- The best international travel insurance plans
- What Is International Travel Insurance?
- The Price of international Travel Insurance
- What does international travel insurance cover?
- The Conditions of International Travel Insurance
- The Importance of International Travel Insurance
- How to choose the right international travel insurance?
- International travel coverage and your current insurance policies
- FAQ
- On the same topic
international travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: International travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other risks when you are travelling overseas.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between 40 and 100 SGD, depending on your chosen coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies and cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities without add-ons.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: MediShield Life and credit cards offer limited or no overseas medical coverage, unlike dedicated travel insurance policies.
5. Tips: For high-cost countries like the USA, ensure your medical coverage limit is at least 500,000 SGD.
6. Other useful info: Many policies now include COVID-19 benefits, covering quarantine costs and medical treatment if you are infected.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Singapore, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best international travel insurance.
The best international travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best international travel insurance plans available for residents of Singapore in 2025.
These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and simple conditions, offering optimal protection for international trips.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | SGD 300,000 | SGD 100 | • Covers emergency evacuation worldwide. • Mobile-first claim process. • Legal support for incidents abroad. • Multilingual 24/7 medical hotline. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | SGD 300,000 | SGD 100 | • Real-time medical advice via app. • Inclusive of pandemic coverage. • Fast reimbursements. • Assistance for sports injuries. |
| Tourist Card | SGD 200,000 | SGD 150 | • Family travel friendly. • Upfront payment for hospitals. • Recognised by consulates. • Adventure sports covered. |
| World Travel | SGD 300,000 | SGD 200 | • Premium medical limits. • Special features for business travel. • Online doctor consultations. • Expanded baggage coverage. |
| Globe Partner | SGD 250,000 | SGD 100 | • Digital policy management. • Senior traveler options. • Global claim processing. • Group policy discounts. |
| Globe Traveller | SGD 300,000 | SGD 150 | • Up to 12 months continuous cover. • Premium stability after age 60. • Assistance in multiple languages. • Strong regional emergency support. |
• Mobile-first claim process.
• Legal support for incidents abroad.
• Multilingual 24/7 medical hotline.
• Inclusive of pandemic coverage.
• Fast reimbursements.
• Assistance for sports injuries.
• Upfront payment for hospitals.
• Recognised by consulates.
• Adventure sports covered.
• Special features for business travel.
• Online doctor consultations.
• Expanded baggage coverage.
• Senior traveler options.
• Global claim processing.
• Group policy discounts.
• Premium stability after age 60.
• Assistance in multiple languages.
• Strong regional emergency support.
The best international travel insurance will vary according to individual needs. Compare plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance tool to find and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat Is International Travel Insurance?
International travel insurance is a policy that protects individuals from financial losses resulting from unexpected incidents occurring while traveling outside Singapore.
It covers events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage and personal liability during trips abroad.
International travel insurance is specific because it provides coverage across multiple countries, offers higher medical limits, and often includes emergency evacuation, which is crucial if local healthcare is insufficient.
This product is sometimes confused with basic or domestic travel insurance, but only international coverage is valid for overseas journeys from Singapore.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out international travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in Singapore:
- Your local health plans like MediShield Life do not cover you overseas.
- When visiting countries with high medical costs like the USA or Europe.
- If your trip involves expensive, non-refundable bookings for flights or hotels.
- For any pre-existing medical condition, regardless of your age or destination.
- When planning to do adventure sports like skiing, diving, or hiking.
- If relying on credit card insurance, which often has limited coverage.
- When a visa application requires proof of sufficient medical insurance coverage.
The Price of international Travel Insurance
On average, international travel insurance typically costs between 3% and 7% of the total amount you spend on your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 4 days in Bangkok | $800 | $25 to $45 |
| 2 weeks exploring France and Germany | $3,000 | $90 to $165 |
| 3 weeks road-trip in the United States | $5,500 | $160 to $350 |
| Asia-Pacific cruise (10 days) | $2,200 | $70 to $120 |
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 international travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips result in higher insurance costs.
- destination: regions with expensive healthcare, such as North America, generally have higher premiums.
- traveler’s age: older travelers often pay more for coverage.
- level of coverage: high medical limits and additional benefits increase the price.
- chosen options: extras such as adventure sports, valuable items, or “cancel for any reason” coverage raise the cost.
What does international travel insurance cover?
International travel insurance is financial protection for trips outside Singapore, covering health, travel, and unforeseen risks abroad.
It is designed for any trip that takes you out of your home country, whether for leisure, study, or business.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 📆 Trip cancellation | Reimburses your costs if you must cancel before departure for a covered reason. | Opt for at least $3,000 cover, with deductibles not exceeding $50. Pre-existing illness, visa refusal, and change of mind are often excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Pays additional transport if you miss your flight because of a delay beyond your control. | Seek at least $350 with no deductible. Not valid if your delay is not confirmed by documentation or is due to lateness. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Covers loss, theft, or damage to your bags while traveling. | Minimum $1,500 cover is advised. Do not accept deductibles above $50. Unattended luggage and valuables above set limits are often excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent medical treatment if you fall ill or are injured abroad. | Look for at least $500,000 cover, with maximum $100 deductible. Non-urgent care, routine check-ups, and undeclared pre-existing conditions are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation or repatriation | Key guarantee. Transports you home or to a better hospital if medically necessary. | Minimum $300,000 is essential, no deductibles preferred. Elective returns, refusals of repatriation, and non-urgent cases are generally excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for sudden dental pain or accidents while abroad, covering urgent care only. | Limit should be at least $500. Cosmetic or planned dental costs are nearly always excluded. Avoid plans with a deductible over $30. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability abroad | Pays if you injure someone or cause damage to property during your trip. | Select policies with at least $500,000 and deductibles under $200. Family member injury and damages to hired property or vehicles are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensation if your transport is late, to cover meals or accommodation. | Look for $100 per 6-hour delay or more. Delays under 6 hours, or without official proof, are excluded. No deductible should be required. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Reimburses non-refundable costs if you must cut your trip short for a covered reason. | At least $1,000 is recommended. Voluntary returns, minor reasons, or changes by choice are excluded. Deductibles should be low or none. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident cover | Lump sum payment in case of accidental death or permanent disability abroad. | Minimum $50,000 sum assured, with no more than $100 deductible. High-risk sports and alcohol-related incidents are typically not covered. Review exclusions for adventure activities. |
Pre-existing illness, visa refusal, and change of mind are often excluded.
Not valid if your delay is not confirmed by documentation or is due to lateness.
Do not accept deductibles above $50.
Unattended luggage and valuables above set limits are often excluded.
Non-urgent care, routine check-ups, and undeclared pre-existing conditions are excluded.
Elective returns, refusals of repatriation, and non-urgent cases are generally excluded.
Cosmetic or planned dental costs are nearly always excluded.
Avoid plans with a deductible over $30.
Family member injury and damages to hired property or vehicles are excluded.
Delays under 6 hours, or without official proof, are excluded.
No deductible should be required.
Voluntary returns, minor reasons, or changes by choice are excluded.
Deductibles should be low or none.
High-risk sports and alcohol-related incidents are typically not covered.
Review exclusions for adventure activities.
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 find the international travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The Conditions of International Travel Insurance
To activate your international travel insurance and make your benefits valid, several common conditions usually apply.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the policy before your trip begins, never after departure from Singapore.
- Residency requirement: you must be a Singapore resident or hold a long-term visa at the time of subscription.
- Trip duration compliance: you must not exceed the maximum trip duration allowed, often 30, 90, or 180 days per trip.
- Return ticket proof: you may need to show a return ticket or an itinerary confirming your return to Singapore.
- No ongoing travel: you must not already be outside Singapore when purchasing the insurance, unless an extension is explicitly allowed.
- Incident reporting: you must notify the insurer promptly of any incident, such as hospital admission or theft.
- Supporting documentation: you must provide official documents for your claim, such as medical reports or police statements.
- Destination restrictions: you are not covered when traveling to destinations with active travel advisories from the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Watch out!
Many travellers mistakenly believe their pre-existing medical conditions are covered. Standard policies often exclude them unless declared and accepted by the insurer. This oversight can lead to rejected claims and massive overseas medical bills. Always declare your health conditions to ensure you are truly protected.
The Importance of International Travel Insurance
Medical emergencies abroad can be unpredictable and treatment costs in another country may be significant, especially in regions with high healthcare expenses.
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 the policy |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to $1,500,000, usually if medically necessary |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to $2,000,000, depending on the policy |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to $2,000,000, depending on the policy |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Up to $2,000,000, often with some limits |
- Europe: $400 to $600
- North America: $800 to $1,200
- Asia: $200 to $400
- Europe: $15,000 to $30,000
- North America: $25,000 to $50,000
- Asia: $8,000 to $20,000
- Europe: $8,000 to $15,000
- North America: $15,000 to $30,000
- Asia: $3,000 to $8,000
- Europe: $300 to $500
- North America: $600 to $1,000
- Asia: $150 to $300
- Europe: $250 to $450
- North America: $400 to $700
- Asia: $120 to $280
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.
International travel insurance can also include other important protections: trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, personal liability abroad, emergency assistance and advance payments are useful for Singapore travelers wherever they go.
Good to know
An accident abroad can cost more than your entire trip. Medical evacuation alone can exceed $100,000, a cost not covered by MediShield. A comprehensive plan, like those from AVA, ensures you're protected from financial ruin, letting you focus on your adventure, not the 'what ifs'.
How to choose the right international travel insurance?
Not all international travel insurance provides the same degree of security. Coverage limits, exclusions, and reimbursement rules can differ. Comparing options with relevant criteria ensures that your plan matches your needs for safe overseas travel from Singapore.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Too low a limit may not be enough for emergencies in high-cost countries. | Compare maximum medical cover: choose at least $200,000 SGD, $1 million SGD for USA or Canada. |
| 📉 Deductible | High deductibles mean more out-of-pocket expenses during a claim. | Choose a plan with low or zero deductible for medical so you are not left with large upfront fees. |
| 📃 Policy conditions | Restrictive terms may limit claims, especially when deadlines aren’t met. | Read all eligibility rules and submit proofs on time to ensure coverage is valid and claims are paid. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Premiums increase and exclusions can apply past a certain age. | Check for age limits or surcharges above 65–70 years and choose senior-inclusive plans if needed. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Needs vary for solo, family, group, or business travel. | Select family or group cover where relevant for better value and comprehensive protection abroad. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some policies are not valid beyond a set number of days per trip. | Ensure the trip length fits your longest journey to avoid time-based exclusions if travel is extended. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Medical costs differ by region; exclusions may apply for certain areas. | Confirm global scope covers your destinations, especially if visiting USA, Africa, or remote regions. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Some benefits may already be included with credit cards or group policies. | Review coverage from other sources to avoid duplicate costs and ensure all gaps are filled. |
| 🏄 Planned activities | Adventure or risky activities often require special cover. | Declare activities like diving, trekking, or skiing so they are not excluded in the insurance policy. |
International travel coverage and your current insurance policies
It is natural to wonder if your current insurances such as credit card insurance or public health systems can provide you with international travel insurance, but unfortunately this is often not enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | International travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why travel insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medisave/CPF, MediShield Life) | Never | No coverage for overseas medical expenses. Does not cover emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage loss, liability, or 24/7 global support. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $2,000,000 SGD and includes evacuation, cancellation, and personal liability worldwide. |
| Private health insurance (Great Eastern, Prudential Singapore) | Almost never | Some overseas medical care with strict limits, typically up to $100,000-$150,000 SGD. Does not include repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage, or travel delays. | Travel insurance covers up to $2,000,000 SGD and all essential travel risks beyond basic healthcare needs. |
| Classic credit card (DBS Classic, OCBC Classic) | Never | No international medical or evacuation coverage, basic purchase security only. Does not include trip cancellation, medical, delayed baggage, or liability protection abroad. | Travel insurance provides medical, evacuation, and other covers up to $2,000,000 SGD on all international trips. |
| Premium credit card (DBS Treasures, UOB Privilege Reserve) | Limited coverage | Some cards offer travel accident, loss of baggage, and medical up to $100,000-$250,000 SGD. Rarely covers full evacuation, high-value medical, cancellation, or extreme sports injuries. | Travel insurance reimburses comprehensive medical, cancellation, and baggage up to $2,000,000 SGD, including sports coverage and 24/7 support. |
Does not cover emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, baggage loss, liability, or 24/7 global support.
Does not include repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage, or travel delays.
Does not include trip cancellation, medical, delayed baggage, or liability protection abroad.
Rarely covers full evacuation, high-value medical, cancellation, or extreme sports injuries.
Expert advice
Bank card and local health insurance often exclude trip interruptions for family emergencies. Read the terms carefully to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is mandatory for some destinations, such as those requiring a Schengen visa or countries that specify minimum coverage for medical emergencies. In most cases, it is not required but highly recommended. For example, traveling to the USA without cover could expose you to medical bills as high as $80,000 or more.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
It is best to purchase international travel insurance immediately after booking your trip so that cancellation cover is in place. Buying early ensures coverage for unexpected events before your departure and maximizes the value you receive from your policy.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
First, compare plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the best fit. Next, carefully review the guarantees and exclusions specific to international coverage. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. Finally, you will receive a digital certificate, which you can present to embassies, airlines, or healthcare providers as needed.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can still buy international travel insurance after booking. However, to benefit from trip cancellation protection and avoid policy exclusions, it is advisable to purchase your insurance as soon as your travel arrangements are confirmed.
How do I make a claim on my international travel insurance?
To make a claim, gather supporting documents such as receipts and medical reports, then fill in your insurer’s claim form, usually available online. Submit these electronically or by email. Most insurers in Singapore provide a digital claims process, offering faster review and resolution of claims.
Are sports and adventure activities covered by international travel insurance?
Many international policies include coverage for common activities like hiking or swimming, but high-risk or adventure sports may require add-ons or premium plans. Always check your policy wording for specific exclusions and notify your insurer if you plan to participate in hazardous activities abroad.
Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19 related expenses?
Most international travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 coverage, such as medical costs, quarantine expenses, and trip cancellations due to infection or border closures. Be sure to confirm which pandemic-related scenarios and government-imposed restrictions are covered under the policy you select.
Is international travel insurance mandatory?
International travel insurance is mandatory for some destinations, such as those requiring a Schengen visa or countries that specify minimum coverage for medical emergencies. In most cases, it is not required but highly recommended. For example, traveling to the USA without cover could expose you to medical bills as high as $80,000 or more.
When is it recommended to purchase international travel insurance?
It is best to purchase international travel insurance immediately after booking your trip so that cancellation cover is in place. Buying early ensures coverage for unexpected events before your departure and maximizes the value you receive from your policy.
How do I purchase international travel insurance?
First, compare plans using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the best fit. Next, carefully review the guarantees and exclusions specific to international coverage. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. Finally, you will receive a digital certificate, which you can present to embassies, airlines, or healthcare providers as needed.
Can I purchase international travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can still buy international travel insurance after booking. However, to benefit from trip cancellation protection and avoid policy exclusions, it is advisable to purchase your insurance as soon as your travel arrangements are confirmed.
How do I make a claim on my international travel insurance?
To make a claim, gather supporting documents such as receipts and medical reports, then fill in your insurer’s claim form, usually available online. Submit these electronically or by email. Most insurers in Singapore provide a digital claims process, offering faster review and resolution of claims.
Are sports and adventure activities covered by international travel insurance?
Many international policies include coverage for common activities like hiking or swimming, but high-risk or adventure sports may require add-ons or premium plans. Always check your policy wording for specific exclusions and notify your insurer if you plan to participate in hazardous activities abroad.
Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19 related expenses?
Most international travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 coverage, such as medical costs, quarantine expenses, and trip cancellations due to infection or border closures. Be sure to confirm which pandemic-related scenarios and government-imposed restrictions are covered under the policy you select.
On the same topic
