When booking a trip, it’s easy to tick the box for travel insurance offered by airlines or rely on the default coverage from your credit card. While convenient, these options may not give you the protection or value you really need. Here’s why buying travel insurance directly from an insurance company is the smarter, safer choice.
1. Comprehensive Coverage Tailored to You
Airlines and credit cards often provide basic or limited coverage that may exclude key benefits like trip cancellation for any reason, high medical limits, or adventure sports coverage.
Insurance companies, on the other hand, offer customisable plans that can cover everything from medical emergencies to trip delays, lost luggage, or even COVID-19 disruptions.
2. Higher Claim Limits and Better Medical Protection
One of the most critical aspects of travel insurance is emergency medical coverage. Policies from airlines or credit cards often come with low limits that may not cover expensive overseas hospital bills.
Reputable insurance companies offer higher claim limits and access to 24/7 emergency assistance networks — a major benefit when you’re in a crisis abroad.
3. Transparent Terms, Fewer Surprises
Credit card travel insurance can come with complex eligibility requirements (e.g. paying the full trip cost with the card), and airline-offered policies might not clearly list what’s excluded.
Insurance companies provide clear policy wordings and detailed coverage, so you know exactly what you’re getting — no unpleasant surprises when it’s time to claim.
4. Stronger Claims Support
Filing a claim through a credit card provider or airline insurer can be a bureaucratic nightmare. In contrast, established insurance companies typically have dedicated claims teams, streamlined online processes, and even local support if you’re based in Singapore or another major hub.
5. Better Value for Money
While airline or credit card coverage might seem cheap (or even “free”), it often offers limited value for real-life travel disruptions.
With insurance companies, you get what you pay for — and more. They often offer competitive pricing for comprehensive protection, which can save you far more in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance isn’t just a formality — it’s your safety net when things go wrong. Choosing a trusted insurance company ensures you get reliable protection, transparent terms, and peace of mind, wherever your travels take you.
So before your next trip, skip the airline checkbox and check out your options with a licensed insurance provider instead. Your future self might thank you.