Best Travel Insurance For Year-end Road Trips
According to the latest study featured on the Singapore Business Review (SBR), over 42% of Singaporeans polled said they would spend more on travel in 2023, and half of Singaporean travellers polled are keen to explore more international destinations, and that includes road trips.
Whether it is a road trip to a nearby spot in Malaysia or within your travel destination, hiring or renting a car is becoming increasingly popular among Singaporeans. Just make sure to get your travel insurance and car rental insurance before your trip!
Common Situations Valid For Road Trip Travel Insurance Claims
While overseas road trip travel claim benefits differ from insurer to insurer, there are some widely accepted reasons that would be covered by most travel insurance companies. Death or serious illness/injury (happen to you, your spouse, child or travelling companion) is among the most widely accepted reasons for overseas road trips travel claims, which all insurers will cover.
Other commonly accepted reasons which you or your travel companion can claim for include:
Trip cancellation or interruption
If you must cancel or cut short your road trip due to circumstances covered by your policy, such as illness, the passing of a family member, inclement weather, or a travel provider's financial troubles, you may qualify for reimbursement of non-refundable expenses like hotel bookings, car rentals, and flights. Note that for most travel insurance claims, whatever the reason is for cancelling your trip, the reason must occur within 30 days of your departure.
Medical emergencies
In the event that you or one of your fellow travellers encounters a medical emergency while on the road necessitating medical care, your road trip insurance can cover medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalisation, and prescription medications.
Emergency evacuation
If you find yourself in a remote location and require an emergency medical evacuation, road trip travel insurance can cover the associated costs, including transportation to the nearest medical facility.
Rental vehicle excess cover
Many road trip insurance plans include coverage for rental cars that can be part of your plan or come as a separate add-on option. This coverage can encompass vehicle damage or theft, providing particular value when utilising a rental car for your journey.
Personal liability
In the event that you are held legally responsible for causing harm or damage to others during your road trip, your insurance can provide coverage for legal and liability-related expenses. Do note that to be considered for your claim, you or your fellow insured party must hold a valid driver's licence and not be engaged in any form of speeding or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance abuse, during the accident.
Accommodation cancellation
If your prearranged lodging becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances like a road accident while travelling overseas, overbooking or property damage, road trip insurance may cover the expenses associated with securing alternative accommodations.
Roadside assistance
Numerous road trip insurance policies come with roadside assistance services to aid you in situations like car breakdowns, flat tires, fuel shortages, or the need for towing, offering you peace of mind throughout your adventure.
Trip delay
If your road trip experiences a delay due to covered reasons, such as flight delays, traffic accidents, or severe weather conditions, you may qualify for reimbursement of additional expenses incurred during the delay, such as lodging and meals.
9 Tips On Driving Safely During Road Trips
Stay updated on local traffic updates and road conditions, especially in areas prone to unpredictable weather or heavy traffic. Google Maps layers offer various features that can be immensely helpful when planning road trips overseas.
For example, the "Traffic Layer" which provides real-time traffic information, helps you anticipate congestion or roadblocks, allowing for better route planning, and the "Terrain Layer" which displays the natural landscape and terrain, aids in understanding elevation changes, mountains, or other geographical features that might impact your route. Radio stations and traffic apps can also provide this valuable information.
Best Travel Insurance For Your Year-end Holiday
.png)
Tiq Savvy
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$500,000
- Travel Cancelation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$2,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$3440% Off - S$20.40
[MoneySmart Exclusive]
• Enjoy 40% off your Single Trip policy premium and 60% off Covid-19 add-on for Annual Plans. T&Cs apply
• Additionally, receive 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
[Etiqa's 10th Year 2024 Grand Draw]
Stand a chance to win S$10,000 cash or a Singapore Mint Lunar Dragon 1 gram 999.9 fine gold medallion (worth S$173) with eligible Etiqa/Tiq by Etiqa plans purchased. T&Cs apply.
Starr TraveLead Essential Bronze
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Trip Cancellation
- N/A
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- N/A
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$20.2850% Off - S$10.14
[Win a Rolex, Dream Vacation & More! | MoneySmart Exclusive]
• Enjoy 50% off your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased.
• Additionally, receive up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
BONUS: For a limited time only, stand a chance to score over S$10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw.
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000)
• All Expenses Paid Trip
• 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)
Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends today.
T&Cs apply.
FWD Business
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$500,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$10,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$5,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$29.0725% Off - S$21.80
[Win a Rolex, Dream Vacation & More! | MoneySmart Exclusive]
• Enjoy 25% off your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
BONUS: For a limited time only, stand a chance to score over S$10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw.
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000)
• All Expenses Paid Trip
• 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)
Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends today.
T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy Standard
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$3855% Off - S$17.10
[Win a Rolex, Dream Vacation & More! | MoneySmart Exclusive]
3 DAYS FLASH SALE: Enjoy 55% off your Single Trip policy premium when you apply promo code TRAVEL55. Valid till 28 Apr 2024.
• Enjoy 20% off your Annual Plan policy premiums (no promo code required). Valid till 6 May 2024.
• Get 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased.
• Additionally, receive up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
BONUS: For a limited time only, stand a chance to score over S$10,000 worth of prizes in our Grand Draw.
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual - 124200 34mm Silver (worth S$9,000)
• All Expenses Paid Trip
• 2D1N Staycation at any Millennium Hotels and Resorts and 15,000 My Millennium Points (worth up to S$550)
Increase your chances of winning when you refer friends today.
T&Cs apply.
Allianz Travel Silver
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$500,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$4655% Off - S$20.70
[Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
• Enjoy an exclusive 55% off your policy premium and 2,400 My Millennium Points (worth S$16) with every policy purchased.
• Additionally, receive up to S$35 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
.png)
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total Premium
- final-price
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get travel insurance coverage for my year-end road trip?
- The quickest way to get travel insurance is through your preferred travel insurance mobile app. Other ways include purchasing your travel insurance via an airline or travel insurance company’s website or by contacting your insurance agent. If you prefer to do it yourself via a comparison platform like MoneySmart, you’ll be able to do a quick comparison of the best rates available for you.
Does my travel insurance have a rental car insurance damage waiver?
- You’ll need to check with your travel insurance agent and confirm that your insurance, whether it's from your car rental or personal policy, provides coverage for international travel. It is important to note that in some rental car insurance policies, specific susceptible components of the rental vehicle, such as tires, roof, windshields, and the underside, might not be covered by the company's Collision Damage Waiver.