When planning a trip, you’re often faced with two ways to secure travel insurance: buy directly from online insurers like FWD or DirectAsia, or go through an intermediary like an insurance advisor or broker. While both options offer convenience, there are clear advantages — and hidden risks — that you should consider before making a decision.
Spoiler: Working with an intermediary often leads to better protection, better advice, and better peace of mind.
Let’s break it down.
Buying Direct from Online Insurers: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Speed and Convenience: You can easily compare plans and buy online within minutes.
- Lower Base Prices: Direct insurers often operate with lower overheads, sometimes offering slightly cheaper premiums.
- Self-Service Platforms: You control the entire purchase process without needing to interact with anyone.
Cons:
- Limited Customisation: Many direct policies are “off-the-shelf” packages with fewer options to tailor coverage to your unique needs.
- Risk of Underinsurance: Without professional advice, you might overlook critical gaps — like high-risk activities, pre-existing conditions, or emergency evacuation limits.
- No Personal Help for Claims: In the event of a claim, you’re on your own to deal with paperwork, disputes, or rejections.
Buying Through an Intermediary: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Personalised Recommendations: An experienced intermediary can help you find the best plan that matches your travel habits, medical needs, and budget.
- Higher Protection: They know the fine print — helping you avoid policies with low claim limits or hidden exclusions.
- Dedicated Claims Assistance: If something goes wrong, intermediaries assist with the claims process, fighting for a fair payout on your behalf.
- Wider Choice of Insurers: Instead of being limited to one provider, intermediaries often have access to multiple insurers, offering you more options and better coverage.
- Human Support: Questions? Issues? You have someone to call — not just a chatbot.
Cons:
- Slightly Higher Premiums: You might pay a little more to cover advisory service costs, but the trade-off is better protection and guidance.
Why Buying Through an Intermediary Makes More Sense
While direct insurers like FWD and DirectAsia offer low-cost convenience, they leave you vulnerable to choosing the wrong coverage — or worse, finding out too late that you’re not fully protected.
Intermediaries provide real value by understanding your needs, recommending tailored coverage, and supporting you through any claims disputes. In many cases, the slightly higher upfront cost is a small price to pay for the bigger financial protection and personalised service you get.
For a trip that you’ve been looking forward to (or spent thousands of dollars planning), why risk it with a one-size-fits-all online policy?
Conclusion
Travel insurance is not just a formality; it’s your financial backup plan abroad.
Choosing an intermediary means you get professional advice, better coverage, and real human support when it matters most.
Next time you book a trip, think twice before clicking “Buy Now” on a direct insurer’s website. Talk to an intermediary — your future self will thank you.