Do UK citizens need travel insurance for Northern Ireland?
Planning a holiday or business trip to Northern Ireland? If so, you may be wondering if you need travel insurance.
One of the main reasons people take out travel insurance is to cover the cost of potential medical emergencies and repatriation costs. But as a UK citizen, you will be provided with free NHS care in the event of injury or sickness while in Northern Ireland - since it is part of the United Kingdom (of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). As such, travel insurance will not provide for any medical costs because they are provided by the state, free at the point of delivery.
So there's no point taking out travel cover for Northern Ireland?
Taking out travel insurance for your next Northern Ireland trip is still a good idea, because it protects you from trip cancellation/curtailment, lost baggage, loss of valuables and cash - among other unwanted events. Exact coverage varies between providers, so do check the Policy Wording of your insurance document before travelling, either within the UK, or overseas.
What about the Republic of Ireland?
Because southern Ireland is a separate country, it is important to take out travel insurance before you leave the UK.
Since it is part of the European Union, Ireland is a signatory of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is issued free of charge and allows anyone who is insured by or covered by a statutory social security scheme to receive medical treatment in another member state free or at a reduced cost. UK citizens will receive the same benefit until December 2020, when the UK leaves the EU completely, following the end of the Brexit extension period.
While as a UK citizen you will receive free state emergency healthcare in Ireland, this doesn't cover any necessary private emergency medical expenses, or medical repatriation back to the UK. As such, it is highly advisable to take out comprehensive travel insurance before visiting the Republic of Ireland.
As a UK resident, you only have to show proof of UK citizenship to receive free healthcare under EHIC. However, it is a good idea to carry your EHIC card with you, just in case.
Considering the relatively low cost of single trip travel insurance to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, taking out quality travel cover is arguably a wise decision.
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