Five Things To Know About Obtaining Travel Insurance Following Leave From Singapore
Is It Possible to Get Travel Insurance After Leaving Singapore?
Indeed, but compared to shopping before travel, there are few possibilities. Many insurance companies have plans online from anywhere with internet access for those who realize their oversight after departing. Companies like World Nomads and Allianz Travel especially reference this service. Still, you may expect more expensive premiums and coverage restrictions. Allianz Travel provides medical-only policies for customers currently on travel, a sensible choice when trip cancellation coverage is not required. Usually starting at 12:01 a.m. local time the day following the purchase, World Nomads policies emphasize the need to buy ahead, even overseas.
What Coverage Can You Expect Post-Departure?
Although companies cover different things, post-departure travel insurance usually prioritizes medical crises. Anticipate coverage for hospital stays, medical bills, and an emergency evacuation. Specific plans could additionally call for 24/7 emergency support, baggage loss or delay, and trip interruption coverage. However, coverage for pre-existing conditions is usually excluded unless bought within a designated period (e.g., 14 days before the trip, as some insurers suggest). For example, AIG clarifies that their post-departure insurance does not cover pre-existing diseases. Check particular coverages and any waiting times with the selected provider.
What About Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage?
Policies bought after departure typically offer no rewards for trip cancellation since the risk has already gone. Still, travel interruption coverage—which returns unused trip fees should you postpone your vacation for a covered reason—like a medical emergency—is available. Many firms, including AIG Travel Guard Direct, cover trip interruption even for policies bought after departure. Always ask about travel interruption coverage when purchasing post-departure insurance as best practice.
How Much Does Post-Departure Travel Insurance Cost?
Your premium will be higher than those of plans bought beforehand. Covering travelers who are already overseas increases the insurers' risk, which shows in the price. Though post-departure preparations may surpass this, a Bankrate poll shows that travel insurance usually costs between 5% and 8% of the trip cost for a week-long vacation for US travelers. The ultimate cost depends on the trip length, age, location, and required coverage. Get several quotations to weigh before deciding on a course of action.
What Are The Limitations and Exclusions?
Travel insurance coverage sold after departure has a few shared restrictions. As has already been noted, pre-existing conditions are typically not covered. Usually not covered are also events involving alcohol or drug misuse, several high-risk sports (unless especially covered), and travel to banned countries. For example, AIG does not cover travel to nations such as North Korea, Iran, and Cuba. To properly grasp exclusions, always closely go over the policy language. Recall that coverage covers events following the policy purchase date and waiting period. Coverage is too late to acquire if a medical emergency strikes before the policy purchase.
Provider | Post-Departure Purchase | Coverage Type Available | Coverage Start Date | Waiting Periods | Restrictions/Limitations |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AIG Travel Guard | No (unless extending existing policy) | Comprehensive, COVID-19 Cover | Day after purchase (12:01 AM local time). | Yes (14 days for most benefits if not extending an existing policy) | Exclusions for travel to certain countries |
Allianz Travel | Yes, OneTrip Emergency Medical Plan | Medical Only | Day after purchase (12:01 AM local time). | No | Pre-existing conditions; No trip cancellation/interruption |
World Nomads | Yes | Single Trip, Annual, Medical Only | Day after purchase (12:01 AM local time) | Yes, may vary depending on policy. | Pre-existing conditions (unless Epic or Explorer plan purchased during time-sensitive period); known events |
Budget Direct | No (unless extending existing policy) | Comprehensive, including COVID-19 | Before trip commences. | 3 days after departure if purchasing after leaving home. | Several exclusions including mandatory quarantine, pre-existing medical expenses in Australia, unattended luggage, childbirth, booking errors. |
American Express (My Travel Insurance) | No | Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip, COVID-19 cover | Policy start date (for Annual Multi-Trip, can be up to 180 days in the future). For other benefits, upon trip start. | No | Must be HK resident, trip must depart from HK. Exclusions apply (e.g., pre-existing conditions, war, etc.). Known events (e.g., earthquake warning) may affect coverage. |
Income | Yes, up to 1 day after departure (Per-Trip plans only) | Travel, Enhanced PreX Travel (Pre-existing conditions), Covid-19 Cover | Midnight after premium payment (for pre-departure benefits); upon trip start for other benefits. | Yes (90 or 180 days for certain benefits). | Exclusions for extreme sports and those caused by the insured. Pre-existing conditions with terminal prognosis & <12 months life expectancy not covered. |
FWD | No (unless extending existing policy) | Single Trip, Annual, Pre-existing conditions, Covid-19 cover | For trip cancellation, postponement, and insolvency, from booking date or 30 days before trip, whichever is later. For all others, from departure from home/workplace. | Yes (3 days for some benefits, unless accidental in nature, if purchase <3 days before trip). 90 days for infectious diseases and food poisoning. | General exclusions apply for "Cancel for Any Reason". Pre-existing conditions coverage for Single Trip and up to 30 days only. |
HL Assurance | No | Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip, COVID-19 cover | Midnight after purchase (for pre-departure benefits like cancellation). Upon departure for other benefits. | 3-day waiting period for trip cancellation/postponement/curtailment due to COVID-19 (Enhanced plans). | Exclusions apply; refer to policy wording. Known events (e.g., Israel-Hamas war) not covered after a specific date/time. |
Singlife | No | Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip, Covid-19 cover | Midnight after purchase and payment, except for certain benefits (e.g., 12 month waiting period for pregnancy complications). | May vary, depending on benefit (e.g., pre-existing conditions require purchase within a specific timeframe). | Must purchase before departing Singapore. |
Chubb | No | Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip, COVID-19 Cover | Day after purchase. For Annual Plan, elected plan start date (or future date). | 90 days for infectious diseases and food poisoning | Must purchase before departure from Singapore. Pre-existing conditions not covered by additional payment. |
UOI/UniTravel | No | Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip, Covid-19 cover | Upon leaving residence/business in Singapore. Trip Cancellation cover starts 30 days before departure. | No | Must purchase before trip commences from Singapore. Various exclusions (known events, pre-existing conditions, war, etc.). |