Travel Insurance Ireland

Ireland’s rolling green landscapes, historic castles, and vibrant cultural traditions make it a favorite destination for international travelers. Whether you’re wandering through Dublin’s lively neighborhoods, driving the Wild Atlantic Way, or enjoying a countryside retreat, having the right travel insurance for Ireland can help support your travel plans. From medical expenses cover and cancellation cover to personal belongings and emergency assistance, a suitable travel insurance policy can offer protection in case you face any unexpected events during your trip abroad. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the different travel insurance coverages, including options for single trip insurance, annual multi-trip policies, and add-on cover options like winter sports cover, so you can make informed decisions and travel with added confidence and peace of mind across the Emerald Isle. 

1. What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Ireland? 
2. How does Travel Insurance for Ireland work?
3. Do I need Travel Insurance for Ireland? 
4. How much does Travel Insurance cost for Ireland? 
5. Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan
6. What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?
7. Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Ireland?
8. Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

What Should Your Travel Insurance Cover for a Trip to Ireland? 

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 coverages in mind. 

• Medical Coverage – The priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to medical coverage and quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.   

• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions – Unexpected trip cancellation can dampen the mood. AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.  

• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Insurance offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.  

• Coverage for Personal Belongings – AXA Travel Insurance offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage. 

• Optional Cancel for Any Reason – For added flexibility, AXA Travel Insurance offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons. This feature is exclusive to AXA Platinum Plan holders.  

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

How Does Travel Insurance for Ireland Work?

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. 
 
This is where a trip delay benefit from your travel insurance policy can help. Depending on your plan, you may be reimbursed for eligible expenses like meals and accommodation costs incurred during the delay. AXA’s travel-related assistance services are also available to guide you through your options and provide support when travel doesn’t go as planned. 
Here’s how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Insurance cover when visiting Ireland: 

Medical Benefits

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for emergency 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 emergency evacuation and repatriation to the nearest appropriate medical facility.  

• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover non-emergency evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms.  

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you opt for trip cancellation due to a covered reason, such as sudden illness or injury. 

• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: 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 you faces trip 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 missed connection 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 through the baggage delay insurance.  

• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value under the lost or stolen luggage coverage, assisting you in replacing your belongings.  

Additional Travel Benefits  

• Lost Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum policyholders, the lost ski days 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. 

• Lost Golf Days: Exclusive to AXA Platinum Plan policyholders, the lost golf days 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.  

Optional Travel Benefits  

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum policyholders, this optional benefit gives travelers a rental car collision damage waiver against damage and theft.  

• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum policyholders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy.     

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 advisable: 

1. Medical Emergencies: While Ireland offers healthcare without fees 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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.  

Travelers heading out for winter sports or multiple trips may benefit from annual travel insurance coverage options tailored to their plans. Stay informed through foreign affairs and be prepared for events like missed departure or medical treatment. 
 

How Much Does a Travel Protection Plan Cost for Ireland? 

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

• Total Trip Cost – This includes prepaid, non-refundable expenses such as flights, accommodation, excursions, and other travel plans. These are essential when determining the appropriate travel insurance cover. 

• Age – Older travelers may face higher medical expenses due to increased health risks, which can affect the price of medical cover. However, travel insurance remains accessible across all age groups. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers heading to Ireland can choose from four plan tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each offers varying levels of travel insurance coverage to meet different preferences and needs, including medical emergency benefits, cancellation cover, personal liability cover, and optional add-ons like winter sports cover or car hire excess.   

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plans 

AXA Travel Protection offers four travel insurance plans, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each providing varying levels of travel insurance coverage to suit different travel needs and preferences. As private medical insurance is typically required in Ireland and local hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, travelers are encouraged to consider a plan that includes medical expenses coverage for emergency medical treatment or accidents during their stay. 

Platinum is your go-to choice if you're looking for highest level of travel insurance benefits, ideal for those seeking expanded coverage. It includes optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, providing added flexibility for changes to your travel plans, and a Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver) to help protect against unexpected costs while exploring Ireland by car hire. 

Golf enthusiasts may also appreciate the Lost Golf Days benefit, available with the Platinum Plan. If adverse weather or course closures disrupt your prepaid golf arrangements, this optional travel insurance coverage may offer reimbursement, helping preserve the quality of your golfing experience in Ireland. 

What Types of Medical Coverage Do AXA Travel Protection Plans Offer? 

AXA Travel Protection plans include essential medical cover to support travelers during unexpected health situations abroad. In the event of an accident or sudden illness, AXA’s friendly customer service team is available to guide you through the claims process, coordinate emergency assistance, and connect you with the medical screening line for further guidance. 

AXA’s travel insurance policies typically include two main types of medical expenses cover: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses – Helps cover costs for unexpected events such as fractures, burns, allergic reactions, or sudden illnesses that require immediate medical treatment while abroad. 

• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation – May cover urgent transportation to the nearest appropriate facility or return to your home country if medically necessary due to an illness or injury. 

These travel insurance benefits are designed to help travelers stay protected and access prompt medical care while visiting Ireland or any international destination. 

Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers Visiting Ireland? 

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 Insurance, we're here to support you during your trip.   

Our travel protection plans - Gold and Platinum 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.

For those with pre-existing conditions, buying a policy at least two nights before departure can ensure medical bills and care are addressed. 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. 
 

Final Word 

Whether you're planning holiday insurance for sightseeing or adding winter sports cover, selecting the right travel insurance policy can help address potential risks during your trip abroad. Optional benefits like car hire excess and rental car damage waiver may help you avoid unexpected expenses and save money. 

If you're not covered by private health insurance, a plan that includes medical expenses cover, accommodation costs, and flight cancellations can support you during unexpected events. The impact travel insurance coverages can extend beyond emergencies to assist with delays, lost items, or missed departures. 

With AXA Travel Insurance, you can travel with the confidence knowing your coverage is tailored to support your journey through Ireland. 

FAQs about Travel Insurance for Ireland 

1. Can you get a travel insurance policy after booking a flight? 

Yes. You can  get travel insurance policies even after your flight is booked. 

2. When should I get Travel Insurance for Ireland?

It's advisable to get travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs). 
AXA Travel Insurance  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 entry without a visa for tourism or business stays lasting up to 90 days. While there is no specific passport validity requirement, it is advisable to possess a passport valid for the entire duration of your stay. Additionally, it is advisable 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 contac travel insurance documentation. Check the security status of your destination and read the details of your policy, particularly if traveling during times of military conflict or political instability.