Before embarking on any journey, understanding your travel insurance is crucial, especially for Singaporeans and those travelling from Singapore. Many travellers fall prey to common travel insurance misconceptions, leading to inadequate coverage and unexpected financial burdens. This article aims to debunk these travel insurance myths, ensuring you're well-informed and protected on your travels.

This is a common travel health insurance myth. While travel insurance often includes medical coverage, it primarily focuses on emergency medical expenses. 

So, while it covers accidents or sudden illnesses during your trip, it typically won't cover routine check-ups or pre-planned treatments abroad.

If you require coverage for non-emergency medical expenses while overseas, consider these two options:

1. Augment your existing health insurance: Check if your current health insurance provider offers add-on coverage for international travel. This can be a cost-effective solution if you frequently travel and anticipate needing medical care abroad.

2. Purchase international health insurance: Several insurers offer comprehensive international health insurance plans that cover both emergency and non-emergency medical needs, including routine check-ups, maternity care, and dental services. This is especially useful for long-term travellers or expats.

While it's true that standard travel insurance often excludes high-risk activities like skydiving, scuba diving, or bungee jumping, this myth can mislead many. Travel insurance is essential for everyone, not just thrill-seekers. For instance, if you're planning a skiing or snowboarding trip, you'll need specialised coverage. Some insurers, like FWD Travel Insurance, offer plans that specifically include these snow sports.

If your trip involves adventure activities, explore policies that cater to your needs. Look for coverage that specifies air activities (zip-lining, hot air ballooning), water sports (scuba diving, deep-sea fishing), or snow sports (skiing, snowboarding). Always check the policy details to ensure your chosen activities are covered.

» Read more: Best travel insurance plans for extreme sports

Many travellers believe that "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) coverage guarantees a full refund, but this is a significant misconception about your travel insurance. 

While CFAR policies offer flexibility, they typically reimburse only a percentage of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. 

It's crucial to carefully review the policy terms to understand the exact reimbursement percentage and any time restrictions.

CFAR coverage is ideal for situations where you might need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as changes in work commitments, personal reasons, or concerns about travel advisories. However, remember that most CFAR policies require you to cancel a certain number of hours before your scheduled departure, and the refund amount is often limited to 50% to 75% of your trip costs.

» Read more: Why you should buy travel insurance

While it's true that frequent travellers can maximise the value of annual travel insurance plans, or even benefit from some credit cards that provide free travel insurance, this doesn't apply to everyone. 

If you're a full-time traveller, such as a digital nomad, you might find that standard travel insurance policies don't suit your needs. Most travel insurance policies have trip duration limits, often around 60 days. 

Therefore, always carefully check the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure it aligns with your travel patterns.

» Read more: Why you might need a long stay travel insurance plan

This is another common myth about travel health insurance. While individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should seek specialised travel insurance that covers those conditions, travel insurance is essential for everyone. 

Unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and travel delays can happen to anyone, regardless of their health status. 

It's crucial to understand that standard travel insurance policies may not cover pre-existing conditions, so always check the policy details and consider a comprehensive plan with a pre-existing condition waiver if needed.

» Read more: How does insurance cover medical evacuation?

This is a critical travel insurance myth to dispel. In Singapore, most insurance companies require claims to be filed within a specific timeframe after the incident, often around 30 days. Waiting until you return home could result in your claim being denied. 

The typical claims process involves notifying the insurer as soon as possible, followed by submitting a written or online claim with supporting documentation (medical reports, police reports, etc.). 

To avoid common mistakes, always report incidents promptly and ensure you understand the deadlines and submission procedures outlined in your policy.

We've uncovered key travel insurance myths to help you travel smarter. Remember, travel insurance has limits. It's not the same as full medical coverage. Special activities need special policies. 'Cancel For Any Reason' isn't a full refund. Flying often doesn't mean more benefits. You don't need a condition to benefit. Claims must be fast. Know these facts.

Read your policy closely. Understand what's not covered. Make smart choices. This protects you on your trips. Don't let travel insurance misconceptions ruin your holiday.