Finding the best travel insurance in Singapore

If you’re planning your next getaway, sending your child off to university abroad or relocating overseas, you’ll want your travel insurance to suit your specific needs. But, with so many plans available, and all the exclusions, what’s the best travel insurance in Singapore for you? Here are some different travel scenarios to consider.

#1 “I’m organising a cruise holiday and the itinerary takes in multiple countries. Which type of travel insurance do I need?”

Many cruises involve visits to several different countries, all of which may have their own insurance requirements. You may also spend a significant amount of time in international waters. If an emergency occurs mid-trip, which country is the ship considered to be in? Cruise travel insurance is designed specifically to address relevant risks that could occur during a cruise. It typically includes benefits covering emergency medical treatment, accidents, cruise cancellation, curtailment coverage and cruise interruption cover. While policies vary across providers, most only provide compensation if there’s an accident, interruption, delay or cancellation of the trip. Do note that not all insurers would offer coverage for cruise trips, but Pacific Prime can provide several options.

#2 “I’m pregnant; will I be covered under travel insurance?”

Travel insurance policies, whether they are individual or corporate policies, do not cover any condition that results from or a complication of pregnancy, childbirth or miscarriage (except miscarriage due to accidental injury or any condition to pregnancy arising out of an accident).

#3 “This beach holiday is so good I don’t want it to end! Can I extend coverage if I decide to extend my stay?”

Yes, many insurers now provide online services where you can extend your coverage, even when you’re overseas. However, any medical conditions that developed during the previous insurance period will not be covered in the extended period policy. Additionally, many travel insurance plans will extend automatically if a trip is prolonged beyond the period of coverage in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, so you won’t have to extend it by yourself.

#4 “Does travel insurance cover jewellery or other valuable items that are stolen while abroad?”

Some policies might cover this. However, most travel insurances have a maximum amount they would pay out per article lost (for example, $1,000). This might not be sufficient to cover the cost of some high-value items such as jewellery. If you’re bringing along expensive jewellery or watches, we recommend bespoke annual jewellery insurance. This will cover the items up to their full value on a worldwide basis, including any loss or damage that occurs in your home country.

#5 “Which travel insurance is the best for my daughter while she’s on a short-term exchange programme?”

Overseas students should consider buying travel insurance that includes emergency medical service coverage and trip cancellation coverage. While living on their own in a foreign country, the policy can be helpful. It can provide much-needed assistance, such as tracking down lost baggage and finding a place to receive emergency medical care.

However, international medical insurance or overseas student insurance (OSI) would be better recommended. Travel policies have a restriction that each trip out of the home country should not be more than 90 or 180 days (which varies with the insurer). An OSI does not have such restrictions. Apart from covering the usual circumstances covered under a travel insurance plan, the OSI also provides coverage for overseas home insurance benefits and study interruption due to prolonged medical conditions (for example, lost fees). It even provides protection if your fees sponsor passes away.

#6 “I’ve got pre-existing medical conditions. Will I be covered by travel insurance?”

Generally, travel insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. However, in recent times, some insurers have begun offering coverage for this, either by default under their standard offering or as an additional top-up cover. It’s important to check policy terms and conditions with your insurance advisor prior to purchasing travel insurance, to ensure you get comprehensive coverage.

#7 “I’m relocating overseas. Will I be able to keep my current coverage?”

Generally, travel insurance only provides coverage for a maximum number of days (as specified in the policy wording) per trip. So, coverage will cease once your travel exceeds those days. In addition, to be eligible for travel insurance claims, you need to be a resident of the region where you bought the travel insurance from. If you want to maintain coverage during a relocation, an international health insurance policy is the best option. This provides medical coverage across the world, whether you move abroad or not.

#8 “Do I need travel insurance for Malaysia if I’m just driving there for the night?”

Unforeseen circumstances might occur at any time. Even if you’re travelling to Malaysia for just the night, you might be exposed to certain risks that can be covered under travel insurance. These may include overseas medical expenses, accidents leading to disability, loss of personal belongings, credit card fraud and more. That said, it’s a good idea to secure travel insurance for Malaysia.

#9 “What if I need to cancel a trip, or my trip is interrupted?”

According to the team at Pacific Prime, trip cancellation and interruption coverage can be handy components of any travel insurance plan as they provide compensation for flight changes. Of the following list of five types of this kind of coverage, they say the first three choices are usually included, while the last two are optional and cost more.

• Standard trip cancellation allows a full refund of pre-paid, unused and non-refundable trip expenses you forfeit if you need to cancel your trip. Acceptable reasons usually are illnesses or injuries, serious family emergencies, and severe weather.
• Trip delay insurance will cover any expenses related to delays such as a hotel stay or a meal at the airport. It’s particularly useful for those whose flights home or business trips require connecting flights; in those situations, an airline delay at any stage could derail your plans.
• Trip interruption insurance is needed when something unfortunate happens during a trip and you need to cut it short. The insurance will most likely cover a one-way economy plan ticket home plus any unused, pre-paid and non-refundable expenses you have to forfeit.
• Trip cancellation for any reason offers the most flexibility to your travel plans. This add-on allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, no less than 48 hours before your schedule. You can generally get 75 percent of your trip cost as reimbursement with this optional benefit.
• Trip interruption for any reason grants you the freedom to return home early for any reason. It’s an optional upgrade that reimburses up to 75 percent of the insured trip cost.

Looking for the best travel insurance in Singapore?

You can get free impartial advice by getting in touch with one of Pacific Prime’s expert advisors. Pacific Prime partners with major global policy providers. This enables them to provide you with tailored quotes based on your travel needs and requirements.

Pacific Prime Singapore
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg

Head to our travel section for more tips on planning your next trip whether it’s exploring Asia or seeing the rest of the world!