Why it pays to take out travel insurance early

In partnership with AA Ireland

You've just booked a trip and excitement levels are high. We get it. But before you start researching the best craft beer bars or bulk-buying bikinis, take a moment to tick off everyone's travel bugbear - insurance. Lock in travel insurance before you start planning the details and you'll know that if any unexpected surprises pop up, your holiday plans are protected.

Why should I book travel insurance early?

Travel insurance can cover you before your trip as well as during travel, especially if you've paid out on some big-ticket, non-refundable elements, such as flights or hotel stays.  You can protect yourself and your travel plans against disruptions ahead of hopping on that plane—perhaps a sudden illness, a natural disaster, or a flight cancellation.

Many of us push travel insurance way down our holiday to-do list, often until departure day is looming. But it makes sense to kick-start your travel insurance policy as soon as you make a payment, whether it's booking flights or putting down a deposit on a package holiday. Then, you're protected as soon as your travel plans are in motion.

Why choose AA Ireland travel insurance?

Most travel insurance will cover emergency medical expenses, lost luggage and stolen items. One added benefit of AA Ireland travel insurance is 24/7 access to an English-speaking doctor while you're abroad. 

Through the Doctor Please! app, you can book a video or phone appointment with a healthcare professional, at any time of day or night. You can even get prescriptions sent to your phone or a local pharmacy. 

AA Ireland's multi-trip insurance protects every trip for 12 months and provides coverage before and after those trips, too.You're covered for lost travel and accommodation costs if cancelling is unavoidable, and it includes cover for COVID-19. So you're covered if you have to cancel, cut short, or extend your trip because of Coronavirus.

Cover for travel delays comes as standard. You'll also find add-ons for extra protection if you're into winter sports, golf, or heading on a cruise. Plus, there's the option to include travel disruption cover, which safeguards your trip against events like natural disasters and medical epidemics.

You can see all the benefits of AA Ireland travel insurance in the summary of cover. 

Who or what is AA Ireland? 

Founded in 1910, The AA has over half a million customers in Ireland and is best known for its driver rescue and breakdown service. The organisation also inspects and grades visitor accommodation in Ireland and provides road signage for major events. The AA has a long history of providing insurance for drivers, homeowners and travellers.

AA Ireland offers annual European travel insurance from €14.99 per person.

FAQs

While not a legal requirement, taking out insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events like illness, accidents, lost luggage, or cancellations is strongly recommended. If you don't have insurance, you must pay for any unforeseen expenses out of your pocket.

Travel insurance typically covers medical emergencies, lost or stolen belongings, trip cancellations, and travel delays. However, policies vary, so it's worth checking the small print to make sure yours includes everything you need.

Your travel insurance may exclude winter sports, golf, cruise trips, and weddings, depending on your policy. And some may not cover travel disruption. With AA Ireland, you can include any of these elements in your policy.

Ideally, you should buy travel insurance as soon as you start booking your trip so you know you're covered before departure. Some policies may have waiting periods for coverage, for example, if you need to cancel due to illness.

For added peace of mind, you can opt for an annual multi-trip policy.

Pre-existing medical conditions won't exclude you from getting coverage. You must disclose any conditions you know about to ensure you have the most appropriate coverage for your health needs.

*An additional premium will apply. Please review the Terms and Conditions prior to purchasing your policy for instructions on how to cover pre existing medical conditions.

Peace of mind for every adventure 

Protect your next holiday with travel insurance from AA Ireland.

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Terms, conditions and exclusions apply to travel insurance from AA Ireland. See Theaa.ie for further information.

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