Hopping on a plane to Germany? Get yourself covered against Covid-linked expenses

THE Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) has reopened the airways between Singapore and countries including Germany - and more destinations may be added in the coming weeks and months.

Since the VTL came into effect on Sept 8, hundreds have arrived from Germany. The first leisure group tour to Germany also left Singapore on a scheduled VTL flight on Wednesday.

Thousands more travelled-starved Singaporeans are eyeing holidays under such travel lanes, but are concerned about medical and other unforseen costs triggered by Covid-linked developments.

Insurers have been quick to step in to take care of such worries, with travel plans that mitigate the risk of medical expenses or trip disruptions arising from the fast-changing pandemic situation. Here are some options for those looking at outbound flights to Germany, based on a single return trip, from flight dates from Sept 24 to 30:

AIG Travel Guard Direct

The AIG Travel Guard Direct, based on an adult aged 31, costs S$70 for the "Basic" plan, S$128 for the "Standard" plan, S$150 for the "Enhanced" plan and S$188 for the "Supreme" plan.

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For Covid-19 related incidents, the "Basic" plan covers overseas medical expenses of up to S$50,000 for those under 70 years old, and up to S$25,000 each for those 70 and older and for children. It also covers pre-departure cancellation costs up to S$2,500.

The policies, however, do not cover trip cancellations due to pandemic-related government directives that advise against non-essential travel.

Aviva Travel Insurance

At S$64.73, its "Travel Lite" plan covers overseas medical expenses of up to S$10,000, emergency medical evacuation up to S$250,000, repatriation up to S$30,000, and trip cancellation, postponement or interruption up to S$500 each.

Aviva also offers its "Travel Plus" plan at S$94.37 and its "Travel Prestige" plan at S$138.13.

The plan is eligible for fully-vaccinated travellers who have not been diagnosed with Covid-19, and are not travelling against travel advisories issued by the Singapore government.

AXA Wanderlust Travel Insurance

For adults up to age 70, the "Lite" plan, priced at S$50.96, covers medical expenses up to S$10,000, personal accidents up to S$50,000, and emergency travel-related assistance of up to S$100,000.

There are two more tiers, priced at S$119.88 and S$148.94.

The plan does not cover those diagnosed with Covid-19 prior to the trip, or those flying to an area where the Singapore government has advised against travelling.

FWD Travel Insurance

On top of base costs of S$41 for the "Premium" plan, S$53 for the "Business" plan and S$66 for the "First" plan, buyers can also opt to top up S$28.95 for FWD's Covid-19 enhanced travel benefit.

The top-up includes coverage of up to S$100,000 for hospital medical expenses, up to S$1,000 in transport expenses and up to S$100,000 for emergency evacuation back to Singapore, if required.

Buyers must not have been tested positive for Covid-19. FWD also encourages travellers to only book trips that are under permitted travel arrangements.

HL Assurance COVIDSafe Travel Protect360

The "Enhanced" plan, its most popular, is priced at S$119. It covers medical expenses up to S$50,000 for adults aged 70 and below, S$15,000 for adults aged above 70, and S$25,000 for children - which are those aged above three months old and up to 18 years old, or up to 25 years if studying full-time. It also covers trip cancellations of up to S$1,000, trip postponements up to S$750 and trip rearrangement up to S$1,000.

HL Assurance also has two other plans, its "Basic" and "Superior" plan, priced at S$82 and S$157, respectively.

For terms and conditions of each plan, please contact the respective insurer directly.