Buy The Best and Cheapest Travel Insurance For Your Taiwan Trip

Taiwan is a beloved travel destination for Singaporeans for its sheer variety of natural, cultural, and retail experiences (and more!) that ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From mouthwatering night market snacks along the streets of Taipei to the sun-beaten shores of Kaohsiung’s beaches, there’s a plethora of activities and attractions to enjoy.

However, the island’s susceptibility to earthquakes and typhoons makes buying travel insurance an essential part of preparing for any trip to Taiwan. Ensure you’re covered for any unexpected events by comparing and choosing the best travel insurance in Singapore that suits your travel needs.

Travel Taiwan with peace of mind with travel insurance.

Why you should get travel insurance for your trip to Taiwan from Singapore

Travel insurance is crucial for trips from Singapore to Taiwan as the island is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and typhoons, that can lead to landslides, debris flows, and land subsidence.

While these events are sometimes minor (think a slight tremor that passes before you even realise it’s happened) they can also be severe and even deadly – just like the April 2024 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Hualien that resulted in island-wide tremors, several fatalities, and over 900 reported casualties. The earthquake’s damage to the iconic Taroko National Park was estimated to cost around NT$1 billion in repairs, and the tremors even affected homes and businesses in Taipei on the other side of the island.

While no one expects to encounter such emergencies during a holiday, it’s good to be aware of these risks and prepare yourself accordingly. Ensuring your international travel insurance covers such disasters can help mitigate potential financial losses during your Taiwan trip, taking the financial burden off your shoulders during a distressing situation.

Comparing Taiwan Travel Insurance Plans

All premiums listed here are based on single-trip travel insurance for one adult for 3 days in July 2024. Premiums may vary depending on the age, health condition, and number of travellers.

When buying travel insurance for Taiwan, it’s important to consider your traveller profile and itinerary.

For example, if you or your travel companion has certain physical conditions or needs (e.g. elderly parents, pregnancy, or pre-existing medical conditions), it’s recommended to buy travel insurance that can provide more comprehensive coverage. Itinerary-wise, if you’re planning to do extreme sports or outdoor activities like trekking or bungee jumping, be sure to find travel insurance that not only covers such activities but also has generous medical coverage.

To help you choose the best travel insurance for your Taiwan trip, we’ve picked our top recommendations across common categories.

Let’s start with travellers looking to either stretch their travel dollars or simply get the most bang for their buck. Good news, the Starr TraveLead Essential with COVID-19 Coverage (Bronze Plan) does both! With S$200,000 in overseas medical expenses, S$5,000 in overseas hospitalisation allowance, and S$15,000 in COVID-19 coverage, this plan offers generous coverage at one of the cheapest premiums.

FWD’s Premium plan is also ideal for flight diversions, cancellations, or postponements (a good thing to consider during typhoon season!) with S$7,500 for trip cancellation, S$500 for travel postponement, S$1,000 for travel disruption and an optional add-on of S$1,000 for cancellation for any reason.

If you’re a traveller who likes to indulge in extreme sports or just live life on the wild side, Singlife Travel Prestige may be the better option. Not only does it offer unlimited coverage for overseas medical expenses and S$200,000 for COVID-19 overseas medical expenses, but there are optional add-ons for adventurous water sports, winter sports, and golfing.

For those travelling with family, there are a few options to choose from depending on what your family looks like. Seedly’s Travel Secure plan is specially designed for families with kids, as children are automatically covered without any additional fees! The plan also covers the basics such as personal accidents, overseas medical expenses (including COVID-19), and trip cancellation, with additional Child Support Grants and Personal Accident Benefits per child to give mum and dad peace of mind.

If you’re travelling with elderly parents or relatives, consider the AIG Travel Guard® Direct - Supreme instead. It offers S$2,500,000 for overseas medical expenses and S$50,000 for overseas hospitalisation allowance – generous amounts that distinguish it from other Taiwan insurance plans.

Pregnant travellers can consider AIG or the MSIG Premier Plan. The MSIG Premier Plan includes S$3,000 for maternity medical expenses overseas, S$1,000,000 for overseas medical expenses, and up to S$4,000 total for overseas ICU hospitalisation daily benefits.

Travellers concerned about getting COVID-19 while abroad will appreciate the Allianz Travel Hero (APAC) plan, which integrates COVID-19 coverage without any additional add-ons, including S$350,000 for medical overseas expenses.

Best travel insurance for Taiwan

Best value-for-money or budget travel insurance: Starr TraveLead Essential with COVID-19 Coverage (Bronze Plan)

Starr TraveLead Essential's Bronze Plan is not just affordable; it also provides substantial coverage for essentials such as medical expenses and trip interruptions, which is crucial for unexpected health issues or travel changes in Taiwan. This plan is perfect for those who want reliable coverage without breaking the bank, ensuring that unexpected events don't derail your travel budget.

Best for comprehensive coverage + extreme sports: Singlife Travel Prestige

For adventurers heading to Taiwan's diverse landscapes, the Singlife Travel Prestige plan offers peace of mind with extensive medical and emergency evacuation coverage, even in remote areas. It also protects sports equipment and includes high-risk activities that are often excluded in standard policies, making it the ideal choice for thrill-seekers.

Best for families: Seedly Travel Secure

Seedly Travel Secure makes family travel insurance for Taiwan simpler by covering all family members under one policy at a competitive rate. It includes special provisions for children, such as coverage for accidents in playgrounds or theme parks, and adds educational interruption benefits, which are useful if the family faces any travel delays or interruptions during educational trips.

Best for COVID-19 coverage: Allianz Travel Hero (APAC)

Allianz Travel Hero (APAC) plan provides extensive COVID-19 related coverage including medical treatment while abroad and trip cancellation if you contract the virus before departure. This plan is ideal in the current travel climate, offering reassurance for both pre-departure and during your stay in Taiwan.

Comparing Taiwan Travel Insurance Coverage

All Taiwan travel insurance information in the following table, including total premium costs, is based on the highest coverage possible offered by the travel insurance provider across all plans for an adult traveller. Sub-limits may apply, COVID-19 coverage may be via optional add-on. Variations depending on traveller age and condition may apply.

Stay protected with travel insurance while travelling Taiwan.

Important travel insurance coverage for Taiwan

Medical coverage

Given Taiwan's susceptibility to natural disasters, buying travel insurance with robust medical coverage is vital. This should cover everything from minor injuries to major medical incidents, ensuring that you can receive top-notch medical care without facing financial strain.

Flight delay or cancellation

This coverage is essential for any Taiwan trip, as sudden weather changes can disrupt flight schedules. Look for travel insurance policies that offer reimbursement for additional accommodation and meal expenses if you're stranded.

Lost or stolen luggage

Comprehensive travel insurance should cover the loss or theft of baggage, which is particularly important in busy tourist areas or on public transportation in Taiwan.

Changes to itinerary

Travel insurance that includes coverage for itinerary changes is crucial for adapting to Taiwan's dynamic environment, particularly during the typhoon season, ensuring that you can modify your travel plans without incurring financial loss.

Region-specific travel insurance tips

Taiwan's geographic setting makes it prone to natural occurrences like earthquakes and typhoons, with the 2024 Hualien earthquake still on everyone’s mind. Apart from buying travel insurance, here are some Taiwan-specific travel tips to prepare you for such potential events and help you achieve a worry-free stay:

• Stay flexible in your travel plans to accommodate potential disruptions.
• Be aware of typhoon season or predictions, and try to plan your travel dates around it.
• Regularly check updates from Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration’s Seismological Center and prepare your travel documents to withstand weather changes (e.g. store your passports and documents in waterproof bags or folders).
• Apps like Taiwan's Emergency Management Information Center provide real-time alerts that are invaluable during your stay.
• The US Tsunami Warning Center issues worldwide warnings, and it’s recommended to check their platform for information on earthquakes and tsunamis.

How to choose the best Taiwan travel insurance that suits me

If you’re still wondering, “do I need travel insurance to Taiwan?” just remember – it’s always better to be prepared. When selecting the best travel insurance for Taiwan, consider:

• Coverage extent: Ensuring all possible risks are covered is crucial. This includes everything from minor injuries to major emergencies like natural disasters or medical repatriation. For Taiwan, specifically, ensure that the policy covers natural disasters given the region's susceptibility to earthquakes and typhoons.

• Ease of the claim process: The ease with which you can file a claim and the support you receive during this process are vital. Look for insurance providers known for their customer service and quick response times. It's beneficial to choose a provider with an intuitive online claims process or a 24/7 support hotline, which can be invaluable when you're in a different time zone.

• Provisions for travel delays: This coverage is essential for managing unexpected changes in your itinerary. Delays can occur due to weather, technical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. Good travel insurance will cover additional accommodation and meal expenses incurred during this waiting period, making the inconvenience less stressful.
• Baggage coverage specifics: Baggage loss or damage is a common travel issue. Ensure your policy includes comprehensive coverage for both checked-in and hand-carried luggage. Some policies also cover the emergency purchase of essentials if your baggage is delayed, which can be particularly useful in places like Taiwan where you might need immediate access to items not readily available.
• Support for medical emergencies: Medical support should include coverage for hospital stays, emergency treatments, and, in severe cases, medical evacuation back to your home country. Given Taiwan’s varied geographical features from bustling cities to remote mountainous regions, ensure the insurance covers emergencies even in less accessible areas.
• Policy type: Whether you travel frequently or occasionally, or solo, in a couple, or with family, will determine if a single trip or an annual multi-trip policy is more economical and practical for you. If Taiwan is just one of the many destinations you plan to visit over the year, an annual policy could provide better value and convenience.
• Additional benefits that enhance the travel experience: Depending on the nature of your trip, look for policies that offer additional benefits that enhance your travel experience. These could include coverage for adventure sports if you plan to engage in activities like hiking in Yangmingshan or paragliding. Also, consider coverage for high-tech equipment if you're travelling with expensive gadgets, which can be a target for theft or damage during travel.

Tips for travelling to Taiwan

Once you’ve purchased the best travel insurance for your travel needs, here are some practical tips for your trip to Taiwan:

• Acquire a local smartcard (EasyCard) for convenient payment across transportation and retail. EasyCard can be topped up using cash or card (at selected machines) and can help pay for everything from convenience store snacks to MRT rides to restaurant meals.
• Download local transportation apps for ease of travel. Go! Taipei Metro provides a convenient map of the sprawling Taipei MRT network, while Taiwan Railway and T-Express help you navigate island-wide train lines and high speed rail, respectively. YouBike 2.0 is perfect if you prefer to cycle. Uber is another option for those who want convenient transport options that aren’t the MRT.
• Dress respectfully and respect local customs, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts when visiting such attractions.
• Be aware of designated smoking zones.
• Book accommodations, reserve transport seats, and make restaurant reservations well in advance if possible, especially if you’re visiting Taiwan during peak tourist seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling to Taiwan

When is the best time to visit Taiwan? 

The ideal time to visit Taiwan is during the fall, specifically September to November. During these months, the weather is generally mild and comfortable, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the cities. Additionally, this period is vibrant with various cultural festivals, including the famous Moon Festival, where mooncakes are a delight and lanterns light up the sky.

Is Taiwan a safe country to visit? 

Taiwan is commonly ranked among the safest countries in the world for travellers. The crime rate is notably low, and the locals are known for their hospitality towards tourists. Nonetheless, visitors should exercise common sense precautions like safeguarding personal belongings and being cautious in crowded or rural areas, especially at night.

Should you tip in Taiwan? 

In Taiwan, tipping is not a standard practice. Service charges are often included in the bills at restaurants and hotels, so additional tipping is not expected. However, for exceptional service, a small gratuity is appreciated but not obligatory.

How to get around Taiwan? 

Taiwan boasts an excellent public transportation system that includes the MRT (metro), buses, and taxis, making it easy and convenient for tourists to navigate. City-specific MRT systems, particularly in Taipei, are typically extensive, punctual, and clean. For longer distances, the High-Speed Rail and Taiwan Railway connect major cities swiftly. Renting scooters or bicycles is also popular among locals and tourists for exploring more remote areas.

Is vegetarian food available in Taiwan? 

Taiwan offers a rich variety of vegetarian options, reflecting its substantial Buddhist population and growing health-conscious trends. Many restaurants and street vendors provide vegetarian and even vegan meals, marked clearly to cater to dietary preferences. Traditional dishes like vegetarian buns, noodle soups, and stir-fried vegetables are widely available.

What is the coldest month in Taiwan?

January is the coldest month in Taiwan, particularly noticeable in the northern regions including Taipei. Temperatures can drop to around 10°C (50°F), which is chilly by Taiwanese standards. It’s advisable to pack warm clothing if visiting during this time.

What are the rainiest months in Taiwan?

The months from May to October are considered the rainiest in Taiwan, aligning with the typhoon season. This period can see heavy and sudden downpours, particularly in the afternoons. Visitors should prepare with waterproof gear such as rain coats, umbrellas, or rain boots, and be prepared to be flexible with outdoor plans during these months.

What to wear in Taiwan?

For summer months, light and breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat and humidity. During the rainy season, an umbrella and raincoat are essential. For the cooler months, particularly from December to February, bring layers, a warm jacket, and possibly a scarf, especially if travelling to northern or mountainous areas.

What is Taiwan most famous for?

Taiwan is celebrated for its dynamic night markets, such as Shilin and Raohe, offering a plethora of food options and local wares. It's also known for its diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of Taipei to the serene beauty of Taroko Gorge (currently under repair following the Apr 2024 Hualien earthquake). The island's tea culture, particularly oolong tea, is a significant aspect of its culinary offerings, with opportunities for overnight tea farm stays and homestays in Alishan and other parts of the island.

What food is Taiwan known for?

Taiwanese cuisine is highlighted by its iconic street foods and snacks. Beef Noodle Soup is a staple, with its rich, savoury broth and tender beef. Bubble Tea, a global phenomenon, originated here, with endless variations available. Other must-try dishes include Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice), Stinky Tofu, and the sweet and fluffy Pineapple Cake, ideal for souvenirs.

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