From a delayed flight that ruins all your ongoing connections to doing yourself an injury on the skiing slopes, travel can be a risky business. That’s why it’s so important to be covered. With so many types of travel insurance on the market, though, it can be tough figuring out what you need. Plans can cover everything from emergency medical care and repatriation to non-medical travel issues such as lost luggage or rental car coverage. They vary in terms of benefits, too, so always read the fine print! Here, the team at Pacific Prime Singapore gives us a comprehensive look at what’s available and what we should look out for.
#1 Medical Travel insurance
If you’re going to be outside of your home country, make sure that your health insurance policy can cover all your needs while abroad.
What’s included?
It offers benefits for emergency medical care while out of the country.
Why get it?
If a medical emergency arises while you’re overseas, you’ll want to have access to the best available medical care – preferably at a facility that speaks your language.
Things to note:
- Travel insurance plans normally only provide emergency medical care benefits.
- Ensure you have proof of health insurance as some overseas medical facilities may not treat you without evidence that you’re able to pay.
- Travel insurance policies can generally cover you for up to a year, but no longer. However, you can obtain a new policy while you’re out of the country, depending on the insurer.
#2 Rental car insurance
While some travel insurance plans may provide liability coverage for injuries to others, they likely will not cover the cost of damage to your vehicle or the property of others. This is where rental car insurance comes in.
What’s included?
Almost all territories require drivers to have third-party liability coverage to legally rent or a drive a vehicle. This is the minimum level of car insurance, excluding damage to the vehicle. Get coverage for your car with comprehensive vehicle rental insurance.
Why get it?
If you damage the property of others and don’t have rental car insurance, you’ll need to pay out of your own pocket.
Things to note:
- Obtain rental car coverage through the rental company or the credit card company used to pay for the rental.
- Buying standalone car rental insurance policies from an insurance company is not normally an option.
- Some rental agents may try to upsell you into coverage that you don’t require. Be aware of what you need and what you’re paying for.
#3 Non-medical travel insurance
You can cover other aspects of your travels as well, these include transportation and your personal belongings.
What’s included?
This type of insurance offers coverage such as for delayed or cancelled flights, loss of accommodation, lost, stolen or damaged property, and other issues that disrupt or ruin your trip.
Why get it?
If situations beyond your control cause you to be unable to stay in your hotel, take your flight or lose the money you already spent on them, insurance can help you get reimbursement.
Things to note:
- Bad weather is a leading cause of travel delays. If it doesn’t lead to cancelled transportation, but only delays, you may still be eligible for a cash payout.
- You’ll likely be impressed with the benefits of non-medical travel insurance for your personal property. For example, if you accidentally drop your mobile phone and crack the screen while travelling, you may be eligible for reimbursement of some kind, or even a new phone!
- All these benefits also come with a normal travel insurance plan.
#4 Emergency evacuation and repatriation
There are many reasons why you might have to leave the country you’re travelling in for medical treatment. Emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits will get you to the closest medical facility that can treat your condition properly.
What’s included?
These benefits will cover the cost of transporting you to the best available choice for your healthcare, whether it be by ambulance, airplane, helicopter or some other means.
Why get it?
Many great travel destinations suffer from political unrest or lack quality medical care. You’ll want the peace of mind knowing that you can reach a credible healthcare provider if required. Even in developed countries, the nearest health facility may not have the medical technology necessary. These benefits can be valuable in such situations
Things to note:
- Once repatriated, the medical benefits provided by the travel insurance will end.
- Benefits can also include coverage for the transport of a friend or family member to accompany the patient.
#5 Accidental death and dismemberment
This is obviously a situation you don’t want to find yourself in while travelling! Should it happen though, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage will be a great help to your family.
What’s included?
AD&D coverage provide money for the recovery of the policyholder’s body, and can also provide disbursement in the event of lost limbs or other major disablement such as loss of sight, hearing, ability to speak or paralysis.
Why get it?
No one wants to burden their loved ones, especially in death. AD&D coverage can pay for the repatriation of the body, funeral costs or costs incurred in becoming disabled.
Things to note:
- This coverage distributes a lump sum payment, so it’s different from medical insurance that reimburses based on costs incurred.
- It’s a one-time payment that will not pay out continuously if the policyholder becomes disabled in some way later on.
#6 International health insurance
International health insurance (IHI) is a purely medical form of insurance that can be purchased by people who are living abroad for an extended period. The main difference between travel insurance and international health insurance is that IHI allows the policyholder to get outpatient treatment, so it can be used in non-emergency situations.
What’s included?
Such insurance can includes coverage for nearly any medical issue you can think of. Both inpatient and outpatient insurance are commonly included, but it can also offer maternity insurance, dental insurance, vision coverage and more.
Why get it?
You’ll be able to receive medical care from any hospital or doctor worldwide.
Things to note:
- You may not receive cover for your pre-existing conditions.
- People that engage in medical tourism should secure IHI, as it can provide coverage for treatment in another country, unlike local health insurance plans.
- It’s ideal if you travel frequently, whether for work or pleasure. Having a IHI plan provides coverage at home and abroad.
Written in collaboration with:
Pacific Prime Singapore
18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #14-05
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg
Read on for more about maternity, vision and dental insurance.
Lindsay Yap
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