Your Travel Insurance Renewal Is Changing - Here’s What to Know

From 24 March 2026, travel insurance renewals in Ireland will work a little differently.

Under the Central Bank of Ireland's revised Consumer Protection Code (CPC 2025), travel insurance policies will no longer automatically renew unless you've explicitly chosen for them to do so. It's a small change in process, but an important one which is designed to give you more control over your cover.

So, What's Actually Changing?

Until now, many annual travel insurance policies renewed automatically unless you opted out. From 24 March 2026, that all changes.

If you want your Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance to renew automatically, you'll need to actively opt in at time of purchase. If you don't opt in, your policy won't renew by default.

This new rule applies to travel insurance, as well as pet, gadget and dental insurance. It doesn't apply to car, home or health insurance, which are treated differently because a gap in cover could cause significant financial impact.

The Central Bank's aim is to reduce the risk of people paying for cover they no longer need and to encourage customers to review their options each year. That approach aligns with how Chill already works. For our car, home and van policies, we automatically check the market ahead of renewal to help find you a competitive price and make switching straightforward if you choose to move.

What Does This Mean If You Have Travel Insurance?

If you currently have an Annual Multi-Trip policy with Chill, we'll contact you before it's due to expire and clearly outline your renewal options. At that point, you can choose whether to renew manually each year or opt in to automatic renewal for added convenience. It's completely up to you! Automatic renewal simply requires your explicit consent.

For customers who choose to opt in to automatic renewal, Chill will apply a 10% discount to your renewal price.

Are single trip policies affected by this law change?

No, Single Trip policies aren't affected, as they don't renew automatically. Single trip policies mean you buy travel insurance for that one trip and is a great choice if you don't have other holidays planned for later in the year.

A Good Moment to Review Your Travel Cover

This change also creates a natural opportunity to look at whether your current travel insurance still suits how you travel.

For example, if you're planning several trips this year, an Annual Multi-Trip policy with Chill may work out more cost-effective. Customers who take four or more holidays can save over 50% compared to buying separate Single Trip policies. Even if you're only planning two trips, you could save an average of 15% by choosing Annual Multi-Trip over two Single Trip policies. And if you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for up to 10% off a Single Trip policy or up to 20% off an Annual Multi-Trip policy.

Travel habits have changed in recent years, with more people taking shorter European breaks. If that sounds like you, it's worth checking whether your current policy matches your plans.

What's Included With Chill Travel Insurance?

When reviewing your options, it helps to understand what you're actually covered for.

• Platinum policies include cancellation cover of up to €6,000, helping protect you financially if something unexpected prevents you from travelling.
• Medical cover is available up to €5 million on Gold plans and up to €10 million on Platinum plans.
• All plans include TravelGP, giving you 24/7 video access to a doctor while abroad, with no excess to pay.
• Depending on the plan you choose, baggage cover can extend up to €3,000.
• Gold and Platinum policies also include airport lounge access if your flight is delayed for more than three hours — a great benefit if plans don't go as expected.
• If you're planning a ski trip or an activity-heavy holiday, optional Sports Travel Cover is also available.

When Should You Buy Travel Insurance?

One feature many people overlook is that cover begins as soon as you purchase your policy. If your departure date is months away, buying early means you're protected against cancellation or disruption before you even leave.

Policies can also be purchased at short notice, with cover effective immediately — which is useful for carefully planned holidays and spontaneous trips alike.

Online quotes are available within minutes, with cover starting from €10.50 depending on your trip and chosen level of protection.

Your Renewal, Your Choice

From 24 March 2026, travel insurance will no longer renew automatically unless you've chosen to opt in. This change gives you clearer control over how your policy renews and encourages a more active review of your cover each year.

As your renewal approaches, you can decide whether you'd prefer to review your policy manually or opt in to automatic renewal for added convenience. It's also a good opportunity to check that your cover still reflects how and where you travel.

If you're planning a trip soon, now is a sensible time to review your options. You can get a travel insurance quote with Chill in minutes, explore our guide to ESTA and visa requirements for travelling to the US, browse our favourite holiday destinations for inspiration, or check what sports are covered if you're planning a more active break. Whatever your plans, having the right cover in place means you can focus on the trip itself.