Food and waterborne illnesses

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Ireland. Food safety standards are high, though travellers may experience minor digestive adjustments to local cuisine and dairy products.

Travellers diarrhea

While uncommon in Ireland, changes in diet, water, and routine can sometimes cause mild digestive upset. Stay hydrated and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

Insect-borne illnesses

Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease are present in wooded and grassy areas. Use insect repellent when hiking and check for ticks after outdoor activities, particularly in forested areas of County Cork and rural regions.

Allergies

Pollen levels can be high during spring and summer months. Those with hay fever should be prepared, especially when visiting rural areas and gardens during peak flowering seasons.

Australia's reciprocal health care agreement with Ireland

In order for the Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement between Australian and Ireland to cover your medical costs in Ireland, medical care must be: 

• Medically necessary care that can’t wait until you get home to Australia

• Within 12 months after you arrive in Ireland

The RHCA with Ireland covers the following types of medical costs:

• Care as a public patient in a public hospital

• Maternity care

• Part of the cost of prescription medications if you spend over a set amount in 1 month

The RHCA with Ireland does not cover the following types of medical costs:

• Accommodation as a private patient in a private or public hospital

• Care as a private patient - this includes as a private patient in a public hospital

• Prescription medicines below a set amount in 1 month

• Anything you arranged before you got to Ireland

• Visits to a GP

Fast Cover's medical benefits

Fast Cover’s international travel insurance policies include:

• overseas 24/7 emergency medical assistance,

• overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses,

• overseas emergency dental, and

• overseas emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

to help cover you if you become unexpectedly injured or sick while in Ireland.*

Travel insurance for existing medical conditions

If you have an existing medical condition, Fast Cover may be able to provide some cover.* You’ll need to complete a medical screening process online or call our Aussie based sales team. To find out more about our medical screening process, and how the policy will apply in relation to an existing medical condition, please read and consider the PDS for eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that apply.

Check Ireland's medication regulations

Most medications legal in Australia are also legal in Ireland. Check with Irish health authorities if your medication is legal in Ireland or if you require special permits or customs declarations.

Obtain a permit for restricted medications

Controlled substances like strong painkillers or ADHD medications may require documentation. Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition and medication requirements.

Carry documentation

Always travel with original prescription bottles, a letter from your prescribing doctor, and copies of prescriptions. Keep medications in carry-on luggage when flying.

Travel limits

Carry only the amount needed for your trip according to your prescription. Large quantities may raise questions at customs and require additional documentation.