In 2023, Singapore witnessed a remarkable surge in traveller volume, with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) clearing a staggering 192.8 million individuals – an 84% increase from the previous year. This surge, totalling an additional 88 million travellers compared to 2022, underscored a significant resurgence in global mobility. Particularly during school and public holidays, land checkpoint volumes surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels, with approximately 440,000 travellers daily.

The momentum of travel shows no signs of waning, as evidenced by a survey conducted by travel agency and search engine Skyscanner, revealing that the majority of Singaporeans plan to match or exceed their 2023 travel frequency in 2024. Moreover, flight costs emerged as a decisive factor in destination selection for 48% of Singaporean travellers surveyed, demonstrating the enduring impact of financial considerations on travel decisions.

With a significant surge in traveller volume reported in 2023, it's clear that wanderlust is alive and thriving. Even though travelling is exciting, you'll probably face all sorts of unexpected things during your adventures. Let's explore the importance of being prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, especially when it comes to health and safety while travelling.

Scenario 1: Catching COVID-19 during your travels

Jacob and his family decided to fly to Penang, Malaysia, for a short getaway over the long weekends. As soon as they arrived, he indulged in the famous Penang laksa and char kway teow, savouring every bite. Little did he know, the chef who prepared the food was not feeling well. That evening, he started experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, and had difficulties breathing. After a thorough examination at a nearby clinic, Jacob was unfortunately diagnosed with COVID-19. Following medical advice, he was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation, leaving the family with no choice but to cancel all their planned outings. Despite feeling unwell and disappointed about their disrupted plans, Jacob’s family found solace in the fact that they had purchased the necessary travel insurance prior to their trip. The travel insurance purchased covered his overseas medical expenses incurred during the trip.

Ailments and discomforts while travelling are quite common, and medical costs in Asian nations are generally manageable. However, in Europe and the United States, even a simple ambulance call can amount to thousands of dollars, posing a significant financial strain. In such situations, having travel insurance acts as a safety net for you and your family. China Taiping Singapore’s travel insurance (Travel Safe) includes coverage for medical expenses, offering financial assistance during crucial moments. More specifically, in the case of Jacob, he can receive up to S$600,000 in overseas medical expenses. On top of that, he can receive an overseas hospitalisation allowance or quarantine allowance of S$200 or S$50 respectively for every complete day.

Travel insurance provides essential financial support when facing sickness or accidents while travelling, helping to mitigate financial losses and handle situations with greater composure. In many instances, the reimbursement received exceeds the premium paid, offering not just peace of mind but also valuable protection.

Scenario 2: Navigating through flight transfer mishaps

Ben enjoys exploring and travelling around the globe. This time, he decided to make the most of his graduation break by embarking on a trip to Japan to experience its rich heritage and modern marvels. Ben meticulously planned his itinerary and opted for a route that included a layover in Kuala Lumpur before heading to his destination, Tokyo. However, upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, the airport suddenly announced extensive flight delays due to air traffic control issues. Ben had initially allotted sufficient time for his connection, confident that he could smoothly catch his next flight. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Despite his efforts to rush to the gate, he ended up missing his connecting flight. Ben's excitement quickly turned to frustration as he had to rearrange all his plans and book the next available flight.

This unexpected setback disrupted Ben's travel plans, and he incurred a certain fee for changing his air ticket. Luckily, Ben had purchased travel insurance from China Taiping Singapore before his departure. Depending on the severity, the plan pays out a lump sum benefit of up to S$500 for travel misconnection and provides coverage of S$200 for every six hours of baggage delay whilst overseas and maximum of S$200 when the delay is more than 6 hours in Singapore. Imagine if a trip gets delayed due to various reasons, and insurance can provide us with the peace of mind we deserve, we may not feel as disheartened.

Safeguard your travels: The importance of travel insurance

Experience a worry-free travel with China Taiping Singapore’s travel insurance (Travel Safe), tailored to cater to all your travelling needs. Our comprehensive range of coverage includes COVID-19 benefits, protection against travel inconveniences, and global 24/7 emergency evacuation & repatriation, ensuring you peace of mind throughout your journey.

Here are some scenarios where Travel Safe can provide invaluable support:

• Short-term or long-term getaways
  Travel Safe offers up to 182 days coverage under the Single Trip plan, giving you peace of mind regardless whether you are planning for a short or long-term getaway.
• Concert goers or sport event enthusiast
  For enthusiasts of concerts or sports events, our entertainment ticket benefit provides reimbursement of up to S$1,000 should there be any unforeseen circumstances that causes you to forgo the concert or event. If you play sports and experience accidental loss or damage to your equipment, Travel Safe provides sports equipment coverage of up to S$2,000.
• Pet owners
  With the increasing number of pet-owning families, it's common to entrust furry companions to pet hotels while away. Yet, if unexpected delays extend your journey, we provide pet care coverage for the additional costs of your pet's prolonged stay. You can receive S$50 for every 6 hours of delay, with a maximum reimbursement of S$1,000, offering reassurance and peace of mind during your travels.
• Customisable family plans
  Family travellers benefit from our inclusive family plans, offering affordability and convenience. These plans not only cater to the adults but also extend coverage to children, eliminating the hassle of purchasing separate policies.

Conclusion

Having a travel insurance is vital before embarking on your holidays. A simple plan can offer immense financial support and reassurance during unforeseen circumstances, safeguarding your trip from potential disruptions. With China Taiping Singapore’s Travel Safe, your travel buddy, you can navigate through your well-deserved vacation with confidence and peace of mind.

Explore our range of travel insurance plan options and other offerings, such as accident & health insurance and whole life insurance in Singapore, to ensure financial peace of mind for you and your loved ones.