Get the Best Travel Insurance Plans Based on Your Needs and Preferences

Last Updated: 01 March 2024

It’s clear that Singaporeans love to travel outside the country, whether it’s in Asia or to Western countries. Although Singapore is one of the most developed countries in the world, it’s a small island which means that Singaporeans prefer to travel abroad.

To ensure that they’re protected during these trips, most of them are turning to travel insurance companies for cover. Even though more and more of them are buying insurance, they are also very selective with what they are choosing. So, why is this policy plan important? To help you understand its basics, here is a comprehensive overview.

So, you have heard about travel insurance and you are keen to buy one, but the problem is, which type of coverage is good for you? You don’t want to get something that won’t fully cater to your needs. So, it’s important to grasp the differences between various policies. These insurances can be categorised depending on several factors:

1. The Frequency of Travelling
2. The Number of People Travelling
3. Where are You Travelling To?
4. Special Cases that Require Personalisation

1. The Frequency of Travelling

Single-Trip: this is usually just one round trip i.e. from and back to Singapore. It’s suitable for those who don’t travel frequently. For instance, those who take trips once or twice a year.

One-way Insurance: as much as most Singaporeans love the round trip cover, some simply need one-way insurance. This could be when you are travelling abroad and not planning to come back to Singapore any time soon. It’s also suitable for those who are migrating or moving back to their mother countries. If you are using this type of insurance, the coverage starts shortly before you leave Singapore. It also stops shortly after you reach your destination. However, if there are transits to other countries, you will still get covered. But you mustn’t leave the transit area because anything that happens outside that place will not be covered.

Annual Insurance Cover: some people take numerous trips every year. They include businessmen, social media influencers, and others. These trips need to start and end in Singapore. Taking a multi-trip cover will effectively protect you every time you travel throughout the year. However, this does not mean that you will get a limitless cover. It all depends on the number of trips you expect to take in a year. It’s also worth noting that your travel destinations will greatly influence the cost of the insurance. For instance, buying annual insurance for the Asian continent will be much cheaper compared to other continents. So, if you are travelling worldwide, you are definitely going to spend more.

2. The Number of People Travelling

Are you a solo traveller or frequently take your family/friends along with you during your trips? It’s possible to choose an insurance plan depending on the number of travellers:

Single-person insurance: this is the most preferred choice for most travellers. It’s a great choice, especially if you want to fully take care of your personal affairs. It is also very cheap because it involves only one traveller.

Group Plan: it covers a group of colleagues or friends who travel together. However, it’s worth noting that each group plan has a specific number of people. This type of insurance normally comes with a discount because of the large number of participants.

Family Plan: it’s suitable for adults who travel with kids. This type of insurance offers a single premium for all the members of the family.

3. Where are You Travelling To?

Are you travelling locally, within Asia or overseas? Many people think that you only need travel insurance if you are going abroad. The truth is that anything can happen even when you are travelling in Singapore. So, it’s important to look for a policy that adequately covers your basic needs.

If you are travelling internationally, then you need an extensive cover. This is because different countries have different official languages, cultures, laws, and public systems. Because there are high chances you might be familiar with them, you may end up delaying, finding it difficult to communicate, or falling into the wrong hands of the law. So, it’s important to ensure that the type of cover you choose can cover your destination.

4. Special Cases that Require Personalisation

The basic insurance plan for most Singaporeans covers common things like flight delays, sickness, loss of luggage, and flight cancellations. However, there are some instances where you might need the insurance company to cover specific things for instance:

Pregnant Women

Most insurance providers don’t have basic policies for mothers-to-be. And in case there is a policy for them, there are several conditions that the expectant woman has to meet. For instance, some insurers won’t cover a pregnant woman if they are in their first trimester. They consider them as a high risk. On the other hand, some won’t cover those who are close to their due date.

Persons with Disability

At the basic level, many travel insurances will exclude travel cover for people with disabilities. However, you can still get coverage if you request for a customised policy.

Pre-existing Medical Condition

If you have a pre-existing medical condition like heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you cannot make claims under the basic medical cover. There are very few companies in Singapore that offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. So, in case you are suffering from any of these health conditions, you may need to make personalised claims.

Rental Car Excess

Are you going on a driving holiday and using a rental car? As much as you might be the most careful driver, accidents occur. Travelling across harsh or unfamiliar terrain can also cause damage to the car. However, there are insurance policies for rental excess coverage. They cover payments the car rental company might need for damage.

Senior travellers

They are considered to be high-risk and normally receive lower benefits. In Singapore, senior travellers are those above the age of 70 years.

Other add-ons include:

• Specific events such as weddings, tournaments etc.
• If you are going to engage in certain high-risk activities like bungee jumping, sky diving, and skiing, etc.

Types of Risks Travel Insurance Cover

Companies have a huge range of insurance covers which cover basic and personalised things. There are a lot of things that could go wrong while you are away. Some of the things are significantly expensive and you may end up using lots of money. Insurance companies offer clients various types of risk coverage to ensure that their different needs are covered.

Medical Cover

This is one of the most common risks that insurances cover. These companies fully understand that it’s possible to fall sick while you are travelling. Besides that, injuries and accidents are some of the things that you may come across. Although it’s possible to treat mild everyday diseases such as headaches, some of them may require admission or even surgery. The total costs involved in such scenarios are usually extremely high, especially if you are in a western country.

According to a research study, it costs less than $1000 to stay in an Asian hospital for a day. On the other hand, it may cost almost £4,000 if you are in the UK. So, what happens if you are admitted for several days? Well, this means you can quickly end up draining all your savings within a few days. But having medical treatment cover means that all your treatment costs will cover including surgery and dental treatment.

Note: sometimes a patient may want to be transferred back home. So, if you want to be taken back to Singapore, your cover will still pay for this. It should be noted that most Singaporeans travel to western and European countries a lot. Although these are developed countries with good healthcare systems, as a foreigner your charges may be significantly high.

Cancelled or Rescheduled Trips

This is a common phenomenon that happens a lot. Weather changes, insecurity, and political unrests are some of the reasons why your trip may be rescheduled or cancelled. Sometimes you may even fall sick or have serious commitments. However, these companies understand that travelling usually takes up lots of logistics. Most people spend days if not months just planning for one trip. So, what happens when an unavoidable circumstance pops up and you can’t travel on time?

If you have a rescheduled trip coverage, you will get reimbursed. However, be aware that this type of coverage is only effective when you are on or about to go for the trip. The insurer may provide you with money for hotel accommodation, meals, car rentals, and more.

Damage or Loss of Personal Items

Your bag can get lost or some of your personal belongings may get damaged. This type of coverage is essential for protecting your personal items. In case your luggage is destroyed, stolen, or lost during your trip, you will get a reimbursement. For instance, if there is a luggage delay, the company will give you money to buy the necessary items as you wait for the delivery. Some of the essential things that the insurance may cover include toiletries, clothes, and footwear.

Sudden Fold-Up of the Travel Urgency

Singapore’s travel industry is not strictly regulated. So, a travel agency can pop up and close down suddenly. This means that they may get away with your money as well as other vital information regarding your travel itinerary. But a policy that covers agent insolvency can easily provide you with an alternative. You will end up getting compensated the amount you had initially paid the travel agent.

Other Types of Travelling Risks and Add-Ons

The above-mentioned risks are the most basic. A lot of people tend to experience them than any other forms of risks. However, this does not mean that insurance companies don’t cover other types of risks. Some of the add-ons you can find include:

• Interpreter and legal fees: in case you need a legal presentation or need an interpreter for a language barrier.
• Repatriation: the policy covers the travelling costs involved in transferring your luggage or body back to your home country.
• Emergency pay-outs: it’s normally remitted in case of emergencies such as a hostage situation or kidnapping.

Overall, there are several versatile insurance companies that accommodate the different needs of different clients. Some of them even have emergency travel hotlines which clients can use to make calls at any time wherever they are.

Medical Emergencies are Quite Expensive Abroad

It’s possible to suffer from infections as a result of climate change. Besides that, accidents and injuries may also happen. While it may be cheaper to treat any of these problems here, medical costs are quite high when you are abroad. Having medical insurance, however, can help to cover all these costs. So, you don’t have to worry about emptying your pockets.

Your Flight Might Get Cancelled

Flight cancellations, as well as rescheduling, are common occurrences. But we are all aware that a lot of people invest a lot of cash in purchasing flight tickets. So, what happens when your flight is rescheduled or cancelled? You will definitely end up losing a lot of cash. In some instances, you might end up getting stranded because these are some of the things you probably didn’t budget for. However, if you have insurance, it’s possible to completely or partially recoup your travelling costs. Your insurance may also be able to cover your stay in a hotel or the extra transport costs.

Your Passport Can Get Lost

You are in the middle of a vacation, workshop, or conference then you realise that your passport is lost. What are you going to do in such a scenario? There is nothing as draining as replacing a passport when you are away from home. But if you have a good plan, it will help to expedite the replacement process.

Your Baggage Can Get Lost or Delayed

Airlines can delay or even misplace your baggage with all your personal items. However, if you have such coverage, you will just relax. You can call your company to help recover the lost items. Most of these companies will quickly reimburse all the essential items that could’ve gotten lost.

Personal Liability

What if nothing happens to you but you end up damaging someone’s property or hurting them? In case you are legally responsible for any of these, your insurance may be able to partially or fully cover personal liability expenses like legal fees.

Note: do not engage in hate speech, racial abuse, or criminal acts and expect your insurance to cover your legal expenses.

Emergencies Back at Home

Your home may be attacked by burglars, or a loved one can fall sick or die, hence you might need to take care of such emergencies. You might want to curtail the trip but this means that you will end up losing money. But if you have an insurance plan, it can effectively take care of such situations by offering a refund for your tickets.

It’s Easy to Fall Prey of Attacks

As a foreigner, it’s very easy to get attacked by locals. You might end up getting falling into the hands of pickpockets or burglars. Being the target of unpleasant intentions means that you end up losing your money, gadgets, and other valuables. A travel cover comes in handy in case such targeted events happen.

It Offers Peace of Mind

A lot of people normally get anxiety and sometimes even panic attacks when they think about travelling. This is normally as a result of fear that something may happen along the way and they may not be able to fully protect themselves. But having an insurance policy gives you much-needed peace of mind. This makes your trip more enjoyable and less stressful. You don’t have to worry about the extra expenses you will incur in case of a delay or cancellation. If your personal luggage is stolen or you fall sick, you can rest assured that you will be compensated.

When is The Perfect Time to Buy a Travel Policy?

You can buy insurance when you want. However, the best time is after you have booked your trip. This way, you will be able to fully maximize the coverage, if anything happens. Note that the insurance will only cover you after you have bought the policy. So, in case your trip is cancelled or scheduled, you can easily make your claims.

However, you can still enhance the coverage of your plan later on. This means that you can add other items such as accommodation and tours under the same insurance plan. It’s prudent that you buy a travel policy when you’ve already put your money at risk. For instance, once you buy a non-refundable air ticket, you have already put your money at risk in case the trip gets cancelled.

In Singapore, it’s possible to buy insurance 18 months prior to the trip. Besides that, Singaporeans can still get policy coverage a day prior to travelling. Note that sometimes travellers need to pay for their trips in instalments. Well, there are some companies that still offer travel insurance in such cases. All a person needs to do is add the total cost of the trip.

Why It’s Important to Buy Travel Insurance Early

Life is unpredictable so it’s only good for a person to get covered before they travel. Why would you want to insure your journey when you are late? Buying a policy early enough gives you enough free period to analyse if you need to make changes or not. This means that if you decide to cancel your trip, you will still get a full refund.

Buying Travel Insurance At the Last Minute

We all know that there are still procrastinators who love getting things at the last minute. So, it’s still possible to get a policy a day prior to travelling or depending on the insurer. But once you get to the airport or you have already arrived at your destination, then you won’t be able to buy one.

How to Get the Best Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel policies are now more common than ever. A lot of mishaps are happening. From plane crashes, diseases, to political unrests, all these have significantly increased the number of people seeking travel insurance. However, you need to be picky about what you choose. According to traveIinsuranceguide.sg, here is how you can choose the best policy.

1. Who is travelling?

Are you travelling alone, with kids, as a family, or with friends? Depending on the number of travellers, you can choose:

• A single-person cover.
• Single-parent family cover.
• A family holiday insurance.
• Couple insurance.

Essential Cover

Before going into deep details, check out first the basic cover. Does the policy accommodate standard coverage which usually includes medical costs, cancelled or delayed trips, and lost or misplaced luggage? If so, you can proceed to check other items.

2. Where are You Going?

Insurance policies are sometimes categorised depending on locations and they may include:

• Worldwide
• Asia
• America
• Europe
• Africa

Note: if you are going to Europe, remember that some countries are not part of the European Union although they are still in Europe, e.g. Switzerland.

3. How long is the Trip?

In most cases, single and annual trip policies may cover:

• 90 days
• 120 days
• 180 days

4. How Often Do You Travel?

If it’s a one-time trip, you just need a single-trip policy. In case you are going to travel several times, then you need to get an annual cover.

5. What Type of Activity Will You be engaging in?

Are you on a business trip, vacation, or a study trip? Besides those, are you going to engage in high-risk activities bungee jumping, skating, or scuba diving? Considering all these will help you choose the right type of policy.

6. Do You Need a Customised Policy?

Are you sick, pregnant, or old? If so, then you might require a speciality policy cover.

How to Make Travel Insurance Claims

So, your flight has been scheduled, you are sick, or your luggage has got lost. What next? First, you need to have the necessary contact details to report the situation immediately. It’s worth noting that most insurance companies have stipulated reporting times for claims so you can only receive your claims if you make a report within this period.

In case there are supporting documents, make sure that you also provide them. For instance, if you are paid legal fees or medical fees, you may need to furnish the insurer with the necessary receipts. Alternatively, if you were robbed, you need to first contact the relevant authorities before the insurer.

Fill out the Claims Form on Time

To be on the safe side, make sure that you make the claims within 7 days. Contact the insurer by email or phone call. They will advise you on the necessary steps you need to take and if you need to involve the authorities.

Fill the Forms Correctly

When filling out the claims forms, ensure that you provide accurate details. Outline clearly what you are making claims for. It should be noted that the claims procedure for medical costs isn’t the same as that for lost documents or theft.

Prepare the Relevant Documents

Sometimes you need to attach evidence for your claims. So, you must attach all the relevant documents to avoid all possible delays. Some of the documentation that you may need to successfully support your claims include:

Medical Documents

• Medical bills or report.
• Death certificate.
• Motor accident report.

Trip Cancellation/Delay Documents

• The original invoice for trip cancellation.
• Original tour or vacation booking receipt.

Lost Documents or Money

• Police report lodged within 24 hours.
• Passport replacement costs.

Lost Personal Effects

• Bag tags
• An irregularity/damage/loss report from the airline
• Photographs of lost or damaged items

Submit Your Claim

Make sure that you make your submission within the allotted time and then wait for a response. You will get contacted with 2-3 days. In case there is a need for more information, you will be contacted within 7 working days. If your claim is approved, you will receive your payments within 1 to 3 business days.

Prepare to Make Your Appeal

What if you make claims and the insurer fails to give you your claims? Well, it’s possible that they may have misjudged your circumstances. So, you need to prepare an appeal. Make sure that you add extra information that will make your claim successful.

Possible Exceptions for Claims

As much as insurance is supposed to cover accidents or things that might go wrong while you are travelling, you will not be always compensated. It’s, therefore, important for you to carefully read the details of your insurance. This will help you understand what is covered and the exceptions. Generally, you will not receive claims for the following:

• In case you are injured under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• If you need medical insurance as a result of a special pre-existing condition that is not under the policy. If you are suffering from a pre-existing medical condition, you need to buy a special medical cover for it. Otherwise, you will not receive your claims.
• Engaging in unlawful or illegal activities such as theft, racial abuse, etc.
• Travelling to a destination that’s considered highly volatile. According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, there are countries which are dangerous to Singaporeans. They include Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq among others. In case there is a travel advisory issued for a certain country and you still went ahead and travelled to that destination, rest assured that you will receive nothing.
• Failure to adequately protect yourself and your belongings. This is usually considered as negligence and you will be allocated nothing. For instance, leaving your belongings in high-risk areas, engaging in fights that can result in injuries, etc.

Takeaway

There is no doubt that more and more Singaporeans are now buying travel insurance than before. People don’t want to deal with the expensive costs, anxiety, and worry that come with unexpected events. But before you buy any insurance coverage, it’s important that you compare what different sites have to offer. A comparison overview allows you to buy a policy that suits your needs and budget. Besides that, you will be able to understand what makes brands unique.

Take your time, match your needs with the type of coverage you are interested in, and then proceed to make your payments. There is definitely no better way to travel stress-free than buying a comprehensive insurance policy plan.