FAQs


General Questions


  • What do you mean by Irish resident?

    A resident of the Republic of Ireland is someone who is permanently resident in Ireland and has been for the past six months prior to the issue date of your policy. We are unable to provide cover for anyone who is not a resident of the Republic of Ireland.

  • I've left the Republic of Ireland and forgotten to get insurance. Can I still get cover with you?

    No. Travel Insurance must be purchased prior to your departure from the Republic of Ireland unless you have purchased this insurance using a Wi-Fi connection whilst travelling on an aircraft or train but before you reach your first international destination.

  • What ages do I put down when getting a quote?

    Please enter your current ages. It does not matter if you have a birthday after you buy the policy; we just need your ages at the time you purchase the policy.

  • How will I receive my policy details?

    When you purchase insurance via our website you have the option to print off your Validation Certificate (proof of insurance) and Policy Wording once the payment has been successfully processed. You will also receive a booking confirmation by email to the email address supplied during the booking process. The booking confirmation contains your account information and details on how you can retrieve your documentation by using the 'My Policy' login section of our website.

    We strongly recommend you bring your Validation Certificate and Policy Wording with you when you travel.

  • What should I do if I need to make a change to my policy/details?

    If you need to make a change to your policy/details please contact us on 0818 484 484 and we will be happy to assist you.

  • What area do Egypt, Canary Islands, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey come under on your policies?

    All of the above destinations would be covered on a European policy.

  • What do you mean by 'medical condition'?

    A 'medical condition' is any condition for which you/your travelling companion are taking prescribed medication or are waiting to receive, or have received treatment ( including surgery, tests or investigations) within the last 2 years. For further information please see your Policy Wording.

  • What should I or any of my travelling companions do if I/we have a medical condition?

    This policy contains important conditions relation to health. For further information please HERE.

  • If cover is refused for my medical condition, am I still covered?

    If cover is refused for your medical condition, we will only exclude any claims directly or indirectly related to that medical condition. The rest of your travel insurance cover will not be affected by this exclusion.

  • I already have a policy but I've recently been diagnosed with a new medical condition. What do I do?

    If, at the time of taking out your insurance, you were not aware of the condition or receiving any treatment (including surgery, tests or investigations) for your condition then you will not need to declare this to Medical Screening until your policy is due for renewal. Please also refer to the Important Conditions Relating to Health section of the policy wording for details of any exclusion’s that may apply.

  • Do I need to contact Medical Screening every year when my policy renews?

    Yes, you will need to contact Medical Screening each year when your policy renews to discuss cover for your medical conditions.

  • Can I cancel my holiday/trip for any reason and get all of my money back?

    No. You may receive a reimbursement if you cancel for any reason outlined in your Policy Wording. Covered reasons include, but are not limited to, such unforeseen emergencies as illness, injury or death of you, your travelling companion and/or a close relative. The cover does not include cancellation due to business obligations, change of mind or your dislike of the travel time.

  • Do I need a police report for lost/stolen items?

    If you are unfortunate enough to have any lost/stolen items or belongings whilst on holiday, then you must notify the local police within 24 hours and obtain a copy of the police report.

  • When should I contact the Emergency Assistance service?

    In the case of any medical emergency which may lead to in-patient treatment or the need to curtail your trip due to an insured reason please call our Emergency Assistance Team. If you have Private Health Insurance, then you must also contact them and inform them of your medical emergency. Contact details can be found in your Policy Wording.

  • How do I make a claim?

    All claims must be reported to our Claims Department within 31 days or as soon as possible following an insured event. You must forward original documentation when claiming. You will also be required to forward a copy of your Validation Certificate and Policy Wording. Contact details for the Claims Department can be found in your Policy Wording.

  • What is an excess?

    The amount you have to pay towards the claim. In practice this is deducted from any settlement amount and is charged per person per claim.

  • What should I do if I have a complaint?

    Please refer to the complaints procedure in your Policy Wording.

  • What are my cancellation rights?

    You may cancel your policy and receive a full refund within 14 days of receipt of the policy documents (new business) or for annual multi trip policies the renewal date (the cancellation period) by contacting us by telephone on 0818 484 484 during the cancellation period. Any premium already paid will be refunded to you providing you have not travelled, you have not used your insurance policy to obtain a Visa and no claim has been made or is intended to be made and no incident likely to give rise to a claim has occurred. The policy will be cancelled with effect from its date of issue.




Annual Multi Trip


  • What is the maximum age limit on an Annual Multi Trip policy?

    The maximum age limit is 75 years. (Persons 70-75 years must hold valid Private Health Insurance with VHI, Laya or Aviva with a minimum of €55,000 inpatient medical cover abroadVHI, Laya or Aviva)

  • What is the maximum age limit and length of any one trip on an Annual Multi Trip policy?

    19 - 65 yrs - Max duration 60 days any one trip (Premier and Premier Plus)
    66 - 69 yrs - Max duration 30 days any one trip (Premier Plus)
    70 - 75 yrs - Max duration 21 days any one trip (Premier Plus) (must hold valid Private Health Insurance with VHI, Laya or Aviva with a minimum of €55,000 inpatient medical cover abroad).

  • How many times can I go away if I have an Annual Multi Trip policy?

    There is no restriction on the number of times you can go away during the period of this insurance on an Annual Multi Trip Insurance policy.

  • Is Wintersports cover included in the price?

    Wintersports cover is included as standard on our Premier Plus policy and can be included for an additional premium on the Premier policy. Wintersports can only be included provided you are 65 years or under.

  • Can an adult/child travel separately?

    On an Annual Multi Trip policy the named adults/spouses can travel separately/independently. Children under 16 years are insured to travel independently from their parents provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years or over. Children aged between 16 years and 17 years are only insured to travel independently from their parents provided they are travelling on an organised school or college trip only and with a responsible adult aged 18 years or over.

  • What is the definition of a couple on an Annual Multi Trip policy?

    A couple can be defined as two adults who are common law partners that have been co-habiting for at least 6 months. This includes same sex couples.

  • What is the definition of a family on an Annual Multi Trip policy?

    2 co-habiting adults/spouses and their dependent children under 19 years of age.

  • When should I start my Annual Multi Trip policy?

    Your cover should start the day you purchase the insurance unless:
    • you have an existing policy that covers you until the cover start date you choose.
    • you have yet to book a holiday and will only do so on or after the cover start date you choose.
    You will have no cover until the start date of the policy. Your cover including cancellation protection ONLY begins from the chosen start date.

  • Can I extend the maximum trip duration on my Annual Multi Trip policy?

    The maximum trip duration we can offer on an Annual Multi Trip policy depends on your age. Please see 'What is the maximum age limit and length of any one trip on an Annual Multi Trip policy?' Unfortunately these trip durations cannot be extended. If you require cover for a longer period than allowed on your Annual Multi Trip then you may need to purchase a Single Trip policy to cover the entire duration.




Single Trip

  • What is the maximum age limit on a Single Trip policy?

    The maximum age limit is 86 years of age.

  • What is the maximum age limit and duration I can take on a Single Trip policy?

    19 – 67 years -– Max trip duration is 365 days for persons 69 years and under
    68 – 75 years – Max trip duration is 35 days - 35 days for persons aged between 70-79 years
    76 – 79 years – Max trip duration is 21 days
    80 – 86 years – Max trip duration is 14 days

  • Can I extend my Single Trip policy for a longer duration?

    Please see 'What is the maximum age and trip duration I can take on a Single Trip policy?'. If your total trip duration does not exceed the maximum limit then you may be able to extend your cover. You must:
    • Contact us by telephone before your current policy expiry date
    • Contact Medical Screening (if applicable) to extend cover for previously declared medical conditions
    Each individual's circumstances will be considered by the Underwriter, who will authorise the extension.

  • What is the definition of a family on a Single Trip policy?

    A family is defined as 2 co-habiting adults/spouses and their dependent children under 19 years of age.

  • Can children under the age of 19 years travel alone?

    Yes but they must have a policy in their own name and they will be charged the full adult rate.

  • When should I start/end my Single Trip policy?

    You will need to start your policy on the day that you leave to go on your trip and end it on the day you return back to the Republic of Ireland. Cover for cancellation on a Single Trip policy starts as soon as the policy is purchased.




Backpacker


  • What is the age limit on the Backpacker policy?

    49 years of age is the maximum age limit on a Backpacker policy.

  • What is the maximum stopover duration allowed?

    You are entitled to spend up to 20% or 31 days, whichever is less, of the insured duration of a trip in another area. This does not include the USA and Canada. To be covered for travel to/in the USA and Canada you must have Worldwide including USA/Canada cover.

  • What is covered in the Backpacker policy?

    The basic rate covers Cancellation/Curtailment of your trip as a result of an insured event, Emergency Medical and other Expenses, Baggage, Personal Money, Missed Departure, Personal Accident, Personal Liability, Overseas Legal expenses and Holiday Abandonment. For full details of what is covered please see the Policy Wording.

  • What is the total duration of Wintersports activities allowed on a Backpacker policy?

    Provided you have paid the appropriate additional premium you will be covered for up to 31 days of Wintersports activities. You may use these days in any order that you choose. Wintersports definitions and policy limits can be found on the Policy Wording.

  • What is the maximum trip duration allowed on a Backpacker policy?

    We are currently able to provide a maximum of 365 days cover.

  • Can I extend my Backpacker policy for a longer duration?

    If you intend on staying overseas past your policy expiry date you will need to contact us by email/telephone at least 2 weeks before your policy is due to lapse. We can, in some cases, extend cover for a maximum total trip duration of 24 months. Each individual's circumstances will be considered by the Underwriter, who will authorise the extension.




Sports and Activities


  • What sports and activities are covered at no extra charge?

    The policy automatically provides Emergency Medical and Personal Accident cover for the activities listed under Grade 1 in your policy wording once they are conducted on an incidental basis whilst you are on holiday. See Policy Wording for full details.

  • What is the difference between 'Incidental' and 'Non Incidental'?

    An activity done on an incidental basis means it happens on an occasional or casual basis, i.e. the activity would not be the main purpose of your trip. Non Incidental is exactly the opposite and would be pre-planned.
    Examples: 'I am going on holiday and may have a go at Scuba Diving whilst I'm out there, if I can find a place that does it.' - That would be participation in an activity on an 'Incidental' basis. 'I am going on a specific Scuba Diving holiday, where my main intention is to Scuba Dive' - That would be participation on a 'Non Incidental' basis.

  • I cannot find the activity I want to do under Grade 1

    We can also provide cover for additional activities under Grades 2 – 4, subject to an additional premium being paid. See Policy Wording for full details.

Important Conditions Relating To Health

Tel: 0818 286 525

Please note certain medical conditions will incur an additional premium.

Medical Screening Line Opening Hours

  • Monday: Friday 9am to 8pm
  • Saturday: 9am to 5pm
  • Sunday: 11am to 3pm
  • Quoting Reference: Blue Irish Broker 2015-2016.

Private Health Insurance Members

If you hold a valid private health insurance with a minimum of €55,000 of inpatient medical cover abroad and have declared your private health insurance details to us, then you do not need to contact the medical screening line as detailed below.

Important note: If your private health insurance does not provide cover for the full duration of your trip abroad as stated on your validation certificate you will still be required to contact the Medical Screening Line to declare your medical conditions.

Non Private Health Insurance Members

At the time of taking out this policy, do you have or have you had any medical condition(s) for which you are taking or have taken prescribed medication or are waiting to receive, or have received treatment (including surgery, tests, or investigations) within the last 2 years?

If so, it is a condition of this policy that you will not be covered under Section A – Cancellation or Curtailment Charges, Section B – Emergency Medical and Other Expenses, Section C – Hospital Benefit, Section D – Personal Accident and Section X3 – Green Fees for any claims arising directly or indirectly from this medical condition(s) unless you contact the Medical Screening Line on 0818 286 525 and they have agreed in writing to cover your medical condition(s).

If you have only one medical condition and it is one of those shown in the table of ‘Medical Conditions which do not require screening’ below, then this will be covered under the policy without the need to contact us.


Exclusions that apply to all Insured Persons

These exclusions apply to all insured persons irrespective of whether they are a Private Health Insurance or Non Private Health Insurance holder.

The following exclusions apply to all insured persons at the time of taking out this policy or at the time of booking the trip.

You will not be covered under Section A – Cancellation or Curtailment Charges, Section B – Emergency Medical and Other Expenses, Section C – Hospital Benefit, Section D – Personal Accident and Section X3 – Green Fees for any claims arising directly or indirectly from:

  1. Any medical condition for which you are aware of but have not had a diagnosis.
  2. Any medical condition for which you have received a terminal prognosis.
  3. Any medical condition for which you are receiving or are on a waiting list for or have the knowledge of the need for surgery, treatment or investigation at a hospital, clinic or nursing home.

The following exclusions apply to all insured persons at all times:

  1. Any medical condition you have in respect of which a Medical Practitioner has advised you not to travel or would have done so had you sought his/her advice but despite this you still travel.
  2. Any surgery, treatment or investigations for which you intend to travel outside of Ireland to receive (including any expenses incurred due to the discovery of other medical conditions during and/or complications arising from these procedures).
  3. Any medical condition for which you are not taking the recommended treatment or prescribed medication as directed by a Medical Practitioner.
  4. Your travel against any health requirements stipulated by the carrier, their handling agents or any other public transport provider.

You should also refer to the general exclusions in the policy wording.


Exclusions that apply if a Close Relative or Travelling Companion has Medical Conditions

If any of the below exclusions apply to your close relative(s) or travel companion(s) at the time of taking out this policy or at the time of booking the trip, you will not be covered under Section A – Cancellation or Curtailment Charges, Section B – Emergency Medical and Other Expenses, Section C – Hospital Benefit, Section D – Personal Accident and Section X3 – Green Fees for any claims arising directly or indirectly from:

  1. Any medical condition for which a close relative or travelling companion have received a terminal prognosis.
  2. Any medical condition for which a close relative or travelling companion are receiving or on a waiting list for or have the knowledge of the need for surgery, treatment or investigation at a hospital, clinic or nursing home.
  3. Any medical condition for which a close relative or a travelling companion are aware of but for which they have not had a diagnosis.

You should also refer to the general exclusions in the policy wording.


Medical Conditions which do not require screening

Important Note: If you have more than one of the below medical conditions you must contact the Medical Screening Line or if you have any other medical condition in addition to any of the below, you must declare all conditions to medical screening..

    • Achilles Tendon Injury
    • Acid Reflux
    • Acne
    • Anal Fissure/Fistula
    • Allergy (requiring non prescriptive treatment only)
    • Bells Palsy (in isolation only)
    • Benign Prostatic Enlargement
    • Blindness
    • Broken/Fractured Bones(not head or spine)
    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Cataracts
    • Colds or Influenza
    • Colitis (no hospital admissions in last 12 months
    • Corneal Graft
    • Cuts & Abrasions (non self-inflicted)
    • Cyst Breast (Benign)
    • Cyst Testicular (Benign)
    • Cystitis
    • Diarrhoea and/or vomiting (resolved)
    • Dislocated Hip
    • Dyspepsia
    • Eczema
    • Epididymitis
    • Essential Tremor
    • Fungal Nail Infection
    • Gall Bladder Removal (if more than 3 months ago)
    • Gastric Reflux
    • Glandular Fever
    • Glaucoma
    • Gout
    • Hayfever
    • Hemorrhoids (Piles)
    • Hernia (not Hiatus)
    • Hip Replacement
    • HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • (Overactive Thyroid)
    • Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
    • Hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol)
    • Hysterectomy (provided carried out more than 6 months ago)
    • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Macular Degeneration
    • Menopause
    • Menorrhagia
    • Migraine (confirmed diagnosis, no on-going investigations)
    • Myalgia (Muscular Rheumatism)
    • Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (if the only symptom is fatigue)
    • Nasal Polyp(s)
    • Neuralgia, Neuritis
    • Nut Allergy
    • Osteochondritis
    • Osteoporosis, Osteopaenia (fragile bones) NO vertebral (backbone) fractures
    • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
    • Psoriasis
    • Reflex Oesophagitis
    • Rheumatism
    • Rhinitis (Allergic)
    • Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
    • Shoulder Injury
    • Sinusitis
    • Sleep Apnoea
    • Tendon Injury
    • Tonsilitis
    • Underactive Thyroid
    • Uriticaria
    • Varicose Veins legs only (if GP has confirmed that client is fit to travel)
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