Travel Insurance vs International Health Insurance with selected Covid-19 Coverage

Are you unsure about the difference between travel insurance with selected Covid-19 cover and international health insurance? Here we look at the key differences between the two types of cover.

In short, travel insurance with Covid-19 cover is designed for holidaymakers and those on short business trips to cover things like emergency medical treatment (including covered events related to Covid-19), cancellations and personal belongings. International health insurance provides multi-country cover and is designed for those living and working overseas who need cover for in-patient medical check-ups, medical emergencies and ongoing treatment of chronic conditions.

Below is a general comparison of travel Insurance with selected Covid-19 cover and international health insurance. Exact coverage will depend on the chosen policy.

What about lockdowns and other kinds of general travel disruption?

It’s important to remember that travel insurance doesn’t cover you for everything*. For instance, it does not generally cover against lockdowns, border closures and other kinds of general travel disruption.

*It’s important to remember that travel insurance doesn’t cover everything. Your policy will be subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and benefits limits of the policy wording

Travel insurance (with selected Covid-19 cover*) – in more detail

Travel insurance with selected Covid-19 cover is travel insurance that covers you for things like trip cancellations / trip interruptions / trip delay , loss/theft of personal belongings and emergency medical treatment, and includes selected coverage for Covid-19, pandemics and epidemics before or during your trip (in line with the Policy Wording of your chosen policy).

For example:

  • If you or a travelling companion/family member are diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip and need to cancel, you can make a claim for things like travel and accommodation costs.
  • If you or a travelling companion/family member are diagnosed with Covid-19 during your trip, you can make a claim for things like medical care and quarantine costs.

In terms of medical coverage, travel insurance is intended to provide short-term emergency medical treatment within your specified area or period of cover. The aim of this is to get you well enough to return home. Travel insurance rarely covers long term medical treatment.

Selected Covid-19 coverage* with Allianz Travel

Travel insurance from Allianz Travel Singapore includes selected Covid-19 coverage*, plus cover for epidemics and pandemics in general (when diagnosed with a disease). The Medical and Dental cover limit is S$1,000,000 (Comprehensive Bronze and Silver) and unlimited for Comprehensive Platinum.

Travel insurance in general is designed to cover you for trips of limited duration. It is intended for holidaymakers and short term trips abroad, and also offers protection against other travel related issues.

For example, Allianz Travel insurance benefits include:

  • Selected Covid-19, pandemic and epidemic cover*
  • Medical/dental cover of up to $1,000,000
  • 24/7 Medical Assistance
  • Cancellation, Delay, Curtailment
  • Loss/theft/damage of valuables
  • Rental Excess cover (Silver & Platinum Plans only)

If further treatment is required, you will be expected to return to your home country. Cover ceases once you are back in your country of residence.

*It’s important to remember that travel insurance doesn’t cover everything. Your policy will be subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and benefits limits of the policy wording. For more information please click on the Allianz Travel Policy Wording

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International health insurance – in more detail

International health insurance is designed for individuals and families living and working overseas for prolonged periods. It is designed to cover things like in-patient care, out-patient GP visits, emergency treatment, specialist consultations, maternity and dental. International health insurance is multi-country and provides members with flexibility in terms of choice of doctor and treatment facility, and with the ability to receive treatment anywhere within their region of cover.

For individuals or families who are unfamiliar with a country’s health system and/or language, international health insurance can make it easier and simpler to obtain medical care. Depending on which country you are moving to, it may also save you significant sums of money compared to ad hoc care if you are not entitled to local free or subsidised medical care.

International health insurance plans vary, but often include:

  • Hospital stay
  • Routine check-ups
  • Cover for pre-existing conditions
  • Cover for chronic conditions
  • Choice of medical providers

Some international health insurers make it possible to build a plan that suits specific needs. For example, Allianz offers a standard Core plan to which modules can be added, including:

  • Out-patient treatment
  • Maternity care
  • Dental care
  • Repatriation

If you choose international health insurance from Allianz, benefits include:

  • A range of treatments, inclusive of specialist fees and diagnostic tests, plus generous cover for alternative treatments and physiotherapy
  • Health and wellbeing benefits, including digital health apps
  • Cover for emergency treatment overseas, medical evacuation and nursing-at-home
  • Choice of supplemental cover including Maternity, Dental and Repatriation Plans
  • A growing network of over 900,000 quality medical providers
  • Cover for Covid-19, pandemics and epidemics

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The Ultimate Travel Checklist: Travel Smart With The Right Credit Cards & Insurance

Keep this checklist handy the next time you plan for a holiday

One of the easiest ways to save money on your holiday trip is leveraging on the right credit card rewards. Some cards offer you higher miles for each dollar spent on flight and hotel bookings, whereas some offer better perks for overseas spend. Using the right card for the right spend is the key.

Here we round up some of the best cards for each categories:

Best for Flight booking:

1. UOB KrisFlyer Credit Card 

Apply Now

  • Earn 3 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 spend on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Scoot and KrisShop purchases
  • Earn Up to 3 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 spend on everyday* spend categories with S$5o0 min. annual spend on Singapore Airlines Group.
  • Earn 1.2 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 spend on other spend

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. S$50 cash via PayNow
  2. Up to $150 cash credit and 3,000 KrisFlyer miles
  3. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

2. American Express KrisFlyer Ascend

Apply Now

  • Earn up to 3.2 KrisFlyer miles on your Grab and everyday spend, up to S$200 each calendar month.
  • Earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spend on SingaporeAir.com, SingaporeAir app, silkair.com and KrisShop, with no cap.
  • Earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spend on eligible overseas transactions during the months of June and December.
  • Earn 1.2 KrisFlyer miles for every S$1 spend on eligible local transactions, with no cap.

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. Up to 49,200 welcome miles
  2. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

3. HSBC Revolution

Apply Now

  • Earn 5x Rewards on dining, entertainment and online purchases (equivalent to 2 miles for every dollar spent)

No minimum spend required.

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. 150 cash back or Samsonite T5 68cm Spinner with built-in scale
  2. $20 Grab vouchers
  3. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

4. DBS Altitude

Apply Now

  • Earn 4 miles per $1 spend on Singapore Airline tickets booked through DBS Travel MarketPlace
  • Earn 4 miles per $1 spend when you commute with your DBS Altitude Card This includes your bus, train, taxi rides and even your fuel spend! (From 1 Aug to 31 Dec 2019)
  • Earn 3 miles per $1 spend on online flight & hotel transactions (capped at S$5,000 per month), such as:
    singaporeair.com agoda.com
    cathaypacific.com expedia.com.sg
    qatarairways.com airbnb.com.sg and more!
  • Earn 2.4 miles per $1 spend when you re-fuel at Esso (From 1 Aug to 31 Dec 2019)
  • Earn 2 miles per $1 spend on overseas spend (in foreign currency)
  • Earn 1.2 miles per $1 spend on local spend

The best part? Your miles never expire.

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. Up to 38,000 welcome miles
  2. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

Best for Hotels:

1. Citi PremierMiles Visa

Apply Now

  • Agoda: Earn up to 7 Citi Miles per S$1 spent OR Enjoy up to additional 8% off hotel bookings
  • Expedia: Get 10% off hotel bookings
  • Kaligo: Earn 10 Citi Miles per S$1 spent on kaligo.com/bonus-miles

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. $250 cash via PayNow
  2. Up to 30,000 welcome miles
  3. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

2. UOB PRVI Visa

Apply Now

  • Agoda: Earn 6 miles per S$1 spent
  • Expedia: Earn 6 miles per S$1 spent
  • UOB Travel: Earn 6 miles per S$1 spent

Apply now and get S$150 cash credit.

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. $50 cash via PayNow
  2. Up to $150 Cash Credit
  3. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

3. American Express KrisFlyer Ascend

Apply Now

  • Complimentary Airport Lounge Access: Four complimentary access each year to any participating SATS Premier Lounge in Singapore and Plaza Premium Lounge around the world.
  • Complimentary Night Stay at Hilton: One night each year at one of over 160 Hilton Properties in Asia Pacific and complimentary upgrade to Hilton Honors Silver membership tier.

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. Up to 49,200 welcome miles
  2. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

4. OCBC 90N card

Apply Now

  • Earn 8 miles on your accommodation booking at Agoda, Expedia, Airbnb, Millenium Hotels, Mr & Mrs Smith

Apply now and get S$50 cash rebate plus 7,000 miles for new card sign-ups.

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. $50 Cash Rebate
  2. 7,000 Welcome Miles
  3. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

Best for Overseas spending:

1. Citi Cashback 

Apply Now

  • Earn 8% cash back on Dining, Groceries and Petrol daily, worldwide.
  • Citi World Privileges: Get deals and discounts locally & in 95 other countries

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. Up to $250 Cash via Pay Now
  2. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

2. Citi Rewards


Apply Now

  • 10X Rewards^ for every S$1 spent on retail shopping worldwide.
  • Citi World Privileges: Get deals and discounts locally & in 95 other countries

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. Up to $250 Cash via Pay Now
  2. Up to 30,000 Citi ThankYou Points
  3. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

Best travel insurance:

1. AXA SmartTraveller

Apply Now

  • Best for flight delays, baggage loss

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. $8 Cash via Pay Now
  2. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

2. MSIG TravelEasy

Apply Now

  • Most comprehensive coverage across all categories

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. $8 Cash via Pay Now
  2. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

3. FWD Travel Insurance

Apply Now

  • Cheapest travel insurance from $9

Welcome gift, apply now and get:

  1. $8 Cash via Pay Now
  2. 1 lucky draw chance to win $1,000 cash

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Up to 50% Discounts on comprehensive travel insurance – limited time flash offer until 17 June 2019

The last trip to Vietnam in April, despite precautions not to greedily eat street food (and I didn’t), I still ended up having travellers’ diarrhoea, which gave me food poisoning symptoms – diarrhoea and vomiting – over a couple of days. You can imagine how much I enjoyed my trip.

Earlier in January when I was skiing in Japan, I fell down and twisted my knee on a steep slope. This resulted in multiple visits to the doctor, having to take X-ray scans and MRI. I was bedridden for a week, and had to rely on crutches to get me around weeks after. Coming back to Singapore, I had to undergo several sessions of physiotherapy sessions because of a torn ACL.

The moral of the story is, accidents can happen to anyone at any time, despite all the safety precautions you take. There is no way you can have complete control during your trip. Your luggage may get lost in transit, your plane may experience long delays, the weather might take a turn for the worse, you might get pickpocketed, the list goes on…

This is not to dissuade you from travelling. In fact, as a travel blogger, I’m all about getting you out there to experience the world and discover more about yourself through outstanding experiences, incredible hospitality from locals and meeting unique individuals.

It is through my experiences that I strongly advise travellers to never travel without some form of travel insurance coverage, no matter if you’re planning in advance or going on a last minute trip. You don’t want to get caught up in all your travels and forget to have travel insurance coverage.

As a frequent traveller, I never leave Singapore without getting myself insured. Not only for assurance purposes, nor because I am accident-prone, but because you never know when unpleasant incidents or accidents may happen.

The good news is, travel insurance need not always be expensive. You just need to have an eye for deals! Which is why you’re in the right place, because Allianz Global Assistance Singapore is running a travel insurance promotion that is in time for the June holidays. You can now get travel insurance coverage that offers up to 50% off!

Get 50% single trip plans with promo code “school50”.

If you’re an obsessed traveller whose life is complete only when you’re in a foreign place (the more exotic, the better), you may want to consider Allianz Global Assistance Singapore’s annual trip plans.

With annual plan, it will be hassle free and cost saving. You can get the same level of coverage for all your trips in a year as long as each trip is up to 90 days.

There are 2 types of annual plans – Silver and Gold. Depending on the extent of coverage you prefer, you can weigh your options between Silver and Gold accordingly.

So go on, get out there. Let the school holidays begin!

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Receive An Exclusive Allianz Assist Card Worth S$28 EZ-link Value with a Purchase of Annual Travel Insurance Plan

Frequent travellers rejoice! In an industry first, Allianz Global Assistance is launching an EXCLUSIVE Allianz Assist Card that comes with S$28 worth of EZ-Link value stored inside. Simply purchase an annual travel plan from Allianz to qualify for this attractive promotion. *Learn more about terms and conditions

Besides getting on-the-go travel companion, purchasing annual travel insurance may save your money and hassles compared to buying a single trip plan. More details below:

Personalized Allianz Assist Card

Upon purchasing an annual travel plan from Allianz, you will receive a personalized Allianz Assist Card as your travel companion that comes with your own name, your policy ID and the policy Type. It will also contain details such as the validity of your travel policy so that you know whether you are still insured when planning your next travel. Your Allianz Assist Card will be delivered free to your registered address and can be used immediately for Singapore public transport rides with no activation of the card required!

Greater Travel Protection At Your Fingertips

Allianz Global Assistance provide greater travel coverage such as overseas medical expenses, luggage loss, and travel delay coverage.

Besides all details listed above, Allianz Assist Card contains a 24/7 Emergency Hotline (+65 6327 2215)where you can and get assistance globally. Most importantly, it contains a QR code which allows you to file your travel claims in a seamless experience. After scanning the QR code on your Allianz Assist Card, you will be brought to Allianz Global Assistance’s online claim portal. Simply follow the instructions, fill up the necessary information, upload softcopies of supporting documents and submit your travel claims! With the Allianz Assist Card, you have greater travel protection at your fingertips!

Purchase Now To Save 45% On Your Annual Travel Plans

For a limited time only, Allianz Global Assistance is launching Allianz Assist Card with a HUGE 45% discount. To receive your personalized Allianz Assist Card (which comes with $28 EZ-Link value), simply purchase your annual travel insurance policy from now till 16 June 2019! Hurry and go online to purchase your Allianz Global Assistance annual travel insurance policy here.

 

 

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Considerations On Travel Insurance Singapore When Traveling Internationally

You’re planning to travel to Singapore next month. Since most of your friends recommended you to visit this country, you obliged. You think that traveling can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul. And because of the stress you’re getting from home and work, you’re looking forward to this trip as your reward to yourself. After all, everyone needs to have a break once in a while, right? However, your expectations of stress-free and convenient travel can become the complete opposite if you experience emergencies along the way. How would you feel when your car had trouble on the way to the airport? Or when the weather suddenly changed after booking your tickets? Or when a family member has to be rushed to the hospital while you were traveling? If you’re traveling intentionally, it’s best if you do it with travel insurance.

Travel insurance is one kind of insurance which is intended to cover emergencies during your trip. These emergencies can include trip cancellation, lost luggage, medical expenses, flight accident and even other losses which you might have experienced while traveling. There are many companies which can offer travel insurance, but you should consider the following before deciding which travel insurance to pay for:

1. The type of coverage: Many companies offer travel insurance, but these companies have different types of coverage. As a customer, this information is something which you should carefully look into. For starters, consider the medical, trip cancellation and baggage loss policy of the travel insurance. You should also assess the default coverage and medical evacuation assistance of the travel insurance. These policies can extend your local medical care when you’re traveling to another country and can help you get home when you need additional medical assistance.

2. Determine what you need: If you’re eyeing to pay for travel insurance, determining what you need is key. Before you decide which travel insurance to get, consider your existing auto, homeowner and medical policies first. If you have health insurance, but your policy doesn’t cover you once you’re traveling overseas, it might be best if you also avail of a medical travel insurance. Comparing policies from your existing insurance and travel insurance can help you save from paying unnecessary costs.

3. Consider your trip: Where you’re going and what you’ll be doing there can help you decide which travel insurance to pick. If you’re traveling to a nearby state for the weekend and you’ll only need to hop on a train for 2 hours to get there, you probably won’t need travel insurance. But if you’re traveling internationally, like in Singapore, for weeks or months, travel insurance is a must. Keep in mind that the more days you spend in a new country, the higher the chances of experiencing baggage problems, medical emergencies, and travel delays are. As a customer, you should strive that all of these expenses during the trip can be covered as much as possible. You should work so your travel insurance can help you save money during the trip, not spend more.

4. Scout for options: Many companies can offer you travel insurance, and AXA SmartTraveller is just one. For you to end up getting the travel insurance tailored-fit for your needs and budget, scout for your options. Ask around from friends and family if they have had travel insurance in the past. Inquire from established companies for their travel insurance policies and compare prices. Doing this might take time, but this can ensure that you find the “perfect” travel insurance for you.

5. Read the entire policy before buying: When a document is written in fine prints, people tend to skip reading it – don’t commit the same mistake when you’re reading your travel insurance policy. Everything – yes, everything – in the policy should be read and understood. If you have any questions about the policy, ask the travel insurance agent about it. Don’t assume that you know everything as this can compromise your entire trip and even put your money to waste.

An Investment Worth Taking

There are many reasons why people decide to travel. Some travel because they’re seeking for adventure and adrenaline while others want to experience rest and relaxation in a new country. But regardless of the reason you want to travel, for sure, you want the experience to be memorable for all the right reasons. You want your travel to Singapore, or to any location, to become one for the books. Although travel insurance will require you to pay more from what you originally budgeted, it can help you achieve all of your travel goals. Travel insurance might be the only thing missing before you can finally bask in the sceneries of a new country!

 

 

 

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