Latest news with #GeraldineKelly
RTÉ News
20-07-2025
- RTÉ News
Trip trouble? Why travel insurance can save the day
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a months-long adventure abroad, travel insurance could be one of the smartest investments you make. It protects you from unexpected events that could otherwise turn your dream holiday into a costly nightmare. Lets break down why travel insurance matters, what to look for in a policy, and how to choose coverage that fits your travel plans and budget. What does travel insurance cover? Travel insurance can cover you against losses such as cancelled flights, travel delays, damaged or delayed luggage, loss or theft of money or passport, and most importantly, illness or injury. "While baggage delays are annoying, it's the serious issues, like accidents or illness abroad, that can be financially devastating," said Geraldine Kelly, Head of Personal Lines at insurance broker Gallagher in Ireland. "Emergency medical expenses can run into tens of thousands. "A simple, affordable policy can give you peace of mind and real protection if the worst happens," she explained. What type of travel insurance can you get? There are several types of travel insurance available, depending on the type of trip you're taking and who is travelling. The most common policies include single-trip cover for one-off holidays and annual multi-trip cover if you travel more than once a year. Ms Kelly of Gallagher Insurance said the key is to match the policy to the nature of your trip and who is going. "You'll also find specialist cover like family, student, group, and over-65s insurance," she said. How much does travel insurance cost? Just like other insurance products, you need to shop around to get the best value for money. "Family plans tend to be better value than individual plans, so make sure to compare the prices of different options," a spokesperson for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission advised. If you're planning multiple trips for the year, a multi-trip or annual policy will probably be better value than purchasing a single trip policy each time. While some travel agents sell insurance policies, the CCPC said they may not be the cheapest option. "You may get better value if you purchase from another provider," the spokesperson said. "Make sure to compare the coverage and terms against different providers and policies." In general, policies with a lower premium tend to have higher excess, while policies with a higher premium tend to provide additional coverage such as winter sports, delayed or missed departures. According to Gallagher in Ireland, pricing varies based on age, destination, and duration. "As a rough guide - a basic single-trip European policy might cost as little as €22.00," said Ms Kelly of Gallagher in Ireland. "For more comprehensive cover, including cancellation, baggage, and medical benefits up to €5,000,000, you could expect to pay around €42.00. "Annual multi-trip policies start from about €80.00 for Europe, rising to €120.00 or more for global cover," she added. Do adventure holidays require additional cover? Yes, standard travel insurance typically excludes higher-risk activities unless specifically added on. "If you're planning to ski, snowboard, scuba dive, or take part in other sports like bungee jumping or paragliding, you'll need to include winter sports or adventure activity cover," Ms Kelly explained. "Always check what's included," she added. What should you ask your provider before purchasing? According to the CCPC, extreme weather events, natural disasters, protests, strikes and civil unrest may not be covered by every travel insurance policy. "You may need to purchase a disruption cover as an add-on to your policy," a spokesperson advised. In general, if something is not specified in the terms and conditions, it is not covered. "Always check with the insurance provider if you have any doubts about any coverage before going ahead with the purchase," the CCPC stressed. What does my European Health Insurance Card cover? If you are travelling within the EU, make sure to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The card provides free or reduced cost state healthcare in the EU. "Keep in mind that EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance," the CCPC said. "It will not cover, for instance, private healthcare or any costs to fly you back to Ireland for medical reasons." Top travel insurance tips: Purchase cover as soon as you book to activate cancellation benefits Disclose all pre-existing medical conditions Check if your destination or activity needs extra cover Consider an excess waiver if you don't want to pay out of pocket on small claims If you travel often, annual cover is usually better value Don't rely on EHIC: It's helpful in Europe but won't cover things like repatriation or lost baggage. Read the fine print: Understand what's covered and what's not. Strike action, extreme weather, and long security delays may or may not be included.
Irish Examiner
09-06-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Life Hack: How to avoid injuring yourself while doing DIY jobs at home
Sunnier days have many of us more willing to take on home improvement jobs ourselves but a few emails have landed in my inbox in recent weeks that remind Irish DIYers why it is important to be careful when it comes to property maintenance. According to a recent nationwide survey commissioned by insurance broker Gallagher, nearly half of Irish people rate their DIY abilities at two stars or less, and 12% of those surveyed admit to having zero skills. Interestingly, men were four times more likely than women to rate themselves five-star DIYers and twice as likely to consider themselves four-star. It's a statistic that caught the attention of the insurance company too. 'What's really striking here is the gender gap in self-assessed ability — nearly 60% of women rated themselves as two stars or less, compared to just 41% of men. Whether that points to a lack of confidence or ability in women is up for debate,' said Geraldine Kelly, head of personal lines at Gallagher. 'There seems to be a confidence divide at play. Whether it's exposure, education, or tradition, men are more likely to back themselves with a spanner. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're doing better jobs.' Similarly, last month, Specsavers shared research it commissioned that revealed more than two-thirds of adults in Ireland have suffered a DIY-related accident. Its survey found that more than half of Irish DIYers have suffered splinters, while others have accidentally hammered fingers, tripped over something, or dropped something on their feet. Other common accidents on the list included cutting yourself on sharp tools, superglueing fingers together, and getting an electric shock. Many years ago, my father accidentally cut his pinky finger off when an electric saw slipped out of his hand (a swift visit to A&E saw it reattached, thankfully) so I'm very aware of the risks when taking on certain projects at home. 'While minor mishaps are part of any DIY journey, the most successful projects consider proper preparation — including appropriate safety measures,' said Kerril Hickey, chairman of Specsavers Ireland. 'Taking simple precautions like wearing protective eyewear and hearing protection allows DIYers to take on their projects with total confidence.' A key consideration for all DIYers should be ensuring that they wear protective items when using power tools and sharp objects. 'Completing projects gives us such a fantastic sense of accomplishment. We just need to remember to take the necessary precautions and look after ourselves at the same time — a weekend project is never worth a trip to A&E,' Mr Hickey said, adding that Specsavers would 'strongly encourage DIY enthusiasts to put their safety first and take steps to prevent avoidable injury'. Protective items to consider include eyewear, as recommended by Specsavers. The firm has a new range of safety eyewear, which is included in the chain's two-for-one offer. With many DIYers dropping things on their feet, protective footwear is a must. Safety boots with reinforced toe caps are available in hardware shops and will protect your toes from mishaps. A face mask can help to protect your lungs when small particles are in the air, such as when sawing or spraying. Ear defenders can be worn to soften loud noises on the eardrum, while hard hats are a great option to protect your head from falling items from overhead. The Specsavers survey noted that half of us have turned to DIY to save money but experts at Gallagher warn that poor DIY can cost you in the long run. From an insurance standpoint, poor DIY work can result in damage to the property, which may not be covered by a home policy if it is linked to lack of maintenance or improper repairs. 'Homeowners should be mindful that general upkeep is their responsibility, and neglecting it can lead to serious and costly issues over time,' Ms Kelly added. 'In many cases, calling a professional may be the safer and more cost-effective option. A cautious approach is a smart one. DIY can be rewarding but knowing when to step back and call a professional could save you a lot of stress and money in the long run.' Read More Life Hack: How to deep clean a bathtub for a sparkling soak
BreakingNews.ie
30-05-2025
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Half of Irish adults say their DIY skills are ‘well below par', survey reveals
Nearly half of the Irish population (49 per cent) rate their DIY abilities at two stars or less, whilst over one in 10 (12 per cent) admit to having zero skills when it comes to home maintenance, a new survey has revealed. The nationwide survey, commissioned by insurance broker Gallagher in Ireland and conducted by iReach among 1,000 Irish adults, has revealed that there is a sizeable cohort of the general public (36 per cent) who are 'distinctly average' in the DIY department, awarding themselves just three out of five stars for their skills around the home. Advertisement The Gallagher poll paints a picture of an Ireland where confidence with tools is very much split along gender and generational lines. Commenting on the findings, head of personal lines at Gallagher in Ireland, Geraldine Kelly, said: 'Judging by our survey feedback, the perception that DIY is a male-dominated space still rings true to some extent. "What's really striking here is the gender gap in self-assessed ability – nearly 60 per cent of women rated themselves as two stars or less, compared to just 41 per cent of men. Whether that points to a lack of confidence or ability in women is up for debate'. Gallagher's survey asked individuals to rank how adept they are at basic home maintenance and improvement tasks such as hanging shelves, assembling furniture, fixing minor leaks, painting, and general upkeep. Advertisement While many of these jobs seem manageable, the risk of causing accidental damage can increase significantly without the right skills or equipment, Gallagher said. Other key findings from the survey include: Only 3 per cent of adults see themselves as master-level DIYers (5-star); 12 per cent believe they have earned a 4-star rating; Men were four times more likely than women to rate themselves 5-star (4 per cent vs. 1 per cent) and twice as likely to consider themselves 4-star DIYers (16 per cent vs. 8 per cent); 20 per cent of women awarded themselves a lowly 1-star, compared to just 9 per cent of men. 'There seems to be a confidence divide at play,' Kelly said. 'Whether it's exposure, education, or tradition, men are more likely to back themselves with a spanner. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're doing better jobs!' Age Those aged 35–44 emerged as the most confident cohort, with 18 per cent rating themselves either 4 or 5 stars – well ahead of the 11 per cent in the younger 25–34 group. Advertisement By contrast, 32 per cent of those over 55 said they were either a 1-star or zero-star DIYer. 'It might surprise some people to learn that those with most life experience are the least likely to believe in their own DIY skills. However, it might only be a reflection of changing lifestyles,' Kelly said. 'Older generations may be less physically inclined to take on DIY, or perhaps they're more inclined to hire professionals. Meanwhile, the 35–44 age group are often in the thick of homeownership, parenting, and maintenance'. Experts at Gallagher said they are keen to caution that no matter how good you think your skills are, it is important to understand the potential risks involved in even simple home maintenance jobs. Kelly said: 'Homeowners should be mindful that general upkeep is their responsibility, and neglecting it can lead to more serious, and costly, issues over time. In many cases, calling a professional may be the safer and more cost-effective option. "A cautious approach is a smart one. DIY can be rewarding but knowing when to step back and call a professional could save you a lot of stress, and money, in the long run'.
