A Step-By-Step Guide to Buying Travel Insurance Online

Long gone are the days of meeting with an insurance advisor in person to get your travel insurance policy. Today, Singaporeans can quickly buy travel insurance online with the click of a button!

But before you buy a policy, you need to make sure it covers everything you need. After all, you don’t want to be stuck in another country unable to get assistance after an unexpected event.
 

Consider your health needs

When you purchase travel insurance online, be it a single or annual travel plan, your health and safety needs should be a top priority. You can’t predict when and if you’ll get sick while on holiday. Furthermore, healthcare costs in other countries can be astronomical. You don’t want to get stuck with a bill you can’t afford.

Look for a travel plan that provides reimbursement for both evacuation and your safe return home. Read the fine print, because some companies may only include one and not the other. You should only buy a policy that has coverage for both.

Evacuation is just a fancy term for transport, so if you find yourself ill, you need a way to get to the hospital or back home. Your policy may have specific stipulations for what they will or will not cover. For example, if you plan on taking a cruise, you may need to be evacuated by helicopter if you become gravely sick. Make sure your travel policy will pay for this expense.

Before you travel, you need to know if a travel policy will cover your pre-existing conditions. Most do not. If you have a heart condition, for example, you may discover that a standard policy won’t pay for any expenses related to these conditions. Those with pre-existing conditions should work with their doctor to make sure they’re well enough to travel abroad.
 

Know your itinerary

Most travel insurance policies only cover general, safe tourist behaviours. If you want to embark on an extreme mountain climbing or skydiving adventure, for example, your policy probably won’t cover any damages you may incur.

Anyone who wants to participate in dangerous or extreme activities should find a specialised policy. While adding these activities will increase your premiums, it will also give you much-needed peace of mind. Fortunately, DirectAsia offers extreme sports add-ons to our travel insurance policies, which will save you a ton!
 

Coverage for your belongings

When travelling abroad, make sure you have coverage for all your belongings. Once again, you need to read the fine print to make sure you fully understand how pay-out works if you file a claim. Even if the policy says it will cover a certain total dollar amount, it may have sublimits on certain items. For example, if you bring your laptop and the limit is less than the cost to replace it, you need to search for a better policy.

Some belongings cost more to cover than others. For instance, many policies do not cover lost jewellery. When this is the case, you may be better off leaving your jewels at home. You should also figure souvenirs into your policy. Think about what you want to buy before you leave on your trip so you can opt for a policy that also covers whatever you’ve gotten on the way back!
 

Don’t forget about cash

Most travellers bring along at least some cash. If you plan on using cash instead of credit cards, make sure they offer a pay-out for lost cash. When you shop for travel insurance online, compare the limits for cash pay-out with different providers. Make sure you understand how to file a claim in case you lose your money while on holiday.
 

Know where you’re travelling

Make sure the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) has not issued any travel notices for where you want to visit. If they advise against travelling to a certain location, it may void your insurance policy. However, if the notice is put into place after buying insurance, you may be able to file a cancellation claim. The earlier you plan your trip and buy travel insurance online, the better chance you have of receiving a pay-out for a cancellation.
 

Affordable Travel Insurance in Singapore

Though it’s an obvious statement, you should always stay on the safe side and invest in travel insurance from Singapore. Make sure the plan you buy has all the coverage to protect you in every aspect during your trip. DirectAsia can help you create a customisable policy that will ensure your trip goes smoothly, so reach out to us to discuss your travel needs with any of our insurance experts today!