JUSTCOVER RESEARCH REVEALS 72% OF IRISH HOLIDAYMAKERS SKIP TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR DESTINATIONS THEY REGARD AS A ‘QUICK FLIGHT HOME’

DUBLIN, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New research reveals that Mainland Europe will dominate Irish holiday choices for 2026.

A travel trends poll by JustCover reveals that Ireland’s top five holiday destinations for the year ahead will be Spain (48%), Portugal (24%), Italy (23%), France (16%) and Greece (10%). For older travellers (over 55) and those with medical conditions, European holidays were also a major hit (82% and 84% respectively).

While the allure of European holidays can save people money and travel time, the JustCover data also reveals a worrying trend for 2026 – namely that 72% of people flying short haul said they would be happy to travel abroad with no travel cover, regarding short haul destinations as a quick flight home if anything were to go wrong on holiday.

The concern is that the nearby places Irish people would be happy to visit with no travel cover – Spain (35%), France (26%), Italy (20%), Portugal (19%) and Greece (11%) – were the very same places that most Irish people plan to go on holiday during 2026. 

Peter Clark, Director at JustCover comments: « It’s very positive news that so many Irish holidaymakers are firming up travel plans for 2026, and the month of December often sees a peak in early bookings for the year ahead. That said, it is a false economy to think travel insurance isn’t needed for a short haul holiday, it really is important that everyone puts safety first before flying off abroad.

« At JustCover, we go beyond the basics offering comprehensive cover. For those holidaymakers with pre-existing medical conditions, we also include specialist medical cover within our policies. This is a major step forward for the Irish market. With one in three Irish holidaymakers travelling abroad with a medical condition, there is an urgent need for these people to have access to quality cover they can trust – cover that fills the gaps that private health cover and EHIC doesn’t cover.

« At JustCover, we offer up to unlimited medical cover, including cover for pre-existing conditions, 24/7 emergency medical assistance and also cancellation cover up to €10,000. So, our message to holidaymakers is clear – live your dreams on holiday but let us help you get the right cover before you go. »

Discover more about JustCover at: https://www.justcover.ie

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