Travel Insurance for Ireland
Planning a trip to Ireland? It’s important to be aware of health and safety risks before traveling to the Emerald Isle. Travel Insurance is a great way to prepare for your upcoming adventure so you can focus more on having fun!
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Ireland?
You are not legally required to purchase travel insurance when traveling to Ireland. However, travelers are advised to have additional coverage for unexpected situations that may arise, including hospital visits, emergencies, or other unexpected expenses during your trip (U.S. Department of State).
While Ireland is considered a safe destination with dependable emergency services, travelers still encounter situations that can lead to unexpected costs. According to On Call International *, petty theft, card scams, and travel disruptions from weather or public demonstrations are the most common issues affecting visitors. Medical expenses for international travelers can also be significant, especially if hospitalization or emergency medical evacuation is required. Travel insurance can help cover eligible expenses and provide access to assistance services when plans change unexpectedly.
Will Domestic Insurance Work in Ireland?
For travelers coming to Ireland from the U.S., your domestic health insurance may not provide coverage overseas for things like hospital visits or treatment for unexpected illnesses and injuries. It can still be helpful to review your existing medical coverage before purchasing travel insurance.
In most cases, Medicare does not cover healthcare services obtained outside the United States, with only a few rare exceptions noted by Medicare.gov. Travelers relying solely on Medicare generally require additional coverage to receive emergency medical benefits overseas, a limitation shared by many domestic health insurance plans.
Due to these gaps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that international travelers consider travel medical insurance. Since Ireland’s healthcare system, costs, and payment expectations can differ greatly from what you’re accustomed to, having travel medical insurance coverage can help provide peace of mind.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?
Travel insurance generally falls into two main categories: comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance.
If you’ve already paid for flights, accommodations, tours, or car rentals, a trip protection plan can help safeguard that investment. With Atlas Journey for example, you may be reimbursed for non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel your trip or if it’s interrupted for a covered reason. The plan also includes benefits for travel delays, lost or delayed baggage, and unexpected medical emergencies. Coverage for these risks can be especially useful in Ireland, where storms, flooding, or airline disruptions may impact travel.
If your main concern is coverage for unexpected illness or injury during your visit, travel medical insurance may be a better fit. In Ireland, travelers may be asked to pay for medical care upfront if their home country does not have a reciprocal agreement. With Atlas Travel, you’ll have access to Air Doctor, a claimless service that connects you to telehealth consultations, local clinics, or even in-hotel visits, so you can get medical help quickly if needed. These plans are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to choose your deductible and coverage limits based on your trip length, destination, and budget.
Travel Medical Insurance
Atlas Travel
Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while abroad. Choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.
Highlights
- Coverage for New Illnesses, Injuries, and Accidents
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Emergency Dental
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Lost Checked Luggage
- NO Trip Cancellation
- Pre-existing Conditions Generally Excluded**
Trip Protection Plans
Atlas Journey
A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.
Highlights
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Missed Connection
- Medical: Accident and Sickness
- Emergency Evacuation
- Baggage Damage or Loss
- Pre-existing Conditions Waiver Available**
Why Choose WorldTrips for Your Ireland Travel Insurance?
The best travel memories come from new adventures, not from overthinking about what might go wrong. WorldTrips offers travel insurance designed to support travelers when plans don’t go as expected.
Global Experience
For more than 30 years, we’ve been protecting travelers around the world including students, families, business professionals, and more. As part of Tokio Marine HCC, WorldTrips combines global expertise with the financial strength and reliability that travelers are looking for. The A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best underscores - stability and commitment to delivering dependable travel protection.
Flexible Coverage Options for Your Trip
No two trips are alike. That’s why our plans are designed to fit travelers’ needs, covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, interruptions, lost baggage, and more. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway, an extended stay, a study program, or a family visit, choose from budget-friendly or higher-level options that suit both your itinerary and your price range.
Worldwide Network of Care
Travel confidently with access to trusted healthcare providers and supported by 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance. Our partnerships with global providers like Air Doctor make it even easier to find the medical care you need. From emergency medical evacuations to local doctor visits or telehealth appointments, help is just a call away.
Reliable Claims Service
Filing a claim is designed to convenience with our online process, built for timely reimbursements for eligible expenses and transparent communication. We provide you with a Description of Coverage at purchase to help explain what’s covered and excluded.
Here’s what our customers had to say:
- "They assigned a single point person, and that person stayed with me from start to finish. I wasn’t passed around or forced to explain my situation over and over again. Thanks to Atlas Journey’s 24/7 travel assistance, I always had someone helping me navigate the confusion." - Linda
- “I was expecting the usual insurance runaround, but the process was so easy. I submitted the claim with the documents they asked for, and a couple of weeks later, we had two checks in the mail. Atlas Journey made it seamless.” - Kyleigh
WorldTrips brings together decades of experience, extensive global resources, and a steadfast commitment to customer care. Whether you’re heading to Ireland for a quick getaway or an extended trip, WorldTrips can help you travel with confidence.
Healthcare in Ireland
Ireland offers quality health services and hospitals across the country with the U.S. Department of State noting that Ireland has modern medical facilities and highly skilled healthcare professionals.
According to On Call International*, Unless there is a reciprocal agreement with your home country, payment will likely be required before travelers can receive any needed treatment. Visitors are advised to carry travel health insurance and have funds on hand for medical bills, evacuation by air ambulance, and repatriation. With Atlas Journey or Atlas Travel plans by WorldTrips, you will have coverage for covered reasons or conditions.
It is also advised to carry your medical history and a detailed list of prescription medications including brand name and dosage. Many U.S. brands are not available over the counter, although alternatives may be available. Some medications that are available over the counter in the U.S. may require a prescription from a doctor in Ireland. For non-life-threatening emergencies, there are often long wait times.
In Ireland, emergency services are known for strong response times and capability. For emergencies, dial 112 or 999.
“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Street smarts and scams:
- The risk of petty crime increases in crowded tourist areas. Pickpocketing, mobile phone theft, and ATM or credit card scams are among the most common problems for visitors. Monitor bank statements and report suspicious activity right away.
- Do not leave valuables unattended. Use secure parking and never leave valuables in a parked car.
Getting around
Roads are well paved but often narrow and congested in cities. Traffic drives on the left, so take extra care when crossing streets. Country lanes can be hazardous, especially at night and during severe weather. Consider public transport unless you are familiar with local laws and routes.Protests and large events
Demonstrations happen from time to time, especially in Dublin. They are typically peaceful, but it is best to avoid protest areas and monitor local news for developments that could affect travel.Weather and the outdoors
- Ireland can experience strong windstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and fog that disrupt transport and activities. Check local forecasts frequently and build flexibility into your plans.
- Swim cautiously and only in designated areas. Lifeguards may not be present everywhere, particularly outside summer months.
Personal safety
- Do not leave drinks unattended and avoid accepting food or beverages from strangers or recent acquaintances.
- Ireland has laws in place to help protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, and disability.
Emergency help
- Emergency services are well regarded for their response and capability. If you are a victim of crime, the Irish Tourist Assistance Service provides help to visitors. You should also contact your embassy or consulate. For immediate help, you can call 112 or 999.
- All WorldTrips insurance plans come with Emergency Travel Assistance Services that are available 24/7 to help you navigate unexpected emergencies.
Ireland is a welcoming destination with reliable medical care and professional emergency services. You can reduce risks and focus on enjoying Ireland’s history, natural landscapes, and culture by researching your destinations ahead of time, staying prepared and practicing precautions.
WorldTrips provides several different options for Travel Insurance to Ireland. We offer customizable coverage options, global coverage, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance with all plans. Get a quote today and find the plan that is right for you!
* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International
** Pre Existing Condition Definitions
Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.
Comprehensive Trip Protection
(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)
Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication
Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.
Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.
If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.
Travel Medical Insurance
(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)
Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.
Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.
An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.
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WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).