Best Travel Insurance for Australia

If you’re planning to head to the Land Down Under soon, find out what the top travel insurance plans from Singapore to Australia are, including important coverage to take note of and some FAQs.

Best Travel Insurance: TIQ Travel Insurance | MSIG TravelEasy | Allianz Travel Insurance | Ergo TravelProtect | Singlife Travel Insurance | Sompo Travel Insurance | Tokio Marine Travel Insurance | Allied World Travel Insurance | Starr Travel Insurance | FWD Travel Insurance | AIG Travel Guard

Planning a trip from Singapore to Australia? While the Land Down Under offers breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable experiences, it's also important to remember that not every trip will be a bed of roses — there are some precautions you’ll need to take while you’re abroad.

Ensuring you have the right travel insurance can make all the difference in your peace of mind during your trip. 

Without further ado, we present to you some of the best travel insurance plans to protect you while you’re overseas. Whether you're a beachcomber, an adventure enthusiast, or a city explorer, these insurance plans are designed to keep you covered and worry-free throughout your journey.

Table of contents:

• Best travel insurance plans for travelling to Australia from Singapore
  • FWD
  • Singlife
  • Tiq
• Important travel insurance coverage for Bali
  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of belongings
  • COVID-19 medical expenses
  • Flight delay or cancellation
  • Car rental excess
• FAQs

Read these next:
Best Family-Friendly Holiday Destinations In Asia (2023)
10 Most Beautiful Places and Beach Destinations in Asia
Revenge Travel: Get Even With These 16 Smart Travel Tips

Best travel insurance plans with vehicle excess for travelling to Australia

Product							Apply
FWD First Apply Now	Up to S$1,000,000	Available as a rider Up to S$200,000	Up to S$15,000	Up to S$900 S$150/6h	Up to S$1,000	From S$32.40	Apply Now
Tiq Travel Luxury Apply Now	Up to S$1,000,000	Opt for COVID-19 add-on  Up to S$500,000	Up to S$10,000	Up to S$200 S$100/6h	Up to S$1,000 (as add-on)	From S$43	Apply Now
Allianz Travel Comprehensive Platinum Plan - Worldwide Apply Now	Up to S$1,000,000	Opt for COVID-19 add-on  Same coverage with medical expenses	up to S$15,000	Up to S$1,400	Up to S$3,000	From S$62	Apply Now
MSIG Premier Plan Apply Now	Up to S$1,000,000	Up to S$250,000	Up to S$15,000	Up to S$1,500 S$250/6h	Up to S$1,500	From S$76	Apply Now
Singlife Travel Prestige Apply Now	Up to unlimited coverage	Up to S$200,000	Up to S$20,000 Up to S$5,000 for any reason	Up to S$2,000 S$200/6h	Up to S$2,500	From S$53.95	Apply Now
Starr TraveLead Gold Plan - Worldwide (Annual) Apply Now	Up to S$1,000,000	Up to S$100,000	Up to S$15,000	Up to S$1,200 S$100/6h	Up to S$1,200	From S$40.80	Apply Now
AIG Travel Guard® Direct - Supreme Apply Now	Up to S$2,500,000	Up to S$250,000	Up to S$15,000	Up to S$1,400	Up to S$1,500	From S$68	Apply Now

*Based on a 7-day trip to Australia

Best value-for-money: FWD Travel Insurance

If you're in search of a cost-effective travel insurance plan that offers substantial coverage, FWD travel insurance is a great option. With prices starting at just S$32.40 for a 7-day trip to Australia, FWD's travel insurance stands out for its competitive premiums compared to other options. It's important to note that these premiums are stated before any discounts, which means you can save even more!

However, when it comes to evaluating the scope of coverage, it does not fall short. FWD Travel Insurance offers substantial coverage for overseas medical expenses, allowing claims of up to S$1,000,000. Moreover, their coverage for trip cancellation is notably generous, providing protection of up to S$15,000.

The only downside is that the standard plan does not include COVID-19 coverage, but you have the option to purchase an add-on rider for an extra cost of S$12.30 (applicable to a 7-day trip to Australia). This additional rider offers coverage of up to S$200,000 for medical expenses related to COVID-19, a daily overseas quarantine allowance of S$50 for a maximum of 14 days, and trip disruption coverage of up to S$5,000.

Beyond its affordability, FWD Travel Insurance boasts a user-friendly claims process and efficient customer service. You can easily submit your claims through the FWD SG App and seek assistance if necessary.

Also, FWD just added coverage for trip cancellation, postponement or curtailment for any reason, up to S$6,000. This is only applicable if you purchase the add-on within 7 days from the initial trip deposit for your trip.

Best for comprehensive coverage: Singlife Travel Insurance

If you’re seeking an all-rounded comprehensive policy, look no further than Singlife. They provide extensive coverage on all fronts and even cover unique scenarios like the loss of bridal accessories, inclement weather conditions, and trip cancellations for any reason.

The most impressive thing is that with Singlife's Travel Prestige plan, you are provided with unlimited coverage for medical expenses, which is rare compared to other providers.

Their coverage for travel cancellations extends to a maximum of S$15,000, while trip cancellations for any reason are capped at S$5,000 for both Travel Plus and Travel Prestige Plans. This means you have the flexibility to cancel your plans due to conflicting events, changes in your itinerary, or simply a change of heart. However, it's important to note that you must purchase your policy within seven days of booking your flights or hotels to be eligible for a claim.

Singlife also offers a unique benefit in the form of rainfall coverage, providing compensation of up to S$150 if rainfall exceeds 6.4mm within a 24-hour period and disrupts your travel plans. Additionally, their coverage extends to adventurous activities such as white-water rafting, jet skiing, and kayaking, making it an excellent choice for those seeking overseas sports adventures.

Importantly, this plan includes COVID-19 coverage, offering up to S$200,000 for overseas medical expenses.

Best for COVID-19 coverage: TIQ Travel Insurance

TIQ also sets itself apart with its comprehensive coverage for COVID-19. You can experience a peace of mind knowing that TIQ offers COVID-19 coverage that goes as far as S$500,000 for medical expenses related to the virus, ensuring that you have robust protection in the event of contracting it during your trip or even before.

Furthermore, TIQ provides coverage of up to $5,000 for non-refundable expenses if you find yourself needing to cancel or postpone your trip within 14 days of your scheduled departure date.

It's important to keep in mind that COVID-19 coverage is available as an optional add-on, starting at S$23 (for a 7-day trip to Australia). Nevertheless, considering the substantial coverage it affords, the added cost is certainly justified.

See also:
Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans (2023)
Is Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage Still Necessary?

Important travel insurance coverage for Australia

Medical expenses

Medical expense coverage stands as one of the most vital aspects of travel insurance, given that accidents can occur unexpectedly. It's essential to have the confidence that you possess ample coverage.

Whether you find yourself needing to consult a doctor abroad, face hospitalisation, or require emergency medical evacuation, selecting travel insurance with substantial medical expense coverage will offer you peace of mind, knowing that you are adequately protected.

For those planning to engage in adventurous sports or activities during their trip, it's crucial to ensure that your travel insurance policy includes coverage for such pursuits in case of injury.

Certain travel insurance policies encompass activities like skiing, snowboarding, scuba diving, water rafting, and more. It's imperative to carefully review the policy wording to gain a precise understanding of what is covered and what falls outside the coverage scope.

See also: 
Best Travel Insurance Singapore for Adventure Seekers

Loss of belongings

Though Australia’s theft rates are not the highest, it’s stil better to have sufficient coverage for loss of belongings. Whether you fall victim to pickpocketing, accidentally misplace your valuables, or experience damage to them, obtaining comprehensive coverage for your lost belongings is of utmost importance, as it can offer you a peace of mind.

This becomes especially critical for individuals who carry items like laptops for work or cameras and equipment for professional photography, as many travel insurance plans often extend coverage to these valuable possessions.

On top of that, if your luggage unfortunately gets lost during transit or during your flight, you would at least be able to claim for your possessions and receive monetary compensation, albeit the serious inconvenience.

See also:
The Best Travel Insurance For Your Phones
The Best Travel Insurance For Your Laptops
The Best Travel Insurance for Your Camera Equipment

COVID-19 medical expenses

While much of the world is adapting to living with COVID-19, it remains important to secure coverage for this virus.

Opting for COVID-19 coverage allows you the flexibility to delay or cancel your trip if either you or your travel companion contract COVID-19 before your planned departure. Moreover, it ensures you have the resources to obtain over-the-counter medications or seek medical attention at a clinic if you fall ill with COVID-19 during your trip.

In the unfortunate event of severe illness resulting from COVID-19 or the emergence of medical complications related to the virus, specific travel insurance policies can offer coverage for your hospitalisation and even extend benefits for hospital stays. In critical situations, these policies also provide the option of emergency evacuation back to Singapore for essential treatment.

See also: Is Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage Still Necessary?

Flight delay or cancellation

Nowadays, we often hear about more and more cases of long flight delays or last minute flight cancellations. Regardless of the duration of the delay, the experience of spending those valuable hours at the airport while your plans are disrupted can be incredibly frustrating.

This is precisely why having the opportunity to receive compensation for flight delays or cancellations is incredibly important. It enables you to recover at least a portion of the expenses incurred during travel disruptions. Typically, insurance providers offer payouts at intervals of every 4 to 6 hours, up to a certain limit.

This financial assistance equips you with the means to potentially secure accommodation at a nearby hotel or cover any missed activities resulting from your flight delay, should the need arise.

Car rental excess

Planning on going for the Great Ocean Drive? You’ll definitely need to double check if your travel insurance covers for car rental excess.

It may seem counterintuitive, but rental cars typically come with limited insurance coverage. Car rental companies are only obligated to provide third-party liability insurance, which primarily covers claims made by individuals injured in a traffic accident involving your rental vehicle.

As a result, you are responsible for all other types of loss or damage to the rented vehicle during the rental period. This can leave you vulnerable to unexpected expenses if, for instance, your car is rear-ended, vandalized, set on fire, stolen and used recklessly, and so on.

Though you can choose to settle claims with the rental company with your regular car insurance policy (the one for the car you drive in Singapore), doing so can lead to the loss of your No-Claims Discount (NCD) and may result in premium increases at your next policy renewal.

Therefore, when embarking on a road trip, it's important to ensure you have sufficient coverage against loss or damage to your rental car. This involves considering additional benefits such as:

• Collision, loss, or damage waiver (though there may still be excess charges).
• Coverage for windscreen, windows, and tire repairs or replacements
• Benefits for relocation and towing services
• Theft protection

Different car rental companies offer various forms or combinations of these (and other) benefits, so it's advisable to directly inquire with them for personalised advice.

See also:
10 Most Affordable Holiday Destinations From Singapore
10 Travel Bucket List Experiences To Buy Travel Insurance
Beautiful Places & Beach Destinations in Asia
Why Buying Travel Insurance is Necessary

FAQs

Must I buy travel insurance when travelling to Australia from Singapore?

While travel insurance is not a compulsory requirement for traveling to Australia, it is strongly recommended and encouraged to ensure your protection against unforeseen situations while abroad.

Having travel insurance provides you with the reassurance that you are financially safeguarded in case of medical expenses, baggage loss, flight delays, trip cancellations, emergency services, and even COVID-19-related medical costs.

Are there any travel COVID-19 requirements or restrictions for travelling to Australia?

Currently, the Australian Government does not have any COVID-19 requirements in place for travellers entering and departing Australia.

However, COVID-19 still poses a health risk in Australia and overseas, which is why they strongly encourage wearing masks and being vaccinated while travelling internationally. It’s also best to practice good hygiene, and try to maintain social distance from others.

They also strongly advise you to purchase travel insurance that covers COVID-19 so you are covered if you contract it abroad, or back in Singapore. Do ensure that your travel insurance covers for transit destinations if applicable.

Are there different rules/requirements for the different regions/states in Australia?

Yes, there are different restrictions and requiprements put in place for different states in Australia. You can refer here for the list of states and their respective requirements.

What are the visa requirements for Australia?

Unless you’re a citizen of Australia of New Zealand, all travellers will need a valid visa before they travel to Australia.

Some of the available visas include:

• Tourist stream visa
• Transit visa
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
• Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa
• Business visitor stream visa

For more information on what kind of visa you need and the application details, click here.

When is the best time to go to Australia?

The best time to travel to Australia is the periods of September to November and March to May. The temperature is relatively cooling but not too cold, so you’ll be able to do most activities.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Australia?

No, you don’t need an IDP assuming you have a license in Singapore. Aslong as your license is printed in English, you’ll be able to rent a car in Australia.

Do note that Australia cars operate on a left-hand drive (the steering wheel is on the left) meaning that you’ll have to adapt your driving accordingly when you’re there.

Going elsewhere? Read these next:
Best Travel Insurance Plans for Thailand
4 Best Travel Insurance Plans for Your Next Japan Holiday
Best Travel Insurance Plans for Travelling to Malaysia
Comprehensive Guide to Travel Insurance to Bali
Driving to Malaysia? Here's Why You Need Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for Your Singapore to Philippines Trip