3 must-do’s before your holiday travels

Getting ready to jet off for Christmas? With all of that packing and planning, and remembering those gifts for Granny, it’s easy to forget whether you’re adequately protected abroad while your belongings remain safe here in Singapore. These are essentials to travel smoothly and safely! From travel insurance to home insurance in Singapore, the Expat Insurance team shares three types of coverage you’ll want to consider securing before you head to Changi this holiday season.

#1 International health insurance

If you travel in and out of Singapore frequently, as many expats do, you’ll want to consider an insurance plan with international coverage. This will ensure that you’re covered no matter where you are at any given time.

International health insurance is particularly valuable. It’s comprehensive and comes with high limits, a wide network and optional benefits such as wellness and dental coverage. Plus, it gives you the flexibility to be treated in private medical facilities when you travel.

#2 Travel insurance

Even if you’ve got comprehensive international health coverage, travelling still comes with the possibilities of schedule changes, lost and damaged luggage, and natural disasters that can cost you. Therefore, it may be worth supplementing your comprehensive international health insurance policy with travel insurance – either an annual travel policy or a single trip plan.

Which travel insurance is best for you?

The type of travel insurance you’ll need depends on the type of holiday, itinerary and activities, duration of stay, destination and the frequency of travel per year.

If you travel five or more times a year, you might want to consider an annual travel insurance policy. This type of plan can be more cost-effective for expats. It also removes the hassle of having to buy insurance every time you travel.

A single trip policy can be purchased if you do not travel as often, or if you already have an annual policy but it doesn’t cover the region you’re headed to. Both types of travel insurance will give you access to:

• unlimited emergency medical expenses if you fall ill
• unlimited emergency medical evacuation
• 24-hour assistance hotlines
• trip cancellations and curtailment
• coverage of lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal items
• personal liability coverage

It’s important to note that travel insurance must be purchased before your trip, not while you’re overseas!

#3 Home, contents and valuables insurance

Most standard travel insurance plans, however, have very minimal coverage for personal possessions. Therefore, you’ll want to consider getting comprehensive cover under your home contents insurance policy. Doing so will ensure that your jewellery, golf clubs and other portable valuables are covered when taken outside of Singapore.

Protecting your personal belongings back in Singapore

A home contents insurance policy also offers protection for any unexplained loss or disappearance of valuables in Singapore. This includes everything from diamond earrings and watches to bicycles and your beloved art piece from Bali.

Home insurance is particularly beneficial if you’re renting in Singapore, as it offers protection against potential risks like fires and flood damage. Sometimes, a landlord’s insurance only covers the damage to the building structure itself. This means you’d have to pay for any additional repairs or replacements out of pocket. Protecting yourself with home insurance in Singapore can give you peace of mind knowing you won’t be at risk of paying a hefty bill for damage or loss.