- The best travel insurance plans for Singapore
- Is it currently safe to travel to Singapore?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Singapore?
- Why take out travel insurance for Singapore?
- What Travel Insurance for Singapore Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Singapore
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Singapore
- Does my current insurance provide coverage in Singapore?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Singapore: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Singapore covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unexpected travel problems.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended due to Singapore's very expensive healthcare system.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare is excellent but very expensive; a hospital night can easily exceed CAD 700.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Singapore typically costs between CAD 25 and CAD 50.
5. Good to know: All travellers must complete the free SG Arrival Card online within three days before arriving.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Singapore.
The best travel insurance plans for Singapore
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | CA$1.5M | Best for comprehensive protection in Singapore. - high medical ceiling - medical evacuation - strong outpatient care |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | CA$1.5M | Well-suited for short and frequent trips. - 24/7 helpline - baggage and liability cover - user-friendly process |
| Tourist Card | CA$0.8M | Solid, practical for short stays in Singapore. - strong emergency cover - fast assistance - good value for cost |
| Travel Pass Monde | CA$1.0M | Reliable for all-around coverage. - hospitalization and surgery - medical repatriation - preventive care covered |
| Globe Partner | CA$0.6M | Basic but efficient for urgent needs abroad. - main medical costs - repatriation - civil liability coverage |
| Globe Traveller | CA$0.8M | Accessible option for budget-focused travellers. - essential medical protection - flexible duration - fast reimbursement |
- high medical ceiling
- medical evacuation
- strong outpatient care
- 24/7 helpline
- baggage and liability cover
- user-friendly process
- strong emergency cover
- fast assistance
- good value for cost
- hospitalization and surgery
- medical repatriation
- preventive care covered
- main medical costs
- repatriation
- civil liability coverage
- essential medical protection
- flexible duration
- fast reimbursement
Is it currently safe to travel to Singapore?
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada advises travellers to take normal security precautions when visiting Singapore. No part of the country is subject to a formal warning, but visitors should remain alert due to ongoing risks.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: Singapore is considered very safe, but petty crime such as pickpocketing sometimes occurs in crowded places. Thieves often target tourist areas or public transport hubs like Orchard Road and Marina Bay.
- Health risks: Medical care is excellent but expensive. Outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya are possible, especially during and after the rainy season. Canadians should ensure recommended vaccinations are up to date.
- Legal constraints: Singapore enforces strict laws. For example, possession of chewing gum is restricted, and offences such as jaywalking or smoking in prohibited areas result in fines.
- Environmental risks: Haze from regional forest fires can deteriorate air quality significantly, especially between June and October. This poses a risk for people with respiratory conditions.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Singapore.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Singapore?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens entering Singapore.
However, it is still strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance before your trip. Medical treatment in Singapore is of high quality but can be very expensive for non-residents, with upfront payment required. Insurance helps protect you from unexpected costs due to illness, accident, or trip interruption.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Singapore. This high percentage reflects both the costliness of the local health system and the importance of comprehensive protection abroad.
Why take out travel insurance for Singapore?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Singapore.
In Singapore, public and private healthcare are both available, but foreigners usually access private hospitals such as Gleneagles Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Hospital or Parkway East in central Singapore. These facilities offer excellent care but charge high rates, often with upfront payment required. It is not uncommon for a basic consultation or minor emergency to result in a significant bill.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, prescription medication, ambulance transportation, and repatriation costs to Canada in case of a serious problem.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Singapore.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Mount Elizabeth Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 3,800 SGD (approx. CA$3,800) | up to 100% (based on policy limits) |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 5,000 SGD (approx. CA$5,000) | up to 100% (based on policy limits) |
| I need to be repatriated | 55,000 SGD (approx. CA$55,000) | up to 100% (based on policy limits) |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 24,000 SGD (approx. CA$24,000) | up to 100% (based on policy limits) |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Singapore Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🩺 Medical expenses | Covers care and treatment in case of sickness or accident. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of CA$200,000 for Singapore due to high medical fees. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical evacuation | Pays for transfer to an appropriate hospital if needed. Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$200,000. |
| ✈️ Repatriation to Canada | Covers return to Canada for medical reasons if necessary. Recommended minimum: CA$150,000. |
| 💊 Prescription medication | Covers drugs prescribed following a covered medical event. A limit of CA$3,000–CA$5,000 is suggested. |
| 🏥 Hospitalization | Pays for overnight hospital stays and related services. Recommended coverage: CA$100,000 or more. |
| 💼 Trip cancellation/interruption | Reimburses unused, non-refundable costs if your trip is cancelled or shortened. A limit of CA$5,000–CA$10,000 is typical. |
| 🎒 Lost or delayed baggage | Reimburses for loss, theft or late delivery of luggage. Coverage between CA$1,500–CA$2,000 per traveler is adequate. |
| 🏄♂️ Personal liability | Protects if you accidentally injure others or damage property. Choose at least CA$1 million liability coverage. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of CA$200,000 for Singapore due to high medical fees.
Recommended reimbursement limit: CA$200,000.
Recommended minimum: CA$150,000.
A limit of CA$3,000–CA$5,000 is suggested.
Recommended coverage: CA$100,000 or more.
A limit of CA$5,000–CA$10,000 is typical.
Coverage between CA$1,500–CA$2,000 per traveler is adequate.
Choose at least CA$1 million liability coverage.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often has limited benefits, low maximums, and more exclusions. It is much safer to choose a reputable insurer with complete coverage. You can use HelloSafe to compare top offers and enroll online for immediate proof of insurance.
The cost of travel insurance for Singapore
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$24 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$36 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$49 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$101 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance is influenced by several key factors: your age, the duration of your trip, your destination, the amount of coverage you select, and any optional add-ons like trip cancellation. Understanding these elements is crucial for finding a policy that fits your needs and budget, especially with Singapore's high medical costs.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Singapore
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Singapore while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 Trip duration | The length of your trip directly affects your total insurance premium for Singapore. | Choose coverage for the exact dates you are abroad and avoid annual plans unless you travel frequently. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Singapore's private healthcare is expensive, making adequate medical coverage essential. | A CA$200,000–CA$300,000 medical cap is sufficient and often cheaper than unlimited limits offered by some insurers. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Family or group options can reduce individual costs, which is useful if several people are covered. | Request family or group pricing—some plans offer discounts for children or additional travelers on a single policy. |
| 🏄♂️ Activities covered | Sports and adventure activities can raise premiums and may not be needed for a standard city trip. | Add coverage for risky activities only if you plan to participate rather than opting for all-inclusive options. |
| 💳 Deductible | A higher deductible usually lowers your monthly premium without major impact if no claim is made. | Select a CA$100–CA$200 deductible for Singapore trips, as this balances savings and manageable out-of-pocket costs. |
| 💻 Purchase method | Online platforms offer more choices and frequent promotional pricing for Canadians. | Shop online and use comparison websites to view exclusive offers and better prices than most travel agencies. |
| 🎂 Traveller’s age | Age affects the rate with most insurers, especially for those over 60 years old. | Heymondo does not increase its prices after age 62, so compare with other quotes if you are an older traveler. |
Does my current insurance provide coverage in Singapore?
It is completely natural to consider whether your public or private health insurance, or even your credit card insurance, can cover a trip to Singapore. Unfortunately, this existing coverage is often limited or insufficient broad protection abroad.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Singapore? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Canada Health Transfer) | Never | No coverage for overseas medical, hospital, or repatriation costs. | Travel insurance can cover up to CA$1,000,000+ for Singapore emergencies, hospital stay, and medical evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross) | Limited coverage | May reimburse some outpatient care after return, excludes inpatient, hospital, and repatriation. Limits: CA$10,000–CA$50,000. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ with fast claims, medical evacuation, and on-the-spot emergency help. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic, RBC Visa Classic) | Limited coverage | Medical emergency coverage up to CA$15,000, no trip cancellation or baggage/luggage coverage. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ and includes lost luggage, trip interruption, and 24/7 assistance. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, ScotiaGold, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to CA$100,000, some baggage and delay, limited cancellation and interruption. | Travel insurance provides CA$1,000,000+ for medical, at least CA$5,000 trip cancellation, and broad on-the-ground support. |
Example
While in Singapore, Sarah contracted severe dengue fever, requiring hospitalization. The bill reached CA$15,000. Her TD Aeroplan card's basic insurance had a low cap, and her provincial plan covered only a fraction. She faced over CA$13,500 in out-of-pocket costs, a shocking expense for a common tropical illness.
Expert advice
Many credit cards and provincial health plans exclude key coverage like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Always read the fine print to avoid unexpected costs. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Singapore?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Singapore for tourism or business stays of up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Additional requirements include submitting the SG Arrival Card online prior to travel and providing proof of onward or return travel if requested.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Singapore?
Start by comparing travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Next, review each plan’s medical, baggage, and trip interruption cover, paying attention to limits and exclusions for Singapore. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. Once completed, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, often within minutes.
Are there health risks in Singapore that make travel insurance important?
Healthcare in Singapore is excellent but can be costly, with payment required upfront. Risks include mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Travel insurance with a minimum of CA$200,000 in medical coverage and medical evacuation is highly recommended to avoid financial strain during emergencies.
Does travel insurance cover lost or stolen belongings in Singapore?
Most comprehensive travel insurance plans for Canadian travellers will cover theft or loss of luggage, documents, and personal belongings in Singapore. The maximum benefit typically ranges from CA$500 to CA$2,500 for baggage and valuables, depending on the policy. Always check policy terms for exclusions and reporting procedures.
Can I buy travel insurance for Singapore if already abroad?
Yes, some Canadian insurers allow you to purchase travel insurance even if you are already outside Canada, including in Singapore. However, there may be waiting periods before coverage starts, and pre-existing conditions or emergencies that began before policy purchase are generally excluded. Always read conditions carefully before purchasing abroad.
What actions should I take if I need medical care in Singapore?
If you require medical treatment in Singapore, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance number immediately. Most policies require you to use approved clinics or hospitals. Retain all receipts, medical reports, and hospital documentation for your claim. Notify your insurer promptly to ensure smooth reimbursement of eligible expenses.
Do I need a visa to travel to Singapore?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Singapore for tourism or business stays of up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Additional requirements include submitting the SG Arrival Card online prior to travel and providing proof of onward or return travel if requested.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Singapore?
Start by comparing travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Next, review each plan’s medical, baggage, and trip interruption cover, paying attention to limits and exclusions for Singapore. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. Once completed, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, often within minutes.
Are there health risks in Singapore that make travel insurance important?
Healthcare in Singapore is excellent but can be costly, with payment required upfront. Risks include mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Travel insurance with a minimum of CA$200,000 in medical coverage and medical evacuation is highly recommended to avoid financial strain during emergencies.
Does travel insurance cover lost or stolen belongings in Singapore?
Most comprehensive travel insurance plans for Canadian travellers will cover theft or loss of luggage, documents, and personal belongings in Singapore. The maximum benefit typically ranges from CA$500 to CA$2,500 for baggage and valuables, depending on the policy. Always check policy terms for exclusions and reporting procedures.
Can I buy travel insurance for Singapore if already abroad?
Yes, some Canadian insurers allow you to purchase travel insurance even if you are already outside Canada, including in Singapore. However, there may be waiting periods before coverage starts, and pre-existing conditions or emergencies that began before policy purchase are generally excluded. Always read conditions carefully before purchasing abroad.
What actions should I take if I need medical care in Singapore?
If you require medical treatment in Singapore, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance number immediately. Most policies require you to use approved clinics or hospitals. Retain all receipts, medical reports, and hospital documentation for your claim. Notify your insurer promptly to ensure smooth reimbursement of eligible expenses.
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