Lifestyle

A Guide To Changes In Travel Insurance Coverage in S’pore You Should Know

2021-09-21 , 2:01 pm

As Singapore preps for an eventual return to pre-Covid life, particular measures that were formerly in place have also been gradually lifted.

Take, for instance, the nation’s staunch refusal to cave in amid rising community cases.

Netizens have raged and ranted with all their will, but Singapore refuses to submit.

Though social interactions are discouraged whenever possible, no mention of the current dine-in regulations has occurred: a notion that would not have been possible just a few months ago.

And then there’s also the issue of borders here.

On 8 September 2021, Singapore officially kickstarted its first two vaccinated travel lanes with Germany and Brunei. And there’s no reason to assume that they will be the last either.

As such, with the situation in Singapore slowly grinding to a “halt”, it’s only natural for other factions to keep up with the times.

I’m talking, of course, about the travel insurance industry, which would surely have a bigger part to play now that travel is set to become the “norm” again…eventually.

Expected Changes To Travel Insurance in S’pore

Income

Since November 2020, Income has offered extensive COVID-19 coverage for overseas medical expenses. Apart from up to US$100,000 for COVID-19-related hospitalisation expenses in other countries, Income’s travel insurance plans also cover up to US$100,000 for medical evacuation.

However, these benefits are excluded from trips made to perceived “high-risk” countries.

And in light of possible developments in the travel sector, Income has also made its own preparations. They will be exploring appropriate coverage for instances such as:

Trip disruptions that are caused by a quarantine order or stay-home notice
If a family member comes down with Covid-19

AXA

Meanwhile, AXA has already improved on two travel insurance plans, the AXA SmartTraveller and AXA Wanderlust.

The changes were made in December 2020 and June 2021 respectively.

In essence, the plans cover such scenarios as:

Having to cancel a trip after failing a designated temperature screening test, and subsequently contracting COVID-19
Having to cancel a trip because of an infected family member or travelling companion, an infected family member overseas who was supposed to accommodate the insurer or the infection of the insurer during the trip
Forced rearrangement of one’s trip due to an outbreak overseas or if there are no flights
“Unavoidably incurring” extra costs to extend one’s stay in the said country

It should be noted that AXA has a 24/7 helpline that assists travellers with policy coverage, relevant information and even medical consultations.

AIG Asia Pacific Insurance

As for AIG Asia Pacific, changes have since been made to its Travel Guard insurance plan.

Overseas COVID-19-related medical expenses, as well as evacuation costs incurred in the event that the insurer gets infected during the trip, are now covered.

The plan also covers forced cancellations or postponements on return trips, in the event that the insurer or their relatives get infected before departure.

Travel curtailment is also available if either the insurer or a relative gets infected while travelling, and an earlier return to Singapore is required.

A quarantine allowance will also be given.

Limitations

Despite the changes, however, some scenarios are still not covered.

For instance, if a traveller gets infected upon their return here, they will not be covered under the travel insurance plans.

In addition, trip cancellations or postponements due to shifting regulations in the intended country are also not covered.

However, plans are admittedly continuing to evolve, so things may yet change.

It should be noted, though, that several countries require inbound visitors to purchase suitable travel insurance beforehand.

And as always, travel insurance would ensure that non-COVID-19-related costs, such as accidents, travel delays or damage to one’s belongings, will be covered.