Ireland Travel Insurance – 5 Best Sites to Search (2023)
👉 Jump to: Best Sites to Search | Requirements | Why Get Insurance | Safety | Tips | Methodology | FAQ
If you’re looking for travel insurance for Ireland, you’re in the right place. In this guide I’ll go over the 5 places I’d look for Ireland travel insurance, as well as important requirements and safety information.
Since I quit my corporate attorney job to travel the world and blog, I’ve been through a lot: dengue in Thailand, robbery in Belize, protests in Bolivia, and getting trapped in Argentina by covid-19. Thankfully my trips to Ireland have been uneventful, but I still buy insurance just in case.
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Best Travel Insurance for Ireland
Description: A search engine that fetches quotes from hundreds of companies. Great for comparison shoppers who want to really dig into details! |
Description: Can pull quotes for either travel medical insurance or trip insurance. Great if you only need one type of cover! |
Description: Affordable medical cover targeted at digital nomads who want recurring subscription-style coverage. |
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A search engine that fetches quotes from hundreds of companies. Great for comparison shoppers who want to really dig into details!
- Compares hundreds of insurers in one click
- Easy to see customer reviews
- Filters to search for CFAR & Covid-19 coverages
Can pull quotes for either travel medical insurance or trip insurance. Great if you only need one type of cover!
- Super easy to customize
- Often finds cheapest policies
- Choices may be overwhelming
Affordable medical cover targeted at digital nomads who want recurring subscription-style coverage.
- Cheap monthly travel medical insurance for digital nomads
- Not full travel insurance (only medical)
The above table summarizes the top 3 places I’d search today for travel insurance for Ireland. Now let’s do a deeper dive into all 5 top sites:
TravelInsurance.com (#1 Overall)
This fantastic search engine fetches quotes from hundreds of insurance companies in just one minute. The intuitive interface is perfect for comparing policies & quotes.
- Compares hundreds of insurers in one click
- Easy to see customer reviews
- Filters to search for CFAR & Covid-19 coverages
The single best site I’ve found for finding Ireland travel insurance is TravelInsurance.com. It’s an aggregator site where you can easily compare quotes for dozens of insurance companies after entering just a few details.
With so many companies, you’ll need to thoroughly vet whichever one you’re looking at to make sure it’s reputable. I love that the site makes that easy by clearly displaying customer reviews for each provider. I also really like how they easily display the most important coverage information, so you can choose the trip insurance coverages that are right for your trip to Ireland.

While all this information can be a bit of a chore to sort through, ultimately I think it’s the single most user-friendly site for finding travel insurance for Ireland (or anywhere else).
VisitorsCoverage (Comparison Site)
I love that VisitorsCoverage lets you compare quotes for either travel medical insurance or trip insurance. They are different things, so it's great if you only want one!
- Super easy to customize your coverage
- Quotes tend to be cheaper
- So many options & choices may be overwhelming
Coming in a close second is VisitorsCoverage, another comparison site where you can easily compare quotes from dozens of insurers willing to provide travel insurance for your Ireland trip.
One big pro of VisitorsCoverage is that they let you choose quotes for either trip insurance or for travel medical insurance. Trip insurance usually covers things like flight delay, flight cancellation, or lost luggage. Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, is focused solely on potential emergency medical costs. Depending on the trip, medical coverage is often the only thing I need, so it’s nice to be able to get it a la carte with VisitorsCoverage.
Another pro of VisitorsCoverage is that the site includes a lot of filters that make it easy to find policies for specific cases. For example, there are filters for “Cancel for Any Reasons (CFAR)” coverage and COVID-19 coverages.
Another thing I really like about this site is that, for whatever reason, it tends to return quotes for the cheapest travel insurance policies for Ireland. Of course, cheaper isn’t always better – be sure to read the full terms and conditions.
Genki (Digital Nomad Insurance)
Genki provides extremely affordable medical cover for longer stays. It's really targeted at digital nomads who want health cover as a recurring subscription.
- Affordable monthly medical coverage
- Simple claims process
- Only medical - not full travel insurance (no gear, theft, or trip delay coverages)
Genki is a unique insurance product that’s focused on providing travel medical insurance for digital nomads and remote workers. It’s not “full” travel insurance, but more like medical insurance that follows you around the globe.
I personally recently became a Genki subscriber, and so far have been happy with the service. I like that you can choose your own doctor, that coverage renews automatically, and that Genki has relatively low co-pays and deductibles.
However, there are some cons to relying solely on Genki. Namely, it’s not full travel insurance. If you’re looking for trip delay coverage for Ireland, trip cancellation coverage, or coverage for things like gear theft, you’ll need to pair it with a more traditional Ireland travel insurance policy.
The other major drawback to Genki is that there are unfortunately age limits, so it’s really best for younger digital nomads and remote workers planning a longer stay in Ireland.
Insure My Trip (Comparison Site)
This is the site that seems to return the most quotes for customers who can't find one elsewhere due to age or pre-existing conditions.
- Usually finds quotes for seniors even when other sites won't offer anything past a certain age
- Also finds quotes for pre-existing conditions
- No clearly displayed info about Covid coverages
- Clunky user experience
Insure My Trip came on to my radar when readers suggested it as a good place for finding travel insurance for seniors 70+ or those with pre-existing conditions. Again, it’s an aggregator site that allows you to shop and compare many different travel health insurance providers.
They also have an “Anytime Advocates” program, which is where they assign you a representative to advocate for you if you need to file a claim with the insurance company underwriting your specific policy.
Aardy (Comparison Site)
Aardy is another search engine that compares quotes from many different insurers. I personally find it difficult to navigate, though.
- Their "Best Price Guarantee" promises you won't find a lower quote
- Covid-19 coverages are clearly highlighted
- You have to give them your email just to get a quote (very annoying!)
- Less user friendly
Aardy is yet another travel insurance comparison site that lets you compare quotes from different insurers for your Ireland trip. I find that their interface gives the clearest information when it comes to understanding what COVID-19 coverages are (and are not) provided by each insurer.
However, personally I tend to search Aardy last because I find it less user friendly and I also don’t like that they require an email address just to get a quote!
Ireland Travel Insurance Requirements
There is no legal requirement for tourists to buy insurance in order to travel Ireland, and neither airlines nor immigration will ask you for it. The US Embassy in Ireland, however, recommends that “all Americans traveling overseas consider a travel insurance policy to cover unexpected illness, injury or other circumstances adversely affecting their travel.”
Why I Get Insurance for My Trips to Ireland

While you do not need travel insurance to enter Ireland, like many travelers, I personally choose to travel with insurance when I am abroad, including on my trip to Ireland.
Here are some of the reasons why I personally opted for Ireland travel insurance
Trip Cancellation Protection
What It Is: Trip cancelation is a benefit that reimburses you for any pre-paid non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel due to a circumstance covered under your plan.
Why It Matters: Anyone remember the time Iceland’s volcano shut down all air traffic to Europe? It doesn’t take a crazy natural disaster to cancel your trip abroad, though: it could be something as common as a family member or traveling companion getting sick.
Emergency Medical Coverage
What It Is: If you’re injured or get sick while you’re traveling, and you’ve bought the policy for the activities you’re doing, you can be covered for hospitalization, out-patient treatment for medical emergencies, prescribed medicines, x-rays, and lab tests.
Why It Matters: Emergencies happen no matter where you are, and medical expenses can quickly add up. Medical insurance is one of the top reasons I chose to get covered when visiting Ireland!
Rental Car Protection
What It Is: Like almost everywhere, Ireland requires car insurance for anyone behind the wheel to protect against liability in case of an accident.
Why It Matters: Ireland is a great destination for road trips! Making sure you have rental car protection can help make the journey smoother. For more, see our Dublin car rentals guide.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
What It Is: This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies. If you’re going to be at a hospital for a prolonged period of time, it may also include transportation of a family member or companion to your bedside or the return of a dependent child back to your home.
Why It Matters: Sure it’s scary to think about, but if you need to get evacuated in a medical emergency, it could quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Lost Luggage and Gear Theft Protection
What It Is: Protection against your bag being lost, or important items being stolen. Note you’ll want to check the policy limits closely here, as most policies have a cap on how much they’ll pay out for this type of loss.
Why It Matters: It’s never part of the plan when you show up at your destination- and your baggage doesn’t. While Ireland is pretty safe, Dublin – like most European capitals – has its fair share of pickpockets and vandals. I like knowing my cell phone, laptop, and cameras have some coverage.
Emergency Assistance
When things go wrong and you’re in a foreign time zone, it can sure help if your insurer provides an emergency assistance line.
These are just examples of some common benefits of Ireland travel insurance. Your actual insurance coverage will depend upon the terms and conditions of the policy you choose, so always be sure to read carefully!
👉 Read Next: Best Things to Do in Dublin
Travel Safety in Ireland

In terms of crime and general safety, Ireland is about as safe as any destination out there. Crime is relatively low, and most travelers feel perfectly safe in Ireland. Still, it is always a good idea to check the latest Ireland travel advisories from the US State Department and the UK’s FCO.
Crime in Ireland
Crime in Ireland is relatively low, and pretty similar or better than the United States. A few interesting data points on safety in Ireland:
- The Berkshire Hathaway blog rates Ireland as the 9th safest country in the world.
- According to State Department Overseas Security Advisory Council’s Ireland Crime and Safety Report, “[v]iolent crime in Ireland is rare but does exist.”
The most common threat to travelers to Ireland is petty theft and scams. Here are a few travel tips to consider:
- 👜 Keep your belongings close, especially in Dublin’s crowded streets, to avoid pickpockets.
- 👉 Consider investing in a money belt or slash-proof bag.
- 💳 Keep a backup credit card somewhere separate from your wallet, to use in case of emergency.
Don’t stress too much. Just practice common sense and stay aware of your surroundings, and you’ll likely have a safe and peaceful trip to Ireland.

Ireland’s Healthcare System
Ireland has a dual public and a private healthcare system. Foreigners will typically be expected to pay for the costs of medical care, which is a major reason why I personally feel I need travel insurance for Ireland as an American.
Residents of the EU and Switzerland, meanwhile, should research potential benefits provided through the European Health Insurance Card.
Though Ireland’s public healthcare system generally receives high marks for the quality of its medical services, the country has had issues with hospital overcrowding.
Health Insurance in Ireland
Looking for Irish health insurance coverage? If you’re an expat or long-term traveler looking to relocate to Ireland, you can find more information here about the ins and outs of the public Irish medical system, as well as on private medical insurance plans.
Ireland Travel Tips

- 🗺️ Where to Go: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, and Killarney are all among the top stops on my suggested 7 day Itinerary for Ireland.
- 📆 Best Time to Visit: Ireland is a popular tourist destination that can get very crowded during the summer, so I suggest visiting during shoulder season (March to May, and again from September to November). Ireland is less popular in the winter, but prices are more affordable. For more, see our full guide to the best months to visit Ireland.
- 💶 Currency: Ireland uses the Euro (which in 1999 replaced its previous currency, the Irish Pound).
- 🗨️ Language: Irish and English are the official languages.
Check out my full article on travel tips for Ireland for more!
Methodology
To find the best sites for Ireland travel insurance, I reviewed each of the mentioned insurance comparison sites. I pulled sample quotes for different ages, using the same hypothetical dates for a one week trip for a 35 year old from the USA.
I have also used the sites in question for my own insurance needs over my decade plus of travel around the world. I have personally traveled to Ireland, and I have always purchased travel insurance.
FAQs About Ireland Travel Insurance
Will my private health insurance cover me in Ireland?
Most American private medical insurance companies do not apply to travel abroad. But different insurance plans have different coverages, so it is advisable to call your insurer’s support line to inquire about your covered benefits. If you do not have coverage, it is easy to find policies at TravelInsurance.com or VisitorsCoverage.
How much does travel insurance for Ireland cost?
For a one week trip to Ireland, you can usually expect to find quotes online between $50 and $150 USD. This is based on personal experiences as well as several sample searches comparing policies at TravelInsurance.com or VisitorsCoverage. Your actual trip insurance cost will vary based on a number of factors, such as age and cost of trip.
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That’s it for this guide to travel insurance in Ireland. Remember to always read the terms and conditions before making a purchase, and to seek advice from a licensed broker if you have questions about what is and isn’t covered by specific insurance plans.
Before you leave, be sure to check out all our Ireland travel guides to help you plan your trip!
Enjoy your visit to Ireland!
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