Is Direct Asia’s Travel Insurance Good: Review, Pros & Cons

Deborah Gan

Deborah Gan

Last updated 16 April, 2024

Get your whole family covered with this all-rounded travel insurance plan — Direct Asia Travel Insurance.

For the uninitiated, Direct Asia has emerged as a notable player in the travel industry landscape, offering decent coverage, low premiums and the option to select optional covers to cater to your travel needs.

For the uninitiated, Direct Asia has emerged as a notable player in the travel industry landscape, offering decent coverage, low premiums and the option to select optional covers to cater to your travel needs.

Whether you're a frequent globetrotter or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip like your honeymoon, getting the right travel insurance will help to give you a peace of mind knowing that you are sufficiently insured regardless of what travel inconveniences you might face abroad.

We review Direct Asia’s coverage, premiums and everything else you need to know to help you make an informed decision about choosing which travel insurance to buy.

Summary

What does Direct Asia travel insurance cover?

Here's a quick look at the key benefits and optional add-ons available with Direct Asia Travel Insurance:

  • Coverage for medical expenses incurred due to injuries sustained during your insured overseas trip.
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Compensation for lost baggage and personal belongings, such as phones and laptops.
  • Coverage for delays caused by natural disasters, riots, or haze.
  • Same claim limits and benefits for your child.
  • Coverage for pet hotel charges if your flight is delayed, expenses for pet hotel charges
  • Optional hiking travel insurance coverage and protection for other adventure activities and sports equipment.
  • Optional coverage for your foreign domestic helper.
  • Optional benefit covering COVID-19-related issues.

Table of contents:


What makes a good travel insurance plan?

Whether you’re weighing the pros and cons of Direct Asia Travel Insurance or any coverage, you must ensure that the policy includes the following: 

  • Comprehensive medical coverage: A good travel insurance plan should offer extensive coverage for medical expenses incurred overseas and upon returning to Singapore. For instance, Direct Asia’s travel insurance provides various plans, with coverage limits ranging from S$150,000 to S$1,000,000 for overseas medical expenses. This ensures that you are well-protected against unexpected medical costs during your trip.
  • Emergency medical evacuation: Emergency medical evacuation is a critical component of a robust travel insurance plan. The coverage should ensure that you can receive prompt medical attention and transportation in case of a severe injury or illness abroad.
  • Coverage for trip disruptions: A reliable travel insurance plan should include coverage for trip disruptions such as cancellations, delays and baggage loss. This way, you can manage the financial impact of unforeseen travel interruptions.
  • Personal liability protection: Personal liability coverage is essential for protecting yourself against claims of bodily injury or property damage to others. 
  • Optional add-ons: Flexibility with optional add-ons can enhance the overall value of your travel insurance plan. For example, Direct Asia offers optional benefits such as coverage for extreme sports, sports equipment, foreign domestic helpers and COVID-19, allowing you to customise your plan based on your specific needs and activities.
  • Family benefits: For family travellers, it is important to have a plan that provides sufficient coverage for all members. Ideally, the policy should include the same claim limits for both children and adults.

Customer reviews for Direct Asia’s travel insurance policies

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Genewieve PC
Rating Group - 5

Customer service beyond the ordinary. With a customer satisfaction rating of more than 90%, rest assured we will be there for you when you need us most.

Huang
Rating Group - 5

Their online access is the easiest to use. I always buy from this company because of the ease of purchase. And the price is fairly competitive.

Lee Emma
Rating Group - 5

It's a value-for-money option with hassle-free and quick sign-up online. Coverage is sufficient as well.


Direct Asia Travel insurance plans and pricing

Direct Asia Travel Insurance offers a variety of plans tailored to different travel needs, making it suitable for business trips, adventurous vacations and family holidays. Coverage includes medical expenses, trip disruptions, and personal liability. For example, plans like Voyager150, Voyager250, Voyager500 and Voyager1000 provide increasing levels of protection, with medical expense limits worth S$150,000 to S$1,000,000. Plus, you can access optional add-ons to cover extreme sports, sports equipment foreign domestic helpers, and COVID-19, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all travel scenarios.

You can review Direct Asia Travel Insurance plans and pricing below:

 

Single-trip, individual plan

 
Voyager150
Voyager250
Voyager500
3-day trip to Thailand (ASEAN)
S$24.50
S$28
S$35
5-day trip to Thailand (ASEAN)
S$29.75
S$33.25
S$45.50
5-day trip to Australia (Asia)
S$38.50
S$43.75
S$57.75
7-day trip to Australia (Asia)
S$43.75
S$59
S$70
7-day trip to the United Kingdom (Worldwide)
S$69.55
S$74.90
S$94.52
14-day trip to the United Kingdom (Worldwide)
S$96.30
S$105.22
S$124.83

Direct Asia offers three single-trip individual plans: Voyager150, Voyager250, and Voyager500. Each insurance plan caters to various destinations, including ASEAN countries, Australia, and worldwide locations, allowing you to review the ideal coverage based on your travel destination and duration.

 

Single trip, family plan (2 adults, 2 kids)

 
Voyager150
Voyager250
Voyager500
3-day trip to Thailand (ASEAN)
S$49
S$56
S$70
5-day trip to Thailand (ASEAN)
S$59.50
S$66.50
S$91
5-day trip to Australia (Asia)
S$77
S$87.50
S$115.50
7-day trip to Australia (Asia)
S$87.50
S$98
S$140
7-day trip to the United Kingdom (Worldwide)
S$139.10
S$149.80
S$189.03
14-day trip to the United Kingdom (Worldwide)
S$192.60
S$210.43
S$249.67

Direct Asia's single-trip family plans provide tailored coverage for two adults and two children, making them a good choice for family vacations. These plans offer comprehensive benefits, covering destinations such as ASEAN countries Australia, and worldwide locations. Whether you're travelling to Thailand or the United Kingdom, these plans ensure your entire family is protected throughout your journey.

 

Annual trip, individual plan

 
Voyager250
Voyager500
Voyager1000
Asia
S$248.33
S$308.33
S$396.67
Worldwide
S$348.33
S$398.33
S$480

Getting an annual trip, individual plan from Direct Asia is good for frequent travellers needing year-round coverage. These travel insurance plans provide extensive benefits for trips within Asia and worldwide, ensuring comprehensive protection wherever you go. 

 

Annual trip, family plan (2 adults, 2 kids)

 
Voyager250
Voyager500
Voyager1000 
Asia
S$496.67
S$616.67
S$793.33
Worldwide
S$696.67
S$796.67
S$960

Direct Asia's annual trip, family plans cater to families travelling frequently throughout the year. These plans provide comprehensive travel insurance coverage for two adults and two children, with benefits suitable for both regional travel within Asia and international trips worldwide. Each plan offers varying levels of protection, allowing families to review the best fit based on their travel needs. 

 

Pricing and Coverage Comparison: Voyager250 vs. Mid-Industry Average

Coverage & Premiums
Voyager250
Mid-Industry Average
ASEAN - 1 week trip
S$40.25
S$35.00
Worldwide - 1 week trip
S$74.90
S$63.00
Asia - annual
S$248.33
S$191.00
Worldwide - annual
S$348.33
S$297.00

Direct Asia travel insurance coverage

Direct Asia has a total of 4 plans — Voyager150, Voyager250, Voyager500 and Voyager1000. However, not all plans are applicable to you, and it depends on whether you’re purchasing a single or annual travel insurance plan.

  • Single — Voyager150, Voyager250, Voyager500
  • Annual — Voyager250, Voyager500, Voyager1000

Direct Asia Travel Insurance also offers a Family Plan, where the coverage has an overall combined limit for you and your children. And the best part is that adults and children are offered the same claim limits!

Below, you can review the coverages offered by Direct Asia, in which the limits are per person.

Direct Asia Travel Insurance Promotion: Enjoy 40% discount when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 July 2024. T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access during flight delays. Valid till 30 September 2024 5:30 pm. 


Medical expenses

 
Limit
Voyager150 (not available for annual plan)
Voyager250
Voyager500 
Voyager1000 (not available for single trip plan)
Medical expenses whilst overseas
Per adult or child
S$150,000
S$200,000
S$500,000
S$1,000,000
Per family 
S$375,000
S$500,000
S$1,250,000
S$2,500,000
Medical expenses in Singapore
Per adult or child
S$5,000
S$10,000
S$25,000
S$50,000
Per family 
S$12,500
S$25,000
S$62,500
S$125,000
TCM limit
Per policy
S$350
S$500
S$750
S$1,000

When it comes to medical expenses, Direct Asia Travel Insurance offers coverage for treatment received overseas and when you’re back in Singapore. They even let you claim coverage for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment which not many other plans offer — great for those who are strong believers of TCM and their benefits.

 

Coverage for personal accidents

 
Limit
Voyager150 (not available for annual plan)
Voyager200
Voyager500 
Voyager1000 (not available for single trip plan)
Medical evacuation and repatriation
Per adult or child
S$1,500,000
S$1,500,000
S$1,500,000
S$1,500,000
Per family 
S$3,750,000
S$3,750,000
S$3,750,000
S$3,750,000
Death and permanent disability
Per adult or child
S$100,000
S$300,000
S$500,000
S$500,000
Per family 
S$250,000
S$750,000
S$1,250,000
S$1,250,000
Compassionate visit
Per policy
S$2,000
S$3,000
S$5,000
S$7,500

Getting into an accident and being severely injured as a result might be the least of your worries overseas because you’re on holiday mode, but it is still a very possible and unfortunate thing that could happen to you.

If it happens, you can rest assured knowing that the claim limits are very decent.

Aside from their medical evacuation and repatriation benefit and death and permanent disability benefit, Direct Asia Travel Insurance also covers compassionate visits. In the event you are hospitalised for more than 5 continuous days overseas and are alone, one family member or friend will be able to have their flight expenses covered to fly over to the destination country and visit you.

 

Coverage for trip disruptions

 
Limit
Voyager150 (not available for annual plan)
Voyager250
Voyager500 
Voyager1000 (not available for single trip plan)
Trip cancellation, disruption and postponement
Per adult or child
S$3,000
S$10,000
S$15,000
S$25,000
Per family 
S$7,500
S$25,000
S$37,500
S$62,500
Travel delay
Per adult or child
S$1,000
S$1,000
S$1,500
S$2,000
Per family 
S$2,500
S$2,500
S$3,750
S$5,000
Pet hotel
Per policy
S$1,000
S$1,000
S$1,000
S$1,000
Baggage loss
Per adult or child
S$1,000
S$3,000
S$5,000
S$7,500
Per family 
S$2,500
S$7,500
S$12,500
S$18,750
Delayed personal possessions
Per adult or child
S$1,000
S$1,000
S$1,000
S$1,000
Per family 
S$2,500
S$2,500
S$2,500
S$2,500

If you have to cancel or postpone your trip for any valid reason, experience travel delay, have your baggage delayed or lose your baggage entirely, rest assured that you are sufficiently covered.

Do note that for any loss, damage or stolen personal effects, there are claim limits. For both family and individual plans, Direct Asia Travel Insurance offers a claim limit of S$500 per article, S$1,000 for laptops and S$200 for credit card fraud. There is also additional coverage for loss of money for family plans, up to S$1,000.

There’s even a pet hotel coverage of up to S$1,000 to cover any additional charges spent on your pet’s accommodation if you face any travel delay.


Family benefits

If you’re bringing your kids along on your trip with you, Direct Asia Travel Insurance might be your new go-to travel insurance because, firstly, it offers complimentary coverage for up to 4 children.

Though most family plans offered by insurers come at a fixed price no matter how many kids you have, they might still have extra costs beyond just paying for 2 adults. But for Direct Asia, you’re just paying for 2 adults if you opt for a family plan.

On top of that, the coverage for each child and adult is the same, meaning that your children are still able to claim up to the same claim limit as you, up to the limit set by the family plan. If you compare this to other travel insurance plans, some offer much lower coverage for children. This gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your children are sufficiently covered as well!


Optional benefits

Want to be covered for COVID-19 or extreme sports/activities? Direct Asia Travel Insurance offers a bunch of optional benefits as add-ons. Do note that covers are only available if you purchase their annual travel insurance plan, except for COVID-19 coverage which can only be added to single-trip policies.

Extreme sports/activities — You’ll have travel insurance for sports activities like skiing, snowboarding, diving, kayaking, white water rafting, jetskiing, ATV, go-karting, and many more. Check out our Extreme Sports Travel Insurance page to get the full list of activities.

Sports equipment — In the event of loss, theft or accidental damage to your sports equipment, it will be covered by Direct Asia. Some of these equipment include skis, snowboard, poles, scuba equipment, golf clubs and more. You can view the full list of items on our Travel Insurance with Sports Equipment Cover page

Foreign domestic worker — If you’re travelling overseas with your helper, you can add this optional cover for them to be included in your Family Plan. It will cover medical expenses, medical evacuation and repatriation, emergency phone charges, and trip cancellation, curtailment or delay. Get more details by visiting our Travel Insurance for Domestic Helpers page

COVID-19 — for single-trip policies only. Under this optional cover, you’re covered for any medical expenses overseas and in Singapore (within 48 hours of your return), including follow-up treatment. It also covers emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of mortal remains and local burial, as well as trip cancellation and curtailment due to COVID-19. Check out our Optional Benefits page to get more details.


Exclusions under Direct Asia travel insurance

  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Suicide or self-injury
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Pregnancy, childbirth, abortion, miscarriage or menopause and any complications
  • Cosmetic treatment
  • Emotional, psychiatric or sleep disorder or condition
  • Routine or elective non-emergency treatment or surgery
  • Participation in speed races or sporting activities professionally

For the full list of exclusions and claim limitations, you can refer to their policy wording.


Should I buy Direct Asia travel insurance? Pros and cons

Pros

Cons

Child cover is the same as adults
Optional add-ons only available for annual plans
Complimentary coverage for up to 4 children
Does not cover pre-existing conditions
Affordable premiums, starting from S$15
COVID-19 is not included as a base plan and only available as an add-on
Additional 10% off group travel insurance with at least 3 travellers
 

Direct Asia Travel Insurance is a good plan, especially for families, as they offer complimentary coverage for up to 4 children and offer the same claim limits for both children and adults.

Beyond that, this plan is rather all-rounded, offering decent coverage across all aspects. The premiums are also relatively affordable, and you have the option to add extra coverage, though only applicable to annual plans.


Detailed review of Direct Asia Travel insurance coverage

Voyager150 review

The Voyager150 plan is Direct Asia's budget-friendly travel insurance option, offering essential coverage at an affordable price. It includes substantial emergency medical repatriation but falls short in other areas like personal accident/death, medical expenses, trip cancellations and baggage loss/damage. While this plan is limited to single trips and lacks an annual/multi-trip option, its low cost makes it worth buying for budget-conscious individuals who don't travel frequently. 

Voyager200 review

Direct Asia’s Voyager250 plan strikes a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage, making it an appealing choice for more frequent travellers. It is competitively priced and offers both single and annual trip options, providing better travel insurance for trip cancellation, personal accident and medical expenses, compared to the Voyager150 plan. With competitive pricing and a broader range of benefits, the Voyager250 plan is ideal for individuals who travel out of Singapore more than 3 to 5 times a year and seek a mid-tier insurance option that offers higher claim limits and coverage than the basic plan.

Voyager500 review

The Voyager500 plan is a robust choice for travellers seeking affordable yet comprehensive annual/multi-trip travel insurance coverage. This policy from Direct Asia stands out with additional perks like pet hotel cover, rental car excess, and sports equipment coverage. While its benefits are plentiful, the plan's value is primarily driven by its competitive pricing rather than high claim limits. This plan suits budget-conscious travellers who want extensive coverage without breaking the bank.

Voyager1000 review

The Voyager1000 plan is Direct Asia's premium annual-only travel insurance option, tailored for frequent travellers seeking extensive coverage for trip inconveniences. It offers exceptional value with 35% more trip inconvenience coverage than similar premium plans, while its premiums are 30-40% lower than the market average. Ideal for solo and family adventure enthusiasts, the Voyager1000 provides top-tier protection at a competitive price, ensuring peace of mind for all travel scenarios.


Is Direct Asia’s travel insurance good?

Direct Asia Travel Insurance stands out as a comprehensive and affordable option for travellers, offering a range of plans that cater to various needs, from single-trip coverage to extensive annual policies. With plans like Voyager150, Voyager250, Voyager500 and Voyager1000, you can select the level of coverage that best fits your requirements, ensuring protection against medical emergencies, trip disruptions, personal liabilities and other unwanted events.

Besides, customers have praised these travel insurance plans for their competitive pricing, comprehensive coverage and reasonable claim limits. And with SingSaver, you can easily get a quote, access promos and sign up for any of these policies. 

Secure your peace of mind and protect your travel investment by purchasing Direct Asia Travel Insurance today. Enjoy the confidence of knowing you’re covered, no matter where your adventures take you.


How to make a claim

To make a travel insurance claim, the only way you can do so is to call Direct Asia at 65321818 if you’re in Singapore, or +65 6603 3699 if you require any assistance. It’s a 24-hour hotline that can provide you with assistance around the clock.

Do ensure that you prepare the necessary documents and send them over to them by email, fax or post. Visit our Claims page for more information.

Direct Asia Travel Insurance Promotion: Enjoy 40% discount when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 July 2024. T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access during flight delays. Valid till 30 September 2024 5:30 pm. 


Other Travel Insurance Provider Reviews

If you want to review other travel insurance options apart from Direct Asia, check out the articles below:

 

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