Ireland is a land of lush green hills, lively 'craic' and cosy pubs. So, it's no wonder that 6.3 million tourists paid a visit there last year, according to the Central Statistics Office!
Most travellers hoping to find a four-leafed clover or sip some authentic Guinness enjoy their trip without a hitch. Still, it's a smart idea to look into travel insurance. If you're ready to start comparing policies, click 'Get a quote'. But, if you want to know more about what travel insurance you'll need for your Irish adventure, keep reading!
Legally, no. But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it.
Travel insurance can save the day if you hit a snag while abroad. Let's take a look at some key benefits of having a policy:
Heading over to Northern Ireland (NI)? It's part of the UK. So, you won't need to worry about any emergency healthcare you might need. You'll be covered by the NHS for that. Phew!
Still, travel insurance could come in handy if you run into other issues, like losing your luggage, or finding out your hotel stay has been cancelled.
The Republic of Ireland (ROI) isn't a part of the UK. But, here's the good news: you'll still get free emergency care if you need it. Hooray!
Even though medical care won't cost you, insurance can help if:
Like we mentioned, NI is a part of the UK. So, you'll still get the same healthcare there as you would back home. Easy!
Now, when it comes to the ROI, you're still in good hands. Even though you'll get free emergency healthcare, you might need to pay for other healthcare-related costs:
In the ROI, you'll have access to Irish state healthcare for necessary medical treatment. So, if something unexpected happens, you won't be left with a hefty bill to pay. To access care, you'll just need to make sure you have proof of your British citizenship with you. For example, your passport or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and help will be on its way - just like in the UK.
Good news! You can use your UK prescription in Ireland, so getting your meds should be no problem. Just be aware that you'll need to pay the full cost upfront. If you've got travel insurance, you might be able to claim that cost back when you get home. If you want to avoid the hassle, bringing extra meds is a good backup plan.
Need to see a GP? No problem! You can visit a clinic in the ROI. But, unlike the UK, you'll need to pay for the appointment. Most clinics charge between 35-40 euros - it can vary from clinic to clinic. Again, check with your travel insurance as you might be able to claim this expense back.
If you have a pre-existing condition and need treatment for it while in Ireland, you'll be covered. If you need any pre-planned care while away, like dialysis, you might need to arrange it before your trip. Speak with your GP for further advice.
Helpful hint: You can learn more about Irish healthcare on GOV.UK.
The type of travel insurance you go for depends on your needs. Let's take a closer look at the type of travel insurance types available to see which might be the best-suited to you:
Here's some things to consider to make your travel day stress-free:
If you're travelling from the UK to Ireland, you don't technically need a passport. Thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, you're free to move between the 2 countries without showing an identification. That said, you'll likely still be asked to show your passport at the airport or ferry port for security reasons. So, while it's not strictly necessary, bringing your passport is a smart move to avoid any issues.
Good news - no, you don't need a visa! Under CTA rules, British citizens can travel freely to Ireland. So, you can enter, live, work or study there for as long as you like without needing any additional paperwork. It's as simple as hopping across the border!
As mentioned, you don't legally need travel insurance to enter Ireland. But, getting covered can give you peace of mind should something unexpected happen. It's the smart choice for a stress-free trip!
Yes, you can bring your medication when travelling to Ireland. But, if your medicine contains a controlled drug, there's a few things to consider. You'll need a letter from your doctor to prove it's been prescribed to you. This is because border control might ask for it when entering or leaving the UK.
Also, if you're carrying more than a 3-month supply or staying longer than 3 months, you might need a licence for the controlled drugs. Be sure to check this before you travel so everything's in order!
Yes! Your UK driving licence is valid in both NI and the ROI. So, you're good to go.
Yes, but there's some differences to keep in mind. In NI, your UK car insurance will fully cover you, just like at home. But, when driving in the ROI, you'll normally only have third-party cover as it's part of the European Union (EU). This means that you'll only be covered if you injure someone else or damage their property while driving. Make sure to check your policy documents to see exactly what you're covered for though.
Top tip: Want extra protection? Contact your insurer to see if you can get more comprehensive cover for your trip.
It might, but not in the same way as in the UK. For example, most breakdown cover won't bring you and your car home if a ferry is involved. To stay fully protected, consider getting European breakdown cover, which is designed for these situations.
Ireland's drink-driving limits are stricter than those in England. The limit for fully-qualified drivers is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. If you're caught over the limit, you could face penalties on your licence. For more information, visit Ireland's Drinkaware website.
An EHIC or GHIC card can provide vital peace of mind if you need medical treatment when you’re overseas. Get the lowdown on how they work and what’s changed since we left the EU with our guide.
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What you need to consider when you're taking out your travel insurance.
If your flight is delayed for a prolonged period, here's what you could be entitled to.
Baggage cover protects you against loss, damage or delay of your luggage while you're travelling.
Going on a city break? The right cover can protect you financially if unexpected problems arise.
Page last reviewed: 20 November 2024
Reviewed by: Alvaro Iturmendi
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