Visiting Ireland

[limax2]

Is it advisable to take out travel insurance for a five day motorcycle trip to Ireland, both North and Republic, like I do when going to France etc.
Obviously I will still have my European health insurance card which replaced the old E111.
Just wondering what others do.

[lew600fazer]

I come from N Ireland and you certainly will get free health care there as a UK citizen , the european health card should cover you for emergency treatment. Personally I think travel insurance with in the EU is a con job. Only use it has is for medivac back to the UK and I bet then they will try and wriggle out of it.

[celticdog]

Don't bother, the Irish have us covered-


http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/healthcareinIreland.aspx

[mtread]

My stepson is British living in Southern Ireland. He pays €50 to see the GP. There are exemptions for some categories, but I think you are likely to have to pay, and also for A&E.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthcare_in_the_Republic_of_Ireland


Whether your EHIC will let you recover the fees I'm not sure. Usually the EHIC only allows you the same treatment/costs as a national.

[limax2]

Thanks guys for your interesting responses.

[Oldgit]

take plenty of cash, you'll need it.

[Kang]

Take out travel insurance.
You do not want to be in the trust of our Health care using the EU Card

[limax2]

take plenty of cash, you'll need it.

I was told the Irish were all very hospitable folk so didn't think I would need much cash 


For piece of mind and for what it costs I will probably get travel insurance and hope I don't need to use it.