Travel is one of life’s greatest joys, yet it’s full of surprises. You can daydream about your vacation, triple-check your plans, pack everything perfectly, but sometimes life is just unpredictable.
For some, that unpredictability is part of the fun, but for others, it’s a real headache, so they get travel insurance. It’s like having a backup plan for your backup plan, whether it’s a missed flight, lost luggage, or sudden changes in plans.
In this article, we’re going to break down what travel insurance is, why you need it, and how to get started with it. Stay with us until the end for a great discount offer!
Picture by Pawan Yadav on Pexels
Why Do You Need Travel Insurance?
Why do you really need travel insurance? In a few words, it protects you from the unexpected costs that can come with travel. Whether it’s a natural disaster disrupting your destination, a passport theft abroad, or a last-minute work emergency forcing you to cancel, having the right coverage can save you a lot of headaches (and money). Think of it as peace of mind packed into a policy.
A 2024 report by Squaremouth found that more than 40% of travel insurance claims were related to trip cancellations or interruptions, rather than medical emergencies. This proves just how diverse and uncertain travel disruptions can be, and how well-rounded coverage is more important than ever.
Take DirectAsia’s travel insurance as an example. This multi-award-winning insurer offers plans for individuals, groups, and families, covering a wide range of real-life scenarios where protection can make all the difference:
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Trip Cancellation & Curtailment: Reimbursement for unused, prepaid expenses due to unforeseen events.
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Medical Expenses: Covers overseas treatment and follow-up care in Singapore for up to 30 days after return.
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Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: Covers costs for urgent medical transport or return to Singapore.
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Personal Belongings & Travel Documents: Protection against theft, loss, or damage.
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Travel Delays: Compensation for delays in travel or baggage arrival.
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Additional Benefits: Includes coverage for emergency phone charges, compassionate visits, personal liability, rental car excess, extreme sports and activities, and pet hotel fees due to delayed return.
When Should You Get Travel Insurance?
The best time to get your travel insurance coverage is as soon as you’ve booked your flights and accommodation overseas, according to DirectAsia.
While most insurers let you buy coverage right up to the day before you leave, getting on it early means you’re covered for any unexpected issues that might arise—like a sudden illness or a travel provider going under. The cost typically ranges from 4% to 10% of your nonrefundable trip expenses. But several factors can affect that price, such as your age, destination, trip length, and of course, the coverage type.
The earlier you lock it in, the better your coverage and your peace of mind.
Should You Choose DirectAsia for Your Travel Insurance?
The cheapest travel insurance may not provide adequate coverage or could come with complex terms and conditions for claims. DirectAsia is a preferred choice for travelers in Singapore for several good reasons, and here’s why it might be the perfect fit for your next trip:
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Great Value Plans: When it comes to pricing, DirectAsia is hard to beat. Their travel and car insurance options are designed to give you great value for your money.
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Online Quotes: They offer an easy-to-use online platform, where you can quickly get quotes and secure your policy with ease.
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Comprehensive Travel Insurance: DirectAsia specializes in travel across Asia, including popular destinations like Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Australia, but they also offer coverage for trips to most other countries worldwide.
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Annual Plans for Frequent Flyers: If you’re a frequent traveler, you can benefit from their annual plans. These plans cover you for all travel taken within a 12-month period. There’s no limit to the number of trips you can take.
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Support When You Need It Most: Emergencies can happen at any time, and DirectAsia understands this. With their 24/7 claims support, you can rest easy knowing assistance is just a phone call away, no matter where you are in the world.
All in all, DirectAsia offers competitive pricing and flexible, comprehensive travel insurance plans. With four plan tiers—Voyager 150, 250, 500, and 1000—travelers can choose the level of protection that best suits their trip and needs, ensuring they pay only for the coverage they need.
But how does this insurer really stack up against other popular options? Let’s take a look at how it compares side-by-side in key areas that matter most to travelers:
| Feature | DirectAsia | InsureMax | GlobalSure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip Cancellation Coverage | Up to S$15,000 | Up to S$10,000 | Up to S$12,000 |
| Emergency Medical | Covers up to S$500,000 + 30-day post-return care | Covers up to S$300,000 | Covers up to S$250,000 |
| Extreme Sports Coverage | Included | Optional Add-on | Not Covered |
| Annual Plan Option | Unlimited trips per year | Up to 5 trips/year | Unlimited, with cap on trip duration |
| 24/7 Global Support | Yes, phone + app | Phone only | Email + chat support |
Don’t Travel Without Insurance (Or Our Special Discount!)
Whether you’re renting a car, riding a motorbike through Southeast Asia, or just jetting off for a well-deserved vacation, having solid insurance coverage is a must. That’s why we’ve partnered with DirectAsia to give Yoho Mobile users a little something extra.
🎁 YOHO Exclusive Offer: Get 5% Cashback on Travel Insurance
Book your travel insurance through this exclusive DirectAsia link then fill out the cashback claim form here after purchase to enjoy 5% cashback straight to your Yoho Wallet.
Other Coverage Options from DirectAsia
Planning to drive or ride abroad? We’ve got you covered:
- 🚗 Car Insurance: Whether you're driving short-term or long-term overseas, stay protected.
- 🏍️ Motorcycle Insurance: Great for scooter or motorbike adventures in countries like Thailand or Vietnam.