Your recent research highlights some concerning trends among Irish travellers with medical conditions. What stood out most?

Nationally, 45% of Irish adults with medical conditions are planning an overseas holiday this year – yet many don’t understand that travel insurance that will cover their conditions is available.

Alarmingly, 66% of people we surveyed thought they could handle the medical bills themselves, were they to be hospitalised abroad. Our research identifies several issues that could put people at needless risk abroad.

At JustCover, we are driving a change in perception across the industry in the Irish market to raise awareness of the specialist medical cover that is available – and why buying a quality insurance product could save people many thousands of euros if they are hospitalised abroad and need to make a claim.

JustCover sits at an interesting point between heritage and innovation. How does that shape your proposition?

JustCover is at an interesting point in its evolution. In terms of product proposition and the international InsurEvo Group, we’re a new business – but we also draw on a strong heritage and track record within the Irish market, with over 20 years’ experience serving Irish customers. This combination of the best of the old and the new positions us well going forward.

Looking back on what the business has learned over the last two decades, it’s clear to us that travel insurance needs to be kept simple but also provide true quality and value.

We were one of the first in Ireland to offer an online journey, but even here we kept it simple, making sure people could fully understand what they were covered for. We always aim to be the travel insurer that’s on the customer’s side – helping them ask the right questions before they buy their policy.

In recent years, our product offer has changed significantly – where we now cover pre-existing medical conditions, and with no upper age limits.

Why is travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions still so misunderstood in Ireland?

The unique factor we bring to the Irish market is cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions. In the Irish market, medical travel insurance is really misunderstood. There are many people out there with all types of medical conditions that don’t think they can get covered by travel insurance.

As an example, I spoke to an attendee at a trade show recently who had undergone multiple bypass operations and had ongoing heart-related conditions. He had grown accustomed to not having comprehensive cover when travelling and assumed his insurance would only cover basics like missed flights or lost baggage.

Sixty-six per cent of people we surveyed thought they could handle the medical bills themselves, were they to be hospitalised abroad

When he approached us, he said: “You’re hardly going to cover me.” He presumed his conditions would be excluded. He was surprised when I explained that wasn’t the case, and how straightforward it could be to secure robust medical cover as part of his policy.

The time has come in Ireland to rethink travel insurance and move away from purely price-led purchasing. Consumers need to consider what they need from their cover. The definition of value must shift towards the intersection of quality cover and a fair price.

In an increasingly digital market, how important is the human touch?

Beyond the website, we also have a call centre – so if customers want to pick up the phone and talk to an expert, they can. We’ve been inundated with calls since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, which shows that at times of uncertainty, people want reassurance from a real person.

We pride ourselves on being there when customers need us. While our business is underpinned by strong technology, we’re seeing continued growth in our call centre, driven by public demand.

Our specialists are highly trained and understand the market inside-out. Insurance can be complex, but our aim is to make it simple and reassuring for the customer.

How does the new leadership team position the business for future growth?

Aaron Brennan and I run the JustCover operation in Ireland as the new leadership team. We were fortunate to join at a time of strong growth, building on the solid foundation created by the original founders.

Aaron brings deep expertise in travel insurance, particularly in claims, while my background is in sales and operations. Together, we complement each other well and work towards a clear, shared vision.

We collaborate constantly – it’s a close partnership – and that sense of alignment extends across the wider JustCover team.

The time has come in Ireland to rethink travel insurance and move away from purely price-led purchasing

With rising costs and global uncertainty, what does the future hold for travel insurance?

With growing cost pressures – including inflation, hospital billing practices, and guarantees of payment – there needs to be a clear shift towards quality in the travel insurance market.

If someone is paying €20–€30 for a policy, they need to question what level of cover they can realistically expect. Budget policies may face increasing pressure, particularly as insurers absorb rising costs.

At the same time, consumer behaviour is evolving. Recent research shows that 30% of Irish holidaymakers are opting for top-quality cover, with a further 39% looking to upgrade their policies. Only 22% now plan to buy the cheapest option available.

For us, delivering at the point of claim is what matters most. Our Trustpilot scores reflect our commitment to being there for customers when it counts.

Reflecting broader geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, there is heightened uncertainty for travellers. Many people still don’t fully understand what their policies cover. As an industry, we must address this to better protect customers’ health and wellbeing.

Like most policies, we include exclusions for war or civil unrest, but our focus has been on supporting customers affected by disruption. We’ve enhanced our policies to offer flexibility – allowing customers to change travel dates without additional premiums or admin fees – and we continue to guide them in line with Department of Foreign Affairs advice.