying you home on a drip.

Repatriation is the cost of sending your remains home in the rare event that you die on your trip. Repatriation costs are not a burden I would want to leave to my family. Whilst this is thankfully rare, I do come across Facebook or “Go Fund Me” campaigns for somebody’s body to be flown home.

Non-medical Emergency Evacuation is when you have to be evacuated because of some sudden crisis.  Examples are outbreak of war/civil unrest and natural disasters that decimate infrastructure such as the South Asian Tsunami of 2006.

In more recent times, the Corona COVID-19 outbreak created the biggest international emergency evacuation situation ever. (FYI – it straddled both the medical and non-medical evacuation boundaries).

Emergency evacuation insurance covers the costs of having to book an emergency flight home ( which can be seriously expensive) and will also cover accommodation costs if you end up being flown to a random, “safe” country rather than going straight home.

Having to cancel an adventure that you were truly excited for is painful. However, being left out of pocket just makes it worse. Trip Cancellation cover can help you to recover the ‘non-refundable costs’ of your trip such as flight and hotel costs. Visa’s are also in this category.

To clarify, you can’t claim this simply because you changed your mind about the trip or fell out with your travel buddy. Proper cancellation reasons are things like sickness, family emergencies, bereavement, natural disaster and war – you get the gist.

Trip Interruption is when something goes wrong, even interrupts, and you have additional costs to pay because of it. One example, when your pre-paid hotel falls down and you are forced to book another one. Another example is when your flight home is cancelled and you need a few extra nights at your hotel.

Kerry, Ireland

Anything Else?

The above are what we consider to be the basic, bare-bones of travel insurance policies. However, some policies do offer a few more aspects to them. The very best Ireland travel insurance policies may also include the following;

Adventure Sports and Activities

Please note that Adventure sports and activities are not covered by all travel insurance policies. The definition of adventure sports and activities really does vary between providers but for example, can include;

  • Trekking (altitude is usually a factor here)
  • Swimming with Whales
  • Improvised football games….

If you are going to be doing anything remotely physical or outdoorsy on your trip, then it may be sensible to check that your insurance provider is covering it. Broken jaws hurt enough without having high medical bills attached to them.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Accidental Death & Dismemberment cover doesn’t cover any travel related expenses as such but instead it basically provides you (or your next of kin) with monetary compensation in the event that something happens to you.

If you die, your loved ones get a payout. Or, if you lose a digit, YOU get a payout. I mean, how much is a finger really worth to you anyway?

It’s kind of like having a bit of life cover attached to your travel insurance.

“Well dear, I’m afraid there is good new and bad news. The bad news is that your parents both died on their trip to Ireland. The good news is that you get $10k!”

Gear and Electronics Cover

Some insurance policies do cover electronic gadgets but others do not. Those that do, sometimes charge an additional fee and they also usually limit the maximum item value.

If you only travel with a phone or a tablet then your travel insurer may well cover it entirely. However, if like me you travel with a MacBook, then you may wish to consider obtaining gadget cover.

Personally, I have had separate gadget cover on my MacBook Pro for years.

mockup of a person holding a smartphone in white background with Holafly logo

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Inch Beach, Dingle, Ireland

Whilst they may all seem the same, not all insurers are. Some insurers offer lower prices than others and others offer higher coverage amounts. Some are infamous for not paying claims whilst others are celebrated for being fair and helpful.

Travel insurers – always the same yet always different. It isn’t possible (or legal) for us to say that anyone of them is the best, or is “better” than the others. No. Insurance is a very complex product and any policy takes into account a whole lot of data and a wide set of variables.

Remember that the “best” travel insurance always depends on where you are going, when you are going there and ultimately upon you and your needs. The best travel insurer for one trip, may not be the best for a different trip.

Below, we will introduce a few of the many travel insurance providers on offer. These are all firms we have used ourselves over the years.

SafetyWing are a relatively new player in the travel insurance space but are already making big waves. They specialise in cover for digital nomads and they offer open ended cover on a monthly subscription basis. Because they primarily cover digital nomads, they don’t offer much in the way of trip cancellation or delay so do take that into consideration.

However, SafetyWing really excels on the health side of travel insurance, covering dental and some complimentary treatments. In fact they even allow young children to be covered for free.

If cancellation and delay is not a concern for you or if you will be spending some considerable time on your trip, then maybe SafetyWing are right for you

  • Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $250,000
  • Baggage and Personal Property – $3000
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $100,000
  • Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $10,000
  • Trip Cancellation -$0
  • Trip Interruption – $5000

If you need more information or want to get a quote, then you can visit the website for yourself.

Talk about efficient and effective, Heymondo are up-to-date when it comes to combining travel insurance with technology in the digital world of 2024. What truly sets them apart is their assistance app offering a 24-hour medical chat, free emergency assistance calls and incident management. How reassuring is that?! They also have a convenient and complication-free way to make a claim straight from your phone.

Medical expenses are covered up to $10,000,000 USD so try not to damage yourself anything over that amount… If you’d like travel insurance that operates with that little extra swiftness and ease, give these guys a go. They offer multiple options – single trip, annual multi-trip and long stay. We’ve focused on single trip, but do check out the others and find what fits your next adventure.

  • Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical/Dental Expenses –$10,000,000 USD
  • Baggage and Personal Property – $2,500 USD
  • Repatriation and Early Return – $500,000 USD
  • Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $10,000 USD
  • Trip Cancellation – $7,000 USD
  • Trip Disruption – $1,500 USD
  • Covid 19 coverage included in all plans

If you need more convincing, click our link below to get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance plan!

Columbus Direct

Named after one of history’s greatest (and most divisive explorers), Columbus Direct also specialise in insuring adventure-hungry explorers like us. They have been providing award-winning insurance for 30 years. What we like about this plan is that it does cover small amounts of personal cash. However, Gadget Cover is not available.

Columbus Direct actually offers a number of different travel insurance plans. Below we have focused on 1 of these and have set out the coverage amounts for the Globetrotter plan.

  • Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $1,000,000
  • Baggage and Personal Property – $750
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $1,000,000
  • Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $0
  • Trip Cancellation -$1,000
  • Trip Interruption (“Catastophe”) – $750

World Nomads

World Nomads have been insuring backpackers for years now. World Nomads specialise in backpacker travel insurance and their policies cover long way travel on one way tickets, trips to multiple countries and a whole lot of adventure activities. These guys are well used to dealing with backpackers like us, and they are regularly recommended by travel bloggers and industry insiders. We love them.

They offer 2 different policies depending on your needs. The Standard Plan is standard & the Explorer Plan covers a whole host of high risk, high fun activities. World Nomads are also one of the few travel insurers who will write you a policy after starting your trip. The one downside for us is that they don’t cover Pakistan.

Let’s look at the maximum coverage amounts a World Nomads travel insurance plan can offer with both the Standard & Explorer plan.

  • Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses -$100,000/$100,000
  • Baggage and Personal Property – $1000/$3000
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $300,000/$500,000
  • Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $25,000/$25,000
  • Trip Cancellation -$2500/$10,000
  • Trip Interruption – $2500/$10,000

If you want more info or to get a quote then visit the World Nomads site for yourself and take a look.

Iati Seguros

Iati Seguros is a Spanish based travel insurance company who we have personally used and loved. You will notice that they provide competitive cover amounts for the key travel insurance areas, and are competitively priced. So far we have heard nothing but good things about them.

They also offer multiple ones, but we have focused on the Standard Plan although we wholly encourage checking out all plans for yourself to identify the best one for your needs.

Standard Plan

  • Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $200,000
  • Baggage and Personal Property – $1000
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – 100% of cost
  • Trip Cancellation -$1,500
  • Trip Interruption – 100% of cost

Insure My Equipment

Insuremyequipment.com does precisely what the name suggests. They are an online insurer for expensive equipment (like camera gear & gold clubs). You can use them to get specific pieces of gear insured but please bear in mind this policy is only for your specified gear.

An Insure My Equipment policy works well in combination with other travel insurance. Insure My Equipment policies are an excellent choice for professionals and backpackers with more $0000’s worth of camera equipment, expensive laptops or fishing rods.

I also know a few travelling musicians and DJs who use these guys so you are in cool company.

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

Choosing the right travel insurance for your Ireland holiday is like choosing a wife, it is something only you can decide (unless your Indian in which case your parents will do it) . You need to work out how much your trip is worth, how much equipment you plan to take and what activities you intend to engage in.

And of course, you need to ask yourself how much can you afford – how much you can afford to pay for cover, and how much you can afford to be out of pocket in the unlikely event of a claim. Sometimes, the cheapest Ireland travel insurance will be enough and sometimes it will be worth spending a bit more. Hopefully the information provided in this post will help you to decide – if not, then I just wasted 5 hours of my life in writing it!

Safety in Ireland Backpacking Ireland

Is Ireland Expensive? Where To Stay in Ireland

Final Thoughts on Ireland Travel Insurance

Well done, you made it all the way to the end! Now you’ve brushed up on your Ireland travel insurance need-to-knows, over to more interesting topics. It’s time to plan what you’re going to do in this remarkable country. We can help you out there, too.

Have a leaf through the rest of our Ireland travel content. We’ll tell you the best places to stay, the top attractions you shouldn’t miss, and restaurants you have to check out – everything you need in order to make the most of your time on the Emerald Isle! Safe travels in Ireland.

irish travel insurance

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

Aiden Freeborn

Ireland Travel Insurance Pinterest Image

Share or save this post

promotional sidebar image for booking.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

irish travel insurance

Top Travel Insurances for Ireland You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg, writer at Monito.com

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Ireland stands out for being steeped in history, home to stunning landscapes, and the host to a unique cultural heritage with traditional music and dance. What's more, it's also renowned among tourists for its legendary pubs and whiskeys! Although travelling to Ireland can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, out-the-pocket healthcare costs in the country tend to be expensive, so it's a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Ireland and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Ireland Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Ireland:

Best Travel Insurances for Ireland

  • 01. Should I get travel insurance for Ireland? scroll down
  • 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
  • 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
  • 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
  • 05. FAQ about travel insurance to Ireland scroll down

Heading to Ireland soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

  • 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
  • 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
  • ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
  • 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
  • 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Ireland?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through Ireland.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Ireland or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Ireland:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to Ireland. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Ireland, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

Get a quote 🡪

  • Coverage 9.0
  • Quality of Service 9.0
  • Pricing 7.6
  • Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Ireland:

  • Policy names: Varies
  • Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
  • Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
  • Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
  • Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
  • Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
  • Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

Get a quote 🡪

  • Coverage 7.8
  • Quality of Service 8.5
  • Pricing 7.4
  • Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

  • Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
  • Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
  • Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
  • Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
  • Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
  • Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
  • Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

Get a quote 🡪

  • Coverage 7.0
  • Quality of Service 8.0
  • Pricing 6.3
  • Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

  • Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
  • Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
  • Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
  • Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
  • Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
  • Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Ireland? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Ireland

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for Ireland. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in Ireland can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

The wing of a commercial aircraft in the clouds during a flight.

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.

Monito's experts spend hours researching and testing services so that you don't have to.

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

IMAGES

  1. Irish Travel Insurance Comparison website.

    irish travel insurance

  2. AGIKgqPhanIuXZVgoR-OfTL8z8U9qh69lWdxvHWR9b-N=s900-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj

    irish travel insurance

  3. Travel Insurance Ireland

    irish travel insurance

  4. Local Irish Broker Wins Best Travel Insurance Company in Northern

    irish travel insurance

  5. Advertiser.ie

    irish travel insurance

  6. Reservation Form

    irish travel insurance