Unsurprisingly, perhaps, given the nature of his business, he was quick to point to the value of travel insurance for those planning to head off to the sun – or the snow – in the weeks and months ahead. But although Whelan has skin in the game, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) does not and it too has been anxious to stress both the importance and the value of travel insurance in recent days. Too many people think their private health insurance or the European Health Insurance Card – which allows an EU citizen be treated like the citizens of whatever EU country they are in – removes the need for travel insurance. Then there is the reality that some private hospitals overseas will ask for travel insurance policy details in the first instance, and having them to hand can save a lot of hassle at the time. That takes us to the small print, and when it comes to travel insurance the devil is often in the detail.

Source: The Irish Times January 16, 2026 18:00 UTC