Best Travel Insurance for Singaporeans Travelling to Malaysia in 2024

When driving to Malaysia, get yourself covered with travel insurance – even if it’s just a short trip across the causeway.

Should you get travel insurance even for a short trip from JB to Singapore? Unforeseen disruptions like flight cancellations, lost belongings, or medical emergencies can occur. With travel insurance, you stay financially safeguarded, ensuring a worry-free and memorable journey.

It's a smart investment for peace of mind during your travels, be it a short trip or to one of the other travel destinations popular with Singaporeans such as Thailand where we conveniently have a list of the best travel insurance plans for Thailand for you to pick from.

Some lessons are learned the hard way, as fellow Singaporean Rudy Dil experienced when he and his family drove to Malaysia for a short New Year's Eve trip.

Sharing his experience on Facebook, Rudy details how his car was stolen while it was parked at AEON Bukit Indah Shopping Centre. He and his family went for lunch and shopping at around 1 p.m., and when he returned less than 6 hours later, his car had vanished, with groceries and clothes all in the boot.

AEON Bukit Indah Shopping Centre is slightly more than a 30-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint.

While police reports were made in both Malaysia and Singapore, Rudy stated that “investigations can only be done by the Malaysian police”. To make matters worse, he was told the shopping mall’s CCTV cameras were not working and the traffic cameras around the area were also not functioning. 

Having learnt his lesson, Rudy urged Singaporeans to get travel insurance, even if it’s for a short day trip across the causeway. If you are planning a short trip to Malaysia but not sure which travel insurance plan to buy, we have compiled the best travel insurance deals to ease your decision-making process!

Table of contents

• Why buy travel insurance before travelling to Malaysia?
• How to choose travel insurance for travel to Malaysia?
• What are the requirements for entering Malaysia?
• What are the best travel insurance plans for Singaporeans going to Malaysia?
• What Is The Average Cost Of Travel Insurance For Singaporeans Travelling To Malaysia?
• Travel Insurance is not just for extended trips
• Choose the right amount of coverage
• Get better value with an annual travel insurance policy
• Get the best insurance plan for your trip to Malaysia today!

Why buy travel insurance before travelling to Malaysia?

Travelling from Singapore to Malaysia soon? Whether it's a quick drive across the causeway or a longer expedition, travel insurance is your safety net. 

Just ask Rudy, who learned the hard way during a short New Year's Eve trip to Malaysia by car. Following a self-drive to Malaysia, Rudy was soon met with an unfortunate incident of having his car stolen. And his story isn’t isolated. Anecdotes and statistics reveal that Singaporeans often encounter unexpected disruptions, ranging from theft to medical emergencies, during their Malaysian travels. 

While unexpected and unfortunate, Rudy’s experience highlights the importance of having travel insurance even for short journeys to Malaysia by car in ensuring financial coverage, as well as giving you peace of mind.

How to choose travel insurance for travel to Malaysia?

Selecting the appropriate coverage for your travel insurance is crucial for a worry-free trip to Malaysia.

A general rule of thumb when getting travel insurance is to purchase a sufficient amount of coverage. What counts as “sufficient” depends on the country you are travelling to. Some countries have high medical expenses, which means you’ll need a higher level of coverage. Another factor is how accessible your location is – this is important if you should require emergency evacuation and/or repatriation of your remains.

In short, when travelling to Malaysia, you are likely to require basic travel insurance coverage. Here are some other key factors to consider:

Medical Coverage

Determine the level of medical coverage needed based on the destination's healthcare costs. For travel to Malaysia, our currency advantage, coupled with relatively affordable healthcare costs, allows us to choose a lower level of medical coverage. 

Emergency Evacuation

Regarding emergency evacuation, you’ll want to consider what kind of environment your holiday activities will take place in. Emergency evacuation in the city is likely to be easier (and thus less costly) than having to be airlifted from the middle of the rainforest.

Personal Belongings and Luggage

Evaluate the value of your personal belongings that you are bringing overseas. These include your mobile phone, wallet, jewellery, and other important valuables. Evaluating this will determine the appropriate coverage level to purchase.

Trip Cancellation

Consider the likelihood of trip cancellations and choose the coverage accordingly. It is unlikely to require high coverage here for this case, as plane tickets and coach rides to Malaysia are relatively affordable.

What are the requirements for entering Malaysia?

Whether you're embarking on a self-driving adventure or considering other modes of entry from Singapore to Malaysia, understanding the requirements for entering Malaysia is vital for a seamless travel experience.

Visa-free entry

Citizens of numerous countries, including Singapore, can enjoy visa-free entry into Malaysia for tourism purposes. Typically, this exemption allows for stays of up to 90 days, but the duration can vary depending on your nationality. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date, and you have a return ticket or onward travel documentation.

Single entry

If you plan to visit Malaysia for tourism purposes and are not eligible for visa-free entry, you can apply for a single-entry tourist visa. This visa allows you to stay in Malaysia for a specific duration, usually up to 30 days. You'll need to provide proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

Multiple entry 

If you intend to make multiple visits to Malaysia within a specific period, you can apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa. This visa is suitable for travellers who frequently visit Malaysia for business or leisure. The duration of stay for each entry is usually up to 30 days.

Transit visa

While our primary focus remains on self-driving into Malaysia, it's essential to be aware of other entry scenarios that travellers might encounter. If your travel plans involve catching a flight midway to another destination or returning to Singapore from Malaysia, understanding transit visa requirements is crucial.

If your transit route involves staying exclusively within the international transit area of the airport and you won't be leaving the airport premises, a transit visa is generally unnecessary.

However, if your transit requires you to pass through immigration or exit the airport during your layover, it's advisable to check whether you may need to obtain a transit visa. Keep in mind that transit visa requirements can vary based on your nationality and the duration of your stay in Malaysia. To ensure a smooth transit experience, it's recommended to consult the relevant authorities or the Malaysian embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information on transit visa requirements. This will help you navigate any potential visa-related concerns during your journey.

Additional Information for for Travellers Self- Driving into Malaysia

Vehicle Documents

When self-driving into Malaysia by car, it is essential to have the required vehicle documents in order to have a smooth process. Firstly, ensure that you have the vehicle registration documents, which serve as proof of the vehicle's legal registration and ownership. Additionally, make sure that your vehicle is covered by valid insurance, extending its coverage to Malaysia. Lastly, obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany your Singapore driving licence. The IDP functions as an official translation of your licence and is often a prerequisite for driving in foreign countries. Having these documents in order will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free self-driving experience in Malaysia.

Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)

You may need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to enter Malaysia if you are planning to drive a Singapore-registered vehicle into the country. The VEP is a permit issued by the Road Transport Department of Malaysia (JPJ) and is required for all foreign vehicles entering Malaysia.

To apply for a VEP, visit the official VEP website and follow the registration process.

Border Crossing Information

Different border crossing points between Singapore and Malaysia may have specific operating hours, restrictions, or unique procedures. Before your trip, research and verify the details of the border checkpoint you plan to use. Being well-informed about border crossings can save you time and potential hassles during your self-driving adventure.

What are the best travel insurance plans for Singaporeans going to Malaysia?

When planning your trip from Singapore to Malaysia, it's crucial to have the right travel insurance to ensure a safe and worry-free journey. Here are some of the best travel insurance plans tailored to meet the needs of Singaporean travellers entering Malaysia. 

Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance (Comprehensive) – Bronze

StarrLead Travel Insurance (Comprehensive) – Bronze offers substantial coverage despite its budget-friendly price. This travel insurance policy includes protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and personal liability, including if you self-drive to Malaysia. 

Here's what it includes:

• Up to S$200,000 in overseas medical coverage (S$15,000 for COVID-19).
• Overseas hospital cash benefit of S$200 per day, capped at S$5,000.
• Includes follow-up medical treatment benefits of up to S$15,000 and allowances for alternative treatments like Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, and Chiropractic.

In addition to these medical benefits, StarrLead provides comprehensive support:

• Emergency evacuation and/or repatriation coverage is unlimited, ensuring your safety during emergencies.
• The policy offers a hospitalisation guarantee of up to S$7,000, eliminating the need to scramble for funds when seeking treatment.
• Trip disruption benefits and personal luggage coverage are also noteworthy, with up to S$2,000 coverage for travel document loss and alternative accommodations (S$400 per day), along with up to S$5,000 in trip curtailment benefits.
• For personal belongings, you'll enjoy coverage of up to S$3,000, including a sub-limit of S$1,400 for laptops and S$1,000 for cameras.

If you plan to rent a vehicle or car in Malaysia, there's a S$500 rental excess waiver, which, although beneficial, may be supplemented with an additional policy for more comprehensive protection.

FWD Travel Insurance – Premium

FWD Travel Insurance, while slightly more expensive than Starr TraveLead (especially with the COVID-19 add-on), offers extensive protection for travellers. It covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage loss, with an emphasis on COVID-19 coverage. This policy offers significant personal accident coverage and flexible options to cater to various travel needs.

Here's what it includes:

• Up to S$200,000 in overseas medical coverage.
• Overseas hospitalisation cash benefit of S$200 per day, up to S$5,000.
• Unlimited coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Up to S$7,500 for trip cancellation.
• Up to S$3,000 for personal luggage, with sub-limits of S$1,000 for laptops/tablets and S$300 for mobile phones.
• It's important to note that COVID-19 coverage is not included by default and needs to be purchased as an add-on (at an additional cost of S$11.06 in our example).

One of the best features of FWD Travel Insurance is its personal accident cover, providing S$200,000 in benefits in the event of accidental death or total and permanent disability. This makes it a valuable choice for individuals without a life policy or standalone personal accident plan, offering an extra layer of protection.

TIQ Travel Insurance – Entry

TIQ Travel Insurance – Entry stands out as one of the most budget-friendly options that may be best for your wallet, despite the need to purchase COVID-19 cover as an additional add-on. 

Here's a summarised overview of its key features:

• Up to S$200,000 in overseas medical benefits, with a daily overseas hospitalisation cash benefit of S$200, up to S$5,000. Additionally, there's a hospital allowance in Singapore of S$50 per day, up to S$500.
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage of up to S$1 million.
• Up to S$5,000 for trip cancellation and S$3,000 for travel curtailment.
• Personal luggage coverage of up to S$2,000, with a sub-limit of S$1,000 for laptops and S$250 for all other items.
• Travel documents coverage, albeit relatively low, at S$150.
• One notable inclusion is the hijacking or kidnapping clause, providing up to S$1,000 in benefits. This can be valuable if you encounter a carjacking incident while travelling in Malaysia.

MSIG TravelEasy – Standard

MSIG TravelEasy – Standard is another excellent choice for your Malaysia trip, offering robust coverage with the highest overseas medical cover among the other travel insurance plans discussed here, totaling S$250,000 (S$75,000 for COVID-19 coverage).

Here's a summary of the key features:

• S$25,000 sum assured for follow-up medical expenses in Singapore.
• S$5,000 for emergency dental benefits, making it one of the most comprehensive options for medical coverage.
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage of up to S$1 million.
• Personal accident benefits of up to S$150,000.
• Higher tiers provide a larger sum assured and a public transport double indemnity, doubling the payout in the event of accidental death while using public transport.
• Trip inconvenience coverage of up to S$5,000 for travel cancellation and travel curtailment.
• Compensation of up to S$1,000 for any disruptions to your travel plans.
• Coverage for personal items and documents, including up to S$3,000 for luggage (with a S$1,000 sub-limit for laptops and tablets, and S$500 for all other items) and up to S$2,000 for the loss of travel documents.

Before choosing the best travel insurance plan for your trip to Malaysia, consider factors such as the duration of your stay, the activities you plan to engage in, and your specific needs. It's essential to review each plan's coverage, exclusions, and limits to select the one that aligns with your travel requirements.

Additionally, keep in mind that travel insurance requirements to enter Malaysia may change over time, so it's advisable to check the latest offerings and compare policies to find the one that provides the best value and protection for your journey.

What Is The Average Cost Of Travel Insurance For Singaporeans Travelling To Malaysia?

*Please note that these estimated premium rates are based on a single trip for 1 adult, over four days in Malaysia.

Travel Insurance is not just for extended trips

As Rudy’s case has shown, the mindset that short trips don’t require travel insurance can leave you open to unnecessary risk. From theft and loss of belongings to bigger issues like car accidents and personal injuries, keeping yourself covered with the right travel insurance can grant you an ease of mind.

With cheap short-term travel insurance (ASEAN) plans that cost as low as $20, there’s no reason not to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances even when you’re just travelling to Malaysia from Singapore. 

Planning a trip to JB soon? Here are some other things you should consider before driving to JB, most important of which is to check that you have comprehensive car insurance that is valid outside of Singapore.

Don't overlook the importance of having travel insurance in place for short-distance trips.. It can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience and security.

Choose the right amount of coverage

Most travel insurance plans don’t cover extreme activities, so be sure to choose the right coverage for your needs. Those that are travelling with family can also save more by choosing a family travel insurance policy over multiple personal policies. You can even apply for policies that protect against loss of frequent flyer points, and that are specially catered to those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Get better value with an annual travel insurance policy

Regular travellers? Get an annual multi-trip travel insurance plan instead. Remember to look out for any restrictions on the maximum number of days covered per trip. There are even annual plans that provide worldwide coverage for maximum flexibility, so you can always travel with peace of mind.

So whether it’s just a quick hop across the causeway, or an extended adventure in Europe, always keep yourself covered. Compare and apply for the best travel insurance for your needs on SingSaver and enjoy even more value.

First time buying travel insurance? Check out our step-by-step guide to purchasing travel insurance on your own!

Get the best insurance plan for your trip to Malaysia today!

Safeguard your journey to Malaysia with travel insurance. Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that you're covered for unforeseen circumstances. Whether it's a quick getaway or an extended trip, it provides essential protection and peace of mind. 

From selecting the ideal coverage to understanding entry prerequisites and pinpointing the best insurance plans, you're well-prepared. SingSaver is here to help you find the perfect insurance plan tailored to your requirements. So, don't delay – secure your protection today and travel worry-free!