In case your mum hasn’t already nagged you about it, here’s your friendly reminder: travel insurance is a must, not a maybe. Whether it’s a missed flight, lost baggage, or a sudden medical emergency, it gives you that all-important peace of mind while you’re living your best overseas life.
But we understand, comparing travel insurance plans can be a massive headache. Between planning your itinerary, picking hotels, and figuring out what to pack, who has the time to read through all that fine print? That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you. Here’s a breakdown of the best annual travel insurance plans for Singaporeans who are always on the go, so you can spend less time stressing and more time booking your next flight out.
If you find yourself hunting for cheap flights for long weekends or jetting off every few months for work or quick getaways, then annual travel insurance might just be your new best travel companion.
Instead of buying single-trip insurance each time you fly out of Changi, an annual travel insurance plan covers multiple trips under 1 policy, usually for up to 90 days per trip. It’s a smart, economical move for frequent flyers.
Many plans offer region-specific or global coverage, so you don’t have to keep updating your insurance based on your destination. You’ll be covered whether you’re hopping over to Bangkok for the weekend, taking a ski trip to Japan, or finally checking Europe off your bucket list. Plus, it removes the administrative headache of buying insurance each time you book flights.
To level things out across the board, we’re comparing annual travel insurance policies for worldwide trips across all policies. But of course, you can get your policy for lower rates if you choose a regional-only plan.
Table of Contents
| Insurance provider | Annual Premium | Medical coverage | Baggage loss/damage | Special perks | Best for |
| NTUC Income | From $487.05 (Standard), $730.13 (Preferred) | Up to $1M | Up to $8,000 | Covers pre-existing conditions, cruise coverage, purchase a day up to departure | Families & those with pre-existing conditions |
| Starr Travelead | From $633 (Bronze), $1,083 (Gold) | Up to $1M | Up to $7,500 | No outpatient sublimits, cruise and physio coverage | Frequent travellers <70yo |
| FWD | From $498.86 (Premium), $1,083 (Gold) | Up to $1M | Included | 50% back on cancellation, pet coverage, cashless GP | Customisation & fast digital claims |
| Singlife Travel Prestige | $932 | Unlimited | Up to $8,000 | Highest trip cancel cap, PayNow payouts, MINDEF | Comprehensive coverage seekers |
| Zurich | From $403.76 (Basic), $686.37 (Prestige) | Up to $500K | Up to $7,500 | Lounge access for 2hr delays (Essential & Prestige) | Frequent flyers |
| MSIG TravelEasy | From $397.60 (Standard), $670.40 (Premier) | Up to $1M | Up to $7,500 | Extreme sports coverage, mConnect app | Adventure sports lovers |
When it comes to travel insurance, it’s hard to go wrong with a name like NTUC Income. Trusted by Singaporeans for decades, this insurer offers comprehensive annual coverage that ticks all the right boxes.
One of the best perks is that you can purchase the policy up to a day after departure. So if you forgot to buy travel insurance before your trip, there’s still time to sort it out. Coverage is split into 2 easy-to-understand regions – Asia and Worldwide – keeping things simple for those who can’t be bothered with complex zoning.
The plan includes up to $2,000 for travel delays, $2,000 for baggage delays, and $8,000 for loss of baggage and travel documents. It also provides up to $1 million in overseas medical coverage.
Families will also appreciate the Family cover option, and adrenaline junkies can go ahead with that ski trip or bungee jump – adventurous activities are included in the policy. Frequent cruisers aren’t left out either, with coverage for cruises including “cruise to nowhere” itineraries. You’ll also get 24/7 medical emergency support and complimentary overseas tele-consultations.
For those with pre-existing conditions, NTUC offers an Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance plan, which starts from $864 for adults and $512 for children. Otherwise, the standard annual plan for worldwide coverage begins at $458.40/adult and $298.40/child, while the preferred plan starts from $864/adult and $512/child.
Purchase NTUC Income Travel Insurance.
For frequent travellers under 70 who can’t resist hopping on a plane every few months, the TraveLead Annual Plan by Starr Travel Insurance is worth a look. With a maximum trip duration of 90 days per trip and up to 180 days for single trips, it gives you the freedom to roam without worrying about reapplying for coverage each time.
There are 3 tiers to choose from: Bronze ($633), Silver ($756), and Gold ($1,083) for worldwide coverage. All plans include unlimited emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, and overseas medical expenses are generous – from $200,000 in the Bronze plan to a cool $1 million under Gold. Better yet, there are no sublimits on outpatient treatments. You’re covered up to $600, whether you’re seeing a physiotherapist or going for TCM while abroad.
You also get decent baggage protection up to $7,500, trip delay benefits up to $500, and trip cancellation coverage that scales with your tier. Psst, Gold gives you up to $15,000. All plans include Starr Global Emergency Assistance Services, so you’re never left stranded.
Purchase TraveLead Annual Plan by Starr Travel Insurance.
FWD’s travel insurance stands out for being one of the most customisable options available in Singapore. That makes it a great pick for frequent travellers who want fuss-free cover with extra flexibility.
Its annual multi-trip plan covers 4 main regions: ASEAN, Asia (which includes Australia and New Zealand), Worldwide excluding USA, and Worldwide including USA. For the most comprehensive plan, annual coverage for Worldwide including USA starts from $498.86 for Premium, with the Business and First plans priced at $839.51 and $940.36 respectively.
You’ll get solid coverage across the board, including up to $1 million for medical expenses overseas, trip cancellations and disruptions, and even pet boarding costs if you’re delayed coming home.
Image credit: FWD
FWD’s app also lets you locate nearby clinics, activate a cashless eCard for outpatient GP visits (up to $500), and submit claims directly without paperwork. They also allow policy purchases up to a year in advance, perfect for Type A travellers who like planning ahead.
You get reimbursed for trip cancellations for any reason (up to $6,000), and compensation for travel delays starts from just 3 hours (on Business and First tiers). Bonus: claim payouts can be done via PayNow or GrabPay, so you get your money back fast.
Purchase FWD Travel Insurance.
For top-tier protection with all the bells and whistles, Singlife Travel Prestige is one of the most comprehensive annual travel insurance plans on the market. At $932/year for worldwide coverage, it’s not the cheapest option. However, you’re definitely getting a premium experience.
This plan offers unlimited overseas medical coverage, which gives peace of mind if you’re travelling to countries with higher healthcare costs. You’ll also get up to $20,000 in trip cancellation coverage, which is one of the highest limits around, plus $8,000 for baggage loss, and $2,500 for rental car excess.
Other standout features include $2 million in personal liability coverage, $500,000 for accidental death and disability, and protection against unauthorised credit card use (up to $1,000). You can also opt in for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions as an add-on.
If you’re a MINDEF, MHA or POGIS insured member (or an immediate family member), you’ll enjoy a 15% discount, making this plan even more attractive. Plus, you’ll get access to PayNow claims payout, and can choose from region-specific plans (ASEAN, Asia, or worldwide including USA).
Purchase Singlife Travel Prestige.
Flight delays can dampen your mood and start your vacation on the wrong note. Trust us, we’ve been there. If you value convenience and comfort during these times, you might want to check out Zurich. With worldwide annual plans starting from $403.76/year for the Basic tier, Zurich offers 3 tiers of annual travel insurance: Basic, Essential, and Prestige, each scaling up in benefits.
If complimentary airport lounge access is what you’re looking for, go straight for the Essential ($524.87/year) or Prestige ($686.37/year) plans. They give you lounge access worldwide when your flight is delayed by more than 2 hours. No need to submit claims or forms – the access is granted in real time. It’s a nice touch for those who’d rather wait out delays in a lounge with snacks and WiFi than in a cramped boarding area.
Coverage-wise, medical expenses go up to $500,000, with personal accident benefits between $100,000 and $500,000. You’ll also get post-journey medical coverage ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your plan tier. Trip cancellations are covered up to $7,500, which helps cushion the blow of any last-minute changes.
Besides worldwide destinations, Zurich’s policies also cover ASEAN and wider Asia instead, and are available for single travellers, families, or groups.
Purchase Zurich Travel Insurance.
We all have that one friend whose idea of a holiday involves strapping themselves to a parachute, diving with sharks, or white-water rafting down Class IV rapids. Or, maybe you’re that friend. If so, MSIG’s TravelEasy Elite or Premier plans should be on your radar.
Both tiers include extensive coverage for adventure and extreme sports – from bungee jumping and paragliding to skydiving, diving, jetskiing, tobogganing, and more. It’s perfect for those who live for the adrenaline rush.
Coverage is solid across the board too: overseas medical expenses go up to $1,000,000 with no excess, and you’ll also get $15,000 in trip cancellation coverage, up to $1,500 for delayed departures, and $7,500 for lost or damaged baggage.
Prices for annual worldwide plans range from $397.60 for their Standard plan to $670.40 for the highest tier, Premier. Tbh, it’s very reasonable if you’re the type who jumps from continent to continent… and also out of planes.
They also have an mConnect app that makes it easy to buy policies, submit claims, or reach their 24-hour emergency helpline. Even if you’re ziplining through Costa Rica, help is literally in your pocket.
Purchase MSIG TravelEasy Travel Insurance.
If you don’t already have travel insurance – well, you really should. And if you’re someone who travels more than twice a year, it’s worth stepping things up with an annual plan instead of buying single-trip policies each time you fly. Annual travel insurance saves you both time and money in the long run, while giving you peace of mind throughout the year.
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Cover image adapted from: @nahojgrooc via Instagram
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