Is Your UK Travel Insurance Valid When Flying from Dublin Airport?

Travelling

4 min read

In Northern Ireland, we’re uniquely positioned to take advantage of our proximity to local airports, as well as airports in the Republic of Ireland – primarily Dublin.

Belfast International, Belfast City, and City of Derry Airports all have a good range of short-haul routes, but Dublin offers a lot more destinations, airlines, and flight options, especially if you’re flying to North America, the Middle East, or further afield.

It’s no surprise then that thousands of travellers from Northern Ireland journey across the border to catch their flights. But there’s an important question to ask before travelling: is your UK travel insurance valid if you’re flying from Dublin?

Why does the departure airport matter for insurance?

When you buy travel insurance in the UK, the policy usually states that cover begins from the moment you leave your home to start your journey. That means it should cover you whether you’re heading to Belfast City or International, Dublin, Shannon, etc.

However, it’s crucial to check the fine print, because some policies specifically define where cover starts and may only list UK airports as valid departure points.

Since Dublin Airport is in the Republic of Ireland, not the UK, there’s a chance that a policy with very strict wording could exclude it.

If that’s the case, you wouldn’t be covered for issues like cancellations, delays, or lost luggage if you departed from Dublin.

Travel insurance after Brexit

Since the UK left the EU in 2020, the way airlines and travellers move between the UK, Ireland, and the rest of Europe has evolved. Thankfully, agreements between the UK and EU mean flights are still operating freely between both regions.

However, for travel insurance the key issue is not Brexit itself but your policy wording. No matter where you’re flying, your travel insurance should protect you for:

Medical emergencies, such as illness or injury abroad
Trip cancellations if you can’t travel due to illness, bereavement, or another valid reason
Lost, stolen, or damaged belongings, covering everything from passports to luggage
Travel delays or missed departures, which can happen whether you leave from Belfast, London, or Dublin.

But make sure your insurer recognises Dublin Airport as an eligible departure point. If you’re not sure, ask your insurance provider before you buy or upgrade your policy.

Tips for Northern Ireland travellers

If you are planning to or regularly fly from Dublin Airport, here are a few ways to make sure your travel insurance works for you:

Check the policy wording carefully: Specifically, look for terms like ‘UK airports’ or ‘departures from the UK.’ If Dublin isn’t mentioned, check with your insurer.
Choose a flexible policy: Annual multi-trip insurance can be a good option if you fly often, especially across Europe.
Keep proof of your journey: Hold onto receipts or booking confirmations showing your trip started from your home address in Northern Ireland.
Speak to a broker: A trusted insurance broker like AbbeyAutoline can help you find a policy that covers all the bases, including departures from the Republic of Ireland.

Speak to us for more information

We work hard to source travel insurance quotes that match you needs, whether you are going on a family holiday, a single-trip, or inter-railing across Europe.

Give us a call at 08000 66 55 44 or get a quote online today.