Some of us might be travelling for a business trip, a wholesome holiday with the fam, or even an adventurous solo trip to scratch our wanderlust itch. Regardless of the reason, destination, and duration, it’s vital to get travel insurance to safeguard yourselves. It’s something we all know we should get but sometimes tend to overlook when dealing with planning itineraries or last-minute packing.
Aside from the usual flight delays and lost baggage, we’ve rounded up a list of lesser-known travel coverages by Income Insurance that are useful to know. After all, it’s important to know what to do if you’ve lost your passport or your travel agent goes MIA. Read on to learn more:
Overbooked flights might be less common than cancelled flights, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect insurance coverage for that. So, say you’ve reached Changi Airport Terminal 2, just to be notified by the airline that your seat has been double-booked. What now? Are you supposed to smoosh booties with a stranger?
Gurl, no. Income’s Travel Insurance covers up to $500^/pax in the event of an overbooked flight, as long as you have proven that there were no other transport alternatives provided and you did not receive any compensation within 6 hours of your departure time. This also applies to overbooked public transport like trains and buses BTW – just remember to get proof that you could not board the vehicle.
If you tend to be absent-minded, then this one’s for you – especially when holidaying in countries where theft is prevalent. In the event that your passports and travel documents are stolen or lost while travelling, don’t panic. You aren’t going to be trapped overseas forever.
Income Insurance reimburses up to $8,000^/pax for loss of travel documents. Of course, this doesn’t apply to situations where it was your own negligence – sorry to say, but that’s on you pal. You’ll need to prove that measures were taken to safekeep your documents, such as evidence that your suitcases are padlocked.
Remember that you’ll have to report it to the relevant authorities within 24 hours upon discovery of the loss, and keep a copy of the report. You should also claim compensation from the relevant transport or accommodation company first, before filing a claim from Income Insurance.
If this can happen to Kim K, it can happen to you – particularly if you are planning a backpacking trip to higher-risk countries. In the unfortunate event where you are held hostage or kidnapped on your vacation, and made it out safe, thank your lucky stars. Once you’re done informing your loved ones of your safety, it’s time to settle your insurance.
Income Insurance will set aside $500 per 24 hours, up to a limit of $10,000^/pax for kidnappings that happen for over 24 hours. There has to be solid proof that the incident had happened. Proof can come in the form of a police report or CCTV footage, should you be able to retrieve it.
Keep in mind that the situation also has to be reported to the authorities within a day, once you are able to. Also note that the policy doesn’t cover kidnappings and hostage situations in certain countries, so do double-check the policy conditions before purchasing.
For those who prefer travelling with a travel agent and skipping the hassle of planning the itinerary, the sad news is that there’s always a chance that the travel agency becomes insolvent.
Fingers crossed that your chosen travel agency doesn’t disappear like that Tinder match you swiped. But if it does happen, Income Insurance covers up to $5,000^/pax. All you have to do is provide the details of the company, and proof of your transaction.
Just be sure you buy your policy at least 3 days before your trip in order to be eligible for such coverage. In fact, it’s a good habit to buy travel insurance once you’ve bought your tour package, just in case something like this happens.
Leaving the country means leaving your home. While there’s always the option of hiring a house-sitter, most of us tend to leave our cribs unoccupied while we’re away. This means that no one is present to monitor for any potential damages, such as an unexpected fire.
Touch wood, but should there be a fire in your home in Singapore, Income Insurance covers up to $15,000/pax^ for any loss or damage to your home contents. That is, of course, you provide evidence that the fire was accidental and there was no one in your house at that time.
We know, travel insurance plans can be complicated and daunting to settle. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Aside from the aforementioned coverages, Income’s Travel Insurance plans also cover an extensive amount of common travel inconveniences that happen. There are tonnes to name, but know that Income’s Travel Insurance provides these coverages more than most insurers*: up to $2,000^ travel delay coverage, up to $2,000^ baggage delay coverage and up to $8,000^ coverage for loss of travel documents.
Income Insurance has affordable and comprehensive travel insurance plans with coverages of up to $2,000^ for travel delay and up to $2,000^ baggage delay, and up to $8,000^ for loss of travel documents. They frequently have ongoing promotions too, and you can keep updated via the Income website.
So, the next time you’re planning an escape overseas, remember to purchase a suitable travel insurance plan from Income Insurance. And hey, even if you forget to do so before your trip, Income is the only insurer in Singapore that allows customers to purchase travel policies up to 1 day after departing Singapore. This is applicable to Income’s Travel Insurance (Per-trip plan).
This expense will go a long way in protecting you from undesirable unforeseen circumstances, and you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday with a peace of mind.
*This comparison does not include all similar travel insurance plans. ^All benefit coverages mentioned in this article are based on coverage limit per insured person for Income’s Travel Insurance Preferred Plan.
This post was brought to you by Income Insurance.
All opinions expressed in this article are those of TheSmartLocal.com and not of Income Insurance Limited (“Income Insurance”). TheSmartLocal.com assumes full responsibility and control over the accuracy and completeness of all information provided in this article. TheSmartLocal.com is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information provided and intellectual property used in this article. Income Insurance is neither responsible nor liable to any party for the content of this article and intellectual property used in this article.
The information provided in this article is for general information only and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, solicitation or advice to buy any product(s). You should seek personalised financial advice before you purchase any insurance product. Purchasing an insurance product that is not suitable for you may impact your ability to finance your future insurance needs. Precise terms, conditions and exclusions of the insurance plan mentioned in this article are found in the policy contract which can be found at this link. This plan is underwritten and issued by Income Insurance.
Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
Information is correct as at 4th October 2024.
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