There are a number of financial offers and benefits available to ASTI members:
- Additional Voluntary Contributions
- Benevolent Fund
- Car Insurance Scheme
- Health Insurance Comparison Service
- Mortgage Advice for ASTI Members
- Tax Return Service
- Home Insurance
- Political Fund
- ASTI Salary Protection Scheme
- Sickness Benefit Scheme
- Study Grants
- VHI Scheme
- Visa Card
- Financial Planning Service
- Retirement Planning Service
- ASTI/Cornmarket Rewards for new members
- Howden Travel Insurance
- Cornmarket Travel Insurance
Additional Voluntary Contributions
Cornmarket is responsible for the design, marketing and administration of the ASTI Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) Scheme.
An AVC may be a great option for you if;
- You want more financial freedom at retirement
- You are interested in retiring early
- You have a shortfall in Superannuation Benefits at retirement.
- Through an AVC, you have a quick and easy way to make additional contributions towards your retirement benefits, and cut your current tax bill. Once retired, you are free to use your AVC Investment Account, subject to the relevant Revenue rules, to purchase the retirement benefits you would like (e.g. to maximise your tax-free lump sum).
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is the appointed administrator of the ASTI Group AVC Scheme, which has been negotiated on your behalf to include unique elements that sets it apart from regular, off-the-shelf AVC Schemes.
For more information and the benefits of the Scheme, please call 0818 601 601 or click here.
Warning: The value of your investment may go down as well as up.
Warning: This product may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates.
Warning: If you invest in this product you may lose some or all of the money you invest.
Warning: If you invest in this product you will not have any access to your money until you receive your Superannuation benefits.
Warning: Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Benevolent Fund
The ASTI operates a Benevolent Scheme and maintains a fund to finance it. The following are eligible for consideration as beneficiaries:
- Member who becomes totally incapacitated so that he/she is forced to retire from teaching
- Illness of member resulting in absence from work for 18 consecutive months
- Exceptional circumstances (determination at discretion of administrators of fund)
- Qualifying dependents of deceased members
A committee consisting of the President and Honorary Treasurer of the ASTI and three members elected annually by Annual Convention administers the scheme and fund. Payments of up to €10,000 may be made. For an application form, please contact Elaine McLoughlin on Tel: 01-6040184.
This is an internal ASTI Scheme.
Car Insurance Scheme
ASTI members, Cornmarket Car Insurance means bigger choice and better value than ever before. Cornmarket compare a range of insurers to save you time and money.
Here's what makes Cornmarket different:
- Big discounts - Great savings are available for ASTI members.
- Packed with benefits - Drive away with benefits you can't beat. Policies with different levels of cover to match your needs and wants.
- More insurers, more options - They have expanded their panel to get customers a wider range of policies tailored to their needs.
- They compare, you save - They'll compare insurers to find you the right cover at the right price.
- Trusted for generations - Over 50 years' experience protecting the financial wellbeing of their customers.
Recently returned from working abroad?
If you or any of your colleagues have just returned to Ireland after working overseas, Cornmarket can help. They recognise your driving experience abroad and most international driving licences, helping you get a more competitive start on your car insurance in Ireland.
Cornmarket compare, you save
Call 0818 601 601 or visit www.cornmarket.ie/car-insurance/ for the latest benefits and offers.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Health Insurance Comparison Service
Cornmarket’s Health Insurance Comparison Service
ASTI members, you health insurance is probably costing you more than it should. Did you know over 50% of ASTI members remain on old legacy plans?
As Ireland’s biggest health insurance broker, Cornmarket compares every plan from their four providers - VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health and Level Health so you don't have to.
Teachers who switch save an average of €556*.
Want to find out quickly if you can make a saving? Use the easy-to-use online health insurance comparison tool available on the Cornmarket website: www.cornmarket.ie/health-insurance/
Recommendation built around your life
Whether you're a young teacher just staring out, a growing family juggling different needs, or approaching retirement and thinking about what lies ahead, Cornmarket tailor their recommendation to your life stage, your priorities and your current plan.
They compare like for like, so you never trade down. And as the exclusive broker for Level Health, they have access to plans not available anywhere else.
What this service includes:
- Full market comparison across all four providers.
- Expert, unbiased advice - no pressure, no jargon.
- Life-stage tailored recommendations for you and your family.
- Exclusive deals, including Level Health plans only available through Cornmarket.
- A quick and easy process.
Call 0818 601 601 or visit www.cornmarket.ie/health-insurance/ for the latest great benefits or offers.
*Average savings of €556 based on 3,937 reviews between June 2025 and June 2026.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Mortgage Advice for ASTI Members
Cornmarket Mortgages
Cornmarket offer mortgage advice tailored to ASTI members’ needs, as they are specialists in mortgages for public sector employees. Their mortgage experts have everything you need to know to find the right mortgage for you.
Cornmarket service provides:
- Free mortgage advice.
- Superior cashback offers.
- Easy online portal.
- End-to-end dedicated expert.
- Life cover price matching.
Whether buying your first home, moving or looking to switch and save, Cornmarket can make your mortgage application and home purchase as stress free as possible.
Cornmarket promise to be with you every step of the way – from preparing your application to getting the keys.
Call (01) 420 6765 or visit www.cornmarket.ie/mortgages/ for the latest benefits and offers.
Warning: If you do not keep up your repayments, you may lose your home.
Warning: Your interest rate may increase, and the amount of your mortgage repayments may increase as a result.
Warning: You may have to pay charges if you pay off a fixed-rate loan early.
Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit report, which which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire-purchase agreement, a consumer-hire agreement or a BNPL-agreement in the future.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Tax Return Service
Cornmarket Tax Return Service
Cornmarket’s Tax Return Service is the perfect solution for ASTI members. Their seamless, simple service helps customers to be tax compliant brings peace of mind as everything is managed by their team of experienced professionals.
Cornmarket's Tax Return Service has claimed back millions* in overpaid tax for their customers.
Call (01) 477 5138 or visit www.cornmarket.ie/tax-return-service/ for the latest great benefits and offers.
*Source: Cornmarket PAYE Tax Return client statistics, 2026.
Warning: The provision of this service does not require licensing, registration or authorisation by the Central Bank of Ireland, and as a result is not covered by Central Bank or Ireland rules designed to protect consumers or by a statutory compensation scheme.
Cornmarket's Tax Return Service is not a regulated financial product.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Home Insurance
Cornmarket Home Insurance
Cornmarket Home Insurance helps protect what matters most. With bigger choice and better value than ever before, Cornmarket compare a wide range of insurers to save ASTI members time and money.
Cornmarket are committed to delivering exceptional and affordable cover to homeowners across the country with :
- Top class quote tool – online or by phone.
- Competitive pricing, to save you money.
- Comparison of a range of insurers.
- Superior benefits and service.
With different levels of cover to match customers needs and wants, here are just some of the great benefits you could expect:
- Cyber cover.
- Cash, cards and cheque loss cover.
- Accidental damage to buildings cover (optional).
- Alternative accommodation.
Call 0818 601 601 or visit - www.cornmarket.ie/home-insurance/ for the latest great benefits and offers.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Political Fund
The ASTI operates a political fund. ASTI members who are duly nominated candidates for An tOireachtas, the Governing Bodies and Senates of the Universities or membership of the Assembly of the European Communities may apply to the Fund. The amount of any grant shall be decided by the Standing Committee. Donations from the Political Fund are subject to the Electoral (Amendment) Acts and Guidelines for the General Election to the 32nd Dail, 2016, published by the Standards in Public Office Commission.
Queries to Head Office regarding the Fund should be addressed to the ASTI General Secretary, Thomas MacDonagh House, Winetavern Street, Dublin 8.
This is an internal ASTI Scheme.
ASTI Salary Protection Scheme
What would happen if you were suddenly unable to work?
Continuance helps to protect your salary if you are ill or injured and can not work, providing you with a replacement salary of up to 75% of your salary less any other income you may be entitled to (e.g. Ill Health Early Retirement Pension, Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration, State Illness Benefit or State Invalidity Pension)
With the ASTI Salary Protection Scheme, you also get:
- Death Benefit
- Specified Illness Benefit
- Life Cover Benefit
- Income Tax relief
For more details and information on Salary Protection, please call 0818 601 601 or visit: www.cornmarket.ie/income-protection/asti-salary-protection-scheme/
The ASTI Salary Protection Scheme and the Cornmarket Retired Members Life Cover Plan are underwritten by Irish Life Assurance plc.
Irish Life Assurance plc, trading as Irish Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Sickness Benefit Scheme
The ASTI operates a Sickness Benefit Scheme and maintains a fund to finance it. The scheme is administered by a committee of seven members appointed by Convention and directly responsible to Convention. All members of the Association are automatically members of the Sickness Benefit Scheme. Members may claim benefit under this scheme in respect of (a) illness (b) optical and dental treatment, and hearing aids prescribed for the member by a qualified medical practitioner.
(a) Illness:
Payment will be made in respect of illness entailing seven consecutive days absence from school or more, unless the illness occurs during official holidays. Saturday and Sunday may be included in reckoning these seven days. In the case of illness of a member resulting in death, an application for sickness benefit on account of that illness may be considered from the next-of-kin of the member and dealt with at the discretion of the Sickness Benefit Fund Committee.
The Sickness Benefit Scheme does not cover:
(i) Illness occurring within 24 calendar months of first entry in the scheme or subsequent re-entry
(ii) Accidents or illness resulting from accidents
(iii) Maternity or pregnancy, or illness arising directly from maternity or pregnancy
Benefit shall not be paid in respect of:
(i) The same type of illness recurring within a period of three years
(ii) Expenses recoverable from any other agency such as VHI, BUPA, Social Welfare, etc
In the case of illness, the maximum benefit shall be an amount equal to the annual ASTI membership subscription plus €50 in any calendar year, which at the moment equates to €506.
(b) Optical and Dental Treatment, and Hearing Aids:
The benefit payable in respect of expenses for optical and dental treatment and hearing aids prescribed for the member by a qualified medical practitioner is subject to a maximum of €200 (as of 13th April, 2023) in a five year period. Receipts must be for €215 or more to obtain the maximum of €200. No claim for less than €15 will be considered.
How to Claim:
All applications for benefit must be made on the official form that may also be obtained from the School Steward or from Head Office. Photocopied receipts (please do not send originals) from the appropriate medical authority or qualified practitioner must accompany the application for benefit. Claims for benefit must be submitted to ASTI Head Office within six calendar months of termination of illness or treatment.
This is an internal ASTI Scheme.
Study Grants
ASTI offers:
- a study grant for members pursuing certain diploma, certificate or degree courses in trade union studies.
- an annual student bursary draw - the purpose is to assist students who have a parent who is an ASTI member or an ASTI staff member, while undertaking a course in third-level education.
- a scholarship to assist ASTI members in undertaking further third level studies.
Find full details of these schemes on the Awards/Grants pages here.
These are internal ASTI Schemes.
VHI Scheme
The ASTI has arranged a VHI Healthcare group scheme on behalf of its members. The scheme offers members:
- Hassle free payment with salary deduction.
- Assist from VHI Healthcare – an emergency service in cases of unexpected illness or accident while overseas.
-
Vhi 360 Health Centres provides Vhi members with rapid access to urgent care services for minor injury and illness.
For full details contact the VHI at 056 444 4444 or find more information here. Please quote ASTI Group Scheme Number 514.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Visa Card
ASTI AIB Affinity Visa Card
About the card
The ASTI has partnered with AIB to offer you an affinity credit card with a reduced rate, issued exclusively to ASTI members and staff.
Benefits to you:
- Up to 56 days interest-free credit
- Special introductory annual interest on purchases & Balance Transfers*
- Cash advance facility
- 24/7 customer service for lost, stolen or misused cards
- Non-AIB customers can apply for an ASTI Credit Card
- No annual bank fee**
* Rates applicable for the first 12 months from account opening date. After 12 months the interest rate reverts to the monthly rate for purchases applicable to the product at that time.
** Please note all accounts will be charged an annual government stamp duty of €30.
Application procedure
If you would like to apply for an ASTI AIB Visa Card please contact (01) 6685500 or email [email protected].
FAQs
- Who can apply for the ASTI Credit Card? Members, staff and friends of the organisation may apply for the ASTI AIB Affinity Visa Card. Please note applicants must be over 18 years of age. Terms and conditions apply.
- Can I apply for the ASTI Credit Card if I don't bank with AIB? Yes you can. Along, with a completed and signed application form, please also bring photographic ID and two original Utility Bills into any AIB Branch where and AIB Staff member will sight the originals and copy them for you.
- I don't live in Ireland; can I still apply for the ASTI Card? As long as you hold an active Irish Bank account, you can apply for this card where ever in the world you are based.
- How can I make the application procedure easier? In order to make the application procedure easier, don't forget the following:
- Completed Application Form
- If you are NOT already an AIB Account Holder, please understand that to comply with the Criminal Justice Act 1994, AIB is obliged to establish your identity (Passport or Drivers Licence) and permanent address (a household bill or recent bank statement) before you open an account.
Terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. Government stamp duty of €30 is charged annually. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Financial Planning Service
FREE Financial Planning Service for ASTI members
ASTI members have the opportunity to benefit from Cornmarket’s Financial Planning Service on a complimentary basis. The service, which includes a 360-degree view of your finances by a Cornmarket consultant, is designed to prepare you for the future, and to help optimise your potential savings.
What you’ll cover:
- Checking you’re on the right point of the salary scale
- Retirement planning and pensions
- Life Insurance review
- How to maximise your savings
- Tax credits and payslips review
- Salary Protection advice
- Health, home and car insurance deals best suited for you
For more information or to request an appointment, please call 0818 601 601 or visit www.cornmarket.ie/financial-planning-service/
*Source Cornmarket: 3,358 surveys received from January - December 2022.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Retirement Planning Service
FREE Retirement Planning Service for ASTI members
Both the lead up to your retirement and the point of retirement bring with them some important decisions to be made that are key to your financial security in retirement.
Fortunately, ASTI members can avail of Cornmarket’s Retirement Planning Service on a complimentary basis.
Cornmarket's Retirement Planning consultant will meet with you before, during and after your retirement to discuss your own personal circumstances and help you achieve the best possible retirement for you.
What you will discuss:
- Settling up your AVC or PRSA and maximising your retirement benefits
- Maximising your money and tax relief with single premium AVCs
- Savings and tax
- Investing in retirement
- Inheritance planning
- Retired Members' Life Cover
- Social welfare entitlements
For more information or to request an appointment, please call 0818 601 601 or visit: - www.cornmarket.ie/retirement-planning-service/
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
ASTI Rewards for new members
The ASTI/Cornmarket Rewards* programme provides exclusive offers, discounts and freebies to new ASTI members,** including:
- 12 months’ free access to MyDoc***, a service that provides access to a GP via video and phone consultation,
- a collection of discounts on financial products and services administered by Cornmarket,
- access to exclusive competitions, and webinars on topics to support financial and personal well-being,
- a free mortgage advice service, and
- a free one-to-one financial health check – including what’s in your payslip.
To access the Rewards programme, when applying to join the ASTI, teachers will need to tick the opt-in box for Rewards on the ASTI application form.
What happens then?
If you tick the opt-in box for Rewards:
- Once your ASTI membership is ratified, we will send your details to Cornmarket to set up your membership to Rewards.
- Once Cornmarket has processed your application and set up your offers, you’ll receive a ‘Welcome to Rewards’ email from Cornmarket with all the information you need.
- You can then start using your Rewards benefits straight away.
Another reason to join the ASTI!
ASTI Rewards is just one of many reasons why new teachers should join the ASTI. Rewards is designed to save new members money and provide them with financial guidance in the first years of their teaching career.
To find out more about Rewards, visit: www.Cornmarket.ie/rewards
For information on the benefits of ASTI membership, visit: www.asti.ie/join/
*You can access Rewards membership terms by visiting www.cornmarket.ie/rewards-club-terms
**‘Rewards Benefits’ are effective from the date you receive a ‘Welcome to Rewards’ email from Cornmarket. Cornmarket will contact you with information on how to redeem each Benefit. Rewards Benefits are subject to change and are only available through certain Schemes. You must opt in to join Rewards via your Union Membership application form.
***New Rewards members will be issued their MyDoc pin, contact numbers and MyDoc web app link in their ‘Welcome to Rewards’ email. You will have 12 months of free access to MyDoc starting on the date you receive your ‘Welcome to Rewards’ email from Cornmarket. MyDoc is provided by HealthHero, and distributed by Cornmarket. Terms and conditions regarding the MyDoc service can be found on www.healthhero.com/terms-and-conditions. MyDoc is not a regulated financial product.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Howden Travel Insurance
Howden Ireland provide comprehensive travel insurance to ASTI members, ensuring piece of mind whether it’s a single or multi-tip.
Premiums for ASTI members for worldwide multi-trip cover for an individual are €65, for couples are €81, and for families starting are €121. However, if you have approved private medical insurance, these premiums will each reduce by 30%.
What’s covered?
- Medical cover up to €10 million*
- Trip cancellation up to €5,000*
- 24/7 assistance*
- Baggage protection up to €2,000*
Excusive benefits for ASTI members:
- Cover available up to 79 years of age
- Over 50 Sport and Activities free of charge
- Winter Sports & Scuba Diving included free of charge
- 30% discount if you have Private Medical Health Insurance
Simply click here to quote and buy your travel policy in just a few simple steps.
*Terms & conditions apply. For more information on our travel insurance benefits click here or call 019131077.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
Cornmarket Travel Insurance
ASTI members get 15% off Travel Insurance when you use promo code ASTI15 online.
Cornmarket Travel Insurance gives you real choice and real protection, built around how you actually travel. It's not a one-size-fits-all policy.
Here’s what makes Cornmarket different:
- Choice built around you – Choose from Silver, Gold or Platinum cover, for Europe or Worldwide (with or without USA and Canada), and pick Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip — whatever suits how you travel.
- Kids go free – Travelling as a family? Children are covered at no extra cost on Family and Single Parent policies.
- Enhanced age acceptance – Cover available up to age 86 for Single Trip, and up to age 75 for Annual Multi-Trip.
- Travel GP included – Access a GP while you’re away, day or night, without the stress of finding one yourself.
- 24/7 medical and emergency assistance – Real support, anywhere in the world, whenever you need it.
- Cancelled accommodation cover up to €6,000 – Real protection if your trip falls through, not just a token gesture.
- Choose your excess – Flexibility to set the excess that suits your budget and your risk appetite.
- Auto-rollover of cover – Less hassle. Your policy can renew automatically so you’re never caught without cover.
- Winter sports cover available – Heading skiing or snowboarding? Add it on and travel with confidence.
- No pressure, no jargon – A simple three-step process: visit the site, choose your cover, and apply your code.
Get a quote today by visiting: www.cornmarket.ie/travel-insurance/ and enter promo code ASTI15 for 15% off at checkout.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
This is not an ASTI Scheme. The ASTI advises all members to seek full details on any financial scheme they may be considering.
*Free kids cover applies to up to 9 children up to age 17, or up to age 23 if in full-time education. If a medical declaration is made, this may incur an additional charge.
ASTI members get 15% off Travel Insurance when you use promo code ASTI15 online.
Cornmarket Travel Insurance is your best travel companion, now with more choice and value than ever before. We’ll find the policy to suit your needs at a great price for you, based on your:
- Trip type
- Destination
- Desired level of cover
Cornmarket Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind wherever you go, anywhere in the world, 24/7.
We offer great value single-trip policies for individuals as well as annual multi-trip policies.
Here are just some of the benefits:
- Free kids cover*
- Cancellation cover
- Medical expenses
- Cancellation and curtailment for covid
- 24/7 travel GP
- Personal accident cover
- Delayed and missed departure cover
- Personal money and travel documents
- Hospital benefit up to specified limit
- Emergency assistance: 24/7 emergency helpline
Get a quote today by visiting: www.cornmarket.ie/travel-insurance/
*Up to 9 children up to 17 or up to age 23 if in full-time education. If a medical declaration is made, this may incur an additional charge.
Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
