Irish passengers departing this summer still need to organize a number of Covid documents to ensure they are allowed entry when they arrive at their destination.
While many EU holiday hotspots are once again welcoming unvaccinated passengers who can show proof of a negative PCR test, the potential for Covid to develop overseas remains high.
Travel insurance is always recommended for Irish passengers when booking their flights, but it has never been more important to cover yourself against a range of potential Covid scenarios, both at home and abroad.
READ MORE: All Irish passengers should know how to fly overseas this summer – face masks, hand luggage requirements and Covid checks
To ensure you don’t lose hundreds of dollars in missed flights due to a Covid diagnosis, or rack up medical bills after falling ill abroad, you should always carry proof of travel insurance covering Covid.
There are a number of countries that require tourists to carry out Covid tests after arrival, and so if you return a positive test it could prove costly.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns: “Citizens should always exercise caution in any decision regarding international travel, taking into account their general state of health, their vaccination status and the risk of testing positive for Covid-19. abroad.
“If you contract Covid-19 abroad, you may face delays and additional costs before returning to Ireland.”
Additional costs include doctor’s visits and hospital stays, while in some countries passengers will have to pay significant fees for any hotel quarantine stays.
However, if you have Covid travel insurance, your costs for the following will be covered:
- Overseas medical expenses covered if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 overseas.
- Additional overseas travel or accommodation costs if you need to extend your stay due to a diagnosis of Covid-19.
- Cancellation guarantee if you are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days of departure.
- Cancellation guarantee if you are hospitalized for Covid-19 within 28 days of departure.
- Cancellation guarantee if your travel companion(s) are diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days prior to departure.
- Cancellation guarantee if your travel companion(s) are hospitalized for Covid-19 within 28 days prior to departure.
- Cancellation cover if someone you are planning to stay with is diagnosed with Covid-19 within 14 days of departure.
Government advice states: “Anyone considering overseas travel should be aware that restrictions are subject to change at short notice and that additional restrictions may be imposed by the destination country, including during your visit.
“Citizens should also be aware of any limitations to any consular assistance that may be provided. It is also important to check with your travel insurance provider for coverage prior to travel.
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