Is FWD Travel Insurance Good: Review, Pros & Cons

Last updated 23 August 2023
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Best in the market for: Cheapest Single and Annual Trip travel insurance plans

FWD features three tiers of travel insurance plans to cater for different levels of coverage for all kinds of travel destinations and trip duration. FWD’s offer starts from as low as S$9 for a single trip and S$178.50 for an annual worldwide travel plan.

Here’s a quick summary of FWD Travel Insurance:

  • FWD Travel Insurance offers three plan tiers—FWD Premium, FWD Business, and FWD First. 
  • Slightly below-average medical coverage but provides above-average coverage for trip cancellations
  • Includes unlimited coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Car rental excess is available as an add-on for FWD Premium Plans and included in the base cover for FWD’s Business and First Plans
  • Includes coverage for sports equipment protector, pet care, and home contents cover as an add-on

Read through the FWD travel insurance review in Singapore below to learn more about its comprehensive coverage and features.


What makes a good travel insurance plan?

When reviewing different travel insurance options in Singapore, such as FWD’s, ensure to get a good policy that offers coverages for:

  • Medical expenses incurred overseas: A good travel insurance plan must include reliable medical coverage to protect you from potentially devastating medical costs abroad, ensuring you can receive the necessary treatment without financial hardship.
  • Emergency medical evacuation: This is crucial to ensure you have access to immediate and appropriate medical care, even if it means being transported to a different country, which can be a lifesaving provision.
  • Trip cancellation: Including trip cancellation coverage is vital to avoid losing your entire travel investment if an unexpected event forces you to cancel your trip, allowing you to recover non-refundable costs.
  • Travel delay: This coverage helps manage additional expenses from significant travel delays, such as accommodation and meals, ensuring that unforeseen disruptions don't result in financial strain.
  • Terrorism cover: A good plan should offer terrorism cover to provide protection and support in case your travel plans are affected by terrorist activities, ensuring you can handle such emergencies without extra worry.
  • Theft or damage to baggage: Coverage for theft or damage to baggage is essential to avoid the inconvenience and cost of replacing lost or damaged belongings, ensuring your trip isn't marred by such incidents.
  • Baggage delay: Having baggage delay coverage ensures you can purchase necessary items while waiting for your delayed luggage, preventing discomfort and inconvenience during your travels.
  • Child companion: Many overlook this coverage when choosing travel insurance, but it’s a valuable inclusion. If you unfortunately get hospitalised abroad, it covers the cost for an adult family member to travel and care for your child(ren), ensuring your child’s safety and well-being.

FWD travel insurance plans

 

Plan Type
Trip Cancellation
Medical Coverage Overseas (adult below 70 years of age)
Theft or Damage to Bags/Belongings
Premium
S$7,500
S$200,000 
S$3,000
Business
S$10,000
S$500,000  
S$5,000 
First S$15,000 S$1,000,000   S$7,500

FWD provides three tiers of travel insurance plans with different coverage and pricing - Premium, Business, and First. For more details, please review the policy wording’s full list of benefits and exclusions.

 

FWD Premium Plan

With its near unbeatable low pricing, FWD Premium Plan is good for travellers looking for bargain deals. In terms of travel inconveniences, the FWD Premium Plan offers a benefit limit of S$150 for baggage delay (at S$150 for every six hours of baggage delay overseas and S$150 after six hours of baggage delay in Singapore). Additionally, the plan provides S$3,000 for theft or damage to bags and belongings, offering substantial protection for personal items.

Meanwhile, medical expenses incurred overseas and personal accident coverage are capped at S$200,000 for adults below 70 years, catering to unexpected health issues or accidents abroad. 

This travel insurance plan is especially suitable for travellers who prioritise both affordability and essential protection, ensuring security without financial strain.

 

FWD Business Plan

Compared to the FWD Premium Plan, the FWD Business Plan includes car rental excess cover in the base plan capped at S$500—ideal for those planning to drive and rent a vehicle for a road trip overseas. This international car insurance feature protects travellers against accidents or damage-related costs, which are common concerns when driving in unfamiliar territories.

In terms of baggage delay, the plan increases the benefit limit to S$600 (capped at S$150 for every six hours of baggage delay overseas and S$150 after six hours of baggage delay in Singapore). Personal accident coverage is at S$300,000.

Moreover, the plan provides robust protection against theft or damage to bags and belongings covered up to S$5,000. For those concerned with personal safety, the personal accident coverage escalates to S$300,000, ensuring substantial support in the face of unexpected incidents. 

Overall, this enhanced travel insurance coverage is good for frequent business travellers who cannot afford delays or the risk of their bags and valuables getting stolen, as such disruptions can significantly impact their tight schedules and professional commitments.

 

FWD First Plan

FWD First Plan has the highest limit out of the three types of travel insurance plans. It includes a higher baggage delay benefit limit of S$900 (payable at S$150 for every six hours of baggage delay overseas and S$150 after six hours of baggage delay in Singapore). Moreover, the plan provides a coverage of S$15,000 for trip curtailment, ensuring that unexpected changes to your travel plans are compensated.

Additionally, it includes car rental excess coverage of S$1,000, safeguarding against unforeseen costs related to rented vehicles. Furthermore, medical expenses incurred overseas are covered up to S$1,000,000, while personal accident coverage is set at S$400,000.

The FWD First Plan is good for families going on vacations and those seeking the highest level of financial protection for various travel inconveniences and emergencies.

 

Add-Ons/ Optional Riders

Review the optional add-ons available for FWD’s travel insurance plans that you can purchase to enhance your coverage:

  • Car Rental Excess Cover (for FWD Premium Plan)
  • Sports Equipment Protector
  • Pet Care
  • Home Content Cover

FWD travel plans pricing

Now, let’s review FWD’s pricing comparison across various travel insurance plans (basic/ mid-tier/ top shelf) for both Single Trip and Annual Trip.

 

Basic Plan

  FWD Premium Plan    Industry Basic Plan Average
1 week ASEAN S$32.83 S$26
1 week Asia S$35.35 S$32
1 week Worldwide S$56.77 S$46
Annual ASEAN S$260.88 S$149
Annual Asia S$276.83 S$208
Annual Worldwide S$346.43 S$282

 

Despite the higher prices for ASEAN, Asia, and worldwide travel coverage compared to the industry mid-tier plan average, FWD’s Business Plan is still considered cheap considering its comprehensive benefits. The plan provides a well-rounded mix of affordability and extensive protection for travellers

 

Mid-Tier Plan

  FWD Business Plan Industry Mid-Tier Plan Average
1 week ASEAN S$44.17 S$33
1 week Asia S$54.25 S$41
1 week Worldwide S$76.50 S$59
Annual ASEAN S$371.08 S$206
Annual Asia S$384.13 S$242
Annual Worldwide S$555.23 S$332

 

Despite the higher prices for ASEAN, Asia, and worldwide travel coverage compared to the industry mid-tier plan average, FWD’s Business Plan is still considered cheap considering its comprehensive benefits. The plan provides a well-rounded mix of affordability and extensive protection for travellers.

 

Top Shelf Plan

  FWD First Plan Industry Top Shelf Plan Average
1 week ASEAN S$56.77 S$47
1 week Asia S$68.11 S$58
1 week Worldwide S$102.95 S$80
Annual ASEAN S$408.78 S$269
Annual Asia S$430.53 S$310
Annual Worldwide S$621.93 S$430

 

The FWD First Plan offers the ideal combination of both basic travel protection needs and unique benefits. For one-week and annual coverage trips across ASEAN, Asia, and worldwide, it offers added value through add-on features like sports equipment protection, pet care, and home contents coverage, making it a worthwhile option.

fwd travel plans pricing

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code TRAVEL25 to get a 25% discount on Single Trip and 20% discount on Annual Trip plans! Valid till 31 July 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive complimentary lounge access during flight delays. Valid till 30 September 2024 5:30 pm. 


Benefits of FWD travel insurance

FWD's travel policies are great for budget-conscious travellers and individuals who already have comprehensive insurance coverage. If you’re going for reliable deals, consider FWD travel insurance policies.
FWD Travel Insurance Product Summary
FWDFLYER App
Enjoy cashless medical outpatient treatment in Singapore, emergency assistance, and access to your travel policy documents through the FWD Flyer app.
Fraudulent Personal Credit Card Use
Claim this benefit if unauthorised charges ranging from S$300 to S$1,000 are made on your personal credit card(s) while on your overseas trip.
Sports Coverage
Sports Equipment Protector is available as an add-on, providing coverage up to S$2,000.
Leisure Activities Coverage
Covers bungee jumping, hot air balloon ride, hiking, scuba diving, sky diving, snow/ ice sport.
Rental Vehicle Excess Cover
Available as an add-on.
Insolvency Protection
Claim this benefit if your trip is cancelled unavoidably before your scheduled departure date because the travel agent, transport provider, tour operator, and/or accommodation provider responsible for all or part of Your Trip is declared Insolvent.
Travel cancellation, postponement or curtailment for any reason
Claim this benefit if there are any changes to your travel period that are not covered by the plan. This is available as an add-on, offering coverage up to S$6,000.
Child Companion Coverage
Covers the cost of an adult family member travelling to care for your child(ren) in the event of hospitalisation overseas. Coverage amounts range from S$5,000 to S$10,000.
Pet Care
Provides reimbursement of up to S$150 for pet care expenses, plus an additional S$50 for every six-hour delay.
Home Contents Coverage
Offers coverage of up to S$6,000 against burglary and fire damage to your home while you are travelling overseas.

Exclusions under FWD travel insurance

Please review the exclusions under FWD travel insurance to avoid unexpected issues:

Medical Exclusions
Trip Inconvenience and Sports Exclusions
Any sexually transmitted infections, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or any HIV-related Illness  No benefit claimable for losses of customer loyalty points used to pay for any part of your trip
Travelling when medically unfit/ Travelling against medical advice  Travelling against advice of regulatory authorities/ Travelling to a country at war

Childbirth/pregnancy-related complications    

Items taken/ destroyed by customs or other officials
Any sexually transmitted infections, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or any HIV-related illness

Participation in sports activities as a professional for financial reward



Pros and cons of FWD travel insurance

When reviewing the FWD travel insurance, it's important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks. Below is an overview of the FWD travel insurance pros to help you understand the advantages, and the FWD travel insurance cons to provide a balanced perspective:

Pros
Cons
  • Unlimited emergency medical evacuation (across all plans)
  • Unlimited repatriation of mortal remains (across all plans)
  • Loss of home content due to burglary
  • Trip cancellation, postponement and curtailment for any reason up to S$6,000
  • Exclusions on a variety of adventurous activities
  • No coverage for acts of terrorism

 


Detailed review of FWD travel insurance coverage

FWD Premium Plan Reviews

The FWD Premium Plan is the most affordable travel insurance option from FWD, making it a good choice for those on a budget in Singapore. Despite its low price, the plan offers impressive coverage, ensuring peace of mind for travellers without straining finances. This budget-friendly option doesn't skimp on essential benefits, including comprehensive trip cancellation protection, baggage loss reimbursement, and adequate personal accident coverage. Although it does not include coverage for car rental excess like the higher-tier plans, it is a bargain for those seeking reliable travel insurance  for basic travel needs.

 

FWD Business Plan Reviews

The FWD Business Plan offers more comprehensive coverage compared to the Premium Plan, including additional coverage for car rental excess. This plan has robust protection against trip cancellations and baggage delays, making it ideal for business travellers. 

Despite being in the mid-tier range, the plan remains generally affordable, ensuring that professionals and more frequent travellers can travel with confidence while staying within their budget. Its targeted benefits and extensive coverage make the FWD Business Plan an excellent choice for those seeking reliable corporate travel insurance. Overall, it is a dependable option that provides good value.

 

FWD First Plan Reviews

Although quite similar in coverage to the FWD Business Plan, the FWD First Plan focuses on offering higher coverage limits, particularly for the most common yet critical needs such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage issues.

While it comes at a more premium price among FWD's lineup, the comprehensive coverage and exceptional benefits make it a worthwhile investment for travellers who demand the best.


Is FWD’s travel insurance good?

FWD travel insurance stands out for its combination of affordability, comprehensive coverage, and ease of use. With three distinct plans—Premium, Business, and First—it caters to a variety of travellers, whether for short trips or extended vacations. The plans cover critical needs such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage issues, with added benefits like car rental excess and other optional add-ons to further enhance its appeal.

Customers have consistently praised FWD for its seamless process, from travel insurance plan purchases to quick response times and hassle-free claims. This user-friendly experience, combined with competitive pricing and extensive benefits, makes FWD Travel Insurance a compelling choice for savvy travellers.

So, if you're still wondering, is FWD travel insurance good? Definitely. With its competitive prices, extensive coverage, and stellar customer feedback to back it up, FWD Travel Insurance is an excellent option to help you save on costs while still enjoying comprehensive protection.

Find the best deals with SingSaver, where you can compare prices and coverage options to find the most suitable travel insurance for your needs. 

Invest in your travel security by purchasing FWD Travel Insurance today.


How to claim

You can submit your claims through the following FWD channels: 

  • Website: File a claim online via the FWD website
  • Customer Service: Call +65 6820 8888 to reach out to FWD’s customer service team
  • 24-Hour Emergency Assistance: For urgent help, call +65 6322 2072 
  • Mail: Send your claim documents to FWD Singapore’s address at Pte. Ltd., 6 Temasek Blvd., #18-01 Suntec Tower Four, Singapore 038986

Other travel insurance provider reviews

If you’d like to explore other travel insurance providers besides FWD, you can check out the following reviews:


Looking for travel insurance deals?

 

We’ve got no lack of exclusive promotions to help you save even more!

Travel Insurance Promotions
 


Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.

Note: This is only product information provided. You may wish to seek advice from a qualified adviser before buying the product. If you choose not to seek advice from a qualified adviser, you should consider whether the product is suitable for you. Buying an insurance product that are not suitable for you may impact your ability to finance your future healthcare needs.

If you decide that the policy is not suitable after purchasing the policy, you may terminate the policy in accordance with the free-look provision, if any, and the insurer may recover from you any expense incurred by the insurer in underwriting the policy.


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