Irish passengers headed away this summer still have to organise a number of Covid documents to ensure they’re granted entry on arrival at their destination.
While many EU holiday hotspots are welcoming back unvaccinated passengers who can show proof of a negative PCR test, the potential for developing Covid abroad remains high.
Travel insurance is always recommended to Irish passengers while booking their flights, but it’s never been more important to cover yourself for a whole host of potential Covid scenarios both at home and abroad.
To ensure you don’t lose out on hundreds of euro missing flights due to a Covid diagnosis, or rack up medical bill after falling ill abroad, you should always have proof of Covid-covering travel insurance.
There are a number of countries that require tourists to carry out Covid tests after arrival, and so should you return a positive test it could prove costly.
The Department of Foreign Affairs warns: “Citizens should still exercise caution in any decisions about international travel, taking account of their overall health, their vaccine status, and the risk of testing positive for Covid-19 while abroad.
“If you contract Covid-19 when abroad, you may face delays and additional costs before returning to Ireland.”
Among the additional costs are doctor’s visits, and hospital stays, while in some countries passengers will be charged a large fee for any hotel quarantine stays.
However, if you have Covid travel insurance, your costs for the following will be covered:
- Medical Expenses abroad covered if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 abroad.
- Additional Travel or Accommodation Expenses abroad if you need to extend your stay due to a Covid-19 diagnosis.
- Cancellation cover if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days of departure.
- Cancellation cover if you are hospitalised with Covid-19 within 28 days of departure.
- Cancellation cover if your travelling companion(s) are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days of departure.
- Cancellation cover if your travelling companion(s) are hospitalised with Covid-19 within 28 days of departure.
- Cancellation cover if somebody you have arranged to stay with abroad is diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days of departure.
Government advice states: “Anyone considering travelling abroad should be aware that restrictions are subject to change at short notice, and additional restrictions may be imposed by the country of your destination, including during your visit.
“Citizens should also be mindful of the possible limitations to any consular assistance that could be provided. It is also important to check with your travel insurance provider on coverage before travel.”
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