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Best Travel Insurance for Travelling to the United Kingdom (UK)

From immersing in British culture at the Tate Modern to indulging in a shopping spree along Oxford Street, there are plenty of reasons to visit the UK. Just don't forget to secure suitable travel insurance coverage to safeguard yourself against trip disruptions or unexpected events like natural disasters.

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Entry Requirements for Travelling to the UK

In general, Singaporeans do not need a visa to enter the UK for short-term stays. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, although a validity of at least six months is recommended. However, if you plan to stay in the UK for more than six months or for purposes other than tourism, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa.


Notably, the UK is also not part of the Schengen area, so a passport is required to travel between the UK and other European countries, including Ireland.

Visa Application

If you’re intending to work, study, settle, or seek asylum in the UK, here’s how you can apply for the relevant visa:

Scenario Criteria
Check eligibility Check if your purpose of visit/stay requires a UK Visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA), or access to an eVisa to prove your immigration status.
For visits up to 6 months You’ll need a Standard Visitor visa. Examples of permitted activities under this visa include tourism, visiting friends and family, volunteering, in transit, studying, and others. It costs £115 for up to 6 months and can be applied up to 3 months prior to departure. Meanwhile, Visitor in Transit visas cost £64.
For students
  • Short-term study visa: To study an English language course between 6 to 11 months
  • Student visa: For longer courses and must be sponsored by a licensed college or university
For work There are many available work visas for the UK. Check out the full list of work visas here.
For family To join a family member in the UK, they must either be your spouse/partner or a parent (if you’re under 18 years old).

Travel Insurance

While travel insurance is not mandatory, it’s still better to be safe than sorry and stay protected for your trip – especially in events like medical emergencies or trip disruptions and delays. Healthcare in the UK can be very expensive for foreigners, since overseas medical expenses are not usually subsidised by the government for tourists.

Best Travel Insurance Plans for the UK

MoneySmart Exclusive
Flexible add-on cancellations
MoneySmart Exclusive
Flexible add-on cancellations

FWD Premium

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$200,000
Trip Cancellation
S$7,500
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$33.0130% Off
S$23.11

[Your Travel Insurance is on US! ✈️]
Score FREE Travel Insurance when you're the first to submit a MoneySmart Claim Form at 20:00 SGT daily. T&Cs apply.

 

[Travel with REWARDS]
• Get a S$30 Revolut cash reward with FWD Travel premiums purchased. T&Cs apply
• Enjoy 30% off Single Trip plans and 25% off Annual Travel plans with code MSTRIP. Valid from 18 to 22 Jul 2026.

Valid until 31 Jul 2026
FWD offers some of the most affordable travel insurance packages in Singapore. They offer 3 types of travel insurance plans to choose from, namely Premium, Business and First, each with optional Covid-19 Enhanced Travel Benefits add-on of up to S$100,000 for Covid-19 medical expenses incurred during/after your trip.

You’ll also be entitled to benefits like their cashless medical claim service, 180-day advance purchase, emergency medical evacuation, and more.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Pre-existing conditions coverage
MoneySmart Exclusive
Pre-existing conditions coverage

Tiq Entry

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$200,000
Travel Cancelation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$2,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$4055% Off
S$18

[Your Travel Insurance is on US! ✈️]
Score FREE Travel Insurance when you're the first to submit a MoneySmart Claim Form at 20:00 SGT daily. T&Cs apply.

 

Grab your REWARDS:
• Up to S$20 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$10 Cash via PayNow
• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
and many more on top of existing discounts with eligible premiums spent.
T&Cs apply.

 

[Tiq's Online Promos]
• Enjoy 55% off (Single Trip) and 30% off (Annual Plans) with code TIQMS on Tiq Travel Insurance plans. Valid from 6 to 31 Jul 2026. T&Cs apply.
• Spin to score over S$5,000 worth of prizes from Tiq this National Day! Valid till 15 Aug 2026.  T&Cs apply.
• Get a $30 voucher from Tiq with code FREETRAVEL on Single Trip plans. New customers only. Valid till 31 Jul 2026. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Jul 2026
Tiq by Etiqa provides some of the most comprehensive and cheapest travel insurance plans. Specifically, Tiq Travel Insurance with Pre-Ex plans cover for medical expenses incurred overseas by pre-existing medical conditions of up to S$150,000, as well as offer Covid-19 add-on coverage of up to S$500,000 during your trip.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Extreme sports coverage
MoneySmart Exclusive
Extreme sports coverage

Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$200,000
Trip Cancellation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$46.3361% Off
S$18.07

[Celebrate 61 with Starr 🇸🇬]
Score Apple AirPods, AirTag and MORE on top of gifts with purchased Starr Travel Insurance premiums! T&Cs apply.

 

Get REWARDED when you insure your trip! 🛍️
Enjoy up to 60% off Starr plans
• Sennheiser Accentum Open Wireless Earbuds (worth S$149)
• OR up to S$61 Cash via PayNow
• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
and many more when with eligible premiums spent.
T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Jul 2026
For more personalised travel insurance plans, you can choose from Starr TraveLead’s tiers of Bronze, Silver, or Gold.

Under the Gold tier, enjoy up to S$1 million overseas medical coverage with no sub-limits on outpatient expenses (up to S$65,000 for Covid-19 coverage), up to S$15,000 in trip cancellations, and up to S$7,500 for lost or damaged baggage.

It also includes flexible add-ons for activities like golf, cruises, scuba diving, winter sports, and more.
MoneySmart Exclusive
FLASH DEAL 57% OFF
MoneySmart Exclusive
FLASH DEAL 57% OFF

Allianz Travel Basic

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$200,000
Trip Cancellation
S$1,500
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$1,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$4564% Off
S$16.20

[Exclusive Discount PLUS Grab Vouchers!]
Enjoy up to 64% off your policy premium with promo code MSSAVE
AND score a S$50 Grab Voucher on top of existing gifts when you meet the giveaway requirements. T&Cs apply.

 

CASH or SMARTPOINTS:
• Up to S$45 Cash via PayNow
• OR up to $60 GrabGift vouchers
• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
and many more on top of existing discounts with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Jul 2026
Known for having one of the best medical coverage, Allianz Travel is available in Bronze, Silver, and Platinum plans, inclusive of Covid-19 benefits. It offers up to S$1 million overseas medical coverage, up to S$100,000 travel accident coverage, and even dedicated sports coverage for equipment, equipment rental, and missed activities.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Unique coverage benefits
MoneySmart Exclusive
Unique coverage benefits

MSIG TravelEasy Standard

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$250,000
Trip Cancellation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$5560% Off
S$22

[Your Travel Insurance is on US! ✈️]
Score FREE Travel Insurance when you're the first to submit a MoneySmart Claim Form at 20:00 SGT daily. T&Cs apply.

 

Travel with REWARDS:
• S$70 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to S$60 Cash via PayNow
• AND S$30 Revolut cash reward
and many more rewards with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.

 

[Exclusive MoneySmart Promos]
• Get 60% off (Single Trip) and 25% off (Annual Plan) on TravelEasy policy premiums. Valid from 20 to 23 Jul 2026.
• Enjoy a complimentary MSIG Lounge Pass at the Airport for flights delayed more than 90 minutes. (Per policy purchased).
• PLUS, receive up to 1GB worth of eSIM.
T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Jul 2026
Like Tiq’s Pre-Ex plans, MSIG is one of the few insurers providing travel insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Its TravelEasy Pre-ExÂŽ add-on option that can be added onto the TravelEasyÂŽ Standard, Elite, and Premier insurance plans. Each plan includes standard benefits like Covid-19 coverage, up to S$200,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation expenses, and up to S$1 million overseas medical expenses.

Other unique benefits include up to S$600 TCM coverage, up to S$3,500 wedding clothes and accessories coverage, up to S$1,000 traveller replacement, and more.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Unlimited overseas medical coverage
MoneySmart Exclusive
Unlimited overseas medical coverage

Singlife Travel Lite

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$250,000
Trip Cancellation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$55.9650% Off
S$27.98

Get CASH or REWARDS:
• Up to $60 GrabGift vouchers
• OR up to $50 Cash via PayNow
• AND $30 Revolut cash reward
with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.

 

[Singlife's Online Promos]
• Get 50% off with code TRAVEL50 on Single Trip Singlife Travel Insurance plans.
• Enjoy a FREE 1GB Global eSIM from Singlife with purchase of a Singlife Travel Insurance plan. T&Cs apply. 

Valid until 31 Jul 2026
Singlife Travel Insurance offers robust benefits, especially for trips during monsoon seasons. Highlights includes unlimited overseas medical coverage, up to S$150 compensation for excessive rainfall, reimbursement for trip cancellations or curtailments for any reason, and hassle-free claims payouts via PayNow.
MoneySmart Exclusive
Post-departure purchase option available
MoneySmart Exclusive
Post-departure purchase option available

INCOME Standard Classic

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
S$250,000
Trip Cancellation
S$5,000
Loss/Damage of Baggage
S$3,000
Total Premium
Total PremiumS$59.6050% Off
S$29.80

[Your Travel Insurance is on US! ✈️]
Score FREE Travel Insurance when you're the first to submit a MoneySmart Claim Form at 20:00 SGT daily. T&Cs apply.

 

Travel with REWARDS:
• Get a S$30 Revolut cash reward with Income Standard Travel premiums purchased. T&Cs apply
• Enjoy up to 70% off on Standard Per-trip travel plans. Ts&Cs apply. 
• Enjoy 25% off on PreX Per-trip travel plans. Ts&Cs apply. 
Discounts valid from 21 to 23 Jul 2026, 9:00AM

Valid until 31 Jul 2026
The INCOME Standard plans not only provide all-rounded travel insurance coverage, but also stand out for their unique post-departure option.

This means that if you forget to purchase travel insurance before your trip commences, you can still buy an INCOME Standard plan up to one day after your departure and be covered for the remainder of your trip. Talk about a last-minute lifesaver!

Average Cost of Travel Insurance for a UK Trip

Travel insurance providerOverseas medical expensesPersonal accident & permanent disablementBaggage loss / damageTrip disruptions / cancellationsPremium cost
Travel insurance providerBubblegumOverseas medical expensesUp to S$150,000Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$150,000Baggage loss / damageUp to S$3,000Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$5,000Premium costFrom S$58.56
Travel insurance providerFWDOverseas medical expensesUp to S$1 millionPersonal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$400,000Baggage loss / damageUp to S$7,500Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$15,000Premium costFrom S$43.72
Travel insurance providerTiq by EtiqaOverseas medical expensesUp to S$1 millionPersonal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000Baggage loss / damageUp to S$3,000Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$10,000Premium costFrom S$56.25
Travel insurance providerStarr TraveLeadOverseas medical expensesUp to S$1 millionPersonal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000Baggage loss / damageUp to S$7,500Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$15,000Premium costFrom S$30.58
Travel insurance providerAllianz TravelOverseas medical expensesUp to S$1 millionPersonal accident & permanent disablementUp to unlimitedBaggage loss / damageUp to S$5,000Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$10,000Premium costFrom S$57.34
Travel insurance providerMSIG TravelEasy Pre-ExOverseas medical expensesUp to S$150,000Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000Baggage loss / damageUp to S$7,500Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$15,000Premium costFrom S$115
Travel insurance providerSinglife TravelOverseas medical expensesUp to unlimitedPersonal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000Baggage loss / damageUp to S$8,000Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$20,000Premium costFrom S$60.74
Travel insurance providerINCOME StandardOverseas medical expensesUp to S$1 millionPersonal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$400,000Baggage loss / damageUp to S$8,000Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$15,000Premium costFrom S$73.96
Travel insurance providerZurich Travel InsuranceOverseas medical expensesUp to S$250,000Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000Baggage loss / damageUp to S$5,000Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$7,500Premium costFrom S$56.79

*Calculated based on a one-week UK trip for a single traveller

S$58.56 + S$43.72 + S$56.25 + S$30.58 + S$57.34 + S$115 + S$60.74 + S$73.96 + S$56.79 = S$552.94

S$552.94 / 7 = S$79

Tallying up the cost of travel insurance premiums across the seven providers, the average cost of a travel insurance plan for one week in the UK is about S$79. Among the options, FWD and Starr TraveLead Comprehensive plans are more budget-friendly compared to MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex or Singlife plans.

How Does Travel Insurance Protect Against Natural Disasters or Unexpected Trip Disruptions?

In general, most travel insurance plans cover baggage delay, damage, and loss, but the extent of coverage provided varies. As shown in the table above, Singlife offers the highest coverage of up to S$8,000, followed closely by plans from FWD, Starr TraveLead, and MSIG TravelEasy (Pre-Ex), which provide up to S$7,500 coverage.

Thus, when choosing a plan, estimating the value of your personal belongings will help determine how much coverage you may need.
Trip disruption, cancellation, or curtailment benefits cover a wide range of scenarios such as trip postponements, delays, diversions, cutting short abruptly, missed connections, and even travel service provider insolvency. These include prepaid expense reimbursement like flights and accommodations. However, coverage limits, applicable scenarios, and deductions (e.g. administrative charges) vary by policy. Cancellations must also typically occur within 30 days of your scheduled departure.

Once again, Singlife offers the highest coverage for this of up to S$20,000, followed closely by FWD, Starr TraveLead Comprehensive, and MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex of up to S$15,000.
Travel insurance plans typically differentiate between coverage for medical expenses incurred overseas versus locally. Coverage amounts vary by policy and should not be confused with other benefits like daily hospital cash, hospital visits, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and others.

Compensation will be given at the medical facilities where treatment was received, whether abroad or in Singapore. However, reimbursement limits and treatment eligibility apply, so ensure to review your insurance policy wording for specific details. FWD, Tiq by Etiqa, and Starr TraveLead offer the highest coverage of up to S$1 million.

Best Things to Do in the UK

Enjoy a Relaxing Boat Ride in Lake District 🛶

Take a scenic boat ride on Windermere or Ullswater in the stunning Lake District, then hike, cycle, or kayak through breathtaking landscapes like Scafell Pike.

For a more laidback experience, stroll through charming villages like Ambleside and Keswick and delve into literary history at Dove Cottage.
Immerse in Edinburgh’s Rich History 📜

Visit the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Dungeon or hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views, and attend the vibrant Edinburgh Festival.

Tuck in to Scottish cuisine and whiskey tastings, and stroll down the Royal Mile for shops and street performers.
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site 🗿

Explore the ancient wonders of Stonehenge and the surrounding Salisbury Plain, home to landmarks like the Avebury Stone Circle, the mysterious Silbury Hill, and the West Kennet Long Barrow.
Escape to the Quiet Countryside 🌳

Countryside villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury feature honey-coloured limestone cottages, historic castles like Sudeley, and traditional tea rooms where you can indulge in authentic English tea.
Marvel at Basalt Columns 🪨

Gaze upon hexagonal basalt columns at Giant’s Causeway along the stunning Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. You can join a guided tour to find out more about its geological wonders and folklore.
Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace 📚

Tour Stratford-upon-Avon to discover the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and be mesmerised by the romantic charm of Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the home of Shakespeare’s wife.

Step back in time to experience life in the Tudor era as you stroll through the enchanting grounds, admiring the architecture with its thatched roofs and picturesque gardens. These landscapes inspired many of Shakespeare’s timeless love sonnets.
Embrace the Arts Festivals 🎭

Join the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which happens every August featuring a diverse array of English theatre, comedy, and musical performances.
Try Punting at UK Universities 🥌

When visiting the Oxford and Cambridge university campuses, give punting a go!

These punting tours not only serve afternoon tea, but also guide you past attractions like Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, Botanic Gardens, and the Christ Church Meadows that inspired Alice in Wonderland.
Challenge Yourself to a Mountain Climb 🧗🏼‍♀️

Hike up the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Snowdonia National Park, Wales. Out of the available trails, the Llanberis Path is great for beginners while the Pyg Track is more challenging for experienced climbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage for my UK trip?

Although Covid-19 complications are less prevalent, overseas medical expenses incurred by Covid-19 can still be costly since they aren’t subsidised for foreigners.

With adequate coverage, you’ll be reimbursed for overseas medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation & repatriation, Covid-19 diagnosis, quarantine allowance, overseas hospital cash, trip disruptions, cancellations, and more arising from Covid-19.

Am I required to have a visa to visit the UK?

As mentioned above, it depends on what kind of passport and citizenship you hold. For Singaporean passports, you don’t need to apply for a visa to enter the UK.

However, if your country is not exempted, you’ll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa online or other types like the long-term Standard Visitor visa, a Visitor in Transit visa and Long-term work visas.

A Standard Visitor visa costs ÂŁ100 for up to 6 months and can be applied for up to 3 months prior to departure.

Is travel insurance compulsory for the UK?

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but is highly recommended to protect you from any trip or health complications during your UK visit.

What does travel insurance cover for in the UK?

Travel insurance coverage for the UK is no different than for any country. The benefits depend on the insurer and plan tier you purchase.

Key benefits to look out for/have include overseas medical expenses,personal accident (death or permanent disablement), trip disruptions & cancellations, emergency medical evacuation & repatriation, and baggage damage or loss.

Basic plans offer minimal coverage and payouts, whereas higher tiers provide more comprehensive protection.

Can I get a UK Visitor in Transit visa on arrival?

A Visitor in Transit visa costs around ÂŁ64.

You’ll need one if you’re:
  • Changing flights in the UK en route to another country
  • Passing through UK border control (e.g. checking in luggage for connecting flight)
  • Leaving the UK within 48 hours
  • Not working or studying in the UK

Eligibility is subject to your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK. You can check your requirements here.

How to upload documents for a UK visa?

Ensure you have a valid passport and/or other travel documents.

For non-UK nationals, you’ll need:
  • Residence permit
  • Green card
  • Valid visa

For non-UK residents, you’ll need:
  • Flight booking emails
  • Ticket or boarding pass
  • Travel agent confirmations
to prove the legitimacy of your travels if asked.

Singaporeans may apply for a UK visa online.