We’re all itching to travel with the reopening of borders, but doing so during a pandemic comes with its risks. That said, what should you do if you actually catch COVID-19 overseas?
Travelling overseas is made possible again, and many of us can’t wait to venture beyond the four walls of our homes. That said, it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to overseas travel.
There are a few things you could do to safeguard yourself in case you test positive for COVID-19 on a holiday (touch wood), such as getting a travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage.
Let’s take a look at what you should do if you start showing symptoms, and consider the different COVID-19 insurance policies available.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 overseas
When you’re enjoying yourself abroad, the last thing on your mind is what you need to do if you contract a virus. But with today’s circumstances, it’s a very real possibility. Thus, it’s important to prepare for worst-case scenarios even before your flight.
Here are four things you can do if you ever exhibit COVID-like symptoms or come in contact with someone positive.
Contact local health agencies
You may not be well-versed with protocols, test-centres, and such in your destination. It’s best to contact the country’s local health authorities who can show you where to get tested and admitted (if needed). They may also guide you through their country’s quarantine requirements.
It’s useful to take note of your destination’s COVID-19 helpline before heading there. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put together a list of countries that reopened their borders to Singaporeans. This list includes the country’s helpline numbers, office addresses, and other details.
Contact your travel insurance provider
Call your insurance provider if your test results come back positive and you have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage. You may reach them through their helplines or mobile apps.
They will walk you through the process of making a claim and the extent of their coverage. Just be sure to have all your test reports along with your travel and insurance documents ready for their reference.
Check your visa requirements
If you’re travelling on a short-term visa, check whether it will still be valid by the time you complete quarantine and obtain a doctor’s clearance. Contact your travel agent or the Singapore Embassy in case your visa expires before that.
Plan your quarantine stay
Most hotels and homestays now allow their guests to quarantine in their booked rooms. However, if the hotel you’re staying in cannot accommodate you, you may contact the local health authorities to help you find designated quarantine accommodations.
Although the usual quarantine duration is 10 days, the length of your quarantine depends entirely on your destination country’s COVID-19 protocols. For exact details, you can contact local health authorities or visit the country’s travel and tourism website.
Singapore’s re-entry requirements
Singapore has recently relaxed its entry requirements for fully vaccinated travellers, especially if you are a Singaporean citizen, permanent resident, or long-term pass holder. There are presently no countries under the restricted category.
Here’s the official checklist for re-entry/entry to Singapore as a fully vaccinated traveller:
#1: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
This will be required during pre-boarding checks and immigration. Please note that if you are only partially vaccinated, you will not qualify as ‘fully vaccinated’.
#2 Additional entry documents (if required)
This includes a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if you have travelled to regions in Africa and Latin America.
#3 Submission of SG Arrival Card (SGAC)
You must submit your health declaration via the SG Arrival Card e-Service at least three days before your departure for Singapore. However, Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders travelling by road are exempted.
#4 Immigration clearance (for foreign visitors)
Your passport will no longer be stamped upon arrival. Instead, you will receive an e-Pass via email upon immigration clearance.
Singapore’s COVID-19 protocols for returning individuals (including those who tested positive)
In addition to the aforementioned entry requirements, there are a few key COVID-19 protocols in Singapore worth remembering:
- If you are not fully vaccinated, you must produce a Pre-Departure Test (PDT) with a negative result. The test should be taken within two days before departure.
- A PDT is not required for partially or non fully vaccinated travellers who tested positive for COVID-19 at least 14 to 90 days prior to departure.
- All non-fully vaccinated travellers who pass immigration are required to quarantine. You will be served a seven-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
- The COVID Protocol upon arrival no longer includes quarantine or testing measures if you are fully vaccinated. However, if you are symptomatic on arrival, you may be required to take a COVID-19 Test.
- All travellers whether fully vaccinated or non vaccinated will be required to install the TraceTogether mobile app.
COVID-19 travel insurance coverage
Holidays are already an expensive affair, and testing positive for COVID-19 abroad can rake up some hefty expenses from testing, quarantine accommodations, medications, and doctor’s consultations. But if you are insured with COVID-19 coverage, then most (or all) of these expenses will be covered.
Thus, it’s definitely worth considering a travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage that suits your needs and budget. There are a whole array of policies to choose from and it can get quite overwhelming, but we’ll help you find one that fits you best.
Here’s a quick comparison of some of the best travel insurance policies with COVID-19 coverage.
| Travel Insurance Plan | Hospitalisation Allowance | Medical Expenses Allowance | Quarantine Allowance | Trip Cancellation or Curtailment |
| MSIG TravelEasy | X | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance | ✔ | ✔ | X | ✔ |
| HLAS CovidSafe Travel Protect 360 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| AIG Travel Guard | X | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
For more information, check our full list of the best travel insurance plans with COVID-19 coverage. We share a detailed overview of each policy and their exclusive offers.
For a worry-free holiday, get your trip insured.
How to make a travel insurance claim if you test positive?
Here’s what you can do if you test positive for the virus and have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage:
#1: Inform your insurance provider
To start the claim process, you would need to inform your insurer that you contracted COVID-19. You can do this by calling the insurance helpline or reaching them through their app.
It’s best practice to call your insurance provider at the soonest time possible. Most insurers offer a one-month window for claims to be made.
#2: Submit documents
You would need to submit documented proof to make a claim and receive funds. Some documents to submit include the following:
- A medical report that shows a positive test result
- Doctor’s request/report in case of hospitalisation
- Travel-related documents such as visas, flight tickets, hotel reservations, etc.
- Medical bills including testing fees, hospitalisation, and medications
- Other monetary receipts that can be considered (as per your policy)
- Your personal ID
You would also be required to fill-up a claims form from your insurer. This will most likely be emailed to you once you register a claim. The insurance agent will let you know in case there are any other specific documents required.
#3: Collect your claim
Once your claim request has been processed and approved, the final amount will be credited to your linked account. In case your claim has been rejected, do not hesitate to reach out to your insurer. They will tell you the reason for rejection and things you could do to reverse it.
SingSaver's Best Price Travel Campaign: All successful applicants of participating Travel Insurance products will receive 1x (single trip) or 3x (annual trip) draw chance to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed (up to a maximum of $2,000) and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
| Travel Insurance | Premium for Individual Cover | Covid-19 Coverage | Promotion |
|
Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance
|
from S$11.05 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Get up to $50 Grab Vouchers (min. Premium $30) and get 35% off when you use promo code SSVTL35. Valid till 10 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 31 December, every applicant will also score an Apple AirTag — perfect for keeping tabs on your luggage on your next trip — or a ReboundTag. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw. 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
|
|
MSIG Travel Easy
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy 40% off when you apply for Single Trips and 20% off for Annual Plan plus get up to $38 Grab Vouchers when you purchase now!! Valid till 17 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 31 December, every applicant will also score an Apple AirTag — perfect for keeping tabs on your luggage on your next trip — or a ReboundTag. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
|
Allianz Travel Insurance
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use promo code SSV50 to get 50% discount, up to $35 Grab Vouchers, and 1x Airalo eSim with up to 3GB data (minimum premium of $60) when you apply NOW! Valid till 8 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
FWD Travel Insurance
|
from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use the promo code 12TWELVE to get a 25% discount on Single Trip and Annual Trip plans! Valid till 3 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 1x Apple AirTag (worth $45) for the first 3,800 applicants. Valid till 5 January 2024. T&Cs apply. Additionally, be included in the following draws below: Best Price TI weekly draw: Enjoy 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
|
|
Etiqa (TIQ) Travel Insurance |
from S$39 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Singlife Travel Insurance
|
from S$46.20 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Score an Airalo eSIM with up to 3GB data and receive it before you fly when you apply now! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
|
|
Allied World Travel Insurance
|
from S$45 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy a 45% discount for Single Trip and 15% discount for Annual Trip when you apply now! Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply |
|
AIG Travel Guard® Direct
|
from S$30 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Enjoy 20% off with promo code SS20OFF. Valid till 12 Dec 2023. Additionally get $20 PayNow! (minimum premium of $80). Plus, every 12th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 31 Dec. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Apply promo code SSTGD to receive $200 PayNow! Plus, every 12th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Great Eastern Travel Insurance
|
from S$52 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Get an 30% discount when you use the promo code TSP30S. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get an 10% discount when you use the promo code TSP10A. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Discount is only valid for Elite and Classic plans.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Seedly Travel Insurance
|
from S$49.80 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
No
|
Receive 25% off and 1x Airalo eSIM worth up to 3GB data when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Win the equivalent of a return flight for 2 to Bali (via S$600 Klook voucher). T&Cs apply. |
SingSaver's Best Price Travel Campaign: All successful applicants of participating Travel Insurance products will receive 1x (single trip) or 3x (annual trip) draw chance to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed (up to a maximum of $2,000) and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
| Travel Insurance | Premium for Individual Cover | Covid-19 Coverage | Promotion |
|
Etiqa (TIQ) Travel Insurance
|
from S$39 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 48% off. T&Cs apply. Valid till 24 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on + $20 cashback. Fulfillment by TIQ. Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance
|
from S$11.05 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Get up to $50 Grab Vouchers (min. Premium $30) and get 35% off when you use promo code SSVTL35. Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Plus, till 31 October, every 2nd successful applicant will score an Apple AirTag worth S$45 on top of our weekly lucky draw.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw. 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
|
|
Allianz Travel Insurance
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use promo code SSV45 to get 45% discount plus get up to $35 Grab Vouchers when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
MSIG Travel Easy
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy 40% off when you apply for Single Trips and 20% off for Annual Plan plus get up to $38 Grab Vouchers when you purchase now!! Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply
Plus, till 31 October, every 2nd successful applicant will score an Apple AirTag worth S$45 on top of our weekly lucky draw.
Enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
|
FWD Travel Insurance
|
from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use the promo code OCT23 to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off on Annual Trip plans. Valid till 25 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Receive 1x Airalo eSim with up to 3GB data (minimum premium $60). Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
|
Singlife Travel Insurance
|
from S$46.20 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Score an Airalo eSIM with up to 3GB data and receive it before you fly when you apply now! Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
|
|
Allied World Travel Insurance
|
from S$45 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy a 45% discount for Single Trip and 15% discount for Annual Trip when you apply now! Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply |
|
AIG Travel Guard® Direct
|
from S$30 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Apply promo code SS20OFF to receive 20% discount and receive up to S$50 Grab vouchers on AIG Single Trip Travel Insurance (minimum premium $100, fulfillment by AIG). Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get up to 6 Plaza Premium Lounge Access Passes with the promo code SSTGD when you apply NOW! Fulfillment by AIG. Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Great Eastern Travel Insurance
|
from S$52 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Get an 30% discount when you use the promo code TSP30S. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get an 10% discount when you use the promo code TSP10A. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Discount is only valid for Elite and Classic plans.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Read these next:
Best Travel Insurance in Singapore (2022)
Best Travel Insurance Plans with COVID-19 Coverage
7 Travel Insurance Plans with COVID-19 Coverage (2022)
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