Do I Need Travel Insurance For Ireland?

Although Ireland isn’t part of the Schengen Area, AXA’s Europe Travel insurance also covers you if you are planning on a trip to the Emerald Isle. 

Ireland certainly lives up to its romantic, friendly image. From natural wonders such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, to its picturesque castles, and wild west coast, Ireland is a superb destination for road trips, hiking, sightseeing, eating seafood, and sipping on whiskey. It’s not all a rural idyll - as Dublin’s bustling nightlife is not to be missed. What else would you expect from the city that houses the Guinness factory?

A host of countries have visa-free travel arrangements with Ireland - so it is worth checking if your country has this arrangement. The maximum stay on a visitor’s visa is 90 days.

AXA’s Europe Travel insurance offers extensive protection for those traveling to Ireland - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Ireland and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Europe Travel insurance for Ireland cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$35) of your trip, our Europe Travel insurance covers

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for an Irish visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for an Irish visa, but official advice recommends you take out travel and medical insurance. Although residents of the EU and UK can access necessary healthcare free in Ireland, those from elsewhere may be left with costly bills should you fall ill or sustain an injury.

Is the Schengen visa valid for Ireland? 

A Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland and you will need a tourist visa to travel to Ireland. A tourist visa is for a short-term stay and allowing you to stay for up to 90 days - just like a Schengen Visa, but allowing only travel to Ireland. If you are a citizen of the UK, an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, you do not require a visit or holiday visa to travel to Ireland.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will the AXA travel insurance meet Schengen requirements should I visit Europe? 

If you are planning on traveling from Ireland to Europe you may need a Schengen Visa. AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years. This applies to the Europe travel insurance you may take out for Ireland. All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

Should I still purchase AXA’s insurance to cover my possible health expenses? 

There is no knowing whether you might get injured or become ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. Particularly if tackling dangerous sports.

What are the main advantages of AXA Europe Travel insurance? 

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible. 
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied.

Why should you trust us? 

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Ireland? 

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Ireland? 

Security: Generally speaking, Ireland does not have a very high crime rate. The threat of terrorism from neighboring Northern Ireland has lessened since the 1990s. Theft is probably the greatest risk to travelers so stay aware in busy city areas, travel terminals, and tourist attractions. Always keep valuables out of sight and do not leave unattended in public places, or on view in a car. 

Public transport: Ireland’s major sites and attractions are accessible via public transportation, while the greater Dublin area is linked by buses - but you will need to flag your driver down or they will pass your stop. Irish Rail is relatively expensive but is a beautiful way to get around the country - however, if you are wishing to visit some of Ireland’s more remote spots and smaller villages it is best to hire a car.

Opening hours: Most shops in urban areas will usually open from 9 to 10 am, then close between 5 and 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. Lunch breaks are rare in busy areas but may occur in smaller towns and villages. On Sunday, shops open from around noon to 6 pm, the same as on public holidays.

Driving license: In Ireland, you can drive with a valid driving license from your own country or an International Driving Permit.

Restaurants: Dinner tends to take place in the evenings from 6 to 9ish. Lunch is around 12 noon to 2pm, with 1pm being the most popular. Some restaurants may have "early bird" offers, where you can eat cheaper if you start (and hence finish) earlier (i.e. start before/at 5:30pm).

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Ireland and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa you can find out more here.