Do I need travel insurance for my trip?
For Irish travellers, the rules on travel insurance vary depending on your destination. Some countries require visitors to have travel insurance as a condition of entry, while others strongly recommend it. These rules change frequently, so before setting off, it’s wise to check with your tour operator, airline, or the Department of Foreign Affairs to avoid surprises at immigration.
Even if travel insurance isn’t mandatory, having a policy ensures some cover for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and unexpected disruptions - things that could otherwise leave you out of pocket.
Why do some countries require travel insurance?
Some countries ask for proof of travel insurance to protect themselves and their visitors, here’s some of the reasons why:
- High medical costs: in some destinations, healthcare doesn’t come cheap, and the last thing local governments want is unpaid medical bills. Requiring travel insurance means you’re covered if you get sick or injured—and no one’s left footing the bill.
- Health regulations & COVID-19: in the wake of the pandemic, many countries introduced insurance requirements to cover quarantine costs, hospital stays, or emergency evacuations. These rules help protect local health systems from financial strain.
- High-risk activities and adventure travel: if you’re travelling somewhere known for trekking, diving, or safari trips, authorities might require insurance that covers medical evacuations and adventure sports to ensure visitors are prepared for risky activities.
- Visa requirements: some countries won’t approve a visa—especially for long-term stays or working holiday visas—unless you provide proof of adequate travel insurance.
What to check before you travel
If you’re heading to a country requiring insurance, don’t just grab any policy - make sure it meets the specific coverage requirements. Here’s what to look for:
- Medical cover – Does it meet the minimum required amount? Some countries require policies with at a minimum benefit threshold in medical coverage.
- Emergency evacuation & repatriation: if you get injured, will your policy cover costs to return you back to Ireland?
- Trip cancellation and interruption: if your trip is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, will you be reimbursed for your flights and accommodation?
- Adventure activities: planning to hike, scuba dive, or safari? Some policies exclude high-risk activities. Check that your chosen insurer covers what you plan to do.
- Baggage & personal items: does the policy cover lost, stolen, or delayed baggage?
How does World Nomads Travel Insurance Compare?
Even if travel insurance isn’t compulsory, it’s worth considering. Travel mishaps don’t discriminate - flight delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, or trip cancellations can happen anywhere. World Nomads keeps travel insurance simple, with two policies: Standard and Explorer. Here’s what’s covered:
Trip disruptions & cancellations
- Cancellation cover: Claim up to €6,000 (Explorer Plan) or €3,500 (Standard Plan) if you need to cancel for covered reasons.
- Trip Disruption: If an emergency cuts your trip short, the Explorer Plan covers up to €6,000 for unused, non-refundable bookings (€3,500 under the Standard Plan).
- Travel delay coverage: If your flight is delayed by more than 12 hours, you could claim €50 per 12 hours (max €200) under the Explorer Plan.
Medical emergencies & repatriation
- Overseas medical expenses: claim up to €10,000,000 (Explorer) or €5,000,000 (Standard) for hospital stays, treatments, and prescribed medicines.
- Medical evacuation: emergency transport and repatriation to Ireland are covered if needed.
- Emergency dental: up to €600 (Explorer) or €350 (Standard) for sudden and acute dental pain.
Baggage & personal belongings
- Lost, stolen, or damaged items: Explorer Plan covers up to €3,000, with a single-item limit of €300, while the Standard plan covers up to €1,500 with a single item limit of €150.
- Lost travel documents: claim up to €700 for replacement costs.
- Money theft: if your money is stolen, the Explorer Plan covers up to €250.
Traveller’s tip: If a country requires a specific level of coverage, check your policy documents or contact our team—we may be able to issue a travel insurance confirmation letter for visa applications. Get in touch if you have any questions.
"Free" or "Compulsory" Insurance: Is It Enough?
Some countries and airlines throw in “free” or “compulsory” travel insurance with their visa requirements or travel packages. Sounds like a win, right? Not always. These policies often come with bare-bones coverage, which means you might be left out of pocket if something goes wrong.
Before relying on "free" insurance, consider:
- What’s the total medical coverage? Some only cover hospital bills, not repatriation.
- Does it cover non-COVID issues? Many free policies focus on pandemic-related costs but exclude accidents or non-COVID illnesses.
- Are my activities covered? If you’re planning a trek in the Himalayas or a surf trip in Bali, make sure adventure sports aren’t excluded.
Bottom line? A tailored travel insurance policy - one that matches your itinerary, budget, and risk level - could potentially be the best way to protect your trip and your wallet. Wondering how much a World Nomads Insurance policy costs? Grab an online quote.