If you’re planning your next getaway, sending your child off to university abroad or relocating overseas, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered with the best travel insurance to suit your specific needs. But, with so many plans available, and all the exclusions that come with basic travel insurance, how do you figure out exactly what you need? To help, we called on some of the top insurance experts in Singapore to walk us through it all.
Allianz Travel Insurance
If you’ve recently moved to Singapore or you’re a frequent traveller looking into medical insurance options, you’ll want to consider getting International Healthcare for Individuals in Singapore by Allianz.
These insurance plans are notable as they provide 24/7 support, global coverage and flexibility for those travelling to different countries. So you can take your insurance with you on your next posting, holiday or business trip!
The core plans cover in-patient and day-care treatments and most plans also provide cover for chronic medical conditions, congenital conditions and medical evacuation cover, just in case. This can be particularly useful if you’re travelling and require medical attention from another country – some travel insurance options won’t cover this layer of cover. If you choose to travel to another country in your area of cover for treatment, you may also be eligible to be reimbursed for the medical costs incurred within the terms of your policy.
For peace of mind there’s also an option to add on a dental plan, maternity plan and repatriation plan.
While these plans mean you’re free to choose a healthcare professional you feel comfortable with, if you need some help you can use the MyHealth app – it can connect you to telehealth services, an expat assistance programme, the Wysa mind coaching app, digital check-ups and more.
bit.ly/allianzhealthinsurance | 6395 3844.
Pacific Prime Singapore
#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), and 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 securing travel insurance, which 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.
On the other hand, 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). However, 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 travel insurance 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 am 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.
Find out more about travel insurance for Malaysia here.
Pacific Prime Singapore
18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #14-05
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg
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