Travel Insurance for Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know (2025)

travel insurance coverage for infectious diseases
travel insurance coverage for infectious diseases

Heads up: There’s a virus making the rounds this year—human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Before you panic, take a breath: HMPV isn’t new, it’s been circulating for years. It spreads like the common cold and is causing a seasonal uptick in cases, particularly in colder months. While media headlines are buzzing, health authorities aren’t sounding the alarm—especially in places like Singapore where this seasonal spike aligns with holiday travel and social gatherings.

But with any infectious disease, especially when you’re traveling abroad, having the right travel insurance can be a lifesaver. Some policies cover infectious diseases like HMPV, so it’s crucial to review your options carefully before you travel. Don’t just settle for the cheapest option—dig into the fine print and exclusions to ensure you’re covered if the unexpected happens. 

MoneySmart’s travel insurance comparison tool can help you find the best fit, and if you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the insurer directly.

Let’s dive into the travel insurance plans that cover infectious diseases. Information in this article is accurate as of 13 Jan 2025.

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Insurers and infectious diseases: What’s covered by travel insurance?

Many travel insurance policies now cover COVID-19, but it’s worth double-checking your policy or upgrading to include this add-on if available. However, many policies exclude coverage for other infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, or microorganisms, regardless of symptoms.

If a new outbreak emerges, stay on top of the news—buying insurance after an outbreak could result in exclusions, as insurers may label it a “known event.”

Also, keep in mind that coverage typically excludes sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS. These exclusions are usually found in the “General Exclusions” section, so it’s essential to read the fine print and know your plan’s limits. 

Insurer and plan name

Premium (3-day ASEAN trip)

Amount of coverage

Are infectious diseases covered?

AIG Travel Guard® Direct

From $30

Starts at up to $100,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Basic plan

– COVID-19 coverage included
– Epidemics or pandemics not covered
– Excludes specific countries or regions
– Excludes existing health condition
– Covers transit stops outside of the covered region. These transit stops do not necessitate entry into a country or require entry into a country only to connect to another international flight within 12 consecutive hours of arrival.

Allianz Travel

From $37

Starts at up to $200,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Basic plan

– COVID-19 coverage included
– Epidemics or pandemics not covered, except otherwise stated.

Bubblegum Travel Insurance

From $30.32

Up to $150,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas)

– COVID-19 coverage included (excludes China)
– Does not cover any other infectious disease, virus, bacterium or other microorganism (whether asymptomatic or not).
– Epidemics or pandemics not covered

DirectAsia Voyager

From $24.50

Starts at up to $150,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Voyager 150 plan

– Optional COVID-19 cover add-on available (for single trip plans)
– Bacterial or viral infections are only covered if contracted while overseas and there was no health warning issued prior to departure.
– Covers an epidemic, pandemic, outbreak of communicable disease or other such similar health hazard in the planned destination which were unknown when you booked the trip or purchased this policy, whichever is later.
– Does not cover transit through any excluded countries.
– Does not cover any communicable disease including any mutation or variation thereof.

FWD

From $20.97

Starts at up to $200,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Premium plan

 

– COVID-19 Cover available as add-on.
– No cover for travel to certain countries.
– Epidemics or pandemics not covered.

Great Eastern TravelSmart Premier Classic

From $51

Starts at up to $300,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Classic plan

– COVID-19 extension available (Classic or Elite plan).
– Does not cover any dangerous health threat (for example, outbreak of a contagious disease) in the destination you are travelling to which a government or any relevant authority issued a public warning or statement about before you left Singapore.
– Does not cover infectious diseases declared or announced as an epidemic, pandemic or public health emergency of international concern.
– Does not cover any country located in central America, South America or Africa, or any country United Nations armed forces are active in.

HL Assurance Travel Protect360

From $42

Starts at up to $150,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Basic plan

– Includes COVID-19 coverage (for Enhanced plans and above)
– No cover for travel to certain countries
– Epidemics or pandemics not covered

INCOME

From $42.18

Starts at up to $250,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Standard Classic plan

– COVID-19 extension included.
– Does not cover overseas travel against a travel advisory issued by the Singapore Government.
– Does not cover travel or transit through specified countries.
– Covers adventure leisure activities

MSIG TravelEasy

From $34.50

Starts at up to $250,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Standard plan

– Includes COVID-19 coverage.
– Epidemics or pandemics not covered.
– Does not cover any known event (i.e. outbreaks)
– Covers adventure activities
– Covers acts of terrorism (i.e. hijacking of public transport)

Singlife Travel

From $28.55

Starts at up to $250,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas)

– COVID-19 cover extension available with limits.
– No cover for travel to certain countries (i.e. DR of Congo).
– “Cancel for any reason” benefit (claim up to 50% of specific travel expenses)
– Does not cover any claim resulting from a tropical disease where you have not had the recommended inoculations and/or taken the recommended medication.
– Does not cover travel against the travel advisory issued by Singapore government (regardless of policyholder’s nationality) for non-essential travel or all travel.

Sompo Travel Insurance

From $36

Starts at up to $200,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Essential plan

– Includes coverage for COVID-19.
– Does not cover travel overseas against a travel advisory for non-essential travel or all travel issued by the Singapore Government.
– No cover for travel to certain countries (i.e. DR of Congo).
– Epidemics or pandemics not covered.

Starr TraveLead

From $37.44

Starts at up to $200,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Comprehensive Bronze

– Includes extension of medical expenses for COVID-19.
– Excludes any loss or expenses in relation to any infectious disease, virus, bacterium or other microorganism (whether asymptomatic or not); or COVID-19, including any mutation or variation thereof; or pandemic or epidemic, as declared as such by the World Health Organisation or any governmental authority during travel to and from China.

Tiq Entry

From $27

Starts at up to $200,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Entry plan

– Comprehensive COVID-19 add-on available.
– Excludes countries in the Sanctioned Countries List (i.e. Cuba).
– Does not cover any infectious disease(s).
– Automatic reimbursement for 3-hour flight delay

Zurich Travel Insurance

From $15.66

Starts at up to $50,000 for Medical Coverage (Overseas) for Basic plan

– COVID-19 coverage included.
– Epidemics or pandemics not covered.
– Covers adventure activities
– Unlimited Emergency medical and travel assistance

 

What is considered an infectious disease? 

According to the World Health Organization, an “infectious disease is one that is caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another.” These infectious diseases can be deadly, cause disability, or spread so rapidly and unexpectedly that it can cause “serious global repercussions”.

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Meanwhile, Singapore’s Ministry of Health has also outlined a list of infectious diseases that infected patients must notify doctors and laboratories of, ASAP.

 

Travel insurance that covers infectious diseases

Let’s look at the plans from the table above in more detail.

AIG Travel Guard Direct

AIG logo
AIG logo

Premium

S$48

20% OffPremiumS$60

MoneySmart Exclusive

Most Flexible Plan

AIG Travel Guard® Direct - Standard

Overseas Medical Expenses

S$200,000

Travel Cancelation / Postponement

S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Personal Baggage

S$3,000

Premium
PremiumS$6020% Off

S$48

MoneySmart Exclusive:

[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
 
• Enjoy an exclusive 20% off your policy premium.
 
Get over S$35 worth of rewards including:
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
 
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

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Valid until 31 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Voted TripZilla's Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip).

  • Up to S$250,000 in overseas COVID-19 related medical coverage if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 overseas.

  • Overseas quarantine allowance of up to S$100 per day per person for up to 14 days if you test positive for COVID-19 overseas and are unexpectedly placed into mandatory quarantine.

  • Up to S$1,500 if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and have to postpone your trip.

  • Up to S$7,500 in curtailment costs if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while travelling and need to return to Singapore earlier than planned.

  • This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd. or visit the AIG, GIA or SDIC websites (www.AIG.sg or www.gia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).

  • Purchase your travel insurance with confidence and enjoy unlimited flexibility with AIG's Travel Guard® Direct

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See all plan details 

AIG offers a wallet-friendly Travel Guard Direct, available in Basic, Standard, Enhanced and Supreme. While this covers an infectious disease like COVID-19, there isn’t any coverage for epidemics or pandemics when travel advisories have been  issued by governments, health authorities or the World Health Organization, by or for destination country or origin country. High-risk countries and regions are also excluded, such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea or the Crimea region. 

One thing that’s unique, though, is that the AIG Travel Guard Direct actually covers short transit stops outside of the covered region. These are transit stops that do not necessitate entry into a country or require entry into a country only to connect to another international flight within 12 consecutive hours of arrival.

 

Allianz Travel

Allianz Travel logo
Allianz Travel logo

Total Premium

S$35.50

50% OffTotal PremiumS$71

MoneySmart Exclusive

Best Medical Coverage

Allianz Travel Silver

Med. Coverage (Overseas)

S$500,000

Trip Cancellation

S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Baggage

S$3,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$7150% Off

S$35.50

MoneySmart Exclusive:

[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
    
Get over S$80 worth of rewards including:
Up to S$45 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
    
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Plans start from $28

  • All Plans Provide Unlimited Emergency Transportation (Includes Covid-19 Coverage)

  • Allianz Travel Insurance will cover you against medical costs, cancellations and curtailments due to COVID-19, or being impacted by other pandemic or epidemic, when you are diagnosed with the disease

  • 24/7 Medical Assistance - helping you organise things like trusted medical expertise, appointments and making direct payments (to selected medical providers)

  • Frequent Travellers: Get covered for an unlimited number of trips with Annual Plans (up to 90 days’ duration each trip).

  • The Family Plan provides cover for you and the members of your family who are travelling with you on your journey. Insured persons may comprise a maximum of two adults, who need not be related. Insured persons may also include ANY number of dependents of the two named adults. Note that ALL insured persons, including dependents, must be named on the certificate of insurance.

See all plan details 

Allianz Travel’s travel insurance is available in Basic, Silver and Platinum. This includes COVID-19 coverage, but otherwise, also doesn’t cover epidemics or pandemics, unless otherwise stated. The good thing is that it covers up to $1,500 if you need to cancel before the trip due to Covid-19.

We like that all of Allianz Travel plans include COVID-19 Coverage, as well as 24/7 medical assistance that helps you organise things like trusted medical expertise, appointments and making direct payments (to selected medical providers)

 

Bubblegum Travel Insurance

Bubblegum logo
Bubblegum logo

Total Premium

S$46.84

10% OffTotal PremiumS$52.05

MoneySmart Exclusive

Most fuss-free plan

Bubblegum Travel Insurance

Med. Coverage (Overseas)

S$150,000

Trip Cancellation

S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Personal Baggage

S$3,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$52.0510% Off

S$46.84

MoneySmart Exclusive:

[GIVEAWAY | Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
 
Get over S$60 worth of rewards including:
Up to S$25 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
 
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Jan 2025

Apply NowApply directly on MoneySmart

More Details

Key Features

  • Bubblegum offers just 1 affordable plan to suit all your travel needs to maximise your savings

  • Overseas medical expenses up to $150,000 SGD (Covid-19 sub-limit of $65,000 included)

  • 24-Hour global Emergency Assistance services including Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

  • Covid-19 trip related cancellation/curtailment up to $600 SGD included

  • Adventurous activities like scuba diving and hot air ballooning are covered with no limit on depth or height.

See all plan details 

While the affordable Bubblegum travel insurance includes COVID-19 coverage, this plan doesn’t cover any other infectious disease, virus, bacterium or other microorganism (whether asymptomatic or not). Likewise, there’s no coverage for a pandemic or epidemic, nor is there protection against any regulations such as border closures of a country, quarantine or other government orders, advisories, regulations or directives. 

However, this plan covers adventurous activities like scuba diving, skydiving, skiing, and hot air ballooning with no limit on depth or height!

 

DirectAsia Voyager

DirectAsia logo
DirectAsia logo

Total Premium

S$26.25

40% OffTotal PremiumS$43.75

MoneySmart Exclusive

Free coverage for children

DirectAsia Voyager 250

Med. Coverage (Overseas)

S$250,000

Trip Cancellation

S$10,000

Loss/Damage of Baggage
With Proof of Purchase: Original Price less allowance for wear & tear. Without proof of purchase: Up to S$50 per item

S$3,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$43.7540% Off

S$26.25

MoneySmart Exclusive:

[GIVEAWAY | Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
  
Get up to S$55 worth of rewards including:
Up to S$25 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
  
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards.  T&Cs apply.

Valid until 22 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Kids go free – up to four kids travel for free with a Family policy only (Select 2 adults + ≥1 child)

  • Matching kids limits – children enjoy the same coverage limits as adults

  • Optional coverage for Sports Equipment & Extreme Sports are only available for Annual Policies

  • Optional coverage for Single Trip Travel Insurance: Maid and COVID-19.

  • Emergency Dental – Accidental Dental treatment can be costly, so it is covered under the main medical expenses coverage which is higher than a separate dental benefit

See all plan details 

The DirectAsia Voyager is available in 150, 250 and 500, each corresponding to the amount of medical coverage available. For this, there’s an optional COVID-19 cover add-on available, only for single-trip plans.

There are also some conditions when it comes to bacterial or viral infections: These are only covered if the infection was contracted overseas and there was no health warning issued prior to your departure. The same goes for epidemics and pandemics: They are covered if the virus was unknown when you booked your trip/bought your insurance, whichever came later.

Do note that transit through any excluded countries is not covered. These are Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Nepal, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Yemen.

 

FWD

FWD logo
FWD logo

Total Premium

S$27.64

25% OffTotal PremiumS$36.85

MoneySmart Exclusive

Cancel for any reason add-on available

FWD Premium

Med. Coverage (Overseas)

S$200,000

Trip Cancellation

S$7,500

Loss/Damage of Baggage

S$3,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$36.8525% Off

S$27.64

MoneySmart Exclusive:

[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
     
Get over S$35 worth of rewards including:
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
     
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 22 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Enjoy cashless medical outpatient treatment in Singapore, access to emergency assistance and your travel policy documents through the FWD SG app!

  • Add on coverage for COVID-19 available for both Single & Annual Trips for travel period of 90 days or less.

  • Optional add on coverage available when your trip is cancelled for any reason for Single Trips. (To be purchased within 7 days of your initial trip deposit for your trip).

  • Optional add on coverage available for pre-existing Medical Conditions for Single Trips plans (up to 30 days) with S$50,000 coverage for medical expenses incurred overseas and 50% co-payment for trip cancellation, postponement and more!

See all plan details 

FWD travel insurance plans are available in Premium, Business and First. These have COVID-19 cover as an add-on, and do not include epidemics or pandemics. What’s interesting is the “cancel for any reason” add-on available (for single trips only), but this must be purchased within seven days of your initial trip deposit for your trip.

Those with a pre-existing medical condition can also purchase an add-on so you can be covered in case your pre-existing condition affects the trip. You’ll have to purchase this add on more than 72 hours before your trip.

Do note that FWD will not pay any benefit for certain countries and regions (even if you transit through the airport): Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Libya, Liberia, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and the territories of Crimea.

 

Great Eastern TravelSmart Premier

Great Eastern logo
Great Eastern logo

Total Premium

S$55

45% OffTotal PremiumS$100

MoneySmart Exclusive

Great Eastern TravelSmart Premier Classic

Med. Coverage (Overseas)

S$300,000

Trip Cancellation

S$10,000

Loss of Baggage

S$5,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$10045% Off

S$55

MoneySmart Exclusive:

[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
  
Enjoy 45% off your Single Trip policy premium.
  
Get S$30 Revolut cash reward with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
  
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Comprehensive worldwide protection with extensive medical coverage

  • Extended to coverage for travel inconveniences and medical expense due to COVID-19

  • One way coverage is available to your destination

  • Adventurous activities benefit - Complimentary benefits at no extra cost

  • Coverage for Emergency Dental Treatment, Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) and Chiropractor treatments

  • Protect against pregnancy-related conditions while you are overseas

See all plan details 

Available in Classic and Elite, the Great Eastern TravelSmart Premier travel insurance is a bit more hefty in terms of price and overseas medical coverage. Of course, there are the usual exclusions such as epidemics and pandemics; but you can still get a COVID-19 extension with your plan. 

Excluding the Basic plan, the others include coverage for adventurous activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, sightseeing helicopter/airplane rides, mountain trekking (up to 4,000m), skydiving, skiing/snowboarding, diving up to 30m depth, etc. 

Higher-tier plans also offer coverage for emergency dental, traditional Chinese medicine and even chiropractor treatments and pregnancy-related conditions (that many other plans don’t include).

Note that the plan does not cover any country located in Central America, South America or Africa, or any country where United Nations armed forces are active.

 

HL Assurance Travel Protect360

Hong Leong Assurance logo
Hong Leong Assurance logo

Total Premium

S$30

50% OffTotal PremiumS$60

MoneySmart Exclusive

No Claim Discount

HL Assurance Travel Protect360 Basic

Med. Coverage (Overseas)

S$150,000

Trip Cancellation

S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Baggage

S$3,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$6050% Off

S$30

MoneySmart Exclusive:

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Get over S$45 worth of rewards including:
S$10 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
     
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 22 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Be protected from Covid-19 with Travel Protect360 Enhance, Superior and Premier Plans. Basic plans do not cover Covid-19.

  • Be rewarded with No Claim Discount.* Get up to 10% off your NEXT Single Trip policy if you made no claims within 30 days from policy end date.

  • Be it loss of baggage or insolvency of travel agencies, our COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 ensures that you are well protected from travel cancellations, travel interruptions and other inconveniences

  • If you have to make changes to your trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic, COVIDSafe Travel Protect360 allows you to make adjustments to your policies.

See all plan details 

HL Assurance offers four tiers of travel insurance plans: Basic, Enhanced, Superior, and Premier. These plans (except Basic) include COVID-19 coverage, but not epidemics or pandemics. There is also no coverage for travel to certain countries, such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, Somalia, and Syria. 

It does not include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions or adventure activities either.

 

Income 

Income logo
Income logo

Total Premium

S$29.53

60% OffTotal PremiumS$73.82

MoneySmart Exclusive

Post-departure purchase option available

INCOME Standard Classic

Med. Coverage (Overseas)
*
Based on adult under 70 years old

S$250,000

Trip Cancellation

S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Baggage

S$3,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$73.8260% Off

S$29.53

MoneySmart Exclusive:

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worth S$4,488 | MoneySmart Exclusive]
  
Get over S$45 worth of rewards including:
• S$10 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
  
Prosper this CNY in our giveaways and score:
S$88 Ang Bao via PayNow. T&Cs apply.
S$100 Revolut cash reward.T&Cs apply.

Valid until 22 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Forgot to purchase after departure? With Income’s Travel Insurance, you can purchase it up to a day after you have departed from Singapore. (only applicable to Per-trip plans).

  • Coverage for adventurous activities including scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping, sky diving, hiking, hot air balloon and more.

  • Coverage for unexpected travel delays not caused by you. (i.e. Unexpected late plane arrival or departure)

  • Coverage for overseas medical expenses including treatment by a Chinese medicine practitioner or a chiropractor incurred during your trip.

  • In the event that you get delayed overseas due to unforeseen circumstances, your policy will automatically be extended at no extra charges.

  • Coverage for you and your family with unlimited number of children insured when you opt for our Family cover.

  • Enjoy exclusive treats for Income policyholders at https://www.income.com.sg/treats

See all plan details 

Income’s travel insurance plans include: Standard Classic, Standard Deluxe, Standard Preferred, Enhanced PreX Basic, Enhanced PreX Superior, and Enhanced PreX Prestige. 

The latter 3 with the “PreX” stands for pre-existing health conditions. 

For these Income travel insurance plans, a COVID-19 extension is included for some. Last-minute holiday goers who forgot to purchase their travel insurance after departure can also do so with Income’s travel insurance plans (per-trip only). Just make sure you do so within a day after you have departed Singapore. 

Should you incur medical expenses, you can also claim for treatment by a Chinese medicine practitioner or a chiropractor. 

The policy also covers adventure leisure activities including scuba diving (up to 30m), paddleboarding, skiing/snowboarding, bungee, skydiving, trekking (below 4,000m), etc.

 

MSIG TravelEasy

MSIG logo
MSIG logo

Total Premium

S$24.80

60% OffTotal PremiumS$62

MoneySmart Exclusive

Most Comprehensive

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$6260% Off

S$24.80

MoneySmart Exclusive:

[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
 
Get over S$80 worth of rewards including:
Up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
 
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Stay protected and enjoy a wide range of adventurous activities from sky diving, scuba diving, white-water rafting to winter sports like dog sledding, tobogganing, sledging and ice-skating. (for Premier plans only)

  • Get covered across all TravelEasy Plan types with a high limit of S$1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation & repatriation

  • MSIG provides cover for insolvency of licensed travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies)

  • COVID-19 coverage of up to $150,000 medical cover and up to $1,500 travel inconvenience benefit for your trip protection.

See all plan details 

The MSIG TravelEasy travel insurance plan includes COVID-19 coverage, but naturally does not cover a pandemic or epidemic, as declared as such by the World Health Organisation or any governmental authority. Known events (such as virus outbreaks) are also not covered, so stay updated with the news to check for official announcements.

MSIG also has a series of Pre-Ex plans (Pre-Ex Standard, Pre-Ex Elite, Pre-Ex Premier) that include coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, as an add-on option for $38.

If you’re going to be doing any adventurous activities, MSIG also covers a wide range of extreme sports including bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding, hot air ballooning, jet skiing, white-water rafting, diving, etc under the Elite or Premium plan.

 

Singlife Travel

Singlife logo
Singlife logo

Total Premium

S$32.93

25% OffTotal PremiumS$43.90

MoneySmart Exclusive

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$43.9025% Off

S$32.93

MoneySmart Exclusive:

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Get over S$65 worth of rewards including:
Up to 510 SmartPoints OR S$30 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
   
Use SmartPoints to redeem your favourite product from our Rewards Store today.
   
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
  
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Get up to S$88 eCapitaVouchers when you purchase any Singlife Travel Insurance and meet the min. premiums. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 22 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Covers trip interruptions or cancellations due to COVID-19 and cover your medical treatment should you contract COVID-19 whilst overseas.

  • Covers rental vehicle excess up to S$500.

  • Payout of S$50** should your trip be affected by excessive rainfall.

  • **For single trips (minimum 3 days) where more than 50% of trip duration is affected by rainfall levels of >6.4mm in a 24-hour period.

  • Seamless claims experience with PayNow

See all plan details 

Singlife Travel has Lite, Plus and Prestige plans available. COVID-19 cover extension for the higher tier plans is more than the Lite. It’s good that the policy wording documents remind travellers to take their recommended vaccinations or medications for tropical diseases, as well as warn against non-essential travel when there are travel advisories issued. These plans also don’t cover Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Sudan and Syria. 

Something else that’s cool: In addition to covering trip cancellation and trip curtailment for any reason (T&Cs apply), it also covers the loss of frequent flyer points, hotel points and credit card points (for Plus and Prestige plans), and includes payout should your trip be affected by excessive rainfall.

 

Sompo Travel Insurance

Sompo logo
Sompo logo

Total Premium

S$35.20

45% OffTotal PremiumS$64

Online Promo

Includes Covid-19 cover

Sompo Travel Insurance Essential

Med. Coverage (Overseas)

S$200,000

Trip Cancellation

S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Baggage

S$1,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$6445% Off

S$35.20

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Common travel insurance benefits such as personal accident, medical expenses overseas, travel delay, loss of personal belongings.

  • Protection against hefty overseas medical expenses, trip cancellation costs and other essential coverage if you are diagnosed with COVID-19

  • This Policy is only available to you if you are living in Singapore

See all plan details 

Frankly, for Sompo Travel Insurance, while there’s Essential and Superior, the latter is a better deal with more coverage. Both plans include coverage for COVID-19, but there’s more coverage for the higher-priced one. Do keep an ear out for travel advisories as this won’t be covered, as well as travel in, to or through places that include Afghanistan, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Somalia, Sudan and Syria. 

By the way, snow/ice sports like leisure skiing and snowboarding (excludes off-piste snowboarding) are covered as well under the Premium plan. Time for skiing in Hokkaido! 

 

Starr TraveLead

Starr’s travel insurance plans come in Comprehensive Bronze, Comprehensive Silver, and Comprehensive Gold. These plans include the extension of medical expenses for COVID-19. However, they exclude any loss or expenses about any other infectious disease, virus, bacterium or other microorganism (whether asymptomatic or not), as well as pandemics or epidemics. 

Starr’s plans also cover cruises. One unique selling point of Starr is that it offers flexible coverage so you can create a travel insurance plan with different types of coverage and add-ons that can adapt to your needs. 

 

Tiq

Tiq by Etiqa logo
Tiq by Etiqa logo

Total Premium

S$20.25

55% OffTotal PremiumS$45

MoneySmart Exclusive

Most efficient claims for flight delay

Tiq Entry

Med. Coverage (Overseas)

S$200,000

Travel Cancelation

S$5,000

Loss/Damage of Baggage

S$2,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$4555% Off

S$20.25

MoneySmart Exclusive:

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Get S$30 Revolut cash reward with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
      
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
   
[Tiq Promotion]
Get a S$8 Ang Bao Bonus If your policy number ends with the digit “8” (e.g., MA0012978). T&Cs apply

Valid until 31 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Comprehensive Covid-19 add-on, protecting you before, during and after your trip

  • Covers Cruise to Nowhere

  • Instant claims encashment via PayNow

  • 24-hour worldwide emergency travel support

  • Get paid upon a 3-hour flight delay, even without submitting a claim

See all plan details 

Tiq’s plans come in Entry, Savvy, and Luxury. You add on a comprehensive COVID-19 cover for peace of mind. Otherwise, they do not cover any infectious diseases. Take note of where you will be travelling, as Tiq’s coverage excludes countries in the Sanctioned Countries List, which include Congo, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen.  

Tiq wins when it comes to reimbursement for flight delays. It automatically gives instant payout if you suffer a flight delay of at least 3-hour—without you having to submit any claims! 

Tiq also provides coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

 

Zurich Travel Insurance 

Zurich logo
Zurich logo

Total Premium

S$24.57

10% OffTotal PremiumS$27.30

MoneySmart Exclusive

Best Value for ASEAN trip

Zurich Travel Insurance Basic

Med. Coverage (Overseas)

S$50,000

Trip Cancellation

S$2,500

Loss/Damage of Baggage
*
Overall Limit

S$2,000

Total Premium
Total PremiumS$27.3010% Off

S$24.57

MoneySmart Exclusive:

[GIVEAWAY | Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
  
Get over S$60 worth of rewards including:
Up to S$25 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
  
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.

Valid until 31 Jan 2025

Apply Now

More Details

Key Features

  • Covers adventurous activities and S$200,000 for terrorism.

  • Covers up to S$100,000 for accidental death and permanent disablement and S$500,000 for personal liability.

  • Covers up to S$50,000 for overseas medical expenses incurred during your trip.

  • Complimentary Covid-19 coverage up to S$50,000 for overseas medical expenses due to Covid-19. Protecting you against unexpected expenses and disruptions caused by the pandemic.

  • Enjoy 24/7 worldwide emergency travel assistance for medical emergencies, lost documents, or travel guidance.

See all plan details 

Zurich Travel plans come in Basic, Essential, and Prestige. The Basic plan includes COVID-19 coverage of up to $50,000. Zurich Travel offers 24/7 worldwide emergency travel assistance for medical emergencies, lost documents, or travel guidance.

You’ll also be able to claim for treatments by Chinese physicians. 

Starting from the Basic plan, Zurich’s plans cover adventure activities such as bungee, hiking, hot air balloon ride, scuba diving, skydiving and snow/ice sports. 

Another unique feature of Zurich’s plans is the “FlyEasy” benefit of complimentary airport lounge access when flight is delayed for more than 2 hours.

 

So, does travel insurance cover infectious diseases?

Yes, but it depends. Most travel insurance policies include coverage for COVID-19, classified as an infectious disease. However, if the disease escalates to an epidemic or pandemic, it is typically excluded. Additionally, the infectious disease must not be a known event.

In short, remember to do your due diligence, read the news, get all your vaccination shots, and scrutinise the policy wording documents of your insurance before buying. 

 

Found this article useful? Share it with your family and friends before their next trip.


About the author

Audrey Ng is a bargain hunter who tries to sniff out the best deals possible whether it’s food, shopping or travel. She will out auntie the auntiest of aunties.

 

 


Travel Insurance for Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know (2025) was first published on the MoneySmart blog.

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