Picture this: You’ve planned the perfect vacation, booked your flights and accommodations, and are ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
But what happens if something goes wrong? What if you get sick or injured while abroad, or your trip gets cancelled last minute?
That’s where travel insurance comes in.
Travel insurance is a crucial investment for any traveller, providing peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right policy. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best travel insurance options in Singapore.
In this article, we’ll break down Singapore’s top travel insurance providers, highlighting their key features and benefits to help you choose the best policy for your needs.
But first, let me clarify the difference between the different types of travel insurance available in Singapore.
Single Trip Travel Insurance vs Annual Trip Travel Insurance
When it comes to travel insurance in Singapore, there are 2 main options: single trip and annual trip coverage.
Single-trip travel insurance covers a specific trip, usually for a set number of days. This is ideal for people who only travel occasionally or have a specific trip planned.
On the other hand, annual trip travel insurance covers multiple trips throughout the year. This is a good option for frequent travellers or those who may take multiple trips throughout the year.
Both single-trip and annual trip insurance typically provide similar coverages, with the main difference being annual trips offering slightly more coverage and are more expensive than single-trip plans.
However, this article will cover the best single-trip travel insurance in Singapore.
Interested to find out about annual travel insurance? Click here to find the best annual travel insurance in Singapore.
Comparing the Best Single-Trip Travel Insurance Plans in Singapore
These are the best travel insurance plans that will be compared throughout this article.
- AIG Travel Guard Direct
- AIA Around the World Plus (II)
- Allianz Travel
- FWD Travel Insurance
- Klook TravelCare
- MSIG TravelEasy
- NTUC Income Travel Insurance
- Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance
- Singlife Travel Insurance
- Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance (with Covid-19 cover)
Cheapest Travel Insurance in Singapore – Klook Travel Care Lite
The basis for this comparison will be on the coverage for a single 25-year-old individual travelling to Thailand for a week and the lowest-tiered plan across all insurers.
Travel Insurance Plan | Total Premium |
AIG Travel Guard Direct Basic | $83.00 |
AIA Around the World Plus (II) Classic | $55.45 |
Allianz Travel Bronze | $36.96 |
FWD Travel Insurance Premium | $47.50 |
Klook TravelCare Lite | $27.65 |
MSIG TravelEasy Standard | $37.20 |
NTUC Income Travel Insurance Classic | $36.60 |
Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance Essential | $48.00 |
Singlife Travel Insurance Lite | $49.36 |
Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Entry (with Covid-19 cover) | $34.20 |
We all know that Klook is one of the go-to platforms for booking popular attractions, hotels, and tours, but did you know they also offer travel insurance?
Underwritten by MSIG Singapore, Klook TravelCare Lite offers the cheapest travel insurance at only $27.65 for anyone looking for a short getaway from the hustle and bustle.
What’s more, Klook TravelCare also offers coverage for adventurous activities – which many plans don’t.
So, if you’re looking to get travel insurance at the lowest price, Klook TravelCare Lite would be the travel insurance plan for you.
Best Travel Insurance with Highest Overseas Medical Expenses Coverage – Singlife Travel Insurance Prestige
This comparison will be based on coverage for a single 25-year-old individual travelling to Thailand for a week and the highest-tiered plan across all insurers.
Travel Insurance Plan | Total Premium | Overseas Medical Expenses Coverage |
AIG Travel Guard Supreme | $125 | $250,000 |
AIA Around the World Plus (II) Premier | $105.90 | $2,000,000 |
Allianz Travel Platinum | $67.76 | $1,000,000 |
FWD Travel Insurance First | $63.60 | $1,000,000 |
Klook TravelCare Deluxe | $43.40 | $200,000 |
MSIG TravelEasy Premier | $69.60 | $1,000,000 |
NTUC Income Travel Insurance Preferred | $58.80 | $1,000,000 |
Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance Superior | $62.25 | $400,000 |
Singlife Travel Insurance Prestige | $99.32 | Unlimited |
TIQ Travel Insurance Luxury (with Covid-19 cover) | $43.20 | $1,000,000 |
You can almost never predict what will happen when you travel to a foreign country, making overseas medical expenses coverage one of the most important factors for travel insurance.
This does not just apply to accidents you may face, it may also be unexpected illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions that develop which you may need hospitalisation for.
As you can see, we have a very clear winner in this category.
Singlife Travel Insurance Prestige is the only travel insurance plan offering unlimited overseas medical expenses coverage!
Although its premium is much higher than some, it is less expensive than plans like AIG Travel Guard and AIA Around the World Plus (II), which have premiums over $100.
In these situations, it certainly pays to be safe than sorry – especially if it’s going to be a long trip.
One of the highlights of Singlife Travel Insurance is the ability to add optional covers such as overseas weddings & photoshoots, golf holidays, winter sports, and adventurous water sports!
So, if you’re looking for a plan that offers the highest overseas medical expenses coverage – you should get Singlife Travel Insurance Prestige.
Best Travel Insurance for Those with Pre-Existing Conditions – Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Pre-Ex
Most insurers in Singapore do not extend travel insurance coverage to those with pre-existing medical conditions such as eczema, diabetes, stroke, asthma, sleep apnea, cancer, epilepsy, or heart disease.
If you have any of those, what happens if you suffer a lapse or relapse of your medical condition during your trip?
And even if you had gotten other travel insurance before, you cannot make any claims because your condition would have been subjected to medical underwriting – pitting it as an incidence you can’t claim for.
Thus, you may want to look for travel insurance plans that offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, such as:
- MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex
- Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Pre-Ex
Let’s pit the 2 side-by-side to see how they fare.
This comparison will be based on a single trip coverage for a single 25-year-old individual travelling to Thailand for a week and the lowest-tiered plan across all insurers.
We will also be comparing some of the more notable benefits.
MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex Standard | Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Pre-Ex Entry (with Covid-19 cover) | |
Premium | $64.00 | $93.00 |
Overseas Medical Expenses due to pre-existing medical condition | $75,000 | $200,000 |
Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation due to pre-existing medical condition | $100,000 | $150,000 |
Accidental death and TPD due to pre-existing medical condition | $150,000 | $150,000 |
We would have to recommend Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Pre-Ex Entry (with Covid-19 cover) for this category.
I mean, it’s pretty obvious they have higher benefits when it comes to coverage for pre-existing conditions.
And if you have a pre-existing condition, why get lower benefits if you’re at a higher risk of needing higher coverage?
Plus, the COVID-19 virus is still highly prevalent – even healthcare professionals have mentioned that those with pre-existing medical conditions have a higher risk of developing complications if they have contracted the virus before.
So yes, although premiums are more expensive, you should consider a plan that gives you comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions and any unexpected situations should those conditions relapse.
Therefore, if you’re going on a trip and have a pre-existing condition, you can check out Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Pre-Ex Entry (with Covid-19 cover).
Best Travel Insurance with Highest Benefit for Loss or Damage of Baggage and Personal Belongings – AIG Travel Guard Direct Supreme
This comparison will be based on coverage for a single 25-year-old individual travelling to Thailand for a week and the highest-tiered plan across all insurers.
Travel Insurance Plan | Total Premium | Benefit for Loss or damage of baggage and personal belongings |
AIG Travel Guard Direct Supreme | $125 | $10,000 |
AIA Around the World Plus (II) Premier | $105.90 | $8,000 |
Allianz Travel Platinum | $67.76 | $7,000 |
FWD Travel Insurance First | $63.60 | $7,500 |
Klook TravelCare Deluxe | $43.40 | $5,000 |
MSIG TravelEasy Premier | $69.60 | $7,500 |
NTUC Income Travel Insurance Preferred | $58.80 | $8,000 |
Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance Superior | $62.25 | $6,000 |
Singlife Travel Insurance Prestige | $99.32 | $8,000 |
Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Luxury (with Covid-19 cover) | $43.20 | $4,000 |
This is one of the common travel inconveniences that any traveller can face, especially when you need your essentials to carry out your itinerary as planned.
I mean, what if you love to vlog on your trips? You would probably pack your camera and laptop for taking pictures and editing.
And what if you brought your brand new luxury bag or jewellery overseas for that ultimate #OOTD?
And of course, your travel documents and passport should also be with you.
What happens if the airport loses your baggage and all those personal belongings? What will you do then?
Thus, it is important to choose a travel insurance plan that covers you well for these situations, such as AIG Travel Guard Direct Supreme, which offers up to $10,000 for the loss or damage of your baggage and personal belongings.
Although it is the most expensive premium of $125, paying slightly more for higher protection should be the least of your worries when it comes to your essentials.
Especially if you carry luxury items or personal electronics such as your phone/laptop.
Thus, you should consider AIG Travel Guard Direct Supreme as your travel insurance if you’re worried about losing and damaging your personal belongings.
Best Travel Insurance If you’re Engaging a Travel Agency – MSIG TravelEasy Premier
This comparison will be based on coverage for a single 25-year-old individual travelling to Thailand for a week and the highest-tiered plan across all insurers.
Travel Insurance Plan | Total Premium | Insolvency of Travel Agent Benefit |
AIA Around the World Plus (II) Premier | $105.90 | $5,000 |
Allianz Travel Platinum | $67.76 | $2,000 |
FWD Travel Insurance First | $63.60 | $5,000 |
MSIG TravelEasy Premier | $69.60 | $6,000 |
NTUC Income Travel Insurance Preferred | $58.80 | $5,000 |
Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance Superior | $62.25 | $4,000 |
Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Luxury (with Covid-19 cover) | $43.20 | $3,000 |
In this current business climate, companies like travel agencies can sometimes close down without warning and cause major inconvenience to those who book their tours or travel plans with them.
This had actually happened in earlier years with Five Stars Tours, which closed down abruptly and resulted in many complaints from travellers – seeing as they were unable to get refunds on deposits and prepayments from cancelled or postponed tour packages.
So, if you had booked your travel through a travel agency, this should generally be one of the factors to look out for in a travel insurance plan because you would have spent quite a lot on tour packages.
I mean, a 5D4N tour package for a single person to Thailand by Chan Brothers Travel already costs about $1,138. So, the coverage you’re looking for should be “sufficient” to cover the package cost.
In this case, MSIG TravelEasy Premier would be the one to look out for, given its highest coverage of $6,000.
Best Travel Insurance for Active Travellers – Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Luxury (with Covid-19 cover)
This comparison will be based on coverage for a single 25-year-old individual travelling to Thailand for a week and the highest-tiered plan across all insurers.
Travel Insurance Plan | Total Premium | Personal Accident Benefit |
AIG Travel Guard Direct Supreme | $125 | $300,000 |
AIA Around the World Plus (II) Premier | $105.90 | $500,000 |
Allianz Travel Platinum | $67.76 | $200,000 |
FWD Travel Insurance First | $63.60 | $400,000 |
Klook TravelCare Deluxe | $43.40 | $400,000 |
MSIG TravelEasy Premier | $69.60 | $400,000 |
NTUC Income Travel Insurance Preferred | $58.80 | $500,000 |
Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance Superior | $62.25 | $500,000 |
Singlife Travel Insurance Prestige | $99.32 | $500,000 |
Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Luxury (with Covid-19 cover) | $43.20 | $500,000 |
This one goes out to all those adrenaline seekers who love the outdoors and need a travel insurance plan to protect them should an accident happen.
In these cases, personal accident benefits should appeal to you most.
We can see that 5 insurers offer the highest personal accident benefit of $500,000.
But there’s one that stands out the most: Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Luxury (with Covid-19 cover).
And for 2 main reasons – it has the cheapest premium of just $43.20 and covers an extensive list of leisure and recreational type of holiday outdoor activities that most insurers don’t even cover!
Here is what’s covered in the TIQ plan:
- Hot air ballon
- Scuba diving
- Skiing, and other ice/snow sports
- Hiking or trekking
- Marathons and other competitions (excluding ultramarathons, biathlons, and triathlons)
- Sky diving
- Paragliding, hang gliding, parachuting
- Bungee jumping
We told you, it’s an extensive list!
And if you’re an active traveller, there’s bound to be an activity listed above that you would most likely partake in on your travel.
So to our adventure junkies and outdoorsy people, Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Luxury (with Covid-19 cover) is your travel insurance.
Best Travel Insurance with Highest COVID-19 Coverage – Allianz Travel Platinum
This comparison will be based on coverage for a single 25-year-old individual travelling to Thailand for a week and the highest-tiered plan across all insurers.
Travel Insurance Plan | Total Premium | Overseas Medical Expenses Due to COVID-19 | Emergency Medical Evacuation due to COVID-19 | Overseas Quarantine Allowance due to COVID-19 | Trip Cancellation & Postponement due to COVID-19 | Trip Interruption due to COVID-19 | Repatriation due to COVID-19 |
AIG Travel Guard Direct Supreme | $125 | $250,000 | $7,500 | $1,400 | $7,500 | $2,000 | Included with Emergency Medical Evacuation of $250,000 |
AIA Around the World Plus (II) Premier | $105.90 | $150,000 | $15,000 | $1,400 | $4,000 | $7,500 | $150,000 |
Allianz Travel Platinum | $67.76 | $1,000,000 | Unlimited | $2,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 | Unlimited |
FWD Travel Insurance First | $63.60 | $200,000 | N.A | $1,400 | $5,000 | N.A | N.A |
Klook TravelCare Deluxe | $43.40 | $200,000 | Unlimited | $2,100 | $7,500 | $7,500 | Unlimited |
MSIG TravelEasy Premier | $69.60 | $250,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,400 | $6,500 | $3,000 | Included with Emergency Medical Evacuation of $1,000,000 |
NTUC Income Travel Insurance Preferred | $58.80 | $150,000 | $150,000 | $1,400 | $2,000 | $1,000 | Included with Emergency Medical Evacuation of $150,000 |
Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance Superior | $62.25 | $200,000 | $200,000 | $1,400 | $8,000 | $2,000 | Included with Emergency Medical Evacuation of $200,000 |
Singlife Travel Insurance Prestige | $99.32 | $200,000 | Unlimited | $2,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | Unlimited |
Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Luxury (with Covid-19 cover) | $43.20 | $300,000 | $500,000 | $1,500 | $6,500 | $5,000 | Included with Emergency Medical Evacuation of $500,000 |
These days, COVID-19 coverage has become a norm in travel insurance since the pandemic. What this means is that you will be able to claim from your travel insurance if you get COVID-19 while travelling.
The table above shows that many factors are covered in case you contract the virus.
Which of these is actually important for you to consider when it comes to choosing coverage?
Well, it is likely that everyone in Singapore by now has gotten their vaccinations before they are allowed to travel overseas.
But that’s not to say you may not be infected by the virus, especially if that country you’re travelling to still has high infection rates.
So, if you get infected there, you may incur a huge bill when you seek medical treatment, as it depends on the country’s current COVID-19 measures and protocol at the time.
And what happens if you get quarantined there?
Thus, you should be looking out for the overseas medical expenses benefit and quarantine allowance from each insurer.
In this case, Allianz Travel Platinum takes the win for the highest coverage for overseas medical expenses at a whopping $1,000,000!
Guaranteed that Allianz’s overseas quarantine allowance isn’t the highest amongst the rest – but ranks the 2nd highest, it still holds a pretty high position.
Plus, if you need to be medically evacuated and repatriated, Allianz offers unlimited coverage for both cases!
Even though those factors are not as important (since you most likely only need them only once) – but it’s good to have!
Of course, that’s not saying that the overseas medical expenses benefits are all you should look at.
You should also look at the trip cancellation and postponement component because these are important for you to check if the coverage is “sufficient” to cover the cancellation cost of your air tickets, accommodation, and itinerary should you contact the virus before you fly.
If you’re concerned about this aspect, Allianz Travel Platinum is still your go-to travel insurance plan because they offer the highest coverage of $15,000!
Moreover, their premiums are not the most expensive compared to other plans that cost way over $100.
So, if you’re looking for a travel insurance plan that gives you the highest COVID-19 coverage on single trips, you should pick Allianz Travel Platinum.
Best Value Travel Insurance – Klook Travel Care Lite
The basis for this comparison will be on the coverage for a single 25-year-old individual travelling to Thailand for a week and the lowest-tiered plan across all insurers.
Travel Insurance Plan | Total Premium | Overseas Medical Expenses | Accidental Death and TPD | Overseas Travel Delay ($100 for every 6 hours) | Trip Cancellation (death, illness, and natural disaster) | Baggage Delay ($200 every 6 hours) | Baggage Loss/Damage | Cost-to-Benefit Ratio |
AIG Travel Guard Direct Basic | $83.00 | $50,000 | NA | $200 | $2,500 | NA | $3000 | 671.08 |
AIA Around the World Plus (II) Classic | $55.45 | $200,000 | $150,000 | $1,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $3,000 | 6492.34 |
Allianz Travel Bronze | $36.96 | $200,000 | $50,000 | $500 | $5,000 | $500 | NA | 6926.40 |
FWD Travel Insurance Premium | $47.50 | $200,000 | $200,000 | $300 | $7,500 | $150 | $3,000 | 9220 |
Klook TravelCare Lite | $27.65 | $150,000 | $200,000 | $400 | $5,000 | $400 | $3,000 | 12976.49 |
MSIG TravelEasy Standard | $37.20 | $250,000 | $150,000 | $500 | $5,000 | $600 | $3,000 | 10997.31 |
NTUC Income Travel Insurance Classic | $36.60 | $250,000 | $100,000 | $1,000 | $5,000 | $1,000 | $3,000 | 9836.07 |
Sompo Travel (COVID-19) Insurance Essential | $48.00 | $200,000 | $200,000 | $800 | $5,000 | $1,200 | $1,000 | 8500 |
Singlife Travel Insurance Lite | $49.36 | $250,000 | $50,000 | $500 | $5,000 | $500 | $3,000 | 6260.13 |
Etiqa TIQ Travel Insurance Entry (with Covid-19 cover) | $34.20 | $200,000 | $200,000 | $300 | $5,000 | $200 | $2,000 | 11915.20 |
When it comes to travelling, it is a common practice to source around for the best deals – and it shouldn’t be any different for travel insurance.
Plus, you’re already putting aside expenses for your short getaway trip, so why wouldn’t you want a travel insurance plan that will be a bang for your buck?
Thus, in terms of cost-to-benefit ratio, Klook Travel Insurance Lite stands out as the best value option for single-trip travellers.
It is definitely a worthy competitor even with it having the cheapest premium!
I mean, for just $27.65, you get
- An affordable travel insurance to ease your travel worries
- A reasonable extent of coverage for overseas medical coverage ($150,000!)
- $200,000 for Accidental death and TPD coverage (which is comparable to some of the higher-priced plans like AIA and Singlife!)
- Coverage for adventurous activities – which many plans don’t have!
- A great and more affordable alternative to MSIG TravelEasy (since they are Klook Travel Insurance’s underwriter after all!)
So, you can really see why Klook Travel Insurance is a great value plan for short-trip travellers.
They also have 2 other tiers for you to consider – Essential and Deluxue for those with a bigger budget.
But one thing’s for sure, they will remain a value-for-money travel insurance plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having travel insurance is not just a smart choice, it’s a necessary one.
You never know what could happen while exploring a new place, and having that peace of mind is priceless.
With so many options available in Singapore, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for you.
But by considering your needs, reading reviews, and comparing prices and coverage, you’ll be able to find the perfect travel insurance policy to protect you on your next adventure.
Safe travels!