Digital disruptions and changing travel trends have made it easier for you and me to make our own travel plans, but it’s likely that we are missing some essential considerations! If you have been taking chances and skipping travel protection to save a few bucks, this article will share with you the importance of getting the right travel insurance and guide you to get the one that suits you!
First off, here’s what you need to know about travel insurance:
Travel insurance helps protect against risks like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. It also provides global 24-hour assistance, which is essential if you’re stranded in a foreign country.
This guide to travel insurance covers the common types of travel insurance available in Singapore, so you can choose the right plan based on your travel habits and needs.
Common types of travel insurance
Single Trip Policy – A protection plan meant for traveller(s) on an overseas trip that does not exceed over 182 consecutive days.
Annual Multi-Trip Policy – A protection plan meant for a traveller(s) on an unlimited number of overseas trips across a 1-year period, whereby each trip does not exceed 90 consecutive days.
Pre-existing Medical Cover – An enhanced plan that covers pre-existing medical conditions for travellers during their overseas trip, which is not covered under common travel insurance plans.
Family Plan – A protection plan meant for family members that are travelling together for the entire overseas trip. The definition for ‘family’ differs across different insurers, so you should check prior to your purchase. Is it cheaper to get a family plan? Yes, such plans are generally great for savings and booking convenience.
Did you know that Tiq Travel Insurance now supports 3-generation travel? Our family plan can accommodate up to 10 people (up to 6 adults, up to eight children)! The adults need not be related but the child(ren) must be the legal child or grandchild to either of the insured adult. 🙂
Group Plan – A protection plan meant for a group of people that are travelling together for the entire overseas trip, which is not issued under a family plan. Is it cheaper to get a group plan? Yes, it works the same way as a family plan where travellers will enjoy savings and booking convenience for the group purchase.
What is the best travel insurance in Singapore?
#TiqOurWord The best travel insurance is a travel protection plan that best fits your needs and preferences. Tiq Travel Insurance provides a long list of add-ons, including:
- Child education cover
- Rental car excess cover
- Pet hotel cover
- Sports equipment protector
- COVID-19
Before you determine the best travel insurance for you, here’s an easy 3-step guide to help make your choice:
Choosing the right travel insurance for you
1. Identify your travel profile
Are you a frequent traveller or planning high-risk activities like skydiving or bungee jumping overseas? Your destination and travel style determine the coverage you need. This helps narrow down the right travel insurance plan.
For example, solo female travellers may prioritise affordability and protection for safety and belongings. Skiers should look for coverage that includes sports equipment. Frequent travellers can save with annual travel insurance plans. Families and groups enjoy discounts and convenience when buying travel insurance together.
2. Know your priorities
Ask yourself: “Why am I buying travel insurance?” Identify what you want to protect—personal wellbeing or financial loss.
Different travellers have different needs. Leisure travellers may choose basic plans for peace of mind. Families with young children may require added protection like child education cover and comprehensive medical benefits.
#TiqOurWord Understanding your priorities helps you choose the right travel insurance plan.
If you’ve never faced travel issues, benefit tables can feel overwhelming, leading to choices based on price or convenience. To help, here are common traveller concerns you should consider when choosing travel insurance coverage:
Emergency advice/assistance
Who do you call for help when you encounter unexpected problems overseas? Choose a reliable provider with 24-hour emergency assistance. This can make a difference when it comes to matters of life and death.
Medical coverage
Medical bills abroad, especially for hospitalisation and repatriation, can be costly. Travellers with pre-existing conditions also need extra coverage, which few insurers provide.
In 2017, a Singaporean family was stranded in Tokyo and faced denied claims due to a pre-existing heart condition.
Did you know that Tiq Travel Insurance offers pre-existing medical cover? Learn more here.
Travel delay
Travel delays, common with budget carriers and long-haul flights, can lead to extra costs like no-show charges or accommodation fees.
Fortunately, travel insurance covers these unexpected expenses, saving you money and stress.
Delayed bags
In the event of lost or delayed bags (which is not uncommon on long-haul flights), you can get reimbursement for incurred costs on necessities.
Equipment coverage
Travelling with sports gear like golf clubs or diving equipment? Get coverage to avoid high replacement costs during unexpected events. Tiq Travel Insurance offers optional sports equipment add-on coverage. Find out more here.
Trip cancellation
Life is unpredictable. If you cancel your trip for a valid reason, travel insurance covers non-refundable travel and accommodation costs.
Ease of claims
When buying travel insurance, don’t overlook the claims process. Choose a provider with fast, simple, and efficient claims. Check reviews on forums, blogs, and from fellow travellers to gauge real experiences.
#TiqOurWord Did you know that Tiq Travel Insurance offers automated 3-hour flight delay claims with instant payout?
3. Do your homework
As a free and independent traveller, it’s your responsibility to ensure you have the right travel insurance coverage. Know your options before choosing a plan. The cheapest travel insurance may not offer the best protection for your needs. Seek advice from travel agents or experienced travellers. Their insights can complement your research on aggregator sites, forums, or insurer websites. This helps you make an informed choice based on real experiences and reliable sources.
Upon making your choice, be sure to read through the policy wording, and check for ongoing promotions prior to making your purchase. Voilà!
Etiqa Insurance has been named as the NATAS Official Travel Insurance Partner by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) since 2020.
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Information is accurate as at 20 July 2023. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
This article was updated on 17 June 2025.
Tiq by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.
A digital insurance channel that embraces changes to provide simple and convenient protection, Tiq’s mission is to make insurance transparent and accessible, inspiring you today to be prepared for life’s surprises and inevitabilities, while empowering you to “Live Unlimited” and take control of your tomorrow.
With a shared vision to change the paradigm of insurance and reshape customer experience, Etiqa created the strong foundation for Tiq. Because life never stops changing, Etiqa never stops progressing. A licensed life and general insurance company registered in the Republic of Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Etiqa is governed by the Insurance Act and has been providing insurance solutions since 1961. It is 69% owned by Maybank, Southeast Asia’s fourth largest banking group, with more than 22 million customers in 20 countries; and 31% owned by Ageas, an international insurance group with 33 million customers across 16 countries.
Discover the full range of Tiq online insurance plans here.
