Compare Travel Insurance in Ireland

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19 live offers compared from 19 providers, from €30 /year. Updated daily.

What is travel insurance in Ireland?

Travel insurance covers the financial risks of a trip, including medical emergencies abroad, cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, and travel disruption. You can buy single-trip cover for one holiday or annual multi-trip cover for frequent travellers. For Irish travellers, medical cover is the most important element, especially outside Europe where healthcare costs can be very high and there is no reciprocal arrangement.

How the Irish market works

Travel insurance is sold directly by insurers, through brokers such as Chill, Cornmarket and Arachas, and bundled with some bank accounts and credit cards. Underwriters active in Ireland include RSA, Intact, Zurich, FBD and AA Ireland. Within the EU, the European Health Insurance Card entitles Irish residents to state-provided medical care on the same basis as locals, but it does not replace travel insurance for repatriation or private treatment.

Benefits

Emergency medical cover — pays for treatment and repatriation if you fall ill or are injured abroad.

Cancellation protection — refunds prepaid costs if you must cancel for a covered reason.

Baggage and delay — covers lost, stolen or delayed luggage and missed departures.

Annual multi-trip — one policy covers all trips in a year, ideal for frequent travellers.

How to choose

Match the cover to your trip: destination, activities and duration all affect price and suitability. Check the medical limit and whether it covers your destination, declare pre-existing conditions honestly, and review winter-sports or adventure-activity exclusions. Compare excesses and cancellation limits, decide between single-trip and annual cover based on how often you travel, and remember the EHIC complements but does not replace travel insurance.

Leading providers in Ireland

RSA, Intact, Zurich, FBD and AA Ireland underwrite or distribute travel insurance in Ireland, while Chill, Cornmarket and Arachas act as brokers offering multi-insurer quotes. Some bank accounts and premium credit cards include travel cover as a perk, though this often has lower limits and conditions, so check it meets your needs before relying on it.

What it costs

Prices depend on destination, trip length, age and cover level, with single-trip policies commonly starting around €30 for European travel and rising for long-haul, older travellers or added activities. Annual multi-trip policies cost more upfront but are better value for those taking several trips a year. Declaring pre-existing conditions may increase the premium but ensures valid cover.

Protections and regulation

Travel insurers and brokers are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland under the Consumer Protection Code, covering disclosure, suitability and claims. The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman handles disputes. The European Health Insurance Card, administered by the HSE, provides state healthcare access within the EU, but travel insurance remains essential for repatriation, private care and non-medical losses.

Common questions

Do I need it in Europe if I have an EHIC? — Yes, the EHIC covers state medical care only, not repatriation, cancellation or baggage.

Single-trip or annual? — Annual multi-trip is usually cheaper if you take three or more trips a year.

Must I declare health conditions? — Yes, always declare pre-existing conditions or medical claims may be refused.

Travel Insurance in Ireland — FAQ