Why Trust MoneySmart?In Singapore, several banks offer complimentary travel insurance as a benefit when you use specific credit cards to book your travel. This perk is typically activated only if you charge the full fare of your travel ticket—often including flights, hotels, or rental cars—to an eligible card before departure.
Note that this coverage mainly applies to Singapore-issued credit cards, and activation steps or conditions (like online registration) may be required before your trip. Free coverage is generally focused on flights and core travel—an excellent extra, but often not a full replacement for comprehensive policies.
HSBC
HSBC is stricter when it comes to the selection of credit cards that offer complimentary travel insurance. In fact, in 2024, it announced the discontinuation of complimentary travel insurance for one of its most popular cards, the HSBC Revolution. Today, you can enjoy coverage with one of these cards:
Eligible cards include:
HSBC TravelOne Card offers complimentary travel insurance when you charge the full air ticket cost to your card.
Noteworthy benefit: Coverage of up to $150,000 for overseas medical expenses, with eligibility expanding to accommodation and car rental spend as part of the travel package.
You must pay all qualifying travel expenses using your HSBC card to activate the benefit.
UOB (United Overseas Bank)
UOB is known for offering one of the broadest selections of credit cards with complimentary travel insurance, all underwritten by its associated insurer. Coverage is typically granted if the full travel fare is paid using an eligible UOB card, and cardholders often need to submit an opt-in form several working days before their trip.
Examples of eligible card families:
Typical coverage components:
Personal accident protection up to $500,000 for the cardholder and eligible family members
Overseas emergency medical assistance (e.g. medical evacuation)
Compensation for flight overbooking, missed connections, and travel delays
Requirements:
Cardholders must charge the full fare to the eligible card and submit an opt-in form before the trip
The departure date must fall within 12 months from the date the travel fare is charged to your UOB card
Maybank
Maybank is more generous with its line-up of cards that offer complimentary travel insurance. The insurance payout depends on the card tier.
XL Rewards Card and/or XL Cashback Card
Who is covered? Cardmember, spouse, and dependent children
Key protections include:
Accidental death or permanent disablement cover up to $1,000,000
Baggage loss, baggage delay, and reimbursement for travel mishaps
You must pay the entire fare with your Maybank card to activate the insurance.
