Picture this: snorkelling on the Singapore Southern Islands, followed by windsurfing on Changi Beach, finished off with the cultural experience of a lifetime: Dragon Boat Racing. It’s a water sports enthusiast's dream come true.

• What’s Covered
• What are some travel insurance benefits when visiting Singapore
• Working while in Singapore?
• Backpacking around Singapore?
• What to look out for when travelling around Singapore
• What’s not covered

What’s Covered

With World Nomads, you have access to cover even when you forget to purchase it before going on holiday. If you’re already in Singapore and are considering purchasing travel insurance, then we can help. Please note there are waiting periods that apply when purchasing a policy while already travelling, to find out more check out our waiting period Help Centre article here.

World Nomads offers cover (up to the policy limits) including, but not limited to:

World Nomads family plans: planning a family vacation full of adventure? Great call. World Nomads has policies that cover all family members while making memories together. Our cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on one policy.

Emergency medical and evacuation coverage: nobody goes on holiday planning to need emergency medical assistance, but unfortunately, it happens. If the unexpected happens, we may cover reasonable and necessary expenses relating to your evacuation, ongoing medical treatment, and possible repatriation back to your Country of Residence if deemed medically necessary. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team members can:

• Direct you to the closest medical facility
• Help set up direct payments to the medical facility if needed
• Organise an ambulance if necessary
• Put you in touch with a nurse who can help with medical queries.

Baggage and personal belongings coverage: so, you’ve packed your luggage and travel insurance, but the baggage hasn’t arrived as expected at Singapore Changi airport. Don’t sweat it. Our travel insurance may cover you for any reasonable basic expenses while the airline locates your belongings. Benefit limits, as well as, terms and conditions apply,

Activities coverage: Singapore offers Kiwis so many adventure activities to participate in: you could free-fall 10,000 feet on Sentosa Island, harness your inner Tarzan while swinging from the forest obstacles in Bedok Reservoir Park, or float through the jungle on a River Safari Cruise. World Nomads offers cover for these adventures (and 150 more) with our travel insurance policies. Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms and conditions apply.

Cover for Coronavirus-related events: Coronavirus interrupted your trip? Our Explorer travel insurance policy covers Kiwis for eight specific events related to some COVID-19-related events.

What are some travel insurance benefits when visiting Singapore

Whether you’re travelling for work or play (or a bit of both), Singapore offers the perfect combination of modern amenities and rich cultural experiences. It’s also home to one of the major international transport hubs in Asia. Which may explain why lost luggage is reportedly one of the most common issues for our travellers. Our travel insurance may help if you land safely at Singapore Changi Airport, but your luggage does not.

Working while in Singapore?

Singaporeans enjoy one of the fastest Internet speeds in the world, so pack the laptop for that work trip or flexcation. Keep in mind that although the rate of theft in Singapore is lower compared to other major cities worldwide, thieves are everywhere. While we won’t cover stolen items if they’ve been left unsupervised in public areas, we may cover the cost of your belongings (within policy limits) if you’ve taken reasonable care to protect them and they’ve been stolen or accidentally damaged.

Backpacking around Singapore?

Packed nothing but a bag and passport for your backpacking experience of a lifetime? Goodo. Check out Sentosa, Singapore’s island getaway, where there’s something for all ages, and once on the island, transportation is free.

While the simplistic nomadic lifestyle can be a breath of fresh air, it can also be hard to keep track of world events – especially when you’re planning out your route as you go. World Nomads keeps you up-to-date and informed with travel alerts, and if the unexpected happens, you can claim online, wherever you are in the world.

What to look out for when travelling around Singapore

Travelling to Singapore

What can happen in 15 hours? Well…you could leave the safety of a New Zealand airport and land in the bustling Changi airport. Exciting right?!? Thing is, even the best-planned holidays can go sideways, and sometimes landing in another country can bring with it unexpected issues…which is where World Nomads Travel Insurance may be able to help.

Eating in Singapore

Got a hankering for Hainanese Chicken Rice? Perhaps a craving for Chilli Crab? Singapore’s famous for its diverse cultural offerings for foodies. But what happens if that Satay doesn’t sit well with your stomach? World Nomads offers cover for overseas medical emergencies (including food poisoning) in both our Standard and Explorer policies (policy benefit limits apply).

Adventuring in Singapore

Considering kayaking? The MacRitchie Reservoir is a popular destination with crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, and convenient equipment options. Both our plans offer many of the same benefits for adventurers choosing to kayak inland or within three nautical miles from the coast. However, if you’re considering upping the ante and going kayaking, windsurfing, or sailing beyond three nautical miles off the coast of Pulau Ubin, you’ll need to upgrade your cover. Be sure to specify these details when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards.

Coronavirus cover when travelling to Singapore

We recommend you research the COVID-19-related travel restrictions and entry requirements (including PCR tests and proof of vaccination) for Singapore before embarking on your trip. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has all the details for our policies, including terms and conditions, benefit limits and exclusions.

What’s not covered

It’s important to note that our policies aren’t one-size-fits-all, and we don’t cover all situations that can arise when travelling abroad. There are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that’s subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the New Zealand Government. Find out more at Safe Travel NZ.
• Neglecting to observe applicable preventative measures for the travel region, as outlined by the World Health Organization
• Failing to adhere to the terms of coverage listed in covered sports and activities
• Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies
• Any costs related to illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.

Traveller tip 1: if you’ve suffered a theft, get a Property Irregularity Report or other incident report from the carrier so you can submit it with your claim, as well as a police report. You should also have copies of the original receipts for your valuables and any luggage tickets.

Traveller tip 2: wondering what the best dishes are in Singapore? Check out our list of Singaporean foods you should try when visiting.

Traveller tip 3: Singapore prides itself on its low crime rate and impeccable cleanliness, this standard of living is a result of its laws. Laws that you should become acquainted with if you’re considering visiting Singapore. We’ve written an article detailing the local laws of Singapore, you can check it out here.

Singapore; the land of good times, great food, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re sampling the culinary delights of Clarke Quay, or scuba diving on Pulau Hantu island, there’s no doubt Singapore’s a top destination for Aussie adventurers.

• What’s Covered
• Why should I consider travel insurance for Singapore?
• Working while in Singapore?
• Backpacking around Singapore?
• What to look out for when travelling around Singapore
• What’s not covered

Singapore’s widely considered one of the safest countries in the world – that said, it’s impossible to predict unexpected events when travelling to any location, which is why you may want to consider packing travel insurance.

What’s Covered

With World Nomads, you have access to cover even when you forgot to purchase it before going on holiday. If you’re already in Singapore and are considering purchasing travel insurance, then we can help. Please note there are waiting periods that apply when purchasing a policy while already travelling. To find out more check out our waiting period Help Centre article here.

World Nomads offers cover (up to the policy limits) including, but not limited to:

World Nomads family plans: travelling as a family? Kids can be adventurous (read: accident-prone) – World Nomads has policies that can offer cover to all family members. Our cover includes two adults and up to eight dependents on one policy.

Emergency medical and evacuation coverage: nobody goes on holiday planning to need emergency medical assistance, but unfortunately, it happens. If the unexpected happens, we may cover reasonable and necessary expenses relating to your evacuation, ongoing medical treatment, and possible repatriation back to your Country of Residence if deemed medically necessary. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team members can:

• Direct you to the closest medical facility
• Help set up direct payments to the medical facility if needed
• Organise an ambulance if necessary
• Put you in touch with a nurse who can help with medical queries.

Baggage and personal belongings coverage: the average flight time from Australia to Singapore is eight hours. Chances are, you’ll want to get your hands on your toothbrush when you land. But what happens when your baggage hasn’t arrived as expected at Singapore Changi airport? Don’t sweat it. Our travel insurance may cover any reasonable basic expenses while the airline locates your belongings. Benefit limits, as well as terms and conditions, apply.

Activities coverage: trying to decide between zip-lining and skydiving while holidaying in Singapore? It’s a tough call. We have policies that cover both activities (and 150 more activities, sports and experiences) should an unexpected accident unfold. Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms and conditions apply.

Why should I consider travel insurance for Singapore?

Whether you’re travelling for work or play (or a bit of both), Singapore offers the perfect combination of modern amenities and rich cultural experiences. It’s also home to one of the major international transport hubs in Asia. Which may explain why lost luggage is reportedly one of the most common issues for our travellers. Our travel insurance may help if you land safely at Singapore Changi Airport, but your luggage does not.

Working while in Singapore?

Singaporeans enjoy one of the fastest Internet speeds in the world, so pack the laptop for that work trip or flexcation. Keep in mind that although the rate of theft in Singapore is lower compared to other major cities worldwide, thieves are everywhere. While we won’t cover stolen items if they’ve been left unsupervised in public areas, we may cover the cost of your belongings (within policy limits) if you’ve taken reasonable care to protect them and they’ve been stolen or accidentally damaged.

Backpacking around Singapore?

Planning on embracing the simplicity of travelling light? Backpacking’s a whole lot of fun, especially if you like spontaneity! But keep in mind, with spontaneity comes risk…which is why we provide our travellers with up-to-date travel alerts, so they stay informed and safe – no matter where they are in the world.

What to look out for when travelling around Singapore

Travelling to Singapore

You only need to speak to a few travellers to hear the gamut of things that can go wrong when flying: cancelled or delayed flights, severe weather, poor selection of mid-flight savoury treats. Unfortunately, we can’t supply chocolate-covered pretzels, but our travel insurance policies could be helpful if you need to book a hotel room due to a cancelled flight. Check out our Standard versus our Explorer plan options to find out more.

Eating in Singapore

It’s no secret Aussies love discovering new food…and it’s also no secret that Singapore serves up some of the best. Got a hankering for Hainanese Chicken Rice? Perhaps a craving for Chilli Crab? Singapore’s famous for its diverse cultural offerings for foodies. But what happens if that Satay doesn’t sit well with your stomach? World Nomads offers cover for overseas medical emergencies (including food poisoning) in both our Standard and Explorer policies (policy benefit limits apply).

Adventuring in Singapore

Considering kayaking? The MacRitchie Reservoir is a popular destination with crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, and convenient equipment options. Both our plans offer many of the same benefits for adventurers choosing to kayak inland or within three nautical miles from the coast. However, if you’re considering upping the ante and going kayaking, windsurfing, or sailing beyond three nautical miles off the coast of Pulau Ubin, you’ll need to upgrade your cover. Be sure to specify these details when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards.

Coronavirus cover when travelling to Singapore

We recommend you research the COVID-19-related travel restrictions and entry requirements (including PCR tests and proof of vaccination) for Singapore before embarking on your trip. You can check out our Coronavirus cover article which has all the details, including terms and conditions, benefit limits and exclusions.

What’s not covered

It’s important to note that our policies aren’t one-size-fits-all, and we don’t cover all situations that can arise when travelling abroad. There are some important general exclusions you should be aware of, including:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that’s subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by the Australian Government (see www.smartraveller.gov.au)
• Neglecting to observe applicable preventative measures for the travel region, as outlined by the World Health Organization
• Failing to adhere to the terms of coverage listed in covered sports and activities
• Any adventure activities or sports that aren’t covered by our policies
• Any costs related to illegal activities or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your PDS in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Traveller tip 1: if you’ve suffered a theft, get a Property Irregularity Report or other incident report from the carrier so you can submit it with your claim, as well as a police report. You should also have copies of the original receipts for your valuables and any luggage tickets.

Traveller tip 2: considering packing nothing but a duffle bag and hitting the hostels in Singapore? Check out the do’s and don’ts of backpacking first.

Having your passport stolen really sucks. Thankfully some World Nomads policies may help cover your extra costs while you arrange an emergency replacement passport. Here’s how.

1. Report the incident immediately

Report the incident to the relevant authorities and get a report from them. This will include:

• The police.
• Your nearest embassy, diplomatic or consular mission for your country of citizenship.
• For visas and passports from other countries – contact the relevant embassy.
• Any other relevant authorities, such as the airline, hotel or tour operator.

Travel Insurance tip: for certain countries, it is an offence not to report the loss or theft or your passport as soon as you learn of the loss. It may also affect your travel insurance cover if you don't report it as soon as reasonably possible. Contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team if you need help with this.

2. Arrange a replacement or emergency passport

Carefully check the process to apply for an emergency or replacement passport with the consulate or embassy of your home country. You may need to attend an appointment at your nearest embassy or consulate after you’ve applied online.

You must provide us with copies of all documentation provided by the foreign government agency and the government of your resident country. You will also need a written police report when your passport has been stolen.

If you need to travel to a different location to apply in person or collect your emergency passport, you should arrange to do this.

Travel Insurance tip: emergency passports do not permanently replace your passport. They can be issued quickly with limited validity so you can return home or continue with your trip.

Travel insurance tip: Because there are no EU standards governing travel without a valid passport, processes vary greatly from country to country. If you have already begun your journey and:

• You are in the EU, your first port of call should be the consulate or embassy of your home country.
• You have the right to seek consular protection from any EU country if you find yourself outside the EU and your country does not have a consulate or embassy.

Remember that even if certain countries allow you to leave or enter their territory without a legal travel document, you may still be required to show one in countries you are travelling through.

3. Rearrange or cancel any affected travel arrangements

Once you’ve confirmed that any travel arrangements are going to be affected, contact any accommodation, tour, transport and other providers to rearrange or cancel any arrangements you may have. Make sure you get confirmation from them in writing of the changes or cancellation, and details of any refunds or extra fees paid.

4. Keep your receipts

If you think you'll need to claim, make sure you keep the official reports you were given and all original receipts as evidence to support your claim including your itineraries, booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected transport, accommodation and additional expenses.

5.Need to know more?

This information may help you when things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy will always have the terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

1. Report it to your carrier straight away

Once you realise your bags are delayed, report it to the carrier (e.g. airline, tour operator) as soon as possible. For lengthy delays, you should ask them to compensate you to replace essential items you may need while you wait for your bags to be returned.

2. Get a written report

Get a written report of what’s happened from the carrier, for example a Property Irregularity Report, confirming the delay was greater than 24 hours from your arrival and any compensation they offer you.

3. Keep your receipts

Keep the receipts for any essential items you buy like toothbrushes, prescription medication or a change of clothes.

Before you go shopping for an entire new wardrobe to replace your designer jeans or a new ballgown for that special event, because you believe everything you own is "essential", there will be limits on what your policy can and can not cover, so check your policy wording carefully or contact us (Yes, we've seen claims like this!)

Original receipts may be necessary if you intend to make a claim and your policy covers these expenses.

4. Get another report confirming the length of the delay

Once you get your luggage, get written confirmation from the carrier confirming how long it was delayed. If baggage delay is covered under your policy, there may be specific time periods that your bags are delayed before the policy can help reimburse you for extra expenses, so it’s important we know how long you were inconvenienced. For example: cover may vary if your bags were delayed for a few hours compared to a few days.

5. Need to know more?

This information could help you when things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy wording will always have the full terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

Does my insurance cover my tech?

1. Safety first

Make sure everyone is safe. If you need immediate help, contact the local emergency services.

2. Seek medical attention

Get medical help from a doctor or hospital as soon as possible.

If it's an emergency situation, contact the local emergency services first, then contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as you can.

Once you’re able to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, please be ready with the following:

• Your policy number
• A contact number for where you are now
• The nature of your problem
• Your location

Depending on where you’re travelling, there may be Reciprocal Health Care Agreements in place (the Emergency Assistance team will let you know). The terms of your policy require that you use the public health system where possible, particularly when travelling in a country with reciprocal health agreements. 

If your private health/medical insurer offers medical cover for you when you're overseas, you will need to follow their notification and claims procedures before making a claim on your travel insurance policy.

3. Get it in writing

Most claims need supporting documentation and medical claims are no different. So, while it may be the last thing on your mind, get copies of documents that will support your claim before you leave the medical facility such as:

• Doctor or other medical practitioner’s report, confirming what happened and the nature of your injury.
• Hospital admission report (if you’re admitted to hospital).
• Ambulance and medical evacuation reports (if relevant).
• Provide written evidence to verify your claim, such as a police report (if they were involved).
• Any other relevant documentation related to the accident.

4. Keep your receipts

You’ll need to keep all your receipts, along with your itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected travel arrangements for when you claim. If you don’t do this, we may reduce or reject your claim.

5. Need to know more?

This information may help you when things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy will always have the full details.

If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?

1. Seek medical attention

Get medical help from a medical practitioner, such as a doctor, or by going to a hospital as soon as possible.

If it's an emergency situation, contact the local emergency services first, then contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as you can.

Once you’re able to contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, please be ready with the following:

• Your policy number
• A contact number for where you are now
• The nature of your problem
• Your location

Please be aware that depending on where you’re travelling to, there may be Reciprocal Health Care Agreements in place (the Emergency Assistance team will let you know). The terms of your policy require that you use the public health system where possible, particularly when travelling in a country with reciprocal health agreements.

If your private health/medical insurer offers medical cover for you when you're overseas, you will need to follow their notification and claims procedures before making a claim on your travel insurance policy.

2. Get it in writing

Most claims need supporting documentation and medical claims are no different. So while it may be the last thing on your mind, do try and get copies of documents that will support your claim before you leave the medical facility such as:

• Doctor or other medical practitioner’s report confirming your illness.
• Hospital Admission report, if you’re admitted to hospital.
• Ambulance and Medical evacuation reports if relevant.

In some cases, we may need to obtain your past medical history from your usual doctor at home but we’ll let you know if this is the case.

3. Keep your receipts

You’ll need to keep all your receipts, along with your itineraries and booking and cancellation confirmations for any affected travel arrangements for when you claim. If you don’t do this, we may reduce or reject your claim.

Cover for European nomads if COVID-19 derails your overseas trip

If you, a relative or someone in your travelling party falls ill due to Coronavirus, you may be covered for a number of insured events under our Medical and Coronavirus Travel Costs benefit sections.

Cover varies between our Standard and Explorer plans. If you are diagnosed with Coronavirus while overseas your benefits include:

• 24/7 access to our Emergency Assistance team, who can help you access local medical care.
• Medical costs including hospitalisation.
• Evacuation or repatriation if deemed necessary by us and in consultation with your attending physician.

Benefit limits apply and vary between the plans.

Our COVID-19 cover benefits have been created to give European travellers the opportunity to travel more securely knowing that they have the option to access a set of travel and medical benefits on our Standard and Explorer plans.

If you have purchased the Explorer Plan, cover is available for some Coronavirus-related Insured events, including but not limited to:

• Personal quarantine costs: If you or a member of your travelling party go into compulsory personal quarantine as a result of your or their diagnosis of, or confirmed close contact with a case of Coronavirus, we’ll pay for your reasonable additional travel, meals and accommodation, including in-room entertainment. (On trip)
• Childcare: If you are unable to take care of your children due to your Coronavirus diagnosis, we’ll pay your reasonable additional childcare costs for a registered or qualified childcare worker to take care of your dependent children who would otherwise have been in your full-time care. (On trip)
• Pet care: If you are diagnosed with Coronavirus, we will pay your reasonable additional pet care services, including kennel and cattery boarding fees or professional pet sitting services in your country of residence. (On trip)

Please note: COVID-19 cover depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.

To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.

4. Check your local government and international health guidelines on vaccinations

It's a requirement to stay up to date with all required vaccinations for the destination(s) you're heading to and that may include the Coronavirus vaccine among others.

Follow the advice of your Foreign Ministry and local advice, in addition to the precautionary measures set out by the World Health Organization (WHO). Take the time to research what these may be before you go, so you’re fully prepared if you get sick with Coronavirus. For more about COVID-19 and vaccination tips please click here.

5. Need to know more?

This information may help you when things go wrong and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different and cover will vary, depending what's happened, your country of residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your policy will always have the full details.

If you have questions about what's covered and not covered, just ask us.

How does my travel insurance policy help me in an emergency?