Travel Insurance to Ireland

Ireland friendly people and great rural holidays.

Just a quick flight or ferry across the Irish Sea for 3 million British tourists each year but without travel insurance you could end up with some hefty bills.

FCO Advise: "You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake."

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covers the travel risks visitors face, including:

• Cancellation, curtailment & trip interruption
• Emergency medical cover & repatriation from abroad
• Baggage for accidental loss of, theft of or damage to items of baggage, articles and valuables
• Personal money - accidental loss or theft of, or damage to
• Personal liability - for compensation, legal costs & expenses of third parties
• Delayed departure
• Missed departure - home or destination
• Missed connection departure or return
• Hijack/Kidnap - of your plane or ship
• Legal expenses - legal costs (to a value) to pursue a civil action for loss
• Extended kennel / cattery fees - if delayed (medical reasons)

Sports Activities

Even cheap holiday insurance covers a long list of allowed activities such as:

• horse riding (excluding competitions, racing, jumping and hunting)
• hill-walking, cycling, hiking & trekking
• fishing
• golf breaks
• sea fishing
• swimming
• whale watching

However do check details on your planned activities and whether liability cover is included if you hurt a third party.

Medical and Health Insurance

With a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC Card) You'll get the same treatment at state healthcare providers as a resident of Ireland.

Doctors and Dentists

Doctor contracted to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) scheme provides free treatment. Details: Phone: 00353 (0)1 635 2500 or www.hse.ie

Make clear you want to be treated under the public health system.

Emergency dental treatment, including denture repair, is available from any dentist contracted to HSE.

Hospital Care

Accident & emergency units at any public hospital are there for free in emergency. Planned treatment must be arranged by a doctor, specialist or consultant contracted to the public system. Only, patients who are eligible under the EU regulations and who seek state-funded healthcare will be treated free of charge.

Contact the Health Service Executive (HSE) for information.

Other Considerations

Single Trip Annual or Long Stay

• Single trip insurance covers an individual trip to Ireland. Probably the cheapest option if you take just one or two breaks annually.
• Annual insurance for multiple trips a year, not just to Ireland. Ideal for Easter, summer and winter holidays with the extended family. It can save money, time and hassle. Also called a 'Multi-Trip' or 'Year Round,' trips are generally unlimited and have duration of approx. 100 days.
• Long stay insurance cover is for one trip/holiday up to approx. 18 months. Ideal for studying at an Irish University or staying with relatives.

Touring and Driving

Especially in Dublin make sure that vehicles are properly secured, where possible park in secure parking lots. Don't leave valuables, handbags or phones in your car.

Driving/touring around Ireland you are subject to different rules of the Road:

• Random breath-tests on drivers so do not drink and drive. Heavily penalties or even imprisonment if over the limit
• Holding and using a mobile phone whilst driving is also banned
• Compulsory warning triangle
• GPS - Deactivate fixed speed camera function

Over 65s

People of all ages visit Ireland and many have deep links within communities where they migrated from.

Many supermarkets and high street insurers will not cover people age over 65 and the more elderly, but there are many who will, especially for single trips. Citybond Suretravel for example.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

People with pre-existing medical conditions can use their EHIC to cover emergency care of existing medical problems by state providers but the NHS caution that it is no substitute for travel insurance as it does not cover repatriation home for specialist care or if you should unfortunately die in Ireland. Costs can include air ambulance charges, accommodation and travel for accompanying loved ones, repatriation of remains, ashes or funeral expenses abroad.

If you are taking prescription drugs/medication abroad then there are some simple tips that will help you maintain an adequate supply. If they contain "controlled" substances then you need to follow HMRC advice on volumes allowed.