Best Travel Insurance in Singapore 2024

Best Travel Insurance Plans In Singapore 2024

Planning your next trip? Besides perfecting your travel itinerary, it is important to get your travel insurance plan in order too. With so many options in Singapore, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. We have put together a comprehensive list of the best travel insurance in Singapore to help you make an informed decision. From travel insurance coverage types, and travel insurance claims, to all your frequently asked questions, read on to find out other essential information about travel insurance so you can have peace of mind with all you need to know about travel insurance.

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Compare The Best Travel Insurance Plans in Singapore 2024

What is Travel Insurance & How Does it Work?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance that provides you and your family with financial coverage should an unforeseen situation happen during your overseas travel. To be protected, you will need to pay a premium once you purchase a travel insurance policy. Travel insurance covers a wide range of travel-related risks and expenses, such as trip disruptions, medical expenses, lost personal baggage, and more. If you encounter any of these covered events, you can file a claim with your travel insurance provider for any associate eligible costs and expenses up to the coverage limit specified in your policy.

Is Travel Insurance Important?

Travel insurance is a crucial investment since it provides you and your family with protection and financial coverage in situations of unforeseen circumstances and emergencies. In case you meet with any claimable unpleasant situations, travel insurance can help you avoid a significant portion of the financial burden and stress you will otherwise have to shoulder. This way, you and your family can travel with a peace of mind and enjoy your travels to the fullest.

Types of Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance policies cover a wide range of incidents that you can choose from, although plans and coverage extent vary between providers. Here are some of the most common coverage types covered by travel insurers:

Overseas Medical Expenses and Emergencies

Should you require medical treatment or attention during your trip, this coverage type offers you reimbursement for your hospitalisation, treatment, and evacuation cost. Some policies may also offer coverage for pre-existing conditions. You will often be allowed to claim for these expenses up to a certain cap.

Trip Disruptions: Cancellations and Interruptions

If you need to cancel or shorten your trip due to any unforeseen circumstances such as illness, natural disaster, or even death, you will be able to claim for the cost incurred subject to the terms of your policy.

Lost/Stolen Personal Baggage and Belongings

Lost, stolen, or damaged personal belonging is a common coverage provided under travel insurance policies. You will be able to receive reimbursement for your personal belongings should any of this happen during your trip.

Flight Delays and Cancellations

If you face a trip delay, you may be able to claim additional expenses such as accommodation or meals. However, if you were put on a replacement flight after your flight was canceled, you will not be able to make a claim under this coverage category.

Death or Permanent Incapacitation

You will receive compensation in the unfortunate event of death or permanent incapacitation from an accident abroad, usually within a limited claimable period of 90 days.

Types of Travel Insurance: Which One Is Suitable For You?

There are two main types of travel insurance that you should know of -- annual and single-trip travel insurance policies. When deciding which policy type to purchase, it is important to consider your travel needs and preferences. Here is what you need to know and consider before purchasing your travel policy:

Single-Trip Travel Insurance

A single-trip travel insurance policy is designed to cover you for one vacation. You will typically have to purchase this policy before your departure to ensure coverage for the entire duration of your holiday. Usually, the maximum coverage is only up to a year. Like other types of travel insurance, single-trip travel insurance covers a wide range of unforeseen events, such as trip cancellations, lost personal baggage, medical emergencies, and many more. If you only travel once or twice a year, single-trip travel insurance may be the most value-for-money option.

Annual Multi-trip Travel Insurance

Annual travel insurance provides you coverage for multiple trips for a one-year period. Annual travel policies may be most cost-effective and convenient if you are a frequent traveler since it saves you the hassle of buying a separate policy for each trip you take in a year. Similar to single-trip policies, annual travel insurance provides a similar extent of coverage, differing between travel insurance providers.

How Do I Choose The Best Travel Insurance?

Choosing the best travel insurance in Singapore is often a top concern for many who want to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable holiday. With so many providers and policies, it can feel challenging to select the right one for you and your family's needs. Unfortunately, there isn't a single best plan suitable for everyone. Each policy has its unique features, benefits, and coverage designed to fit the diverse needs of all types of travelers. To choose the ideal plan, it is important to identify your needs and priorities, and then carefully review your options. This ensures you are adequately covered during your trip. Here are some factors you should think about when reviewing your needs and options:

Decide on the Coverage Needed

The first important step when reviewing between policies is to evaluate the coverage offered. This includes looking at the types of incidents covered, such as medical emergencies, trip disruptions, lost or stolen personal baggage, and more. Identify your needs against each policy's coverage to see if the policy provides adequate coverage and meets your specific needs.

Compare the Cost of Premium

Policy premiums are what make up the cost of your travel insurance. To find a cost-effective option, compare the costs of your shortlisted travel insurance policies to find one that offers the best value for the extent of coverage you require. As a guideline, consider the overall cost of the policy in relation to the duration of your trip.

Coverage for High-Risk Activities

If you plan to participate in any extreme or dangerous activities, be sure to choose a policy that provides sufficient coverage for such activities. Note that some policies may exclude certain dangerous, high-risk sports and activities, or require a higher premium to cover you for them. If you know the types of activities you will be engaging in advance, carefully review policy coverage to ensure adequate protection.

Consider the Length of Trip

Choose a policy that provides you with sufficient coverage for the entire duration of your holiday. Some policies may only cover you for a limited period of time while others offer a longer coverage duration.

Access to 24/7 Emergency Assistance

If you are concerned about facing any unpleasant emergencies, having access to round-the-clock assistance can greatly ease your worries. If this is your priority, be sure to choose a policy that provides you with 24/7 access to an assistance hotline for any unforeseen travel, medical, or any other emergencies that could arise.

Know the Terms & Conditions

Checking and reading the terms and conditions of policies is an important but often left out step. When reading the fine print, look out for information on what is or isn't covered, exclusions, caps and limitations on claims and coverages, and more. If you encounter any ambiguous claims or clauses that you do not understand, be sure to clarify any doubts with your insurance provider.

Check for Any Exclusions

Besides terms and conditions, you should also check for any exclusion in the policy you are considering. This can include natural disasters, pre-existing medical conditions, or high-risk sports and activities. Make sure that your policy does not exclude any coverage that you may need for your trip.

Find Out The Reputation of Your Insurer

One way knows the reputation of your insurance provider so is to read reviews and ratings of insurance providers online. Purchasing your insurance from a reputable insurance company can provide you with additional assurance of better coverage and reliable assistance should you need to make a claim.

Take Advantage of Travel Insurance Deals

Package deals or discounts provide you maximise your savings and the value of your travel insurance policy. Some companies may offer deals or limited-time offers. Be sure to take advantage of attractive offers for policies that you want to purchase.

All You Need To Know About Travel Insurance Claims

How Do Travel Insurance Claims Work

When you make a travel insurance claim, your travel insurer reimburses or compensates you for any financial losses incurred during your trip up to the limit stipulated under your travel insurance policy. As policy conditions and coverage extent differ between providers, travel insurance claims and the amount claimable will vary accordingly as well. Some insurers may also have specific procedures and time periods for making a claim, so it is important to take note of these instructions and claimable windows to ensure timely compensation.

When & What Can You Make A Travel Insurance Claim For?

You can make a travel insurance claim when you face an unforeseen event that is covered under your travel insurance policy. Some policies and providers allow reimbursement only for specific incidents, it is important to review the terms and conditions of your policy to find out what you can claim for. As far as possible, inform your travel insurer as soon as you wish to make a claim, as delays in reporting could affect your ability to make a successful claim. Here are some common scenarios that you may be able to make a claim for and the documentation you need to provide:

• Overseas medical treatment, expenses, and emergencies: Original receipts, medical reports, doctor's memo or letter, and any other medical documents provided from your medical emergency abroad
• Travel delays and disruptions: Proof of travel delay/cancellation from your airline, any receipt of additional cost such as hotel stays because of the delay or cancellation
• Lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings: You will need to submit a police report. Keep and provide the original receipt of your item and any costs for repairs if applicable

How To Submit a Travel Insurance Claim

Inform Your Insurance Provider

Contact your travel insurer as soon as your experience an emergency or loss covered under your travel insurance policy. This is important as some incidents have specific claim instructions or claimable windows. Be sure to also have your insurer's contact details with you; most would have a 24-hour hotline in case of emergency claims.

Gather All Relevant Documentation

Keep and gather any relevant documents, such as receipts, and medical reports, as proof of the expenses and extent of the loss. Most travel claims require these documents This will support your claim and increase your likelihood of a successful claim.

Complete the Claims Form

Each travel insurer will have its own claims form that you need to complete before you can file for a claim. Provide accurate and complete information about your emergency or loss as stated on the claims form.

Submit Your Claim To Your Insurance Provider

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and completed the claims form, you may submit them to your travel insurer in person or online.

Wait For Confirmation

Once received, your travel insurer will review your request for a claim. Be ready to provide additional documentation or answer any questions from your provider if there is incomplete information to substantiate your claims.

Receive Claims Reimbursement

If your claim has been approved, your travel insurer will reimburse you for your claimable losses and expenses covered under your policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors affect the cost of travel insurance?

There are several factors that can affect the cost of travel insurance. Some of them include:

• Age and health
• Length of trip
• Extent of coverage needed
• Length of trip

In general, older travelers, longer trips, travels to high-risk destinations, and travelers with pre-existing conditions may have higher premiums and cost more.

Will pre-existing condition(s) affect the premium price for my travel insurance?

Unfortunately, most travel insurance providers do not provide coverage for a pre-existing condition(s). For those that do, premiums are likely to be significantly higher.

Is COVID-19 covered by travel insurance?

Most travel insurance policies now cover COVID-19 related disruptions and offer compensation if you or your loved ones are diagnosed with the virus. While benefits differ between providers, coverages may include costs for medical treatment, trip cancellation due to COVID-19, postponement of your trip, shortening of your trip, emergency medical evacuation, overseas quarantine, and more. Now that countries have opened up borders for travel, it is still important to carefully review the coverage and terms of your travel insurance policy to find out what is covered and excluded. Depending on the policy, provider, and country you are visiting, you may need to purchase add-ons for specific coverages to meet your needs.

Will I be able to cancel my trip and get a refund if I tested positive for COVID-19 after purchasing my travel insurance?

This will depend on the specific terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy. If you are covered for trip cancellations due to COVID-19, you may be able to receive a refund of your non-refundable trip expenses should you test positive for COVID-19 and are unable to travel. Most travel insurance providers will require you to submit official documentation such as a doctor's note or other documents to confirm your illness to enable you to make a claim. Do note that some insurers are unable to provide refunds on travel-related bookings made using redemptions such as points, rewards, or mileage. Be sure to contact your insurer if you are unsure about any terms and conditions.

Is travel insurance mandatory for outbound travelers from Singapore?

While travel insurance is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance for you and your family before traveling. Having travel insurance with the right coverage can save you from the financial burden and impact of any adverse events, which can be extremely costly especially if you are in a foreign country. Furthermore, some countries and airlines will require proof of travel insurance before your entry, specifically if you intend to stay for long.

Can my travel insurance be extended?

Yes, travel insurance can often be extended, although subject to the specific terms and conditions of your policy. If you need to extend your trip, some travel insurance policies may provide the option to extend your travel insurance coverage. However, you will need to do so before your travel plan expires. To request an extension of your policy, you will need to contact your provider or do so online through your provider's online portal. Some insurers allow a one-time extension while others may require you to pay additional costs to do so. Do keep in mind that an extension is not always possible and largely depends on your policy terms and provider. You should also be ready to pay a higher premium as compared to your initial policy premium.

Is it cheaper to get a Group or Family travel insurance policy?

Purchasing a group or family travel insurance can generally be more cost-effective than buying individual policies for each traveler. Often, travel insurers offer group or family policies at a discounted rate for larger groups. However, the final cost savings will heavily depend on other factors, such as your chosen coverage options, the number of travelers, the travel destination, and the length of your trip. Before deciding which type of policy to purchase, it is important to compare the cost of group/family policies to that of individual policies for each traveler. Take into consideration any specific coverage needs of each traveler too, since some group travel insurance may only offer standardised coverage across all travelers in your group. Other factors to take into account could include the option and flexibility to customise any coverage options for individual travelers to ease the hassle of managing the needs and coverage of multiple travellers.

Can I still buy travel insurance if I am already overseas?

Yes, it is possible to purchase your travel insurance if you are already overseas. Some travel insurers may allow you to buy your travel insurance even after you have departed, while others will require you to purchase it before leaving your home country. The best time to get your travel insurance is right after you have confirmed and booked your flight tickets. This way, you maximise your coverage from when you confirm your trip until after you return since you are covered for any trip cancellations or postponement. If you want to purchase travel insurance after departing, you should check with your insurance provider as different insurers and policies differ.

Does travel insurance get more expensive closer to the trip?

No, travel insurance will not get more expensive closer to your trip. Travel insurance is purchasable from when you book your trip right up to just before your departure. However, waiting to purchase it until right before your trip may cause you to lose out on coverage from trip cancellations, delays, or postponement. In this sense, you may end up paying the same amount for your travel policy but with less coverage, causing you to lose out on crucial coverage and benefits before your trip.

Will I still be fully covered if changes are made to my travel dates?

Yes, you will still be fully covered if you make changes to your travel dates. Amending travel policy is a common occurrence and often an allowable practice. Here are some of the amendments that are allowable on your travel policy: travel dates (before departure), inaccurate personal details, number of insured people on your policy, and destination. Note that most insurers will only allow you to make these amendments before your departure. Some changes may also result in changes to your premiums if the change made leads to changes in your risks or coverage.

Can foreigners buy travel insurance in Singapore?

Yes, foreigners are eligible to purchase travel insurance for themselves. However, not all insurance companies cover foreigners. To buy travel insurance, foreigners will most likely have to provide documentation, such as an Employment Pass, Work Pass/Permit, Dependant Pass, Long Term Visit Pass, or Student Pass to be eligible to purchase travel insurance in Singapore.

Is travel insurance worth the cost?

Although the value of travel insurance is dependent on your circumstances such as age, health, and risks of activities you will engage in, travel insurance is often worth the investment. With suitable travel insurance, you are protected against various unforeseen adverse scenarios that may result in a heavy financial burden, especially if the incident occurs overseas. By ensuring you and your family with a relatively smaller sum compared to the cost of your trip, you may be able to avoid shouldering the financial losses and expenses associated with any unforeseen incidents.

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Seedly's Product Comparison Page Listing Guidelines

For Travel Insurance Insurance products to be listed on Seedly's Product Comparison Page, they have to fulfil the following criteria:

• Policies protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection (PPF) Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC)
• Coverage for unforeseen circumstances while travelling abroad

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