Do I need travel insurance for the UK?
Irish citizens can travel to the UK without a visa or travel insurance. But even with that freedom, UK holiday insurance is still a smart move. From trip cancellations to medical mishaps, travel insurance provides an important safety net.
So while it’s not a must-have for entry into Great Britain, it’s one thing you’ll be glad you packed – and here’s why.
Medical costs can add up. Irish travellers can access necessary NHS care under the Common Travel Area arrangement. But private treatment and medical repatriation aren’t covered. Without UK travel insurance, an air ambulance back to Ireland could set you back around €4,000.
Trip cancellations are common. Whether due to illness or family emergencies, cancelled trips make up about 35% of all UK holiday insurance claims. If you’re heading to an expensive city like London, it’s worth protecting your trip. From luxury hotels to West End tickets, pre-paid costs can add up fast!
Covers delays and disruption. The Irish Sea may be narrow, but weather and technical issues can still disrupt your travel plans. Storm Darragh cancelled all Dublin–Holyhead ferries in early 2025. The resulting disruption affected over 2 million passengers.
What does JustCover’s UK holiday insurance cover?
From history tours in Bath to hiking in the Highlands, travel smart with the UK holiday insurance from JustCover. Our fuss-free cover means you’re protected from the unexpected. For full details of what is and isn’t included, read our Policy Wording.
What's covered
Emergency medical expenses - Covers treatment, tests and medication for illness or injury abroad. Includes repatriation to bring you home.
Cancellation - Unexpected event changed your travel plans? Your flight and accommodation costs are covered.
Curtailment - Protection if you need to cut your trip short due to an emergency.
Travel delay - Compensation for delays that affect your journey.
Personal belongings - Cover for lost or stolen baggage and its contents.
Personal liability - Covers legal costs if you injure someone or damage property.
Legal protection - Assistance with legal expenses if you need to claim damages while travelling.
What's not covered
Claims below the excess - Any claim must exceed your chosen excess amount.
Trips outside your cover region - Your policy must match the destination you’re travelling to.
Known events - Situations you knew about before booking aren’t covered.
Undeclared medical conditions - You must tell us all your pre-existing conditions when buying your policy.
Voluntary cancellation - You won’t be covered if you simply decide not to travel.
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We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
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Is UK travel insurance worth it?
Finding the best UK holiday insurance is definitely worth it for Irish travellers. Although the UK is close by, mishaps can happen whenever you travel.
It may sound like just another thing to add to your holiday to-do list. But JustCover makes it so easy to secure your UK holiday insurance. Here’s why it’s so worthwhile:
- UK travel insurance isn’t just for medical emergencies. Even minor hiccups, such as lost baggage or missed connections, can throw off your plans. Travel insurance helps you recover costs, keeping your UK trip on track without the stress.
- Protects your family. Whether it’s a birthday, reunion or just a long-overdue catch-up, our family policies mean no one has to miss out on the fun.
- Covers your most valuable items. Can’t live without your laptop? Taking the family jewels? Our UK holiday insurance will protect your belongings. You can even take out extra valuables cover if something’s particularly expensive to replace.
- Lets you do more. Cycle the Tour De Yorkshire route or hike Hadrian’s Wall. Our UK travel insurance policies cover you for over 100 popular activities at no extra cost. We also have optional extreme sports cover.
How much does UK travel insurance cost?
UK travel insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s generally cheaper than insurance for long-haul destinations. The price will vary depending on your plans and travel style. Your final quote depends on a few key factors:
- Your age. Older travellers may pay more due to higher health risks.
- Medical conditions. Pre-existing conditions can increase the price you pay. But our UK holiday insurance offers tailored cover. If your condition is well-managed, your UK holiday insurance may cost less than you think.
- Trip duration. A weekend visit costs less than a two-week stay. Longer trips mean more exposure to risk, so prices go up accordingly.
- Extras and activities. Add-ons to cover golf, cruise or expensive tech will increase the price.
Looking for cheap UK travel insurance? Consider annual multi-trip cover if you’ll be hopping over more than once.
Will my EHIC cover me for my trip to the UK?
If you’re an Irish citizen heading to the UK, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) isn’t actually the key to healthcare access. Instead, you’re covered under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement. This allows Irish and UK citizens to receive necessary public healthcare in each other’s countries – no EHIC required!
But it won’t hurt to carry your EHIC, especially if you’re travelling beyond the UK on the same trip.
It’s worth remembering that private treatment and repatriation aren’t covered by the CTA. It won’t help if your luggage is stolen, your ferry’s cancelled, or your flight’s delayed. UK holiday insurance is the only way to keep your trip fully protected, from start to finish.
Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?
No visa? No worries! If you’re an Irish citizen travelling from Ireland, you can visit the UK without one.
It’s all thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA). This long-standing agreement allows Irish and UK citizens to move freely between the two countries. You can live, work and holiday in the UK without immigration restrictions.
But it’s still a good idea to stay up to date. Travel rules can change, especially around border checks and acceptable ID. For example, some airlines now require a valid passport, even for CTA travel.
So while you won’t need a visa, it’s worth checking the latest guidance before you go. That way, you’ll enjoy your trip without any last-minute surprises.
Find the best travel insurance for the UK
First time seeing Big Ben? Fifth trip to visit your family? The best UK holiday insurance is the one that lets you travel your way.
Heading over for one special UK getaway? Our single trip cover gives you tailored protection for that journey, whether it’s for sightseeing or a family reunion.
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Back and forth across the Irish Sea all year? Our annual UK travel insurance protects you for multiple visits. Less hassle, more holidays!
Why choose JustCover for your UK holiday insurance?
We offer flexible, reliable cover tailor-made for trips to Britain. You can focus on enjoying the journey, not worrying about what could go wrong.
Here are just a few reasons to choose us to cover your trip:
- Rated ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’ by 98% of customers²
- Unlimited emergency medical and repatriation cover in the UK
- Up to €10,000 for trip cancellations and interruptions³
- 24/7 emergency helpline – we’re always there when you need us
- Cover for 1,300+ medical conditions, including serious diagnoses
When to buy UK holiday insurance
The short answer? As soon as you book your trip to the UK! But the best time to buy depends on the type of cover you choose.
Single-trip cover. Planning one UK getaway? Buy your single-trip policy as soon as you’ve booked. That way, you’re protected straight away if something unexpected forces you to cancel. Your cover starts from the day you buy it and ends when you return home.
Annual multi-trip cover. If you’re visiting Britain more than once this year, annual cover is your best bet. You’ll be protected for multiple trips over 12 months, and your cancellation cover kicks in from the start date you choose. So if you’ve already booked your first visit, set your policy to start today.
Specialist travel insurance for the UK
Get UK holiday insurance designed around you, who you’re travelling with, and how you like to travel. Our policies offer flexible options to suit all your adventures.
With no upper age limit, our seniors cover lets you explore Britain at your own pace.
Travel insurance with medical conditions
Covers over 1,300 pre-existing conditions, so you can relax knowing your health is protected.
With one policy to cover your clan, family policies are ideal for UK holidays with kids in tow.
Seeing the UK by sea? Get cruise-specific cover, from missed ports to cabin confinement.
UK travel insurance tips and recommendations
Travelling to Britain might feel familiar. There’s no language barrier, and it’s not far from home. But even with those comforts, a bit of pre-planning is still a good idea. Here’s what makes travel to the UK a little different, and how to stay protected:
- Take proof of Irish residence. Thanks to the Common Travel Area, Irish citizens can access necessary NHS care during a temporary stay. You don’t need an EHIC. But it’s helpful to carry proof of Irish residence (like a medical card or driving licence) just in case.
- Get UK travel insurance. Don’t let gaps in your cover spoil your British adventure. From trip cancellations to delayed bags, a comprehensive UK holiday insurance policy makes things smooth sailing.
- Emergency numbers. In the UK, dial 999 for police, ambulance or fire services. You can also use 112, the pan-European emergency number. For non-urgent police matters, call 101.
- Drive safely. You can drive with your Irish licence, but remember: speed limits are in miles per hour, and some road rules differ slightly. Always carry your licence and check your hire car insurance terms.
- Report lost or stolen items. If you’re a victim of theft, report it to the local police and get a crime reference number. You’ll need this before you can make a claim.
UK travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Want to travel to Britain with a medical condition? You absolutely can – and we’re here to help you do just that. Our UK travel health insurance covers over 1,300 medical conditions, including serious and long-term diagnoses. Just make sure you declare them when you get your quote. It’s the best way to ensure you’re properly protected.
We cover a wide range of common conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cancer
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Disability
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
A simple 3-step process to book your UK travel insurance
Get your quote in seconds
You will only need to tell us some information about yourself and your holiday plans
Select and tailor your cover
Now all you need to do is to choose the level of cover that best suits your needs
Buy your cover and relax
Purchase your cover and you’re ready to go – we’ll take care of the rest!
Expert travel insurance recommendations from our team
"From scenic train rides through the Lake District to lively weekends in Edinburgh, UK holiday insurance helps Irish travellers make the most of every moment.
It’s designed to support smoother, more enjoyable journeys, covering all the little hiccups that might otherwise hold you back. With everything sorted behind the scenes, you’re free to explore, unwind and soak up the best of Britain."
Peter Clark - JustCover Director
What our customers say
“I spoke to a lovely gentleman during the week. He was so helpful and answered any questions I asked. Got a good travel insurance policy, and it gave us all the cover we needed. We will definitely purchase insurance for future trips from JustCover.”
see full reviewFrequently asked questions about travel insurance for the UK
Is the UK part of the EU?
No. The UK is no longer part of the European Union. It officially left the EU on 31 January 2020. The transition period ended in December of that year. But if you’re an Irish citizen travelling to Britain, this change doesn’t affect your ability to visit.
Thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA), Irish and UK citizens can still move freely between the two countries without visas for short stays. You can live, work, study and access healthcare in Britain just as you could before Brexit.
Can you get travel insurance for medical conditions in the UK?
You can at JustCover. Our fuss-free UK medical travel insurance includes cover for conditions, even if they’re serious or long-term. We cover over 1,300 pre-existing conditions, from asthma and diabetes to heart conditions and cancer.
Just declare your condition when you get your quote. That way, your policy can be tailored to your needs. It means you’ll be properly protected if anything health-related crops up during your trip.
What are the new travel requirements for the UK?
The UK has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including EU nationals. But if you're an Irish national planning a trip to Britain, the new UK travel requirements won’t affect you.
Thanks to a long-standing arrangement between Ireland and the UK, Irish citizens are fully exempt from needing an ETA, even for short stays.
The Common Travel Area lets you travel freely between Ireland and Britain without an ETA. If you're a legal resident of Ireland but not an Irish citizen, you may also be exempt. That’s as long as you're travelling from within the CTA and can show proof of residence in Ireland, such as a medical card, Irish driving licence, or residence permit.
So while the new rules may affect other European travellers, Irish nationals can still enjoy hassle-free travel to Britain.
Do Irish residents need an ETA for the UK?
No, Irish residents don’t need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Irish citizens are completely exempt. And, if you’re a legal resident of Ireland from a country that doesn’t normally require a visa to visit the UK, you’re also covered.
That said, you may be asked to show proof of your legal residence in Ireland when you arrive in the UK. This could be something like an Irish driving licence, medical card or residence permit. It’s a good idea to carry a valid document, just in case border officials request it.
Does my EHIC work in the UK?
If you’re an Irish citizen visiting Britain, you don’t need to rely on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You’re covered under the Common Travel Area, which gives you access to necessary NHS care during your stay. The EHIC isn’t required, but it won’t hurt to carry it, particularly if you’re travelling beyond the UK.
Should I get UK travel insurance if I’m going on a cruise?
If you’re cruising from Ireland to Britain, our standard UK travel insurance won’t be enough. You’ll need to add cruise cover to your policy.
Cruise holidays come with their own set of risks. Missed port departures, itinerary changes, and cabin confinement aren’t covered by regular travel insurance. Even if your cruise stays within UK waters, most operators require proof of UK cruise insurance before you board.
Does UK travel insurance cover event tickets like concerts or sports matches?
Heading to Wimbledon or a West End show? UK holiday insurance can cover the cost of pre-paid event tickets, but only if you’ve bought the policy before something goes wrong.
Covers pre-paid, non-refundable tickets. If you’ve booked tickets in advance and can’t attend due to a covered reason, such as becoming unfit to travel or being admitted to hospital, our policies will reimburse you. Standard policies cover up to €500 for the cost of prepaid tours and activities, booked prior to your departure. That includes concerts, sports matches, theatre shows and other ticketed events.
Buy your policy early. To be eligible for ticket cover, you’ll need to buy your UK travel insurance as soon as you book your trip or tickets. If you wait until after something goes wrong, you won’t be covered.
Will I be covered if my ferry or flight is delayed or cancelled?
Our UK travel insurance covers missed departures, travel delays and abandonment. This is when they’re due to things like:
- Poor weather conditions
- A strike or industrial action
- A mechanical or electrical breakdown of the aircraft or sea vessel
However, you will need written confirmation from the airline or ferry company stating the reason for the delay. We can’t cover any claims arising from natural disasters. That’s unless you’ve paid for our natural disasters cover.
For full details of our cover for delays and cancellations, see the Policy Wording.
Does Brexit affect my UK travel cover?
No, it doesn’t. If you’re an Irish citizen travelling to Britain, Brexit hasn’t changed your travel cover in any significant way. Thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA), Irish and UK citizens can still move freely between the two countries without visas or border checks for short visits.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- You don’t need a visa to visit Britain from Ireland.
- You can still access necessary NHS healthcare during your stay.
- Your UK holiday insurance works just as it did before Brexit – covering things like trip cancellations, lost belongings and private medical care.
- The Department of Foreign Affairs recommends travel insurance for all trips to Britain.
So while Brexit may have changed things for EU travel, your UK holiday plans are still smooth sailing.
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2. Based on 2000+ Trustpilot responses, as of 12/05/2025.
3. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased. Read our Policy Wording for full exclusions and Ts&Cs.
* Discount applies to the base price only and does not apply to any premium generated to cover medical conditions or optional extras. This discount is automatically applied and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount tiers of 5% for premiums between €0-49, 10% for €50-249, & 20% for €250+ apply. Offer ends at 23:59 on 30/09/25. T&C's apply.