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.
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 |
|
| 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.
Coverage Benefits: Travel Insurance for the UK
Overall good value
Bubblegum Travel Insurance
Budget travel
FWD Premium
Pre-existing conditions coverage
Tiq Travel Insurance Pre-Ex
Extreme sports
Starr TraveLead Comprehensive
Reliable all-rounded coverage
Allianz Travel Insurance
Unique coverage benefits
MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex
Unlimited overseas medical coverage
Singlife Travel Insurance
post-departure plan purchase
INCOME Standard
Affordable premiums
Zurich Travel Insurance
Average Cost of Travel Insurance for a UK Trip
| Travel insurance provider | Overseas medical expenses | Personal accident & permanent disablement | Baggage loss / damage | Trip disruptions / cancellations | Premium cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel insurance providerBubblegum | Overseas medical expensesUp to S$150,000 | Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$150,000 | Baggage loss / damageUp to S$3,000 | Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$5,000 | Premium costFrom S$58.56 |
| Travel insurance providerFWD | Overseas medical expensesUp to S$1 million | Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$400,000 | Baggage loss / damageUp to S$7,500 | Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$15,000 | Premium costFrom S$43.72 |
| Travel insurance providerTiq by Etiqa | Overseas medical expensesUp to S$1 million | Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000 | Baggage loss / damageUp to S$3,000 | Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$10,000 | Premium costFrom S$56.25 |
| Travel insurance providerStarr TraveLead | Overseas medical expensesUp to S$1 million | Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000 | Baggage loss / damageUp to S$7,500 | Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$15,000 | Premium costFrom S$30.58 |
| Travel insurance providerAllianz Travel | Overseas medical expensesUp to S$1 million | Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to unlimited | Baggage loss / damageUp to S$5,000 | Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$10,000 | Premium costFrom S$57.34 |
| Travel insurance providerMSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex | Overseas medical expensesUp to S$150,000 | Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000 | Baggage loss / damageUp to S$7,500 | Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$15,000 | Premium costFrom S$115 |
| Travel insurance providerSinglife Travel | Overseas medical expensesUp to unlimited | Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000 | Baggage loss / damageUp to S$8,000 | Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$20,000 | Premium costFrom S$60.74 |
| Travel insurance providerINCOME Standard | Overseas medical expensesUp to S$1 million | Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$400,000 | Baggage loss / damageUp to S$8,000 | Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$15,000 | Premium costFrom S$73.96 |
| Travel insurance providerZurich Travel Insurance | Overseas medical expensesUp to S$250,000 | Personal accident & permanent disablementUp to S$500,000 | Baggage loss / damageUp to S$5,000 | Trip disruptions / cancellationsUp to S$7,500 | Premium 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 £100 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 £64.
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
Singaporeans may apply for a UK visa online.