Upcoming travel plans? Here’s what you need to know about your travel insurance coverage

If you’re planning for an upcoming trip, getting a travel insurance plan would probably be something on your mind. In fact, you may even find yourself placing a greater emphasis on this if you’re traveling amid the new normal.

But before you go about purchasing one, it’s important to first understand what your plan covers and what it doesn’t. We’re talking about general exclusions – specific circumstances in which you will not receive benefits, such as a payout, for claims made.

These exclusions are typically listed in your policy contract and knowing them will allow you to take the necessary steps to address any gaps or prevent any potential confusion.

But first, what about COVID-19?

We know that many of us are disappointed about the deferment of the long-awaited Air Travel Bubble arrangement between Singapore and Hong Kong. But the big question to be asked is this: does travel insurance cover COVID-19? The short answer is yes.

While you may already know that most standard travel insurance plans do not cover known events such as the COVID-19 outbreak, there are still ways in which you can get the peace of mind you need especially if you’re traveling during this time.

One way to do so is with FWD COVID-19 enhanced travel benefit, an add-on which complements our standard FWD Travel insurance for a comprehensive coverage that includes COVID-19, on top of other travel-related claims.

This addresses the key concerns that travellers, like yourself, may have in the event that you are diagnosed with COVID-19 before, during or after your trip – such as medical expenses, hospitalisation, trip disruptions or cancellations, as well as emergency evacuation and repatriation due to COVID-19, among others.

Getting this benefit is simple, all you have to do is get a quote for FWD Travel insurance and you’ll have the option to enhance your coverage with this benefit. Got a question? Visit our FAQs here.

So, what’s excluded?

While travel insurance plans are meant to financially protect you against unforeseen circumstances, the cost of your chosen policy and the circumstances under which you choose to travel can determine the exclusions of your plan.  

Some common examples include:

Illnesses under certain circumstances

In general, you will not be able to make any medical claims that result from a pre-existing medical condition — regardless of whether your policy covers yourself, your partner or your family member(s).

The same exclusion applies if you were to proceed with travel plans, against a doctor’s advice not to.

In the case of trip cancellations resulting from family illnesses, however, a claim may be successful depending on your circumstances.

Medical tourism and known events

Medical tourism, such as flying overseas to seek a second medical opinion, is not covered under most travel insurance plans. You will also not receive a payout if you travel against a doctor’s advice. Pregnancy-related claims will also not covered in the case of FWD Travel insurance.

Similarly, you will not be able to claim for something that occurred prior to, and at the point of purchase of the travel insurance policy. This is referred to as a known event and applies to all kinds of insurance claims.

And yes, the COVID-19 outbreak is considered a known event. That’s why FWD gives you the option to enhance your standard FWD Travel insurance with the FWD COVID-19 enhanced travel benefit so that you can be financially protected against the outbreak too.

Competitive sports

Did you know travelling overseas for competitive, recreational or sports activities may not be covered by a travel insurance plan? This includes participating as a professional, whether in a marathon or sports-related competition that comes with prize money.

While travel insurance plans may offer a rider to cover certain kinds of sports equipment, you won’t necessarily be able to claim for damage or injuries arising from your participation in a competitive sport.

FWD Travel insurance plan, however, does offer a rider that covers certain sports equipment – including skiing equipment – for up to S$2,000.

Negligence

Rarely do travel insurance policies cover for negligence.

An example would be leaving your wallet or personal belongings unattended in a public space. No matter how comprehensive your coverage may be, always look after your valuables and stay alert. This is the simplest safeguard against theft of belongings.

As a final tip, keep an eye out for the maximum coverage offered per category. For instance, if you experience a flight cancellation by your airline and travel delays while overseas, you might only be granted a payout for one of these events.

When in doubt, always refer to the policy contract like one available online for FWD Travel insurance plan here.

Travel worry-free

And as you familiarise yourself with your travel insurance plan, remember to cover yourself for the areas in which you can!

Find out more about FWD Travel insurance and COVID-19 enhanced travel benefit here.

This is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice.

This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.