Travel insurance isn’t just for COVID – it is a critical and potentially powerful tool that belongs in every traveller’s kit. Here’s why you need to buy travel insurance, and what could happen if you choose to go without.
COVID-19 has no doubt made us all better aware of the importance of travel insurance. But the fact is, travel insurance has always been an important and powerful tool that should be in every traveller’s pocket.
To help demystify the topic, here are four reasons why you should buy travel insurance, and how it can protect you not only during your travels, but even before your trip begins.
1. Shields you from costly medical fees
Note that medical services are costly, especially since as a foreigner travelling in another country you won’t qualify for subsidies, which means paying full price.
And also, it’s not like you can afford to shop around for the cheapest hospital during a medical emergency, or find a medical student willing to set your broken leg for “exposure and future referrals”.
In short, you really shouldn’t roll the dice going without travel insurance. Why? Because if you really do meet with an accident or serious injury, and can’t pay the bill, you may be sued, prevented from leaving the country, or even arrested or jailed.
Granted, the chances of requiring medical aid while travelling is slim. And even when you do need to go to the doctor, it’s much more likely to be for minor illnesses.
Even then, your travel insurance benefits may still be applicable – if your travel plan covers outpatient treatment. This will allow you to opt for treatments that help you recover faster and get back to enjoying the rest of your holiday, even if said treatments cost more.
I can tell you from personal experience this can totally be a thing. I once had to see a doctor while in Taiwan for a particularly bad gut inflammation. No, I didn’t have travel insurance – my mistake!
SingSaver's Exclusive MSIG TravelEasy Insurance Promotion: Receive up to S$38 in Grab vouchers and get 40% discount for Single Trip and 20% off on Annual Trip plans when you apply NOW. 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.
Apply now and you'll automatically be enrolled in our lucky draws:
- Best Price Travel Insurance Weekly Draw: Get up to 3x chances to win 1x flight ticket reimbursement & 12x Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP (worth S$480). T&Cs apply.
- 101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic weekly lucky draw, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week! T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy has been enhanced to provide better travel protection with over 50 benefits and COVID-19 coverage.
SingSaver's Exclusive MSIG TravelEasy Insurance Promotion: Receive up to S$38 in Grab vouchers and get 40% discount for Single Trip and 20% off on Annual Trip plans when you apply NOW. 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.
Apply now and you'll automatically be enrolled in our lucky draws:
- Best Price Travel Insurance Weekly Draw: Get up to 3x chances to win 1x flight ticket reimbursement & 12x Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP (worth S$480). T&Cs apply.
- 101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic weekly lucky draw, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week! T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy has been enhanced to provide better travel protection with over 50 benefits and COVID-19 coverage.
SingSaver's Exclusive MSIG TravelEasy Insurance Promotion: Receive up to S$38 in Grab vouchers and get 40% discount for Single Trip and 20% off on Annual Trip plans when you apply NOW. 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.
Apply now and you'll automatically be enrolled in our lucky draws:
- Best Price Travel Insurance Weekly Draw: Get up to 3x chances to win 1x flight ticket reimbursement & 12x Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP (worth S$480). T&Cs apply.
- 101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic weekly lucky draw, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week! T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy has been enhanced to provide better travel protection with over 50 benefits and COVID-19 coverage.
The recommended procedure was a 40-min drip, which would clear up the condition by the next day. However, afraid to overspend, I opted instead for the cheaper option – pills and bed rest.
Taking this route meant I had to spend the last few, precious days of my vacation holed up in my hotel room (is there anything sadder?), and forgo meeting my Taiwanese friends.
But if I had been properly insured, I wouldn’t have baulked at the cost, and would have got right back to holidaying (and eating all the hot pot!)
One more point: Many travel insurance plans nowadays include supplementary benefits that help you get over the aftermath of illness or injury while overseas.
These come in the form of benefits that pay for follow-up treatment and consultation when you get back to Singapore, which you can claim to continue receiving care.
This grants another advantage – you can make use of your travel plan to meet treatment costs first, delaying or avoiding having to dip into your Medisave funds.
Related to this topic: 5 Steps to Follow if You Lose Your Passport While Overseas
2. Helps you out of a bind
When you sign up for a travel insurance plan, you will be given access to a hotline to contact your insurer in an emergency. This may not seem like much – until you find yourself stuck in a panic after a road accident in a foreign country, not knowing what to do and who to call.
Your insurer can help you with vital tasks such as contacting emergency services and alerting local authorities – important in keeping you safe from scammers or other criminals.
Other ways they can help you include securing temporary accommodation, arranging for transport to safety, and providing advice and answers on what to do.
Hence, a travel policy doesn’t simply offer coverage against financial costs, it can actively help you get out of a bind.
Think of your travel plan – or the emergency hotline that comes with it – as a trusted concierge that you rely on to get you through a bad event.
Related to this topic: 6 Ways To Maximise Your Credit Card Perks and Travel in Style
3. Prevents lost belongings from being a hindrance
From noise-cancelling headphones, to fancy shades, snazzy winter wear, and that spanking new luggage case, bringing your favourite things to enjoy during your trip is part of the fun. However, there’s the ever-present risk your belongings may get lost, stolen or damaged overseas.
While a general travel insurance plan is unlikely to fully cover the cost of your precious items, it will furnish you with the means to obtain replacements – at least in function, if not in form or brand.
The whole point is to allow you to carry on with your holiday without further inconvenience – even if that means no longer being able to binge Netflix in the tub on your iPad.
For instance, if your luggage gets delayed and only shows up two days later, you will need to purchase extra clothes, medications or other necessities in order to get through the night and continue with your holiday.
This means you have little choice but to take on the extra expenses (although you may be able to wrangle some compensation from the airline, but don’t bet on it), because what’s the alternative, turn around and go back home?
Well, having a travel insurance plan makes baggage delays or losing your belongings less of an issue, as you can get these unexpected expenses covered, whether in part or fully. Yes, you’ll still have to go through the hassle of making an unplanned shopping stop, but knowing that your insurer will foot the bill can help make the setback less painful.
Instead of agonising over whether your luggage will eventually turn up, or mourning the loss of that oh-so-snug winter jacket you only wore twice before, you can simply purchase what you need and – importantly – get back to enjoying your holiday.
Which was the entire reason you got on a plane in the first place!
Related to this topic: 10 Tips to Keep The Friendship Alive On Group & Graduation Trips
SingSaver's Exclusive MSIG TravelEasy Insurance Promotion: Receive up to S$38 in Grab vouchers and get 40% discount for Single Trip and 20% off on Annual Trip plans when you apply NOW. 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.
Apply now and you'll automatically be enrolled in our lucky draws:
- Best Price Travel Insurance Weekly Draw: Get up to 3x chances to win 1x flight ticket reimbursement & 12x Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP (worth S$480). T&Cs apply.
- 101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic weekly lucky draw, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week! T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy has been enhanced to provide better travel protection with over 50 benefits and COVID-19 coverage.
SingSaver's Exclusive MSIG TravelEasy Insurance Promotion: Receive up to S$38 in Grab vouchers and get 40% discount for Single Trip and 20% off on Annual Trip plans when you apply NOW. 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.
Apply now and you'll automatically be enrolled in our lucky draws:
- Best Price Travel Insurance Weekly Draw: Get up to 3x chances to win 1x flight ticket reimbursement & 12x Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP (worth S$480). T&Cs apply.
- 101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic weekly lucky draw, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week! T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy has been enhanced to provide better travel protection with over 50 benefits and COVID-19 coverage.
4. Protects you from trip changes or cancellations
So far, we’ve discussed how travel insurance can protect you during your trip. But did you know it can also save you from inadvertent financial losses even before your trip begins?
Travel insurance policies come with trip cancellation or curtailment benefits, which works by providing payouts if you have to cancel or cut short your trip.
This means that should you have to postpone your holiday because of a sudden illness, or can’t make it to your BTS concert because your flight got cancelled, you may be able to claim benefits from your insurer to make up for any prepaid tickets and bookings that you now cannot use.
There are caveats, of course. One, the reason for the change or cancellation must be a valid one – i.e., covered by your plan. This can vary between different insurers and plans. For instance, one insurer may only cover trip cancellation for medical reasons, whereas another may offer a “cancel for any reason” clause.
Two, you will be required to first seek compensation from relevant parties, with the payout meant to make up for any shortfall. For instance, if your flight to Osaka was cancelled and the airline compensates you for the plane ticket, your insurer will only pay out for hotel bookings and other ticketed events for which you were unable to obtain a refund.
Incidentally, this is why it’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance soon after you’ve purchased your flight tickets and hotel accommodations.
If you have a travel policy in place, you gain an extra safety net to make good on your losses should your holiday plans take an unexpected hit, instead of solely relying on the good graces of your airline, attraction operator or travel agent.
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 40% off when you use promo code SS40. Valid till 30 Nov 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 30 November 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 SSV45 to get 45% 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 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. |
FWD Travel Insurance
|
from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use the promo code BFCM23 to get a 25% discount on Single Trip and Annual Trip plans! Valid till 30 Nov 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.
FWD Black Friday Cyber Monday 2023 Lucky Draw: Enjoy 1x chance to win Apple iPhone 15 worth $1,299. 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 48% off. Valid till 25 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on. 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.
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 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 now and get $20 PayNow! (minimum premium of $80). Plus, every 11th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get up to S$200 PayNow with the promo code SSTGD when you apply NOW! Plus, every 11th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 30 Nov 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 Exclusive MSIG TravelEasy Insurance Promotion: Receive up to S$38 in Grab vouchers and get 40% discount for Single Trip and 20% off on Annual Trip plans when you apply NOW. 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.
Apply now and you'll automatically be enrolled in our lucky draws:
- Best Price Travel Insurance Weekly Draw: Get up to 3x chances to win 1x flight ticket reimbursement & 12x Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP (worth S$480). T&Cs apply.
- 101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic weekly lucky draw, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week! T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy has been enhanced to provide better travel protection with over 50 benefits and COVID-19 coverage.
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