Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore | MoneySmart (2024)

You've planned, you've saved and now it's time to take your dream vacation. For foreigners in Singapore and local residents, travelling is always an amazing experience, but it can also be very risky. So before you go, one important question remains: Are you insured? Without the proper plan, you could be putting yourself in a lot of danger. Travel insurance policies can protect you from a number of risks including unexpected medical treatment costs or trip cancellations due to medical emergencies, so do not leave home without it and travel with a peace of mind.

Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore | MoneySmart (1)

What Is The Criteria For Foreigners In Singapore To be Eligible To Buy Travel Insurance?

While Singaporean citizens and PRs have no problem buying travel insurance online, every insurer has a slightly different eligibility criteria when it comes to foreigners. At minimum, you need to be a Singapore resident to be eligible. However, some providers have stricter requirements than that such as the types of employment passes foreigners are on when they work in Singapore.

Are Expats Able To Buy Travel Insurance?

Due to foreigners not being covered by public healthcare and insurance schemes unless they are PRs, private insurance for expats such as travel insurance must be bought privately. This is because it is much harder for expatriates to apply for permanent residency in Singapore as compared to other countries and without being a PR, expatriates on employment passes will not be covered under Singapore’s national insurance policies.

How To Choose The Right Travel Insurance For Foreigners In Singapore?

When choosing the right insurance plan for international travel, it is important to choose a flexible travel insurance plan that does not have too many limits of coverage that it provides you. For instance, check the types of benefits offered such as whether it allows you to make claims for costs such as overseas hospitalisation, medical treatment and medical evacuation. Another thing to note is the limit of claims - does it enable you to claim medical costs incurred at both public and private hospitals or whether it requires you to pay additional premiums depending on where you are admitted to.

Also, do read up on whether your policy provides you with the ability to claim costs that are tied to pre-travel COVID-19 tests as the latest local government advice may demand that travellers entering the country are required to take these tests.

Let's look at the best travel insurance plans for foreigners in Singapore.

Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore | MoneySmart (2)

Compare travel insurance plans in Singapore

Check providers on MoneySmart to find the best travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage, lost baggage, medical emergencies, flight delays, pre-existing conditions, pregnancy claims and more.

Compare now

Best Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore (2024)

Check out these foreigner-friendly travel insurance providers in Singapore.

Best Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore (2024)

  • Best for digitally savvy travellersFWD Travel Insurance
  • Open to transit travellersEtiqa Travel Insurance
  • Great value for moneyBubblegum Travel Insurance
  • Premium travel insurerAIG Travel Insurance

MoneySmart Exclusive

Add-on Covid-19 Coverage | Low Premiums

FWD Business

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$500,000

Trip Cancellation
S$10,000

Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$5,000
Total Premium

Total PremiumS$29.0725% Off

S$21.80

[| MoneySmart Exclusive]

• Enjoy 25%off your policy premium
• Get S$20 iShopChangi e-voucherand Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.

BONUS:
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Stand a chance to score:
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Increase your chances of winning when you refer friendstoday. T&Cs apply

Valid until 31 May 2024

Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore | MoneySmart (4)

Apply Now
More Details

MoneySmart Exclusive

Add-on Covid-19 coverage

More Details

MoneySmart Exclusive

Add-on Covid-19 coverage

Tiq Savvy

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$500,000

Travel Cancelation
S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$2,000
Total Premium

Total PremiumS$3445% Off

S$18.70

[MoneySmart Exclusive | FLASH SALE]

• Enjoy 45% off your Single Trip policy premium and 80% off Covid-19 add-on for Annual Plans. T&Cs apply
• Get S$10 iShopChangi e-voucher with every policy purchased.T&Cs apply.

New to Tiq? Get FREE Travel Insurance(worth S$30) from Tiq. T&Cs apply.

[Etiqa's 10th Year 2024 Grand Draw]

Stand a chance to win S$10,000 cash or a Singapore Mint Lunar Dragon 1 gram 999.9 fine gold medallion (worth S$173) with eligible Etiqa/Tiq by Etiqa plans purchased. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 May 2024

Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore | MoneySmart (6)

Apply Now
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MoneySmart Exclusive

Win $888 weekly | Best value plan

More Details

MoneySmart Exclusive

Win $888 weekly | Best value plan

Bubblegum Travel Insurance

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$150,000

Trip Cancellation
S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Personal Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium

Total PremiumS$30.3210% Off

S$27.29

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]

• Enjoy 10% off your policy premium
• Get an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased.
• Additionally, receive up to S$25via PayNow and up to S$20 iShopChangi e-voucher with eligible premiums spent.T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 May 2024

Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore | MoneySmart (8)

Apply Now
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MoneySmart Exclusive

Win $888 weekly | Most Flexible Plan

More Details

MoneySmart Exclusive

Win $888 weekly | Most Flexible Plan

AIG Travel Guard® Direct - Basic

Overseas Medical Expenses
S$100,000

Travel Cancelation / Postponement
S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Personal Baggage
S$3,000

Premium
S$30

[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]

• Get up to S$220 worth of cash and rewards with eligible premiums spent.
• Additionally, receive an Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM with every policy purchased.T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 May 2024

Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore | MoneySmart (10)

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Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance In Singapore For Foreigners

Can foreigners buy travel insurance in Singapore?

Generally, yes, foreigners are eligible to buy travel insurance for themselves from most insurers as long as they are (a) residents of Singapore and (b) can show some sort of pass or permit. The exact criteria depends on insurer to insurer, but among the more foreigner-friendly insurers we looked at, Employment Passes, Work Permits, Dependant Passes, Student Passes and Long Term Visit Passes are usually accepted. Note that in most cases, your trip needs to start and end in Singapore as well.

Can I buy travel insurance from another country?

If you are a foreigner who does not meet the criteria for buying travel insurance in Singapore, you may consider buying travel insurance from your home country. However, those insurers may not cover departures from outside your country as well. In this case, you can look into international insurers who offer worldwide coverage, such as The Wise Traveller (The Wise Traveller is a partner of MoneySmart Singapore).

Which travel insurance is best in Singapore?

It is hard to say objectively which travel insurance is best in Singapore for foreigners or locals alike, since there is a huge variety of travelling styles, travel destinations and traveller priorities. The more price-sensitive travellers in Singapore tend to buy from insurers like Starr and Etiqa, while others would go for established brands like FWD and AIG. Each insurer also offers different claims experiences and varying coverage levels. If you are lost, use MoneySmart's travel insurance comparison tool to compare and find the best plan for your needs.

Who is best for travel insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Currently there are 3 travel insurance providers that cover pre-existing conditions: Income, MSIG and Etiqa (Tiq). To get covered, you will need to opt for their dedicated pre-existing condition plans, which are separate from their regular travel insurance plans. They do cost more than regular plans, so it is worthwhile to do a comparison of their coverage before you buy.

What's the difference between travel insurance and international health insurance?

The main difference is that international health insurance provides comprehensive coverage for ongoing healthcare needs while living and working abroad, or traveling abroad while travel insurance covers a traveller for a specific trip or duration of travel typically with limited medical coverage. To find out more, read our guide on international health insurance vs travel insurance article.

Related Links

Best Credit Cards for Foreigners / Expats in Singapore

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions

Travel Insurance vs International Health Insurance

Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore | MoneySmart (11)

Travel Insurance for Foreigners in Singapore  | MoneySmart (2024)

FAQs

Can foreigners get insurance in Singapore? ›

If you are a foreigner with Permanent Resident (PR) status in Singapore, you can purchase the Integrated Shield Plan medical insurance for locals.

What travel insurance do I need to travel to Singapore? ›

While the government has suspended all requirements for travel insurance, including coverage for COVID-19, you're highly recommended to have medical coverage up to $30,000, including COVID-19-related expenses.

Can we travel to Singapore without insurance? ›

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are. Medical care is expensive. If you're not insured, you may find yourself paying thousands of dollars for medical treatment.

Do you need health insurance in Singapore? ›

In Singapore, health insurance is non-negotiable. In fact, it's deemed so important that the government makes health insurance mandatory.

Is healthcare free for foreigners in Singapore? ›

Singapore's healthcare system consists of a public sector that provides heavily subsidized or free primary care to natives, and a private one. While locals and Permanent Residents (PR) are protected by mandatory health insurance, most expats not under a company plan must pay out-of-pocket.

Can foreigners seek medical treatment in Singapore? ›

For international patients, our award-winning hospitals are conveniently located in the heart of Singapore with nearby accommodations and amenities. Mount Elizabeth Hospital is located in the Orchard Road shopping district and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital is centrally located in Singapore's medical hub of Novena.

Can you buy travel insurance when you're already abroad in Singapore? ›

While it's technically possible to purchase travel insurance for Singapore after departure, you'll likely only be able to find travel medical plans. Because Singapore has minimum requirements, it's best to purchase travel protection coverage as early as possible to ensure these requirements are met.

How much does travel insurance cost? ›

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost? According to our research, the average cost of travel insurance is $204, but you could pay anywhere between $14 and $765 for travel insurance. While this may seem like a wide price range, it's important to understand that travel insurance is not a “one price fits all” purchase.

What travel documents do I need to travel to Singapore? ›

To enter Singapore, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended stay. If you plan on regional travel beyond Singapore, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to enter other countries in the region.

How much does a Singapore arrival card cost? ›

The Singapore Arrival Card is free of charge. You do not need to pay any fees or charges to fill out and submit the form online.

Do I need cash to travel in Singapore? ›

In Singapore you'll be dealing with Singapore dollars, so it's easy enough to remember. With ATMs readily available throughout the city, you won't want to leave your travel card at home. Though you'll still want to always have a little cash handy for some cheap street eats.

What vaccinations do I need for travel to Singapore? ›

Do I Need Vaccines for Singapore? Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Singapore. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Singapore: COVID-19, hepatitis B, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tetanus.

What kind of insurance do I need to travel to Singapore? ›

As of February 2023, Singapore has eased up on COVID-19-related travel insurance requirements. Visitors are no longer required to obtain travel insurance before entering the country, but the government still highly recommends it.

Can US citizens buy insurance in Singapore? ›

Foreigners, such as expats or other short term visitors to Singapore, receive health coverage through international health insurance plans provided by their employer or purchased privately.

Do I need a travel insurance for Singapore? ›

If you're pondering over the question, “Is travel insurance mandatory for Singapore?” the answer is No. Travel insurance is not mandatory but provides peace of mind and financial protection during unexpected situations.

Can I buy insurance as a foreigner? ›

Yes, you can get health insurance even if you are a non US citizen. If you are a Green Card holder or a resident or on a work visa you can get the domestic plans if you can show proof ( Social Security number).

Can foreigners buy home insurance in Singapore? ›

Yes. HomeGr8 Essential / Plus can be bought by foreigners, as long as the property is in Singapore, and with a local correspondence address.

Can foreigners be insurance agent in Singapore? ›

You need to meet several criteria before you can offer insurance agency services. The essential requirements include: Must be an adult (18 years or above) Be a Singaporean citizen or an alien with a valid work permit.

Can foreigners apply in Singapore? ›

Singaporean visas

All foreigners who want to work in Singapore must have a valid pass or work visa. There are a variety of passes, which one you need depends on your circ*mstances and level of skill. Types of pass include: Employment Pass - for foreign professionals, managers and executives.

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