Best Travel Insurance for Seniors & Elderly in Singapore

Venturing overseas, regardless of age, can bring its share of jitters. That's why many savvy travellers secure travel insurance before their trips. 

Depending on your life stage, your coverage needs may vary – from robust emergency medical protection to safeguards against unforeseen plan changes. 

To simplify your search, we've curated a list of top-notch travel insurance providers tailored for senior citizens. Here's a look at the leading insurers in Singapore that cater to the needs of our older population:

When curating this list of travel insurance for older travellers in Singapore, we took several key factors into account. Here’s a breakdown of our considerations:

• Available policy types: Everyone has a range of travel needs, so we evaluated the range of policy types offered by each insurer. Some policies may focus on essential emergency medical coverage – which are crucial for older travellers – while others offer varying levels of reimbursement for trip disruptions. We considered the flexibility and variety of plans to cater to different travel styles.

• Policy coverage limit: Whether you're planning a short getaway to a neighboring country or a longer voyage across continents, the coverage limit matters. We assessed the maximum payout limits for medical emergencies, baggage loss, and trip cancellations to ensure adequate protection, especially for extended trips.

• Exclusions: Pay close attention to policy exclusions, especially regarding pre-existing medical conditions and adventure activities. If you maintain an active lifestyle as many older adults do, understanding these limitations is crucial. 

• Cost: Consider the cost carefully, ensuring the price aligns with the coverage you'll receive – value for money is key. 

• Website usability: In today's digital age, a user-friendly website is essential. Consider how easy it will be to navigate the insurer's website, especially if you need to make a claim; a user-friendly site can simplify things considerably.

• Customisation: We looked for policies that offer a high degree of customisation, allowing senior travellers to tailor their coverage to specific needs. Options like 'Cancel For Any Reason' coverage, rental car protection, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and rented electronics coverage were highly valued, as they provide added peace of mind.

What you should know before buying a policy

Before purchasing travel insurance, especially if you're an older adult, there are key considerations to keep in mind. The following essential advice will guide you through the process to make an informed decision.

Identify coverage gaps: Assess your specific needs and identify potential gaps in coverage. For instance, check the coverage limits for medical emergencies – especially important for older adults – and trip cancellation. Consider your travel destination and planned activities to ensure adequate protection.

Compare plans diligently: Don't settle for the first policy you find. Take the time to compare different travel insurance plans from various providers. Pay close attention to the coverage details, exclusions, and claim procedures.

Shop around for quotes: Older adults may encounter varying premiums based on age and pre-existing conditions. It's crucial to shop around and obtain multiple quotes to find the best value for your money.

Utilise travel insurance aggregators: To simplify the comparison process, consider using a travel insurance aggregator. These platforms allow you to compare multiple policies from different insurers in one place, saving you time and effort. 

Understand policy terms: Insurance jargon can be confusing. Make sure you fully understand the policy terms and conditions before purchasing. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to contact the insurer for clarification.

Declare all pre-existing conditions: Failing to do so could void your policy.

Ensure that 24/7 assistance is provided: This is critical in case of any emergencies that occur while you’re overseas.

By following these tips, you can confidently choose a travel insurance policy that provides comprehensive protection and peace of mind for your travels.

>> Compare the best travel insurance in Singapore here.

A quick glance at some of the best travel insurance for seniors

To identify the top travel insurance providers for our senior adults in Singapore, we compared various policies based on the factors outlined earlier: coverage breadth, cost-effectiveness, website usability, and customization options. 

On average, travel insurance premiums for senior travellers average a premium of around $128.52. However, it's important to note that this is an average, and certain providers offering extensive coverage for pre-existing conditions or high-risk activities might skew this figure. Always obtain personalised quotes based on your specific needs and travel plans.

While budget-friendly options may seem appealing, it's crucial to remember that lower-priced policies often come with limited coverage. For instance, they might have lower medical expense limits or exclude coverage for certain activities. Therefore, we strongly recommend comparing each policy's details carefully to ensure you have adequate protection.

The top travel insurance policies for senior travellers

We’ve searched high and low to find the travel insurance policies that are best suited for the particular needs of senior travellers. Here are the top five recommendations we ended up with:

MSIG Travel Insurance offers three travel insurance plan tiers to cater to the needs of different types of travellers, which are designed to provide comprehensive protection and help travellers travel with peace of mind.

Pros:

• Unlimited emergency medical evacuation (across all travel insurance Plans)

• Comprehensive coverage of wide range of pre-existing health issues.

• Does not have an upper age limit; great for travellers aged 80 and above.

Cons:

• Higher cost of Premier plan.

• Can’t buy an annual plan with pre-existing conditions coverage.

• Does not have COVID-19 coverage.

What makes MSIG great:

• Designed for senior travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.

• Provides comprehensive coverage for declared medical conditions.

• Has no upper age limit for travellers, suitable for travellers over 70 or 80 years old..

A snippet from our MSIG review:

“MSIG offers a range of plans tailored to diverse needs, whether you're seeking basic protection or comprehensive coverage. This versatility makes this provider a strong contender in the travel insurance market.

Besides, positive reviews from customers in Singapore are a testament to MSIG's reliability, flexibility and exceptional service. Clients consistently praise this provider for how accommodating they are when it comes to enquiries and claims. 

The pros of MSIG travel insurance include robust medical coverage, protection against trip cancellations, and customisable add-ons for adventurous activities and family needs. However, some cons to consider are the exclusions for pre-existing conditions without the Pre-Ex add-on and the higher cost of premium plans.”

>> Learn more: Why travel insurance is necessary (and what might happen if you don’t buy it).

Singlife combines traditional insurance with modern technology to create user-friendly products that are easy to understand.

Pros:

• Covers trip cancellations regardless of reason.

• Unlimited coverage for overseas medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

• Also offers COVID-19 coverage.

Cons:

• Personal accident cover is not the best.

What makes Singlife great:

• Offers robust trip cancellation insurance for seniors.

• Provides unlimited overseas medical coverage.

• Covers COVID-19 related medical needs and trip changes

A snippet from our SingLife review:

“While Singlife's prices are attractive, it's essential to consider the coverage offered. Our insurance premium comparison reveals that Singlife provides comprehensive protection at competitive rates. Their plans include standard benefits like medical coverage and trip cancellation, plus unique features such as pet care and loss of frequent flyer points – perfect for KrisFlyer miles hoarders.”

Ideal for travellers looking for high medical coverage and ease of mind at competitive prices.

Pros:

• Up to S$1,000,000 unlimited emergency medical evacuation for all plans

• Automatic extension of cover up to a maximum of 30 days

Cons:

• Extensive list of general and benefit-specific exclusions.

• Does not cover claims arising from pre-existing conditions.

What makes Allianz great:

• Offers comprehensive coverage tailored to older adults.

• Provides medical evacuation coverage.

• Covers COVID-19 related medical emergencies.

A snippet from our Allianz review:

“Is Allianz travel insurance worth it? Unlike other insurers that only strictly cover for COVID-19 and excludes other pandemic or endemic diseases, Allianz does cover for all. This feature covers you for any potential diseases like MonkeyPox, SARS or any other yet-to-be-discovered diseases. As these pandemic situations are always very unexpected and happen very quickly, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that you are covered in the event of such instances.”

Tiq by Etiqa Travel Insurance is recognised as a leading travel insurance provider in Singapore, consistently delivering products that cater to the needs of the modern traveller. 

Pros:

• Affordable and provides good value for money.

• Comprehensive suite of benefits.

Cons:

• Pre-ex plans are only available for single trips.

• Pre-ex plans don’t come with COVID-19 coverage.

What makes Tiq great:

• Offers automatic flight delay reimbursement (3+ hours).

• Includes COVID-19 coverage.

• Covers pre-existing conditions (subject to policy terms).

A snippet from our Tiq review:
“As mentioned earlier, Tiq Travel Insurance is one of the rare few travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions, so that is undoubtedly a huge plus for this category of travellers. 

Other than that, another big pro found in Tiq Travel Insurance is its competitively priced premiums, made even more attractive by the fact that even the lowest tier plan retains most of the benefits found in the two higher tier ones. This helps to make Tiq Travel Insurance one that offers good value for money.

On the flipside, you cannot add COVID-19 cover to a plan with pre-existing conditions benefits. But perhaps the underwriting required to cover both categories of risk is simply untenable.”

One of the biggest household names in travel insurance, Income offers travel insurance plans tailored to a variety of needs.

Pros:

• Only annual plan covering pre-existing conditions in Singapore.

• Comes bundled with COVID-19 coverage, including medical expenses overseas, emergency evacuation and repatriation

Cons:

• The limit for overseas medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation is shared.

• Among the priciest of travel insurance plans available in Singapore.

What makes Income great:

• Is Singapore's only annual plan covering pre-existing conditions.

• Includes medical evacuation coverage.

• Covers COVID-19 treatment abroad.

A snippet from our Income review:

“Income offers robust coverage options that cater to various traveller needs. Their plans provide substantial medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation benefits, which are crucial for peace of mind abroad.

One standout feature in this Income travel insurance review is the flexibility in plan selection. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional holidaymaker, there’s likely a suitable option for you. The pricing is competitive, especially when considering the extent of coverage provided.”

>> Learn more: 5 things you should know about travel insurance

Before diving into separate travel insurance policies, it's wise for Singaporean travellers to check if their existing credit cards – especially those marketed as travel rewards cards – already offer some form of travel insurance.

Having these cards in your wallet can be a good initial step in safeguarding your trip-related investments and mitigating potential financial setbacks. However, for a truly comprehensive approach, you should carefully review your cards’ terms and conditions. 

Often, supplementing your card's coverage with a third-party travel insurance policy from a reputable provider, such as the ones listed above, ensures more robust protection. This layered approach allows you to travel with greater peace of mind, knowing you're well-covered against unexpected events.

>> Learn more: Compare some of the best travel credit cards in Singapore here.

A summary of the best travel insurance for senior travellers

Ready to choose the right travel insurance for your next trip? We've done the legwork and, as discussed throughout this article, the following options represent the best travel insurance for seniors in Singapore.

• MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex Premier:

• Key benefit: Comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions with no upper age limit.

• Ideal for: Older adults with pre-existing medical conditions seeking extensive medical coverage.

• Consideration: Higher cost, and no COVID-19 coverage.

• Singlife Travel Prestige:

• Key benefit: Unlimited overseas medical coverage and robust trip cancellation insurance, including COVID-19 coverage.

• Ideal for: Older adults who frequently have a need to cancel their trips at a moment’s notice. 

• Consideration: Personal accident cover is not the best.

• Allianz Travel Insurance Platinum:

• Key benefit: High medical coverage with unlimited emergency medical evacuation and broad pandemic coverage.

• Ideal for: Older adults prioritising high medical coverage and pandemic protection.

• Consideration: Exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

• Tiq Luxury:

• Key benefit: Automatic flight delay reimbursement and good value for money, with COVID-19 coverage.

• Ideal for: Older adults seeking affordability and convenience, with flight delay protection.

• Consideration: Pre-ex plans are single trip only and do not include COVID-19 coverage.

• Income Enhanced Pre-X Basic:

• Key benefit: Singapore's only annual plan covering pre-existing conditions, with COVID-19 coverage included.

• Ideal for: Older adults who travel frequently and require annual coverage for pre-existing conditions.

• Consideration: Higher cost and limits for medical expenses.

How to select the best option:

1. Assess your medical needs: If you have pre-existing conditions, prioritise plans like MSIG or Income.

2. Consider trip frequency: For frequent travelers, an annual plan like Income's might be best.

3. Evaluate coverage requirements: Determine if you need high medical coverage (Allianz, Singlife) or specific benefits like trip cancellation (Singlife) or flight delay reimbursement (Tiq).

4. Compare costs and benefits: Balance the cost of the plan with the coverage it provides.

5. Read the fine print: Always understand the policy terms, exclusions, and claim procedures.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the travel insurance that best suits your individual needs and ensures a safe and worry-free trip.

Use the right cards to maximise your rewards

Your ideal travel credit card should match your needs. Here are the top picks for 2025.

• Best for flat-rate rewards: Citi Cash Back + Card

• Best for max flexibility and big bonus: UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

• Best for portal benefits: DBS Altitude Visa Signature

• Best for cashback on travel bookings: Standard Chartered Simply Cash

• Best for direct travel bookings: AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend  

• Best for luxury travel perks: Citi Prestige Card