All players that will be seeking an Official GAA Sanction from Central Council to play in North America, New York or Canada for the summer are reminded that travel insurance must be arranged in Ireland before they commence their journeys.

Like the vast majority of travel insurance policies, the option offered by the GAA can only be purchased by players before they leave Ireland.

Important points for players to note include:

The GAA is willing to accept alternative insurance if it is appropriate; however a sanction will not be granted to any player that does not have a valid Travel Insurance policy in force for the duration of his trip.

Players must ensure that their travel insurance policies extend to cover the playing of Gaelic football and/or hurling as part of a team including the playing of matches. This is not automatically covered under the majority of standard travel insurance policies unless agreed in advance with insurers.

The cost of insurance will depend on the duration of a player’s stay in a particular country.

Travel insurance is not a private health insurance. It only covers players if there is a sudden and unexpected accident or if a player becomes ill during his trip.

Generally where doctors appointed by insurers deem treatment in Ireland/Britain more appropriate, players will be repatriated home for treatment.

Players playing overseas are not covered under the GAA Injury Benefit Fund. For more information, visit: http://www.gaa.ie/clubzone/transfers-and-sanctions/overseas-sanctions/