Best Travel Medical Insurance For Singaporeans
Updated: 18 Nov 2025
Written bySingSaver Team
Team
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. While we review and compare financial products to help you find the best options, we do not provide personalised recommendations or investment advisory services. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.
When planning an overseas trip, safeguarding yourself against unexpected medical emergencies abroad is crucial. Stand-alone travel medical insurance provides this vital protection, covering illnesses or injuries that may occur during your travels. While some premium travel credit cards offer medical coverage, it's often limited and may not provide sufficient protection.
While comprehensive travel insurance policies typically include emergency medical coverage, you can also purchase it separately. Even if you have local Singaporean health insurance, it may offer little to no coverage while you're abroad.
Navigating the various sources of information can be overwhelming, leading to confusion about your coverage or accidental duplication. To ensure you have the right protection for your trip, it's essential to understand the ins and outs of short-term medical insurance when it comes to international travel and choose the best option for your needs.
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Top travel insurance plans in Singapore (2025)
|
Plan |
Hot Reward Pick |
SingSaver Reward |
Maximum Coverage for Overseas Medical Expenses |
Ideal for |
|
|
Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance (Comprehensive) – Bronze |
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S$50 Shopee voucher |
S$150,000 |
Budget-conscious travellers who want essential coverage with add-on options |
|
|
HLAS TravelProtect 360 – Basic |
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S$50 Shopee voucher |
S$200,000 |
Casual holidaymakers seeking affordable coverage for short regional trips |
|
|
Singlife Travel Prestige |
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S$50 Shopee voucher |
S$200,000 |
Premium travellers who want top-tier coverage, including high medical limits |
|
|
MSIG TravelEasy – Standard |
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S$50 Shopee voucher |
S$250,000 |
Frequent travellers who value balanced protection, with the option to upgrade for higher limits |
|
|
Allianz Travel Hero – Elite |
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S$40 Shopee voucher |
Families or frequent flyers looking for dependable coverage with strong medical benefits |
Best for budget-conscious travellers who want essential coverage
Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance (Comprehensive) – Bronze
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Coverage type: Single-trip or annual multi-trip
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Overseas medical expenses: S$150,000
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Trip cancellation: S$5,000
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Baggage loss/delay: S$100
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Eligibility: Singapore residents aged 18+, free coverage extended to a maximum of 4 children under the family plan.
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Claim support: 24/7 emergency assistance hotline, online claim submission via app / portal.
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How to apply: Online through Starr’s website or via partner platforms.
SingSaver’s take
The Starr TraveLead – Bronze plan is a solid entry-level travel insurance option that offers well-rounded protection for essential travel risks such as overseas medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss or delay, and travel disruptions. It provides good baseline coverage for short holidays or regional trips without the higher premiums of comprehensive plans.
While it doesn’t include some of the premium benefits found in higher-tier plans, it’s a dependable choice for travellers who prioritise affordability and essential protection. It’s especially suitable for those looking for straightforward, no-frills coverage that still safeguards against the most common travel mishaps.
Pros
Affordable premiums make it ideal for budget travellers.
Covers essential travel risks like overseas medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage loss/delay.
Includes coverage for travel disruptions such as missed connections or delays.
Suitable for both short-haul and regional trips.
Option to upgrade to higher tiers for expanded benefits if needed.
Cons
Lower coverage limits compared to mid- or top-tier plans.
Limited add-ons or premium perks such as adventure sports or car rental excess.
Some benefits (e.g., trip cancellation) have sub-limits that may not fully offset high travel costs.
Best for casual holidaymakers seeking affordable coverage
HLAS TravelProtect 360 – Basic
- Complete purchase in just 3 clicks
- High-value baggage loss, baggage delay coverage
- Overbooking and flight diversions covered
- 24/7 global teleconsultation for emergencies
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Coverage type: Single-trip or annual multi-trip
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Baggage loss/delay: S$800
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Eligibility: Singapore residents aged 18+, free coverage extended to a maximum of 4 children under the family plan.
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Claim support: 24/7 emergency assistance hotline, HLAS online claims portal.
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How to apply: Online via HLAS or partnered insurer’s platform.
SingSaver’s take
The HLAS TravelProtect360 – Basic plan is a smart, no-frills choice for travellers seeking essential protection without the premium cost. It covers key risks such as overseas medical emergencies, trip cancellation, flight delays, and baggage issues, making it well-suited for short regional getaways or budget-conscious travellers.
It’s worth noting, however, that this Basic plan does not include COVID-19 cover, so if you want that extra layer of protection you’ll need to consider a higher tier. Overall, this plan offers reliable core coverage at a modest price — ideal for casual trips rather than high-risk or luxury travel.
Pros
Affordable entry-level travel protection
Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and baggage loss/delay
Clear policy structure with standard protection features
Ideal for short trips or regional travel on a budget
Cons
No COVID-19 cover under the Basic tier
Lower benefit limits compared to upgraded plans
Fewer add-on options for high-risk activities or extensive travel
May not suit travellers who need broad global coverage or premium perks
Best for premium travellers who want top-tier coverage
Singlife Travel Prestige
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Coverage type: Single-trip or annual multi-trip
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Baggage loss/delay: S$2,00
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Eligibility: Singapore residents aged 18+, free coverage extended up to 4 children under the family plan.
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Claim support: 24/7 emergency assistance hotline, simple online claim submission.
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How to apply: Online via Singlife’s website or partnered insurer’s platform.
SingSaver’s take
The Singlife Travel Prestige plan is tailored for travellers who want the highest level of protection available, including unlimited coverage for overseas medical expenses — a rare find in Singapore’s travel insurance market. On top of that, it includes strong benefits for trip cancellations, baggage loss, flight delays, and built-in COVID-19 cover.
With 24/7 global support and online claim submission, it offers peace of mind for frequent flyers, families embarking on major trips, or anyone prioritising protection over price. That said, it sits at a higher premium, so it’s best suited for those who fully expect to travel overseas often or engage in higher-value adventures.
Pros
Unlimited coverage for overseas medical expenses
COVID-19 coverage included as standard
High benefit levels for trip interruption, baggage, and flight delay
24/7 emergency assistance hotline and streamlined online claims
Cons
Premium pricing compared to entry and mid-tier plans
May offer more coverage than casual or infrequent travellers need
Some optional features (e.g., adventurous sports) may still require upgrades
Worth only if you travel often or spend significant time abroad
Best for frequent travellers who value balanced protection
MSIG TravelEasy – Standard
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Coverage type: Single-trip or annual multi-trip
- Baggage loss/delay: S$3,000
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Rental car excess cover: Not included under the Standard Plan, up to S$1,500 under the Luxury Plan
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Eligibility: Singapore residents aged 18+, free coverage extended up to 4 children under the family plan.
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Claim support: 24/7 emergency assistance hotline, simple online claim submission
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How to apply: Online via MSIG’s website or partnered insurer’s platform
SingSaver’s take
The MSIG TravelEasy plan delivers balanced and dependable protection across medical emergencies, trip disruptions, and baggage issues, making it a solid all-rounder for leisure and family travellers. The Standard plan offers comprehensive baseline coverage suitable for most trips, while the higher Elite and Premier tiers enhance overall benefits with higher claim limits and additional perks such as travel delay compensation and evacuation assistance.
Whether you’re travelling for leisure or business, TravelEasy provides flexible options for single-trip or annual coverage and includes automatic COVID-19 protection. It’s particularly appealing for those who value reliability and breadth of coverage without paying luxury-tier premiums.
Pros
Well-rounded coverage across medical, baggage, and trip disruption benefits
Automatic COVID-19 protection on all tiers
Flexible plan options for single-trip or annual travel
24/7 emergency assistance and simple claims process
Cons
Standard plan has lower coverage limits than premium tiers
Some benefits (e.g. rental car excess or adventurous sports) only in higher plans
May not fully cover pre-existing medical conditions
Premiums can be higher than basic budget travel insurance
Best for families or frequent flyers looking for dependable coverage
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Coverage type: Single-trip or annual multi-trip
- Baggage loss/delay: S$5,000
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Eligibility: Singapore residents aged 18+, free coverage extended up to 4 children under the family plan.
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Claim support: 24/7 emergency assistance hotline, simple online claim submission
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How to apply: Online via Allianz’s website or partnered insurer’s platform
SingSaver’s take
The Allianz Travel Insurance – Platinum plan is designed for travellers who want the highest level of protection, with extensive overseas medical coverage (up to S$1 million) and robust trip disruption benefits. A standout feature is the 24/7 access to its Emergency Medical Assistance team, which includes multilingual travel and medical specialists who can help you coordinate hospital care, evacuations, and transport when you’re abroad.
While the Platinum tier is more premium-priced than entry-level plans, it offers excellent peace of mind for frequent flyers, families travelling long-haul, or those seeking top-tier coverage without hidden limitations.
Pros
Very high overseas medical benefit limits (up to S$1 000 000)
24/7 global emergency medical assistance with multilingual specialists
Coverage includes trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss/delay, and optional sports/leisure cover
Paperless online claim submission and clear policy wording
Cons
Premium pricing compared to basic travel insurance tiers
Coverage may exclude pre-existing conditions and certain high-risk activities — check the policy wordings
Some benefits (like car rental excess or specific sports cover) may still have sub-limits or require add-on
What is travel medical insurance and what does it cover?
Travel medical insurance covers emergency overseas medical costs, including evacuation, but excludes routine care like dental cleanings. It is designed for unforeseen emergencies.
Singaporean expats, frequent business travelers, or those planning extended stays (a year or more) should consider comprehensive long-term international health insurance, which unlike standard travel medical insurance, covers routine medical needs.
Both standard and comprehensive policies may cover travelling family members or a family member's visit if the insured is hospitalized. Family typically includes spouses, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents. Trip cancellation benefits may apply if a travel companion is ill or injured.
While natural disasters are usually covered, most policies exclude pandemics or travel to countries with a Singapore MFA "Do Not Travel" advisory. Coverage in such high-risk countries may be limited or unavailable, so always review the terms and conditions.
>> MORE: Compare the best travel insurance
Do you need travel medical insurance?
If you're planning an overseas trip and your existing Singaporean medical insurance doesn't cover you in your destination, travel medical insurance is essential. You can opt for a comprehensive policy or one focused solely on medical coverage.
Medical-only travel insurance is ideal for:
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Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions.
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Those with credit cards providing sufficient trip cancellation and delay coverage.
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Individuals on extended stays or frequent travellers (e.g., for work or long holidays).
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Participants in adventure sports or high-risk activities.
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Parents travelling with children or elderly travellers with potential medical needs.
If you lack credit card trip cancellation benefits and desire emergency medical coverage, a comprehensive policy is recommended.
>> MORE: Discover travel insurance add-ons
Comparing comprehensive travel insurance and travel medical insurance coverage
When considering travel protection, it's important to understand the difference between comprehensive travel insurance and stand-alone travel medical insurance.
Comprehensive travel insurance offers a wider range of coverage compared to travel medical insurance alone. While travel medical insurance focuses specifically on emergency medical situations, comprehensive policies extend to various aspects of your trip, including medical care, trip cancellations, and more.
Here's a general overview of their key differences.
|
Coverage |
Travel medical insurance |
Comprehensive travel insurance |
|
Trip changes & delays |
Some coverage |
Included |
|
Trip cancellations |
Not included |
Included |
|
Lost baggage |
Some coverage |
Included |
|
Emergency medical evacuation/return |
Included |
Included |
|
24/7 assistance |
Included |
Included |
|
Accidental injury/death |
Included |
Included |
|
Rental vehicle |
Not included |
Included |
Travel medical insurance focuses on medical emergencies, so it doesn't include trip cancellation benefits. This typically makes it more affordable than comprehensive travel insurance, where the total cost of your non-refundable trip is factored into the premium.
Travel medical insurance coverage
For medical emergencies while travelling, you can claim reimbursements under your travel medical insurance. Our review of several plans shows that they commonly include the following coverage:
|
Coverage types |
Examples |
Coverage amounts |
|
Emergency medical expenses |
Hospital X-rays after a fall |
Start from S$50,000 and can go up to S$2,000,000 (or unlimited coverage) |
|
Emergency dental expenses |
Dentist visit for a chipped tooth causing pain |
Depends on policy |
|
Medical evacuation |
Airlift to a medical facility for a head injury (doctor-ordered) |
Can go up to unlimited coverage |
|
Accidental death/dismemberment |
Death or loss of limb during travel |
Depends on policy |
|
24/7 emergency assistance |
Help finding a doctor in a foreign language-speaking country |
Depends on policy |
|
Trip interruption |
Transportation back after medical evacuation |
Depends on policy |
|
Baggage loss |
Purchase of essential items due to lost luggage (item limits apply) |
Start from S$600 and can go up to S$5,000 |
As shown in the table, the coverage limits vary significantly across different policies.
Understanding travel medical insurance options
Choosing the right travel medical insurance depends on your travel style and coverage needs. Familiarise yourself with these key terms: primary vs. secondary coverage, and single-trip vs. multi-trip plans.
Comparison of primary coverage & secondary coverage
Travel medical insurance policies specify whether the medical coverage is primary or secondary.
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Primary Coverage: This means you can directly submit your claims to the travel medical insurance provider before involving any other insurance.
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Secondary Coverage: With secondary coverage, you must first submit your claims to your primary insurance provider before seeking reimbursement from the travel insurance company.
Single- or multi-trip coverage
Whether you travel frequently or occasionally, you can select a plan that suits your needs:
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Single: This covers a single, round-trip journey. Once you return to Singapore, the coverage ends. This is suitable for individual trips, regardless of duration.
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Multi: This allows unlimited trips within a specified period (usually one year), with each trip lasting up to a set number of days (e.g., 30 to 90 days). Multi-trip coverage is ideal for frequent travellers who don't want to purchase a new policy for each trip.
Credit card travel medical benefits
While existing credit card travel medical coverage (e.g., Citi Rewards Card offers up to S$1,000,000 total, including S$40,000 for Overseas Medical Expenses) may seem adequate, stand-alone travel medical insurance policies in Singapore often provide significantly higher or even unlimited Overseas Medical Expenses coverage.
If your travel plans involve high-cost healthcare countries, remote areas, or high-risk activities, purchasing supplemental travel medical insurance is advisable to ensure more comprehensive coverage than the limits provided by credit cards.
Credit cards with travel insurance coverage
Best for frequent flyers who want to maximise miles without category restrictions
UOB PRVI Miles Card
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Rewards earned: Up to 3 miles per S$1 overseas; ~1.4 miles per S$1 local.
SingSaver’s take
The UOB PRVI Miles card offers excellent miles earning potential and also includes complimentary travel insurance — provided you charge your full airfare to the eligible card and enrol before travel.
For travellers who routinely fly and charge tickets to this card, the combination of miles plus free travel insurance can offer strong value-for-money. That said, the need to charge full fare and enrol ahead limits its utility for casual travellers or those not booking full-fare flights.
Pros
High miles earn rates on overseas and travel-related spend
Free travel insurance cover when eligibility conditions are met
No cap on miles earned
Cons
Travel insurance only triggers if full airfare is charged and form submitted
Base local miles rate lower than overseas rate
Some variants and benefits (e.g., limo transfers) require AMEX version or high spend
Best for everyday spenders who prefer simple, unlimited cashback
Citi Cash Back+ Card
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Rewards earned: 1.6% cashback (Unlimited); up to 3.5% cashback on qualifying foreign currency spend in 10 selected countries
SingSaver’s take
The Citi Cash Back+ card offers an excellent simple cash-back structure and also includes complimentary travel insurance if you charge your full airfare to the card and activate the benefit.
For travellers who prioritise cashback and want insurance cover without buying a separate policy, this card ticks both boxes. That said, the full-fare and activation requirement — plus the fact the insurance benefit ends 31 March 2026 — means it's most useful for trips booked and charged early.
Pros
Straightforward unlimited cashback with no cap
Free travel insurance cover included under conditions
First year annual fee waived
Cons
Insurance benefit requires full airfare charge and activation
Insurance coverage ends from 1 April 2026 for new trips
Some merchant category exclusions may apply to cashback
Best for active lifestyle users
Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card
- Rewards earned: Up to 2.8 miles per S$1 on foreign currency and air ticket spend; 1.2 miles on all travel-related expenses
SingSaver’s take
The Maybank Horizon Visa Signature stands out by combining a rewarding miles structure with complimentary travel insurance when you charge full travel fare to the card. For users focused on foreign currency or air ticket spend, this card offers strong all-round value — though the monthly spend requirement and spend category conditions mean it’s best suited for regular travellers, not casual users.
Pros
Attractive miles earn rate on air ticket and foreign currency spend
Free travel insurance included (with full-fare charge)
Cons
Monthly S$800 minimum required to unlock top earn rate
Miles earn rate on general local spend is modest
Free travel insurance depends on full airfare charge and activation
Important considerations for travel medical insurance
Terms to know
Travel medical coverage involves understanding limits, exclusions, and deductibles.
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Deductibles: This is your initial out-of-pocket expense before coverage begins. Deductibles are adjustable, affecting your premium.
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Exclusions: Policies exclude certain events or activities, such as high-risk sports. Always check your policy for exclusions related to your planned activities.
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Limits: Coverage has monetary caps. For example, dental treatment might be covered up to a set amount, with you responsible for any excess
For expats
Singaporean residents living or working abroad for extended periods might require long-term travel medical insurance. This differs from standard travel medical insurance, which focuses on emergency coverage.
Common medical coverage exclusions in travel insurance
When buying travel insurance in Singapore, it’s important to note that not all medical incidents or situations are covered. Most insurers exclude specific conditions or scenarios from claims, even under comprehensive plans. Here are some of the most common exclusions:
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Pre-existing medical conditions: Chronic illnesses or medical issues that were diagnosed or treated before your trip are typically excluded, unless you purchase a plan with specific pre-existing condition coverage.
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High-risk or extreme sports injuries: Activities like scuba diving beyond depth limits, skydiving, mountaineering, or racing often require an adventure sports add-on for coverage.
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Travelling against medical advice: Claims are rejected if you travel despite being advised not to by a doctor.
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Non-emergency or elective treatments: Routine check-ups, cosmetic surgery, dental work, or planned medical procedures are not covered.
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Pregnancy-related expenses: Normal childbirth, fertility treatments, or complications beyond a certain gestation period (usually 30 weeks) are excluded.
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Mental health and behavioural conditions: Psychological, psychiatric, or stress-related disorders are not included in standard medical coverage.
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Incidents involving alcohol or drugs: Injuries or illnesses resulting from intoxication or substance abuse are excluded.
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Epidemics and pandemics: COVID-19 and similar outbreaks are only covered under specific plans or add-ons.
Frequently asked questions about medical insurance coverage
The best travel insurance in Singapore depends on your travel style and needs. For frequent travellers, FWD and MSIG TravelEasy offer strong annual multi-trip plans with broad medical and trip disruption coverage. If you’re after higher-tier protection with luxury perks, Singlife Travel Prestige or Income Travel Insurance Deluxe are top options. Always compare coverage for overseas medical expenses, trip cancellations, and adventure sports before buying.
Yes, most travel insurance policies in Singapore cover emergency medical expenses incurred overseas, including hospitalisation, surgery, and evacuation. The coverage amount varies by plan: basic tiers may offer around S$200,000, while premium plans like MSIG TravelEasy Premier or Singlife Prestige can go up to S$1 million. However, routine or elective treatments and pre-existing conditions are usually excluded unless you’ve added a specific rider.
Travel insurance typically covers only medical treatment received overseas or follow-up care within a short period after returning to Singapore (usually 30 to 90 days). This applies to injuries or illnesses first diagnosed during your trip. Long-term treatments or new conditions discovered after returning home are not covered; you’ll need a regular health insurance plan for that.
Travel medical insurance in Singapore can cost anywhere from S$20 to S$80 for a single short trip, depending on your destination, duration, and age. Annual multi-trip plans range from S$200 to S$600 per year. Premium tiers cost more but offer higher limits (e.g., up to S$1 million in medical coverage).
Travel insurance generally doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, routine check-ups, elective procedures, or injuries from extreme sports (unless you purchase an add-on). Other common exclusions include travelling against medical advice, incidents linked to alcohol or drugs, mental health conditions, and unlicensed medical treatment abroad.
About the author
SingSaver Team
At SingSaver, we make personal finance accessible with easy to understand personal finance reads, tools and money hacks that simplify all of life’s financial decisions for you.