It's no secret that Singaporeans are one of the best-travelled population.

 

According to a Visa study in 2018, Singaporean travellers take more trips – an average of 6.62 trips per year – compared to citizens of other Asia Pacific countries. They also led in terms of how many trips they intended to take going forward, planning to take an average of 6.58 trips per year in the future.

 

It also does not hurt that the Singapore passport is the world's strongest. With the most visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel destinations, it provides Singaporeans with greater ease and convenience to travel.

With over growing cases and deaths worldwide, the threat of a new novel Coronavirus originating from Wuhan has dominated headlines in recent weeks.

 

With the elevated risk of this new virus, and some countries imposing restrictions on travellers from Singapore, many of those with travel plans coming up will wonder how extensively they are covered under their travel insurance plans.

Firstly, the question should not be whether or not to purchase travel insurance coverage.

 

It is advisable to get adequate travel insurance coverage when you go on holiday. This is to protect you against minor inconveniences and major emergencies.

 

At the same time, you need to assess what is considered as adequate coverage for yourself, as the cheapest travel insurance may not always be the most suitable for you.

 

Finally, you should consider purchasing your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip as you will be able to maximise your coverage, especially against closure of your travel agency or having to cancel your trip due to an illness or other reasons covered by your policy, including for epidemics such as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

If you're wondering whether your travel insurance covers against the COVID-19 during your travels, you need to check in with your insurance company or Financial Services Consultant.

Regardless of the conditions of your travel insurance policy, you will be able to enjoy coverage for medical treatment you receive in Singapore under your MediShield Life and supplementary Integrated Shield Plan.

 

For overseas coverage, you may also be able to tap on your Integrated Shield Plan for certain coverage. For example, on AIA HealthShield Gold Max, you may also be able to receive coverage for emergency overseas medical treatment benefit, if you are eligible.

 

If you are not fully aware of your coverage details or want to clarify the scope of your coverage, contact your financial services consultant to understand the full extent and areas of shortfall that you have with your travel insurance coverage.