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How to choose the right travel insurance for Singapore?
When it comes to choosing the right travel insurance, there is no one size fits all solution – the option for travel insurance will be one that suits your budget but also covers you for all the basic things you’ll need and any optional extras that could be important. In the case of travel insurance, it’s worth bearing in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best, a more basic policy may not cover all the things you need it to, especially if you are a more adventurous holiday-maker.
When comparing travel insurance with Canstar, you can start by searching for policies that cover you for travel to Singapore, and see the limits that each policy offers for such things as overseas medical and hospital cover, as well as the limits for cancellation and lost luggage. You may then consider inclusions that could be applicable to your trip.
While there are many urban areas to explore, the island nation of Singapore also offers a variety of aquatic experiences for adventurous travellers to try. From stand-up paddle boarding at Sentosa Island, through to cable skiing at Singapore Wave Park and scuba diving in surrounding coral reefs, you can try out a wealth of water-based sports.
If you plan to undertake these activities, then it’s important to choose a travel insurance policy that covers you for water sports, either as a standard inclusion of an optional extra.
What does Singapore travel insurance cover?
The list of things generally covered by travel insurance policies for Singapore includes:
Medical or dental emergency
If you fall ill or have an accident while in Singapore, hospital admission, emergency care and medical evacuation are covered by travel insurance.
Lost or stolen luggage, passport or other items
If important items of yours are lost or stolen, replacing luggage and travel documents is the most common claim for travel insurance.
Cancelling your trip unexpectedly
If something unexpected derails your trip, cancellation due to illness, accident, holiday leave being revoked or a natural disaster at home or at your intended destination are covered.
Legal liability
The law in Singapore is often stricter than what Australians might be used to, so Smartravller recommends researching local laws before travelling. If you break a local law and need a lawyer/interpreter e.g if you injure someone or are held accountable for damaged property.
Optional extras
Some policies offer a variety of useful extras depending on which one you get, such as rental vehicle excesses, cover for kennels and catteries for your pets at home, and even cover if you suffer a loss of income or a permanent disability while overseas.
Repatriation
If tragedy strikes while you are away, repatriation covers the cost of flying your body and belongings back home to Australia. Some travel funds also include a separate sum for funeral expenses.
What does Singapore travel insurance not cover?
Your travel insurance policy won’t cover everything that happens to you while travelling in Singapore, as there are a number of common exclusions, as well as things that could void your cover, such as:
Riding without a helmet
Riding a scooter or motorbike can be dangerous, and your travel insurance will not cover you if you are found to be riding without a helmet.
Being under the influence
Likewise, claims relating directly to drugs or alcohol or incidents befalling travellers under the influence of these things will likely not be covered.
Pre-existing conditions
While you can sometimes pay a bit extra to get them covered, an exclusion may apply if, at the time of purchasing the policy, you were aware of something that would give rise to you making a claim under the policy and didn’t inform the insurer. It is worth checking the terms and conditions of your policy to find out if you’re covered for your condition.
Unreported and unattended items
You can be covered if your possessions are stolen or lost accidentally, but leaving them unattended will often void your cover. In the event that your possessions are lost or stolen, you need to report the loss within 24 hours to your insurance provider.
How much does travel insurance cost for Singapore?
At the time of writing, basic travel insurance for Singapore can start from as low as $85 for a one-week trip for a couple, and $168 and up for more comprehensive cover for a one-week trip for a couple. The price can vary from there, depending on the level of cover and inclusions that you need. You can compare travel insurance with Canstar to find cover that suits your particular needs and budget.
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