- The best annual travel insurance plans
- What is annual travel insurance?
- What is the price of annual travel insurance?
- What does annual travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of annual travel insurance
- Why take out annual travel insurance?
- How to choose the right annual travel insurance
- Do current insurance policies cover annual travel insurance?
- FAQ
annual travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Annual travel insurance covers unlimited trips within a year, ideal for frequent travellers from Singapore.
2. Price: An annual plan for an individual in Singapore can range from SGD 200 to SGD 500.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Credit cards and MediShield Life offer limited or no overseas medical or cancellation coverage.
5. Tips: Check per-trip duration limits and ensure medical coverage is sufficient for destinations like the USA.
6. Other useful info: Consider cheaper ASEAN-only plans if you do not travel worldwide to save on premiums.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Singapore, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best annual travel insurance.
The best annual travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best annual travel insurance plans available for residents of Singapore in 2025. These policies are among the best due to their high medical coverage, low deductibles and accessible terms, ensuring strong protection for frequent travellers.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $300,000 | $0 | • One policy covers every trip all year • Worldwide medical and repatriation • 24/7 emergency hotline • Free medical teleconsultation |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $150,000 | $0 | • 24/7 multilingual support • Instant claims online • Direct billing for hospitals • COVID-19 coverage |
| Tourist Card | $200,000 | $100 | • Includes adventure sports • Family discount available • Telemedicine included • Flexible trip duration |
| World Travel | $300,000 | $0 | • Pre-existing condition cover • Business travel benefits • Emergency cash advance • Concierge services |
| Globe Partner | $100,000 | $50 | • Quick claim approval • Student discounts • Regional focus • Flexible plan extension options |
| Globe Traveller | $200,000 | $50 | • Covers longer trips (up to 120 days) • Premium unchanged after age 60 • Multilingual assistance • Fast claim processing |
• Worldwide medical and repatriation
• 24/7 emergency hotline
• Free medical teleconsultation
• Instant claims online
• Direct billing for hospitals
• COVID-19 coverage
• Family discount available
• Telemedicine included
• Flexible trip duration
• Business travel benefits
• Emergency cash advance
• Concierge services
• Student discounts
• Regional focus
• Flexible plan extension options
• Premium unchanged after age 60
• Multilingual assistance
• Fast claim processing
The best annual travel insurance depends on your individual travel needs. Use HelloSafe’s comparison tool to find and subscribe to the plan most suitable for you online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is annual travel insurance?
Annual travel insurance is a policy that protects you for multiple trips taken within a 12-month period.
It covers each journey under one contract, usually including benefits like medical expenses, trip cancellation, and baggage protection.
Annual travel insurance is essential for Singapore residents who travel three or more times per year, as it is more convenient and cost-effective than buying individual policies.
This insurance is sometimes confused with single-trip insurance, but only annual travel insurance provides ongoing coverage for unlimited trips throughout the year.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out annual travel insurance is especially relevant if you live in Singapore:
- When you travel more than twice a year from Singapore.
- For frequent, last-minute trips to nearby countries like Malaysia.
- If your work requires you to take multiple business trips abroad.
- As MediShield Life does not cover your overseas medical treatment.
- When your credit card insurance provides insufficient medical or evacuation coverage.
- If you combine long holidays with several short trips each year.
- To cover both regional getaways and long-haul international holidays.
What is the price of annual travel insurance?
For Singapore residents, annual travel insurance generally costs between $180 and $800 per person, depending on coverage and individual criteria.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3 trips per year to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia | $2,000 | $180 to $300 |
| 2-week business travel in Europe, twice yearly | $7,000 | $280 to $450 |
| A 6-month round-the-world trip across 4 Asian countries | $10,000 | $400 to $800 |
| Family recurring visits to Australia (4 trips/year) | $6,000 | $240 to $450 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your annual travel insurance depends on several factors:
- number of trips and trip duration: the more and longer you travel, the higher the cost.
- destination: coverage for high-cost regions like the USA, Japan, or Europe is more expensive.
- traveller’s age: premiums increase for older travellers.
- coverage level: comprehensive policies with higher limits and fewer exclusions cost more.
- selected options and add-ons: extra cover for adventure sports, business equipment, or valuable items increases the premium.
What does annual travel insurance cover?
Annual travel insurance is a policy covering multiple trips over 12 months, giving ongoing protection for frequent leisure or business travel from Singapore.
This type of insurance offers automatic coverage for all trips during the year, as long as you respect the maximum trip length per journey.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🛑 Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable trip costs before departure if you cannot travel for a covered reason. | Minimum cover should be $3,000 per trip, with a deductible below $50. Pre-existing illness, change of mind, and insufficient documentation are usually excluded. |
| 🛬 Missed departure | Pays extra transport costs if you miss your flight or connection due to delays outside your control. | Choose at least $200 minimum, and no deductible. Missed check-in, absence of proof, and personal lateness are not covered. |
| 👜 Baggage loss or theft | Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage on any covered trip. | Opt for a minimum of $2,000 total cover and a deductible of less than $30. Unattended bags, lost electronics, and over-limit items are common exclusions. |
| 🕓 Travel delay | Fixed payout for long delays in flights or transportation abroad. | Choose at least $100 after 4h delay, with no deductible. Short delays, events not confirmed by the carrier, and recurring strikes are excluded. |
| 🏥 Overseas medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical treatment and hospitalisation abroad. | Minimum cover of $250k; deductible should not exceed $100. Chronic conditions, planned treatments and cosmetic procedures are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers emergency transport back to Singapore if medically necessary. | Look for unlimited coverage arranged by the insurer. Voluntary returns, non-emergencies, and family requests without doctor’s approval are not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for dental treatment needed due to sudden pain or accident during a trip. | Minimum $250 cover, with a $30 max deductible. Routine dental work, orthodontics, and cosmetic procedures are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays lawyer fees or bail for incidents occurring overseas during a trip. | Minimum limits: $2,000 for legal fees, $7,000 for bail. Cases involving criminal offences or alcohol are usually excluded. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refunds unused services if you are forced to cut your trip short for approved reasons. | Minimum $1,000 recommended; avoid high deductibles. Minor illness, voluntary returns, and business reasons are not usually covered. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Lump sum payout for death or permanent disability caused by travel accidents. | Look for at least $10,000 cover, with no deductible. Sports injuries, intoxication, and adventure activities may be excluded unless additional cover is taken. |
Pre-existing illness, change of mind, and insufficient documentation are usually excluded.
Missed check-in, absence of proof, and personal lateness are not covered.
Unattended bags, lost electronics, and over-limit items are common exclusions.
Short delays, events not confirmed by the carrier, and recurring strikes are excluded.
Chronic conditions, planned treatments and cosmetic procedures are excluded.
Voluntary returns, non-emergencies, and family requests without doctor’s approval are not covered.
Routine dental work, orthodontics, and cosmetic procedures are excluded.
Cases involving criminal offences or alcohol are usually excluded.
Minor illness, voluntary returns, and business reasons are not usually covered.
Sports injuries, intoxication, and adventure activities may be excluded unless additional cover is taken.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To choose the annual travel insurance that fits your profile and travel habits, compare detailed offers and exclusions on HelloSafe before buying.
The conditions of annual travel insurance
To activate your annual travel insurance and ensure coverage, several important conditions must be met. These are the most common requirements.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase your policy before your departure from Singapore, not during an ongoing trip.
- Residency requirement: you must be a legal resident of Singapore when purchasing the insurance.
- Trip duration compliance: each trip cannot exceed the maximum covered duration, commonly 30, 60, or 90 days per trip.
- No ongoing travel: you cannot take out or renew a policy if you are already abroad, unless explicitly allowed under the contract.
- Outbound and return from Singapore: insurance is valid only if each covered trip starts and ends in Singapore.
- Reporting incidents: you must notify your insurer as soon as possible after any incident, such as illness, injury, or theft.
- Supporting documentation: you must submit required documents, such as medical reports or police statements, for all claims.
- Destination restrictions: coverage does not apply if you travel to locations under a travel warning issued by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Watch out!
A key misunderstanding is that an annual policy covers a single year-long trip. It actually covers unlimited trips *within* the year, each with a maximum duration (e.g., 90 days). Staying beyond this limit per trip can void your coverage for that specific journey.
Why take out annual travel insurance?
When travelling, unexpected health issues or accidents can lead to major expenses, especially overseas. The cost of care is often much higher than many imagine.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to $2,000,000, depending on policy |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $2,000,000, depending on policy |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to $2,000,000, depending on policy |
| Consultation and treatment for intestinal infection |
| Up to $2,000,000, depending on policy |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Up to $2,000,000, depending on policy |
- Europe: $400 to $600
- North America: $800 to $1,200
- Asia: $150 to $300
- Europe: $8,000 to $15,000
- North America: $20,000 to $40,000
- Asia: $3,000 to $8,000
- Europe: $300 to $500
- North America: $600 to $1,000
- Asia: $100 to $250
- Europe: $200 to $400
- North America: $500 to $800
- Asia: $80 to $200
- Europe: $250 to $450
- North America: $400 to $700
- Asia: $100 to $200
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Besides medical expenses, annual travel insurance often covers other important risks: trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, personal liability abroad, emergency evacuation and assistance. These protections are valuable for frequent Singapore travelers.
Good to know
For frequent getaways to JB or Bali, an annual plan is more cost-effective. Avoid the hassle of buying insurance for every trip and stay protected year-round. A plan from a provider like AVA Assurances ensures you're covered for unlimited trips, saving you time and money.
How to choose the right annual travel insurance
Not all annual travel insurance plans provide the same level of protection: reimbursement amounts, coverage limits and conditions can vary significantly. This is why it is important to compare annual offers based on your specific needs, especially from Singapore where local health insurance does not cover foreign expenses.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Insufficient limits can leave you facing high bills during emergencies abroad. | Check that your annual policy offers at least $500,000 coverage for medical expenses worldwide. High coverage gives better security abroad. |
| 📄 Deductible | Deductibles affect what you must pay before insurance benefits begin. | Choose a plan with low or no deductible for medical expenses to minimise out-of-pocket costs. Low deductible ensures real value. |
| 📃 Conditions | Benefits may only apply if certain conditions are met or timeframes respected. | Read eligibility and claim conditions carefully to prevent unpaid claims. Always understand all policy rules. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Some plans restrict or raise premiums for travelers above a certain age. | Confirm if the policy has age limits or premium increases above 65 years old. Check senior inclusions or exclusions. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Needs differ for individuals, families or business travelers. | Select an annual plan that matches your situation, such as family or frequent work trips. Fit the policy to your family or lifestyle. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Annual plans limit trip length per journey, affecting eligibility. | Make sure the maximum allowed days per trip covers your longest expected journey. Check maximum trip duration per trip. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage and pricing can differ for regional versus worldwide policies. | Confirm if global coverage includes US, Canada, Japan etc. if you plan to visit those. Geographical scope matters for claims. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Insurance from credit cards or company benefits may overlap with new cover. | Review existing bank card and health insurance travel benefits. Avoid duplicate protection and unnecessary costs. |
| 🏄 Planned activities | Some plans exclude risky sports or adventure activities. | Declare all planned sports like skiing, diving or trekking to ensure coverage. State adventure activities to avoid exclusions. |
Do current insurance policies cover annual travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card protection or public health coverage, can provide a true annual travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not sufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Annual travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medisave, MediShield Life) | Never | No overseas medical care, no repatriation, no travel-related benefits. No emergency medical, trip cancellation, baggage, or liability coverage for travel abroad. These crucial travel guarantees are not included. | Travel insurance covers up to $2,000,000 SGD, including cancellation, baggage, repatriation, and 24/7 worldwide support. |
| Private health insurance (Great Eastern, AIA) | Almost Never | Limited overseas emergency care, sometimes up to $100,000 SGD. Does not cover trip cancellation, baggage loss, delays, or personal liability. These are essential for travelers. | Travel insurance covers up to $2,000,000 SGD and guarantees not included in health plans like delays and cancellations. |
| Classic credit card (DBS Visa, UOB One) | Never | Rarely includes any travel protection, usually minimal or no overseas medical. No coverage for medical evacuation, baggage, delays, or trip cancellation on classic cards. These are significant travel risks. | Travel insurance offers up to $2,000,000 SGD and includes all travel risks and emergencies during the year. |
| Premium credit card (OCBC Premier, Citibank Prestige) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical and evacuation may be included up to $250,000 SGD, baggage up to $3,000 SGD. No comprehensive trip delay, cancellation, liability, or adventure sports coverage. | Travel insurance provides up to $2,000,000 SGD for all medical, cancellation, liability, and adventure sports needs. |
No emergency medical, trip cancellation, baggage, or liability coverage for travel abroad. These crucial travel guarantees are not included.
Does not cover trip cancellation, baggage loss, delays, or personal liability. These are essential for travelers.
No coverage for medical evacuation, baggage, delays, or trip cancellation on classic cards. These are significant travel risks.
No comprehensive trip delay, cancellation, liability, or adventure sports coverage.
Expert advice
Trip interruptions due to a relative’s illness are often excluded from bank card and health insurance policies. Scrutinise the terms to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is not mandatory for most destinations. However, it can be required for certain visa applications, like the Schengen area, which mandates minimum medical coverage. Even when not compulsory, it is strongly recommended, for instance when traveling frequently for business or with family, due to high potential overseas medical and repatriation costs.
When is it recommended to purchase annual travel insurance?
It is best to purchase annual travel insurance before your first trip of the year begins. Buying in advance ensures cancellation coverage and avoids gaps between trips. For maximum cost-effectiveness, consider annual insurance if you expect to travel at least three times in a 12-month period.
How do I purchase annual travel insurance?
Start by comparing options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance platform to find suitable plans. Carefully check the guarantees, exclusions, and annual-specific conditions of each policy. Once decided, purchase your policy securely online. You will immediately receive your certificate by email for submission to authorities or travel providers.
Can I purchase annual travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you may purchase annual travel insurance after booking. However, to benefit from trip cancellation cover and to avoid uninsured periods, it is ideal to take out the policy as soon as possible after confirming your first trip.
How do I make a claim on my annual travel insurance?
To make a claim, collect all necessary documents, such as medical receipts or police reports, and complete the claim form from your insurer’s website or app. Submit your claim and supporting documents online or by email. Most insurers in Singapore offer fast, digital claims processing with follow-up by their customer service team.
Does annual travel insurance cover trips of any length?
No, annual travel insurance usually limits the duration of each individual trip, often between 30 and 90 days depending on your plan. If you intend to travel longer on one trip, choose a policy with extended trip length or consider a specialist plan.
Is my family covered under an annual travel insurance policy?
Many insurers offer family plans that include coverage for spouses and dependent children traveling either with you or separately. Family plans are generally more cost-effective than individual policies, but it is important to check specific terms regarding who qualifies as a dependent and any age limits.
Is annual travel insurance mandatory?
Annual travel insurance is not mandatory for most destinations. However, it can be required for certain visa applications, like the Schengen area, which mandates minimum medical coverage. Even when not compulsory, it is strongly recommended, for instance when traveling frequently for business or with family, due to high potential overseas medical and repatriation costs.
When is it recommended to purchase annual travel insurance?
It is best to purchase annual travel insurance before your first trip of the year begins. Buying in advance ensures cancellation coverage and avoids gaps between trips. For maximum cost-effectiveness, consider annual insurance if you expect to travel at least three times in a 12-month period.
How do I purchase annual travel insurance?
Start by comparing options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance platform to find suitable plans. Carefully check the guarantees, exclusions, and annual-specific conditions of each policy. Once decided, purchase your policy securely online. You will immediately receive your certificate by email for submission to authorities or travel providers.
Can I purchase annual travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you may purchase annual travel insurance after booking. However, to benefit from trip cancellation cover and to avoid uninsured periods, it is ideal to take out the policy as soon as possible after confirming your first trip.
How do I make a claim on my annual travel insurance?
To make a claim, collect all necessary documents, such as medical receipts or police reports, and complete the claim form from your insurer’s website or app. Submit your claim and supporting documents online or by email. Most insurers in Singapore offer fast, digital claims processing with follow-up by their customer service team.
Does annual travel insurance cover trips of any length?
No, annual travel insurance usually limits the duration of each individual trip, often between 30 and 90 days depending on your plan. If you intend to travel longer on one trip, choose a policy with extended trip length or consider a specialist plan.
Is my family covered under an annual travel insurance policy?
Many insurers offer family plans that include coverage for spouses and dependent children traveling either with you or separately. Family plans are generally more cost-effective than individual policies, but it is important to check specific terms regarding who qualifies as a dependent and any age limits.
