Do I Need COVID-19 Insurance When Travelling Out of Singapore?

It’s a brand new year, with a slate of travel wishlists to be filled. While you eagerly begin planning your upcoming trips and the best way to maximise public holidays and your work leave, COVID-19 is still an uncertainty looming over your travel out of Singapore.

With many countries reopening their borders and travel restrictions easing, it is understandable to feel relief at the prospect of finally being able to explore new places. However, before you book your tickets, it is important to remember that COVID-19 is still a real threat all over the world. Purchasing travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage before travelling out of Singapore should be one of your top priorities. Here’s why.

What is travel insurance with COVID-19 Coverage?

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel plans can be devastating but purchasing travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage anytime you head out of Singapore can help to alleviate much of that financial loss. This type of insurance provides travellers with access to funds in the event that their trip is cancelled or changed due to an outbreak, as well as coverage if they contract the virus while out and about.

It can also cover medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation expenses due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. In these uncertain times, having assurance with this form of insurance ensures that travellers have peace of mind, especially when they choose to venture outside their home country’s borders.

What are the benefits of travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage?

With the pandemic still ongoing, it is even more important to be covered with travel insurance when leaving Singapore. With COVID-19 coverage included in your plan, you have the peace of mind knowing that you are protected from potentially expensive medical expenses related to diagnosis and treatment of coronavirus overseas, as well as medical loans and repatriation costs.

Additionally, travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage also provides for accommodation and transportation expenses if you need to quarantine or if the country’s government mandates the cancellation of plane tickets or bookings. At times like these, having an added layer of protection when travelling abroad is invaluable.

Why you should get travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage included

1. Medical coverage for COVID-19 treatment

One pertinent reason to purchase travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is to protect yourself from medical costs should you contract the virus while outside of Singapore. Most countries have their own regulations on medical treatment for foreign travellers, and these can vary significantly from country to country.

In some cases, you may be required to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment needed due to an illness or accident while travelling – unless you have purchased adequate travel insurance beforehand. This includes hospital stays, tests and treatments related to COVID-19.

2. Cancellation coverage

Being able to cancel or postpone your trip due to unforeseen circumstances can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. Travel insurance policies often offer cancellation coverage if there’s an unexpected emergency or natural disaster that affects your destination or if you are forced into quarantine due to contracting the COVID-19 virus during your travels.

This coverage can also apply if flights are cancelled due to COVID-19 outbreaks or if there’s a change in government regulations prohibiting international travel from/to certain countries, leaving you unable to return to Singapore immediately.

3. Lost luggage and personal effects coverage

Another advantage of having travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is lost luggage and personal effects coverage in case something happens during transit – for instance, if your luggage gets lost during a flight disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or stolen while visiting another city or country.

Some policies also cover items that are damaged during transit as well as any personal valuables that were inside the bags such as jewellery and electronics (with certain limits).

Travel with safety and assurance

With all the uncertainty that still exists around the pandemic and new virus variations, purchasing travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is essential when travelling out of Singapore. Doing this will provide peace of mind knowing that should anything go wrong during your trip, you will be covered financially and medically until you make it back home safely.

You can always check out comprehensive guides online when selecting an appropriate policy for your needs and how to pick suitable travel insurance plans with added COVID-19 coverage.