When you plan a holiday, you probably think about booking your flights, finding the right place to stay, planning what you are going to do and a few other things besides.
And you may not jump straight to thinking about insurance. But travel insurance is one of those things which may not seem that exciting, until you really need it.
Why Travel Insurance Matters
Travel doesn’t always go to plan. A cancelled flight, a lost suitcase, an illness or an accident without the right cover in place can quickly become a costly problem, especially if you’re abroad.
That’s where travel insurance can come in. With a suitable policy in place, you can get travel insurance to protect you against various financial risks that can come up while you’re away.
A key cover is in relation to medical cover. The cost of treatment in another country can be in the thousands, and don’t rely on your private health insurance or travel documentation to cover the full trip. Make sure you understand what you’re covered for before you travel.
Check the Details Before You Travel
Travel insurance policies can vary significantly, so it is worth taking the time to go through the small print and not automatically select the cheapest option. Check the level of medical cover and cancellation and excess limits, plus any exclusions which could impact a claim.
Travellers also need to ensure their destination, planned activities and length of stay are covered. Someone going for a gentle city break is unlikely to have the same requirements as a trip packed with skiing, hiking and other adventurous opportunities.
It also makes sense to take the policy out at the same time as booking a trip. Cover for cancellations can start before departure, so if anything goes wrong, an individual will not be out of pocket if their holiday has to be axed.
Enjoy the Journey With Greater Peace of Mind
Travel insurance can’t stop your flight from being delayed or a suitcase from disappearing, but the right cover will make it easier to deal with these situations. By taking some time to understand your policy before you leave Ireland, you should feel free to relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about what might happen.
FAQs
1. Why is travel insurance important?
Travel insurance can help protect travellers against financial risks associated with unexpected events such as illness, accidents, cancelled flights and lost luggage.
2. What does travel insurance cover?
Coverage depends on the policy, but travel insurance can provide protection for areas such as medical expenses, cancellation and baggage-related problems. Travellers should check the policy wording to understand exactly what is included.
3. Does travel insurance cover medical treatment abroad?
A suitable travel insurance policy may provide medical cover abroad, but the level of protection and exclusions vary between policies. Travellers should check the medical-cover limits and conditions before travelling.
4. Should I buy travel insurance when I book my holiday?
It can make sense to arrange travel insurance when booking a trip because cancellation cover may begin before departure. This can provide protection if an insured event means the holiday has to be cancelled.
5. What should I check before buying travel insurance?
Travellers should check the level of medical cover, cancellation limits, excesses, exclusions, destination, planned activities and length of stay before choosing a policy.
6. Is the cheapest travel insurance policy always the best option?
Not necessarily. A cheaper policy may provide different levels of cover or have different exclusions, excesses and limits. Comparing the details is more important than choosing solely on price.
7. Does travel insurance cover adventurous activities?
It depends on the policy. Activities such as skiing, hiking and other potentially higher-risk activities may require specific cover or may be excluded from standard policies.
8. Does travel insurance cover cancelled holidays?
Some travel insurance policies provide cancellation cover for specified circumstances. Travellers should check the policy wording, exclusions, limits and when cancellation cover begins.
9. Does an EHIC replace travel insurance?
No. An EHIC provides access to public healthcare in applicable European countries under the relevant rules, but it does not replace travel insurance. It does not cover private healthcare or the cost of returning to Ireland.
10. What is a travel insurance excess?
An excess is an amount the policyholder may have to pay towards an eligible claim. The applicable excess can vary by policy and type of claim, so it should be checked before purchasing cover.
11. Should I check travel insurance exclusions?
Yes. Exclusions can determine whether a particular situation or activity is covered. Travellers should read the policy conditions carefully rather than assuming every travel-related problem will be covered.
12. Can travel insurance protect against lost luggage?
Some travel insurance policies provide cover for lost or stolen luggage, subject to the policy’s terms, limits and exclusions.
13. Why should I arrange travel insurance before travelling?
Arranging cover before travelling allows travellers to understand their protection in advance and may provide cancellation protection from an earlier point, depending on the policy.
14. What should Irish travellers check before going abroad?
Irish travellers should check their travel insurance, medical cover, cancellation protection, excesses, exclusions, destination requirements and whether planned activities are covered. Those travelling in Europe should also consider obtaining an EHIC where eligible.
