It’s great that things are starting to open up (albeit slowly!) but travelling during COVID-19 is still complicated. You’ve got to keep up with the latest travel advisories and also ensure that your travel insurance covers all the bases. You don’t want to catch something, get quarantined overseas and end up paying a hefty bill because it’s not covered in your insurance. The team at Pacific Prime Singapore has some useful tips about travelling right now, including COVID-19 travel insurance plans.
Who can travel?
Different countries and Singapore have made special travel arrangements, with more being planned as borders open up. Destinations include Australia (currently excluding the state of Victoria), Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. A travel bubble with Hong Kong is also in the pipeline. The arrangements are for business, official and work purposes only, under Air Travel Pass, Reciprocal Green Lane and Periodic Commuting Arrangements. There are also some other non-discretionary reasons for travel which are approved such as long-term education and employment.
All non-essential travel are still advised to be deferred. For Singapore residents, long-term pass holders and others wanting to travel to Singapore, check current requirements before booking your trip. Head to the ICA SafeTravel website for more details and the latest updates. It’s important to check entry requirements imposed by both your destination and location.
Refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority websites for updates on COVID-19 border control measures.
What should I take note of when travelling during COVID-19?
Take all necessary precautions, observe good personal hygiene, monitor developments and heed the advice of local authorities. In addition, you’re also encouraged to secure comprehensive travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related costs.
A comprehensive travel insurance plan can provide some peace of mind, especially if medical evacuation is required. For example, transporting a patient from China to Singapore could cost as much as $107,000, if you’re not covered by insurance. Costs can even be greater, depending on the situation. For more information on costs, benefits and conditions of emergency medical evacuation, read Pacific Prime’s guide to medical evacuation.
Where can I get COVID-19 travel insurance?
Airlines, travel agents and insurers have been working together to coming up with new policies for COVID-19 travel.
For instance, Singapore Airlines and AIG have been offering COVID-19 protection for round-trip passengers since August. The travel insurance plan includes pre-departure trip cancellations, trip curtailment losses, COVID-19 related overseas medical expenses, repatriation and quarantine allowance expenses when overseas. They are eligible for Singapore residents flying with SIA and SilkAir and start from $34 for three-day ASEAN coverage. And it reaches a hefty $1,757 for 180-day worldwide cover. Of course, these only apply to essential travel or approved destinations.
Need insurance advice?
Whether you’re looking for travel insurance, individual health insurance or family health insurance in Singapore, approach a reputable insurance broker like Pacific Prime. With over 20 years of experience and a global team of experts, they can help you find a suitable insurance plan for your needs and budget. Contact Pacific Prime Singapore for advice, comparison of plans or an obligation-free quotation.
Written in collaboration with:
Pacific Prime Singapore
18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #14-05
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg
Read on for more about insurance and other health and fitness topics in Singapore.
