Best Travel Insurance Plans in Singapore

We will protect our health and car by purchasing medical and car insurance, but why do we often overlook travel insurance when planning a trip?

If we faced illness or injury, cancelled flight, lost luggage, or even death during the trip, were you concerned before? If we encounter these accidents, what will protect our loss or what values to leave for your family?

Therefore, travel insurance is the safeguard for us to prevent the unfortunate situation from becoming worse. The Singapore Business Review shows that more than 80% of Singaporeans have been willing to buy travel insurance for their trip since 2022. Why don’t you take this action also to give a safeguard during your journey?

Compare The Best Travel Insurance Plans 2023

Best for Coverage & Benefit

	Allianz Travel Platinum	Singlife Prestige	MSIG Premier
Medical	Unlimited	Unlimited	S$1.5 million
Accident/Death	S$100,000	S$500,000	S$500,000
Cancellation	S$25,000	S$20,000	S$15,000
Trip Delay	S$1,500	S$2,000	S$1,500
COVID-19 Coverage	Yes	Yes	Yes

Best for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

	MSIG	Income Insurance
Medical	S$250,000	S$500,000
Accident/Death	S$150,000	S$200,000
Cancellation	S$5,000	S$10,000
Trip Delay	S$1,500	S$1,500
COVID-19 Coverage	Yes	Yes

Best Value for Annual Plan

	Allianz Travel Silver	Singlife Plus
Medical	S$1 million	S$2 million
Accident/Death	S$80,000	S$100,000
Cancellation	S$15,000	S$15,000
Trip Delay	S$1,500	S$1,000
COVID-19 Coverage	Yes	Yes

Best for ASEAN Destinations

	Etiqa Entry	HL Assurance Basic
Medical	S$200,000	S$150,000
Accident/Death	S$150,000	S$200,000
Cancellation	S$5,000	S$5,000
Trip Delay	S$300	S$1,000
COVID-19 Coverage	Yes	No

Best for Asia Destinations

	FWD insurance Premium	HL Assurance Basic	Etiqa Entry
Medical	S$200,000	S$150,000	S$200,000
Accident/Death	S$200,000	S$200,000	S$150,000
Cancellation	S$7,500	S$5,000	S$5,000
Trip Delay	S$300	S$1,000	S$300
COVID-19 Coverage	Yes	No	Yes

Best for Global Destinations

Allianz Travel

Allianz Travel has different travel policies for customers: Bronze, Silver, and Platinum plans. There are single trips and annual multi-trips options, and all plans provide the necessary medical coverage, only different from the coverage limit.

Referring to the table above, the silver and platinum plans provide the same medical coverage and cover for COVID-19. If you are looking for the best coverage and benefits on a single trip or the best annual travel insurance in Singapore, you must consider the plan of Allianz Travel.

Singlife

Singlife is a notable travel insurance company in Singapore, their plan was valuable, the same as Allianz Travel. Singlife provides Travel Lite, Travel Plus, and Travel Prestige with different prices and coverage limits to meet customers’ needs.

By checking the table of best coverage & benefits, you may notice the accident or death coverage of Singlife is much higher than that of Allianz Travel. Still, other coverage is less than Allianz Travel. It is an option for customers to choose which is more priority.

MSIG

MSIG has 3 plan types for customers: standard, elite, and premier. These 3 plan types are available to individuals, groups, and families, and single-trip plans have no upper age limits. Although MSIG doesn’t provide unlimited medical coverage, S$ 1.5 million is enough for travellers who prefer a single trip.

Besides, MSIG is one of the insurance companies that provide a better offer for Pre-existing medical conditions. MSIG has provided COVID-19 coverage and a wide range of travel insurance coverage to all pre-existing medical conditions customers.

Income Insurance

Income Insurance is one of the travel insurance companies in Singapore that provides protection for Pre-existing medical conditions customers. They also provide the single trip and annual multi-trip, and the 3 plan types are classic, deluxe, and preferred. No matter your preferred price range, Income Insurance must have 1 plan to meet your needs.

By referring to the Best for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions table, you can notice that Income Insurance provides higher coverage than MSIG. However, the policy of pre-existing medical conditions capped the age limit below 70 years old.

Etiqa

Etiqa travel insurance was notable in Singapore, its travel insurance coverage is worth it for you. Whether you are planning to travel to ASEAN, Asia, or Worldwide travelling.

Etiqa travel insurance is the average price compared to all travel insurance Singapore, and each coverage type limit was higher. With an average price, Etiqa can provide high-limit coverage and COVID-19 coverage to let you rest assured to travel.

HLAssurance

You may not be familiar with HLA, but you must recognize the Hong Leong Bank. Hong Leong Bank is passionate about the insurance industry, including travel insurance Singapore. They provide a valuable travel plan for customers with single-trip and annual multi-trip.

If you try to search for the best travel insurance Singapore or the best travel insurance, you may notice the plan of HLA is on the list. Although the medical coverage limit of HLA is less than Etiqa, HLA has increased other types of coverage limits for customers.

FWD

FWD is another notable travel insurance company in Singapore, there are 3 plan types,: premium, business, and first. Whether you are a frequent or infrequent traveller, the FWD travel insurance plan has provided the best offer for you on Asia and Global destinations.

FWD was the insurance company that provided the highest coverage limits on each type of coverage compared to other travel insurance Singapore. The medical coverage is up to S$ 1 million with their first plan.

Budget Direct

Budget Direct aims to provide the most budget travel insurance plan for Singaporeans. You can enjoy S$30 for a single-trip to global destinations, which is the lowest price in Singapore.

Moreover, the annual multi-trip costs S$136, the lowest price in Singapore. Budget Direct provides the lowest premium, but they don’t provide cancellation, trip delay and COVID-19 coverage. Besides, the medical and accident/death coverage is limited to S$50,000.

 

Top Picks from Experts for Each Category

Let’s summarise each category based on our picks to let you own the best travel insurance in Singapore.

The Singlife Prestige plan is the top pick for those who prioritise coverage & benefits. At a valuable price, Singlife provides unlimited medical coverage and other high-limit coverage types.

Income Insurance has provided the advantage of the coverage limit for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions compared to other travel insurance companies. Those looking for a Pre-Existing Medical Conditions plan must be concerned about medical coverage, and Income Insurance provides the S$500,000 medical limits to let you rest assured to travel.

If you are looking for an annual travel plan, you must check the Singlife Plus plan. Singlife provides a higher coverage limit on single-trips and annual multi-trips.

If you travel to ASEAN, Asia or Global, FWD and Etiqa will be your best travel insurance. Both of them are providing a higher coverage limit at a reasonable price.

 

How to Choose The Best Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a critical aspect to consider when planning your trip. Since there are various plans from various insurance companies, you may be confused about choosing the best travel insurance in Singapore.

Here is a simple guide to help you in making the wise decision on how to choose the best travel insurance:

1. Assess Your Needs

To find your best-fit travel insurance, you must understand your needs. There is no 1 plan that can be the best fit for everyone since the criteria for each other are different. Let’s list some factors to help you determine which type of travel insurance you need.

• Considering Your Medical Coverage

Let’s think about what is the major aim for you in buying travel insurance. Can you obtain compensation when your flight cancellation or trip is delayed? Or did you need medical coverage in a country with high medical costs to deal with accidental?

This is the scenario for you: When you are going on your cosy trip to Hawaii and doing some water activities, but unfortunately, your legs are broken due to the accident. According to the statistics, to fix a broken leg can cost up to $7,500, and the average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is around $30,000, so can you afford these expensive medical costs during travel in the US?

The accident is unpredictable, the only thing we can do is have a solution plan to handle when the accident happens. Therefore, medical coverage must be considered when choosing your best travel insurance.

• Type of Trip

Are you going on a short vacation or an extended backpacking adventure? The trip duration is crucial for determining whether you must purchase the annual plan or a single trip.

Besides, the trip’s location is a factor you must be concerned about. Most travel insurance companies in Singapore have category travel insurance plans by Asia and worldwide, not including Canada & US and Worldwide but included Canada & US. If you purchase the wrong travel insurance plan, it is useless to hold the travel insurance plan.

• Activities During Your Trip

Other than the type of trip, the activities during your trip are crucial. Not all travel insurance in Singapore covers risky or adventure activities such as scuba diving or mountain trekking. If these activities are planned in your trips, you must ensure your travel insurance is covered.

 

2. Read the Fine Print

I believe most people don’t have the behaviour to read the terms and conditions or the fine print of insurance due to the insurance policy being too many words and complicated to understand.

Hence, you may be unable to claim your insurance, and you don’t even know the reason for being unable to claim. Here are the details you have to know for choosing your best travel insurance.

• Understand the Coverage Details

You could be lazy to read the whole insurance policy, but you must be able to ask your insurance agents some questions. For example, “What is the travel insurance coverage” and “What does the travel insurance cover for and what is not covered for”.

In this modern era, getting travel insurance information and comparing it to a different plan is easy. After researching, you will better understand your travel insurance coverage details. Moreover, the more coverage details you know, the more protection you will gain during your trips.

• Know the Claim Process

Understanding the claim process is also important, same as the coverage details. Coverage details are ways to protect our privileges, and the claim process is the way for us to ask for what we deserve, like compensation.

If you purchase with an insurance agent, he/she is responsible. Congratulations! your insurance agent will help you to complete the claim process and get the compensation you deserve.

If you don’t have an insurance agency, you have to handle your own claim. Also, you don’t know how the claim process works, so it may take a long time to finish.

The claim process will be complicated due to the various documents needed to prove it, and it will cause you to take several times to submit the documents.

• Exclusions of Your Insurance

As for the coverage details, you must understand your travel policy’s exclusions clearly. There might be some exclusions on your travel insurance. For example, if you have drug behaviour or excessive drinking, it will be the exclusions reason to exclude your claim.

 

3. Consider Annual Multi-Trip Insurance

After the Covid-19 pandemic, most Singaporeans are planning a few time vacations. If you are the person I mentioned, you may seek the best travel insurance in Singapore. Then consider the annual multi-trip insurance.

Annual travel insurance is quite similar to single-trip travel insurance, but it is worth it for those people who travel more than 1 time. With annual travel insurance, you can save time on purchasing travel insurance for every trip.

Besides, the price of the annual multi-trip travel plan might be more economical than buying separate policies for each trip. For leisure or business, the annual travel insurance is the best choice if you’re a frequent traveller.

 

Types Of Travel Insurance Coverage

Various types of travel insurance coverage are available, catering to the diverse needs of travellers. I will list the details for each type of travel insurance coverage to help you find the best travel insurance in Singapore.

1. Emergency Medical Expenses Coverage

This is the most important coverage in travel insurance. It will help to cover unforeseen medical costs incurred while travelling, especially essential for destinations with high medical care expenses. You may need to seek higher medical expense coverage as your priority factors on your best travel insurance.

2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This is another privilege for the insured. If unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short, this coverage will compensate for prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

The scenarios can be personal illness, death in the family or other emergencies. The compensation varies for different plans, and you can also consider this coverage to have a solution for unforeseen circumstances.

3. Lost Luggage and Personal Belongings Coverage

All accidents may happen to you, and travel Insurance is doing its best to protect your assets. Travel Insurance has set this coverage to compensate its customers for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items during the trip.

Besides, travel insurance in Singapore has some limitations on the compensation. There may be limited reimbursement amounts for specific categories of items, such as electronics or jewellery.

4. Flight Delay and Missed Connection Coverage

This is a very simple coverage detail, the travel insurance in Singapore will compensate for additional expenses incurred due to delayed or missed flights, such as meals, accommodation, and alternative transportation.

5. Special Activities and Sports Coverage

Most original travel insurance plans do not cover risky activities and sports. For example, scuba diving, skiing, or mountain climbing.

If you are willing to have this coverage, you are allowed to add on this additional coverage. Once your request is accepted, you will be covered for the special activities and sports. Relatively, you have to pay more premium for your travel policy.

 

Single-trip vs. Annual multi-trip plan: Make the right choice

Before choosing the best travel insurance, let’s find out the details of single-trip and annual multi-trip plans to determine which one you should pick.

Here is the comparison table between single-trip and annual multi-trip plans.

	Single-trip	Annual multi-trip
Definition	The type of insurance covers you for one specific trip, from the departure to the return date.	The type of insurance covers you for multiple trips throughout a year, up to a certain number of days per trip.
✅Pros	Flexibility – The single-trip plan is purchased for each journey. It is suitable for those who travel occasionally or don’t plan any future trips. Cost Effective – The price of a single-trip is cheaper than the annual multi-trip plan. If you are a person who travels 1 time per year, it will save you money. Customisation – You are allowed to buy different coverage for your different journeys. For example, you can customise the coverage based on your activities, such as special activities and sports.	Convenience – Purchase with the annual plan to cover you for an entire year. It saves you the hassle of buying a new policy for each trip. Cost Effective for Frequent Travellers – It will save the costs for frequent travellers compared to purchase on every trip. Consistency – The coverage details were consistent, you will more clearly understand what protection you have during the trips.
❌Cons	Limited Duration – The single trip plan has a limited duration. If you decide to extend your trip, you might have to purchase additional coverage No Economical for Frequent Travellers – It was expensive for those frequent travellers to purchase on every single trip.	Duration Limit Per Trip – The annual plan is convenient for you to cover the entire year, but it has a capped number of days on each trip. Higher Upfront Cost – Comparable to a single-trip plan, you must pay higher initial payments.

Single Trip vs. Annual Travel Insurance Cost Comparison

	Single Trip	Annual Travel
Cost	– Around S$50 – S$5,000 for trip cancellation	– Around S$300 – S$5,000 for trip cancellation
Coverage	– S$250,000 for overseas medical coverage – S$3,000 for personal belongings – S$600 for baggage delay	– S$250,000 for overseas medical coverage – S$3,000 for personal belongings – S$600 for baggage delay

To make the right choice on a single trip or annual multi-trips plan, you must determine whether you are a frequent or infrequent traveller.

According to the travel insurance cost comparison, it is only different for the amount you have to pay. Therefore, I recommend that frequent travellers choose annual travel to save costs and time. On the contrary, a single-trip insurance plan is suitable and cost-effective for those infrequent travellers who will be travelling once or twice a year.

 

What to Take Note With Pre-Existing Conditions While Travelling?

Pre-existing conditions mean you have any disease or medical conditions before purchasing the travel insurance. This could include chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or asthma, as well as injuries from the past. You must consider how important the pre-existing condition might influence your travel and the policy.

1. Why Disclosure Matters

We must honestly disclose our medical conditions to the insurance companies before purchasing travel insurance. If you keep this information hidden, the insurance companies can reject your claim or refuse your policy.

Honesty to the insurance company is important, they have the right to refuse your policy after you notice you have hidden the medical condition. It also affected your trustworthiness in all the travel insurance companies in Singapore.

Not all pre-existing conditions are rejected by insurance companies, it will only cause your premium to be higher than usual. To ensure you have medical coverage during travel, the higher payment is worth it, better than getting a rejected claim or refusing your policy.

2. Travel Coverage of Pre-existing Conditions

Although the basic travel plan excludes pre-existing conditions, it will provide specialised policies to cater to these needs after you disclose your medical conditions.

Besides, the travel insurance companies may provide professional advice to you. For example, what to take note of during travel and what protection you can get overseas.

3. Necessary Medication and Documents Checklist

Ensure you have a copy of medical records, a sufficient supply of all your medications, and any special equipment you might rely on. Besides, you must check the regulations surrounding transporting medications across international borders to avoid the restrictions.

Once you prepare all the necessary documents, your medication can be brought even if restricted. Moreover, medical documents may save your life when you need to be hospitalised overseas.

 

How to Make Insurance Claim?

Although this is the knowledge we don’t wish to use, this is the crucial process all travellers must know. Therefore, we must understand how to claim to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Here is the guideline on how to do it:

1. Gathering Necessary Documents

Gathering the necessary documents is the first step to initiating a claim for travel insurance in Singapore. Here, we recommend collecting the original copy as the necessary documents because most travel insurance companies in Singapore require the original copy.

The necessary documents can be photographic evidence of damaged belongings, receipts for unexpected expenses, or any formal reports, if required, such as a police or medical report. If medical assistance is needed, collect all relevant medical documents and invoices.

Besides, having a copy of your insurance policy helps you deal with the claim departments and saves time waiting for them to retrieve your policy details.

2. Filing the Claim

Once the necessary documents are in place, the next step is to file the claim. Moreover, you are available to download the claim form from their official website.

When filling out this form, it’s crucial to provide detailed and accurate information about the incident and the nature of the claim. Attach all the gathered documents to substantiate your claim, ensuring that the evidence aligns with what is stated in the form.

After completing the form and attaching the necessary documents, submit the claim to the insurance company using the method they specify: email, physical mail, or an online portal.

3. Follow-up and Settlement

After submitting the claim form, the travel insurance companies will take a few business days to process, and they will provide a reference or claim number for tracking purposes.

You must keep following the progress with the reference number in case the insurance company requests additional information or documents.

Once the company has finalised the assessment, you can check the claim state with the reference number. The claim can be successful or failure. If the claim is successful, you may receive direct payment, reimbursement, or repair/replacement of damaged items.

On the contrary, you have the right to know the reason if the claim is rejected. If unsatisfied with their reasons, you can leverage the company’s dispute resolution mechanism, which usually begins with an internal review and can be escalated if necessary.

 

Conclusion

You may be confused about choosing which travel insurance to buy in Singapore, but you must understand your needs before finding the best travel insurance in Singapore.

After reading this guide, you will have a greater understanding of insurance and be able to find the best travel insurance in Singapore.

 

**Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and might not reflect current insurance offerings. Always consult with a qualified insurance professional and verify details before making decisions.

 

Frequently Asked Question