Skipping jabs may cancel your travel insurance cover

DUBLIN, Ireland — That bargain getaway could cost far more than you budgeted if you ignore the small print on travel vaccinations. A new survey out of Dublin suggests many Irish holidaymakers are unaware that bypassing recommended jabs can wipe out their insurance protection—and leave them footing hefty overseas medical bills.

How skipping a jab can cancel your cover

Travel policies generally require customers to take “reasonable precautions” before departure. Industry experts say that includes receiving any inoculations identified by the World Health Organization or national health agencies as necessary for your chosen destination. Failure to comply can void a policy outright, meaning an insurer could legally refuse to reimburse hospital treatment, emergency repatriation or related costs. That can translate into a five-figure financial hit. Treatment for hepatitis A in North America can run upward of €6,000, while a serious typhoid case in Southeast Asia could crest €10,000 once hospital stays and evacuation expenses are tallied. Those bills land squarely on the traveler if cover is canceled.

Survey finds risky attitudes among Irish travelers

JustCover, a Dublin-based travel insurance specialist, commissioned a poll of 500 Irish residents who had taken an international trip in the past two years. Key findings include:

• 1 in 5 respondents said they would still go abroad even if they had not received the vaccines recommended for that destination.
• 1 in 3 admitted they were unaware that ignoring vaccine guidance could invalidate their travel insurance.
• 18 percent cited saving money as a reason to skip doses, a figure that jumps to 33 percent among Generation Z travelers aged 18–24.
• 28 percent confessed they “never or rarely” research vaccination advice before booking a holiday.

Concerns about side effects, a self-perceived low risk of infection and general vaccine mistrust were among the most common explanations for opting out.

Basic jabs aren’t free in Ireland

Ireland’s public health system does not cover standard travel vaccines such as hepatitis A or typhoid fever, even for medical card holders. Costs vary, but a full schedule can run €100–€250 depending on dose count and clinic fees. That expense is prompting some budget-minded travelers to roll the dice, according to the study.

Expert advice: vaccinations are as essential as flights and hotels

“Vaccinations and travel insurance costs are as essential as hotels and flights,” JustCover Director Peter Clark said in a prepared statement. Clark urged travelers to schedule appointments as soon as they book a trip because many vaccines require multiple injections spread over several weeks. The company stresses that diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis A and yellow fever exist in many popular destinations—even luxury resort areas—and that age or current health status offers little protection. Clark added that official resources such as Ireland’s Health Service Executive and the WHO maintain up-to-date vaccine guidance “that can differ from one part of a country to another,” making personal research indispensable.

What this means for holiday planners

For travelers, the bottom line is clear: skipping recommended shots can be interpreted by insurers as a failure to take reasonable care. In practice, that means claims related to an illness that a vaccine could have prevented may be declined. While not every policy explicitly lists vaccines, most have clauses requiring travelers to follow medical advice relevant to the trip.

Tips for Travelers

1. Check official advice early. Visit the HSE’s Travel Health section or the WHO’s country pages as soon as a destination is under consideration. Some jabs require a month-long course.
2. Budget for the clinic. Factor €100–€250 for common vaccines into trip planning. Compare prices at GP practices and dedicated travel clinics.
3. Document everything. Keep receipts and vaccination certificates; some border officials require proof, and insurers may ask for it when processing claims.
4. Review policy wording. Look for phrases such as “reasonable precautions” or “recommended inoculations.” If in doubt, contact the insurer for clarification before travel.
5. Plan boosters. Long-term travelers or frequent flyers may need booster shots. Confirm schedules with a qualified healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries require proof of vaccination?

Yellow fever certificates are mandatory for parts of Africa and South America. Many Asian and Latin American nations recommend hepatitis A, typhoid or rabies jabs; some cruise lines require updated measles or COVID-19 records. Always consult official sources for the latest rules.

If I forget, can I get vaccinated abroad?

Possibly, but clinics overseas may charge more, accept limited payment options or demand cash. Waiting can also leave you unprotected during the most vulnerable first days of travel.

Will a policy cover non-vaccine illnesses if I skip a jab?

Policies can be voided entirely, not just for vaccine-preventable diseases. That means unrelated accidents or illnesses might also be excluded. Read the fine print or contact your provider.

Are travel vaccines ever free?

In Ireland, routine travel shots are not publicly funded. Some employers or university programs reimburse the cost, so check benefit packages.

What if my GP says I don’t need a shot?

Document the advice in writing. Insurers generally accept guidance from licensed medical professionals, but retain proof in case a claim is challenged.

The takeaway for global nomads

From Dublin to Donegal, the message resonates: the modest cost and minor inconvenience of a vaccine appointment pale in comparison with the financial and emotional toll of falling ill abroad without coverage. Do the homework, roll up your sleeve and keep those insurance protections intact—then you can focus on collecting memories rather than medical bills. — as Clark told reporters in a prepared statement.