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Find the Best Travel Insurance in Singapore 2023
SingSaver Explains: Top 6 Tips on Travel Insurance
Watch these key tips on how to protect your holiday or business trip with the right travel insurance plan.
Latest Travel Insurance News
The latest travel insurance promotions, tips and news about travel insurance in Singapore.
Best Travel Insurance Plans In Singapore 2023
Compare and choose from a comprehensive list of travel insurance plans that cover flight delays, loss of belongings, medical expenses and trip cancellations. Find out if single or annual trip insurance meets your specific travel needs. Though travel insurance is not a necessity, the benefit it brings can surprise you!
Compare The Best Travel Insurance Plans 2023
Insurance Provider | Best For | Medical Coverage (Overseas) | Trip Cancellation Coverage | Loss or Damage Baggage |
Starr TraveLead Essential with COVID-19 Coverage (Bronze Plan) | Coverage Customisation | S$200,000 | S$0 | S$0 |
MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex | Pre-existing medical conditions, sports/adventures | S$250,000 | S$5,000 | S$3,000 |
TIQ Travel Entry | Family plans, Hospital Allowance | S$200,000 | S$5,000 | S$2,000 |
FWD Premium (COVID-19 rider available) | Budget single trip plan, Emergencies | S$200,000 | S$7,500 | S$3,000 |
AIG Travel Guard Direct (Standard) | COVID-19 Overseas Medical related expenses | $200,000 | $5,000 | $3,000 |
Allianz Travel Comprehensive | High medical coverage | S$200,000 | S$5,000 | S$3,000 |
Singlife Travel Lite | Protection of your frequent flyer points, Overseas wedding & photoshoot | S$250,000 | S$5,000 | S$3,000 |
HLAS COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 Premier (New Product Listing) | Trip alteration | S$200,000 Reimbursed with up to $1,500 when you are quarantined overseas | S$3,000 Travel Delay Coverage of $100 for every 6 hours up to $1,000 | $100 for every 6 hours up to $1,500 |
Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance | Baggage delay | S$200,000 | S$5,000 | S$1,000 |
Allied World Travel Protector Plan 1 | Comprehensive bonus benefits | S$200,000 | S$5,000 | S$3,000 |
Why is Travel Insurance Important?
Travel insurance is important because situations around the world have become a lot more fluid since the COVID-19 pandemic. With the world becoming increasingly connected, many of us are travelling much more than earlier decades, whether for business or leisure. This also makes us vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances when we’re overseas. In times of uncertainty such as calamities or civil commotions, having travel insurance makes navigating such difficult situations a little easier.
What is Travel Insurance and How Does it Work?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance that protects travellers from unexpected costs incurred due to travel-related events.
Like all other insurance products, travel insurance helps us manage risk by reducing the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket should something unforeseen happen. The most common risks associated with travelling include flight delays, diversions or cancellations (which may force you to look for your own accommodation and meals), loss/theft of personal items, lost or damaged baggage during transit and medical costs in the case of accidents or sickness.
There are also scenarios that could increase your risks, such as:
Doing outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, skydiving and more
Travelling in a group or with elderly
Renting a vehicle for a road trip
Travelling to less developed countries
It is not mandatory for travellers from Singapore but it does help to give peace of mind when travel disruptions happen
Types of Travel Insurance Coverage
"Types of travel insurance coverage" in Singapore are tailored to meet the needs of different travelers. From "single trip insurance" for occasional travelers to "annual travel insurance" for frequent flyers, there is a policy to suit every itinerary. For families, "single and family travel insurance" plans provide comprehensive coverage for all family members during their travels. It is important to understand the different coverage options available to make an informed decision and ensure that you are fully protected during your travels in Singapore.
Single Trip Insurance
Single Trip Insurance is the best option for travellers who are taking only one trip as it provides coverage for a specified number of days, typically a period of 180 or 182 days, and the plan can be customized to meet your own needs. Single Trip Insurance makes perfect economic sense for those who don't travel often but it might not make sense for those who travel very often as it might require a frequent traveller to spend too much applying for the many travel insurance plans for each of their travels.
Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance
Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance is a travel insurance policy that covers you for multiple trips in a single year. This makes it the best option for those that travel frequently as you don't have to purchase a new insurance plan each time you travel.
Individual Travel Insurance Plan
An individual travel insurance Plan is a policy designed for individuals travelling domestically or internationally. So if you are travelling solo or purchasing insurance for your own self then you probably should apply for an individual travel insurance plan.
Family Travel Insurance Plans
Family travel insurance plans is a comprehensive insurance policy designed to protect families travelling domestically or internationally. This travel insurance plan is perfect if you are travelling as a group with your family members - subjected to the maximum number of adults and children to be covered under the insurance plan. This makes it a more cost-effective way to ensure all your family members have sufficient travel insurance coverage.
How Do I Choose The Best Travel Insurance?
Travelling can be an exciting experience but it can also be an expensive one seeing as how there are many uncertainties and potential risks that are involved when travelling. It is important that you have the best travel insurance coverage to protect you and your trip. With the abundance in availability for travel insurance plans, it is only right you know what to look at when picking the most suitable travel insurance plans for you. Here are some of the things you might want to consider before deciding on your choice of travel insurance plans.
Understand and Evaluate the Overall Coverage
It is important to evaluate the overall coverage offered by a policy. This includes looking at the types of incidents covered, such as medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage or belongings and trip cancellations. There are a few things you will need to look at in order to determine whether a travel insurance plan best serves your needs.
Compare the Costs
In order to find the best value, you should always compare the costs of different policies. The things you need to look at and consider are the premiums and any form of deductables or co-payments. Please also bear in mind that the costs will vary depending on the length and type of trip you are taking. Ensuring you are aware of all the costs will help you in finding the most suitable plan for you.
Coverage for Risky Activities
If you are planning for an adventure that includes sports or extreme excursions, ensure that your travel insurance provides sufficient coverage for the types of activities that you will engage in. When it comes to indulging in risky activities during your travels, some travel insurance providers will exclude specific activities from coverage whilst some will charge extra premium in order to provide the coverage.
Take Into Account Your Trip Duration
The duration of your trip also may impact the suitability of the travel insurance policy. Some insurance providers only provide coverage for a limited period of time and it varies between the different providers. You have to ensure that the insurance plan you are applying for provides coverage for the whole duration of your trip.
Check for 24/7 Assistance
Having access to round-the-clock 24/7 assistance is especially useful when you're faced with an emergency while travelling abroad. Do check if the travel insurance provider of your policy provides such services so you can get any queries you have answered as quickly as possible.
Understand the Fine Print
Be sure to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the travel insurance policy you're applying for. Pay close attention to any special restrictions, exclusions or conditions that may apply to you and your travelling itinerary as it might impact the coverage or cost of the policy.
Be Aware of any Exclusions
Check for any exclusion in the policy of your choice. These exclusions may apply to dangerous activities, pre-existing medical conditions, natural disasters. Depending on the nature of your trip, do ensure that you are not excluded from any coverage that you require.
The Reputation of the Insurance Provider
Look for online reviews or talk to the people around you to understand if the services provided by the insurance provider is up to standard. Some things you need to find out are the speed of processing, the customer service and also the cost and coverage provided by the travel insurance provider to ensure your trip is as hassle-free as possible even if something undesirable happens.
Your Age and Health
The status of your age and health might play a role in the amount of coverage your travel insurance plan provides and also the costs. Pre-existing medical conditions or travellers of a certain age may mean you are at a higher risk of incidents.
Look out for Travel Insurance Packaged Deals
Travel insurance providers typically offer packaged deals for travel insurance policies which offers multiple types of coverage which includes medical insurance, trip cancellation insurance and travel interruption insurance. These deals allow you to get a more comprehensive coverage at a cheaper cost as opposed to picking and choosing the types of coverage you need.
Best Travel Insurance (with Covid-19 Coverage) Plans 2023
Travel Insurance Plan | Highlights | Premium (Before Discount) |
– Up to S$200,000 medical coverage – Up to S$3,000 travel inconvenience coverage for COVID-19 | From S$42.00 | |
– Overseas COVID-19 related medical expenses of up to S$300,000 – COVID-19 trip-related cancellation of up to S$5,000 – Overseas quarantine allowance of up to S$1,500 (S$100/24 hours) – Offers coverage for Cruise To Nowhere | From S$14.00 (The price here is for the COVID-19 Rider only) | |
– Overseas COVID-19 related medical expenses of up to S$100,000 – COVID-19 trip-related cancellation/curtailment of up to S$1,000 | From S$15.00 | |
– Medical expenses coverage of up to S$100,000 – Reimbursement of up to S$2,000 for trip cancellation or curtailment – Hospital Cash Benefit of up to S$2,000Unlimited coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation for Superior and Enhanced plans | From S$50.00 | |
– Medical expenses coverage of up to S$250,000 – Up to S$7,500 for trip cancellations or early return – Overseas quarantine allowance of up to S$100 a day | From S$30.00 | |
– Only applicable for COVID-19 rider add-on – Up to S$200,000 for medical expenses – S$100 local or overseas hospitalisation cash per day – Up to S$5,000 for trip cancellation | From S$16.97 (The price here is for the COVID-19 Rider only) | |
– Up to S$200,000 coverage for overseas medical expenses – Up to S$100 per day for overseas quarantine, up to S$2,000 – Up to S$2,000 reimbursement for trip cancellation or postponement | From S$30.07 | |
– Up to S$1 million for your emergency medical and dental expenses for the Platinum plan (ages 69 years and below) – Up to S$15,000 for trip cancellations or disruptions | From S$64.00 | |
| – Up to S$200,000 coverage for overseas medical expenses – Up to S$4,000 travel postponement/cancellation coverage – Up to S$1,400 quarantine allowance For policies issued on or after 20 July 2022, full vaccination is not required if the traveller fulfils the destination country’s requirements and are not in breach of any government regulations. Travellers will only need to take a pre-departure COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test if it’s a requirement by the destination country. | From S$40.00 | |
| Allied World Travel Protector | – Up to S$250,000 coverage for overseas medical expenses – Up to S$5,000 travel postponement/cancellation coverage – Up to S$3,000 quarantine allowance – Automatic extension of cover | From S$45.00 |
Premium plans are based on a basic tiered single travel insurance for a five-day trip to Brunei (ASEAN Region). The coverage also differs according to different tiered plans. Do note that FWD is the only insurer that offers COVID-19 coverage in the form of an additional rider; the rest of the providers offer plans with built-in coverage.
Best Travel Insurance Recommendations For You
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Travel Insurance Reviews
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How Do Travel Insurance Claims Work
Most insurers now offer an online claims platform. This saves you the hassle of having to make claims in person at the branch office. To get your claims processed quickly, follow these 7 steps for faster insurance claims. Be sure to document as many details as possible and keep the original receipts and reports from police, hospitals, airlines, hotels etc. Lastly, always provide proof of travel – the stamp in your passport would usually suffice.
When Can You Make A Travel Insurance Claim
Below are some common scenarios where you will need to provide documentation when submitting a claim:
Travel disruption / cancellation - Written proof of the delay/cancellation from your airline, hotel or travel agent such as an email or message will be needed to claim for travel disruption.
Lost / Damaged Personal Belongings - Submit a police report, the original invoice/receipt for your item, your bill for repairs (if applicable).
Emergency assistance - It’s a good practice to save your insurer’s emergency assistance hotline and your policy details to your phone before travelling. In the event of an emergency, contact your insurer with your policy number to arrange for help.
Personal accident/medical expenses - Keep all original receipts, your medical report, and a police report where applicable. File your claim as soon as you’ve returned to Singapore. You may need to submit the original documents by mail.
How To Submit Your Travel Insurance Claim
Report The Incident To Your Insurance Providers
It is important that you inform your travel insurance provider as soon as possible upon the time of incident as it will allow them to start processing your claim and provide you with all the required assistance without any delays. Although most travel insurance providers claims to be made within 30 days via the available channels, it is receommended that you not wait too long.
Gather All Your Relevant Documents
To ensure your claims process is as efficient as possible, do remember to gather all the relevant documents that support you claim. Some of the things you might require are:
NRIC, FIN No. or other official forms of ID
Proof of trip such as tickets, receipts, boarding passes, photocopy of passports and visas
Reports or documents from the airline or relevant authority acknowledging the loss of baggage
Medical reports or any related evidence in the form of photos and/or emails
Proof of ownership of lost baggage and items
Submit Your Claim
Upon gathering all necessary documents, promptly submit your claim to the travel insurance companies. Most travel insurance insurance companies offer the option of submitting claims via online means or in person - whichever is most convenient for you.
Wait for Review
After your claim has been submitted, the insurance company will do a review of your claim submission to determine your eligibility for coverage. This process may take several days to a few weeks depending on the complexity and severity of your case. Ensure you are contactable throughout this period as your travel insurance provider might contact you for further clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions For Travel Insurance
What is travel insurance and how can it help me?
Like all other insurance products, travel insurance helps us manage risk by reducing the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket should something unforeseen happen.
The most common risks associated with travelling include flight delays, diversions or cancellations (which may force you to look for your own accommodation and meals), loss/theft of personal items, lost or damaged baggage during transit and medical costs in the case of accidents or sickness.
There are also scenarios that could increase your risks, such as:
Doing outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, skydiving and more
Travelling in a group or with elderly
Renting a vehicle for a road trip
Less developed countries
Carrying valuable items
Here’s a quick guide on the 10 questions you need to ask yourself before any trip
How to get travel insurance coverage for COVID-19
You can get COVID-19 coverage for travel insurance by checking the insurer’s policy wording before purchasing. Generally, travel insurance policies cover you if your trip cancellation/ disruption is made due to an unforeseen event. However, insurance companies now consider COVID-19 to be a known event and hence might not provide coverage for any trip cancellation/ disruption claims arising from the COVID-19.
Will I be able to cancel my trip and get a refund if I tested positive for COVID-19 after purchasing my travel insurance?
Most insurance companies cover trip cancellation/medical expenses/quarantine allowance due to COVID-19. The coverage is either embedded in the policy or can be purchased separately as an add-on.
To claim for trip expenses, you will need a written proof from the service provider stating the confirmation on the cost of non-refundable travel expenses and present with supporting documents such as medical or death certificate.
Can travel insurance be extended?
Most insurers allow for Automatic Extensions of your travel insurance coverage but this could vary from insurer to insurer.
Where your insurance cover will automatically be extended without additional premium, under certain conditions (such as if you are hospitalised or placed under compulsory quarantine while overseas upon the written advice of a doctor).
Otherwise, you will need to inform the insurer of the extension as soon as possible (for example, if you extend your travel dates). For some insurers, it is possible for your travel insurance to be extended, provided there are no known circumstances or events that are likely to lead to a claim. This will come with additional premiums.
Is it cheaper to get a Group or Family travel insurance policy?
Generally it is more cost-efficient to purchase a Group or Family travel insurance policy compared to several individual policies. This depends on how individual insurers define “Family” – check for limitations related to the maximum number of children allowed, or whether grandparents are eligible. Regardless, always check the cumulative limits for items like damage/loss of belongings and medical coverage.
Can I buy travel insurance if I am already overseas?
Once you’re overseas, you won't be able to buy travel insurance so you will need to purchase your plan before leaving Singapore for your overseas trip. Insurers are unlikely to cover you if you purchase travel insurance after your trip begins. For example, insurers such as AXA, Aviva, and AllianzTravel state on their website that the travel insurance has to be purchased before departing Singapore.
Can foreigners buy travel insurance in Singapore?
There are specific insurers that offer foreigners travel insurance. Foreigners in Singapore can buy travel insurance from NTUC Income, FWD, Etiqa, Sompo, Allianz, AXA and AIG. You will need to provide your FIN and show your employment pass or work permit when applying.
Is travel insurance mandatory for outbound travellers from Singapore?
While travel insurance is not mandatory for outbound travellers from Singapore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised travellers to check the COVID-19 entry requirements of the countries that you intend to visit.
Is travel insurance worth the cost?
Depending on the insurer, travel insurance policies typically provide the following coverage:
COVID-19 Coverage
Personal accident
Medical expenses (Overseas and Local)
Travel delay/diversion
Baggage delay/damage
Trip cancellation
Overbooked flight
Loss of travel documents such as your passport and visa
Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
Loss of personal belongings
Terrorism
Adventurous activities
There are also add-ons you can add to the travel insurance, such as coverage for your sports equipment, overseas wedding and photoshoot, rental vehicle excess cover and more.
Most travel insurance policies cover the loss of travel documents. The policy will cover the cost to replace these documents as well as the transport expenses incurred during the process.
You must report the loss to the local police within 24 hours after the incident and obtain a written statement from them which will help with the claims. You should also report your lost passport to the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission immediately.
When should I buy an annual or single plan?
Whether you should buy an annual or single plan depends on your specific needs and financial situation. Some factors to consider when making a decision include:
Budget: An annual plan can often be more cost-effective in the long run, as the cost is spread out over the course of a year. However, it also requires a larger upfront payment.
Usage: If you're likely to use a service frequently, an annual plan may make more sense, as you'll get more value for your money. On the other hand, if you only need the service occasionally, a single plan may be a better option.
Flexibility: Annual plans typically have a commitment, meaning you'll have to pay for the entire year, even if you stop using the service. Single plans, on the other hand, can be more flexible, allowing you to buy only what you need, when you need it.
Discounts: Some companies offer discounts for customers who choose to buy an annual plan. If you're interested in a service and plan to use it frequently, it may be worth checking if an annual plan comes with any discounts.
Ultimately, the decision between an annual or single plan will depend on your individual needs and budget. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before making a decision.
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