Trip insurance duration limits for Irish resident

[Loman]

I hope I am posting this in the right subject section.

My annual multi-trip travel insurance has a limit on the duration of any one trip of 45 days. Any claim must include evidence of departure and return dates and it will be disallowed if the trip exceeds the limit, even if the incident giving rise to the claim happens within that limit. This has just been confirmed to me on the insurers help line.

As a senior with less-than-perfect health, my rough plan for my CF starting 19/9 calls for 39 days walking plus 5 rest days and then staying on in Santiago over the following weekend. While 45 days is adequate for almost everyone, it’s likely to be just a little too short for me.

I have seen other policies that have a limit of only 30 days, which would be a bit short for many. So perhaps other forum members have encountered this problem and could offer opinions or, even better, leads to insurers with longer limits. I am aware of “Backpacker” policies but they have AGE limits, usually set at 45 years. I also know of insurers specialising in long term insurance but my quote for a 68 year old travelling to Spain for 50 days was €345!!!

 

[TravellingMan22]

I hope I am posting this in the right subject section.

My annual multi-trip travel insurance has a limit on the duration of any one trip of 45 days. Any claim must include evidence of departure and return dates and it will be disallowed if the trip exceeds the limit, even if the incident giving rise to the claim happens within that limit. This has just been confirmed to me on the insurers help line.

As a senior with less-than-perfect health, my rough plan for my CF starting 19/9 calls for 39 days walking plus 5 rest days and then staying on in Santiago over the following weekend. While 45 days is adequate for almost everyone, it’s likely to be just a little too short for me.

I have seen other policies that have a limit of only 30 days, which would be a bit short for many. So perhaps other forum members have encountered this problem and could offer opinions or, even better, leads to insurers with longer limits. I am aware of “Backpacker” policies but they have AGE limits, usually set at 45 years. I also know of insurers specialising in long term insurance but my quote for a 68 year old travelling to Spain for 50 days was €345!!!

What country do you reside in? Ireland? You will need a forum member from Ireland to advise as travel insurance tends to be very specific to your country of residence.

 

[Loman]

Sorry. Yes, it’s Ireland.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Sorry. Yes, it’s Ireland.

Ok well I am sure someone from Ireland can help. I know my way round insurance from a UK standpoint. Things like preempting health conditions, undiagnosed symptoms all play a part. On the upside you have the EU health card so you are in a good position but doesn’t include repatriation or any private care.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Take a look here.

Compare Multitrip Travel Insurance | Multitrip.com Ireland

Travel confidently with Multitrip.com annual insurance that includes medical & cancellation coverage and much more from €19.95. Get a quote today!

www.multitrip.com

 

[Loman]

On the upside you have the EU health card so you are in a good position but doesn’t include repatriation or any private care.

Indeed, that is a huge benefit we EU citizens have. I was thinking more of items lost or damaged or arising from criminal incidents-as well as medical expenses.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Indeed, that is a huge benefit we EU citizens have. I was thinking more of items lost or damaged or arising from criminal incidents-as well as medical expenses.

Ah ok! I only bother with the medical side. Don’t bother with anything else. Ignore me then! Maybe consider with whether you need that! Im

 

[Loman]

Take a look here.

Compare Multitrip Travel Insurance | Multitrip.com Ireland

Travel confidently with Multitrip.com annual insurance that includes medical & cancellation coverage and much more from €19.95. Get a quote today!

www.multitrip.com

Wow! How did I miss that one. Up to 65 days single trip for €69. I’ll take that. Thanks Molly.

 

[Loman]

Ah ok! I only bother with the medical side. Don’t bother with anything else. Ignore me then! Maybe consider with whether you need that! If you are bringing 10 Hugo Boss suits, and jewellery it’s probably wise!

Whatever about my Hugo Boss tux , my phone alone is close to €1k to replace and the contents of my backpack, item by item, would be several €00 more. A new Osprey Exos for instance is €200

 

[TravellingMan22]

Whatever about my Hugo Boss tux , my phone alone is close to €1k to replace and the contents of my backpack, item by item, would be several €00 more. A new Osprey Exos for instance is €200

Cool whatever works for you!! Glad you got a good deal!

 

[Corned Beef]

about my Hugo Boss tux

Nice to see someone being properly dressed for the meal at the Albergue. Post up pics when you have them.

 

[Vince Rollason]

I hope I am posting this in the right subject section.

My annual multi-trip travel insurance has a limit on the duration of any one trip of 45 days. Any claim must include evidence of departure and return dates and it will be disallowed if the trip exceeds the limit, even if the incident giving rise to the claim happens within that limit. This has just been confirmed to me on the insurers help line.

As a senior with less-than-perfect health, my rough plan for my CF starting 19/9 calls for 39 days walking plus 5 rest days and then staying on in Santiago over the following weekend. While 45 days is adequate for almost everyone, it’s likely to be just a little too short for me.

I have seen other policies that have a limit of only 30 days, which would be a bit short for many. So perhaps other forum members have encountered this problem and could offer opinions or, even better, leads to insurers with longer limits. I am aware of “Backpacker” policies but they have AGE limits, usually set at 45 years. I also know of insurers specialising in long term insurance but my quote for a 68 year old travelling to Spain for 50 days was €345!!!

Hello
I have an policy with my bank account (Lloyds Platinum) underwritten by Allianz. The basic cover is for 30 days but I can extend this to 45, 60. 90. 120 and 180 days by contacting them and paying an extra premium. Last year when I walked Via Francigena I extended it to 180 days as I was walking for virtually all that time and them meeting family in Rome for a holiday. I think the extra premium as just below £200. Hope this helps.
Buen Camino.
Vince

 

[MikeyC]

A local insurance broker should be able to do the legwork for you in comparing providers to suit your needs.

 

[MikeyD]

I hope I am posting this in the right subject section.

My annual multi-trip travel insurance has a limit on the duration of any one trip of 45 days. Any claim must include evidence of departure and return dates and it will be disallowed if the trip exceeds the limit, even if the incident giving rise to the claim happens within that limit. This has just been confirmed to me on the insurers help line.

As a senior with less-than-perfect health, my rough plan for my CF starting 19/9 calls for 39 days walking plus 5 rest days and then staying on in Santiago over the following weekend. While 45 days is adequate for almost everyone, it’s likely to be just a little too short for me.

I have seen other policies that have a limit of only 30 days, which would be a bit short for many. So perhaps other forum members have encountered this problem and could offer opinions or, even better, leads to insurers with longer limits. I am aware of “Backpacker” policies but they have AGE limits, usually set at 45 years. I also know of insurers specialising in long term insurance but my quote for a 68 year old travelling to Spain for 50 days was €345!!!

I’m from the UK, travelling out on the 23rd September to Leon. I’m 72 on the 24th. Any recommendations for travel insurance. Didn’t realise I need special insurance for backpacking?

 

[Bradypus]

Didn’t realise I need special insurance for backpacking?

You don't need special insurance for walking the Caminos. Not a hazardous activity for insurance purposes. Standard travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover should be adequate. Backpacker policies are a specialised form of travel insurance intended mostly for young people travelling for long periods at a time. Typically a few months up to a whole "gap year". Most travel insurance is geared towards shorter holidays of only a few weeks and becomes very expensive if extended for so long.

 

[TravellingMan22]

You don't need special insurance for walking the Caminos. Not a hazardous activity for insurance purposes. Standard travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover should be adequate. Backpacker policies are a specialised form of travel insurance intended mostly for young people travelling for long periods at a time. Typically a few months up to a whole "gap year". Most travel insurance is geared towards shorter holidays of only a few weeks and becomes very expensive if extended for so long.

Yes agreed. Certainly nothing extra required on my policy. Some companies ask for extra premiums if you are trekking at high altitude but obviously not relevant here.

The one thing I do look out for though is the search and rescue coverage. I walk a lot (Camino and other trails) so whilst of course unlikely, I do try and look for a decent amount. Many search and rescues charge, many don’t, many charge negligence, etc. No idea Spain. Hopefully will
never be required, but thats the point of insurance. Had a couple of high profile sad carses with UK nationals recently on a Greek Island, and also Tenerife, where long days were spent on search and rescue. Probably not charged but I dont know. For reference I have medical cover for £10 million and search and rescue for £100 k which I reckon is about 1 helicopter for 10 days!! Bring on the volunteers!

 

[TravellingMan22]

I’m from the UK, travelling out on the 23rd September to Leon. I’m 72 on the 24th. Any recommendations for travel insurance. Didn’t realise I need special insurance for backpacking?

I’ve spent a lot of time on travel insurance in the last 5 years after 50+ years of just booking the cheapest in 5 mins.

I am not a fan of recommending policies as it’s need to be tailored to your needs. Age, whether you have pre existing, or undiagnosed symptoms , whether you are going on other travel for the year etc. Often policies increase at age 70 so look out for that too. Remember you have the EHIC card too.

Also if you are away for a long period check what it means for your house and content insurance.

 

[donalomahony]

Also if you are away for a long period check what it means for your house and content

Very good advice!

 

[Keyser]

Thank you Loman,

My wife and I are from Ireland, are over 65, and have a multi-trip policy. Last year we did the full FC from SJPDP SDC over 6 weeks. When we realised shortly before we headed off that our cover for any one trip was less than the time we were going to be away we bought a separate stand-alone policy for the additional days. I now note from your post that because or trip was over the limit for our multi trip policy our cover was void. Thank you for advising us on that and we will do some further shopping around before we head to the Salvadore/Primitivo next May.
In passing I had a gastroenteritis issue in Fromista and the European Health card worked fantastic when we visited the Health Centro in Carrion de Los Condes. Never leave home without one!

 

[MikeyD]

You don't need special insurance for walking the Caminos. Not a hazardous activity for insurance purposes. Standard travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover should be adequate. Backpacker policies are a specialised form of travel insurance intended mostly for young people travelling for long periods at a time. Typically a few months up to a whole "gap year". Most travel insurance is geared towards shorter holidays of only a few weeks and becomes very expensive if extended for so long.

Thank you, that solves a little late worry! I’ll check my present policy.