UOB Travel Insurance Review 2024

Thinking about getting UOB Travel Insurance – InsureTravel – for your next adventure? Dive into this review to discover if it fits your travel plans perfectly.

While UOB might be more commonly associated with banking and credit cards, their travel insurance, named InsureTravel, packs a powerful punch. Offering extensive coverage at inexpensive costs, InsureTravel delivers the protection you need when you're far from home. 

This post will review its coverage and what makes it stand out. 

Plus, we’ll compare it with UOB’s complimentary travel insurance that comes with their credit card and introduce a fantastic one-stop travel website by UOB that makes planning trips easy.

Table of contents:

• Comparing UOB Travel Insurance To Other Plans
• UOB Travel Insurance Plans Review
• Benefits: Is UOB Travel Insurance Good?
• List of UOB Travel Insurance Exclusions
• Pros & Cons Of UOB Travel Insurance
• UOB Travel Insurance Claim
• What Online Reviews Are Saying About UOB Travel Insurance
• Other Travel Insurance Provider Reviews

Comparing UOB Travel Insurance To Other Plans

Comparing UOB InsureTravel with other travel insurance offerings, it's clear that UOB provides competitive rates and comprehensive coverage. Below is a detailed comparison chart that outlines how InsureTravel stacks up against other top-tier insurance plans in terms of benefits, premiums, and exclusions.

For a deeper dive into how UOB's travel insurance compares with others, please visit our travel insurance comparison page.

UOB Travel Insurance Plans Review

Before we get into all the details, here's a table that quickly summarises the key information about UOB’s travel insurance, InsureTravel.

Standout Benefit: Credit Card Fraud and Credit Card Liability Protector 

InsureTravel stands out for its credit card coverage. It has two benefits for credit cards: Credit Card Indemnity and Credit Card Liability Protector.

Credit Card Indemnity:

When we travel and make payments using our credit cards, we risk having our credit cards cloned by thieves and fraudulent transactions charged to our cards. InsureTravel’s ‘Credit Card Indemnity’ benefit will help you cover some of the financial loss if this happens. 

Exclusive for UOB cardholders, you will also be covered for the phone charges you incur when making phone calls to UOB Card Centre to report the loss of your UOB credit card. 

Credit Card Liability Protector

If something tragic happens and you pass away from an accident on your trip, InsureTravel can help your family. The plan will pay off the balances on your credit cards up to your policy's limit. It means your loved ones won't be left with that debt after you're gone.

Benefits: Is UOB Travel Insurance Good?

An Overview of InsureTravel’s Coverage

InsureTravel has a comprehensive scope of benefits. It protects you from financial losses and hefty medical bills if something goes wrong before, during, and after your trip. Whether you're dealing with unexpected cancellations or medical emergencies while abroad, UOB’s Travel Insurance has provisions to ensure your peace of mind.

Before Your Trip

Ensuring peace of mind starts before you even leave. Here's how UOB InsureTravel keeps you covered:

• Cancelling/postponing your trip
• Replacing the traveller 
• Loss of deposit paid due to bankruptcy of travel agent

During Your Trip

While you are away, comprehensive coverage continues to protect you across various aspects:

• Death or disability due to an accident
• Medical expenses (medical, dental, pregnancy) 
• Traditional Chinese Medicine or chiropractic medical expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• Hospital stay allowance
• Compassionate visit by a friend or relative when you are hospitalised
• Travel inconveniences: baggage delay
• Loss or damage to personal belongings, travel documents, and money
• Travel inconveniences: travel delay, flight deviation, travel misconnection, and overbooking
• Trip curtailment and trip disruption
• Un-utilised entertainment tickets
• Hijacking, kidnapping and acts of terrorism
• Credit card indemnity and credit card liability protector
• Personal liability
• Rental vehicle excess
• Home Protection
• Travel assistance while overseas

After Your Trip

Even after you return, certain benefits continue to support you:

• Follow-up medical expenses in Singapore
• Hospital stay allowance

COVID-19 Coverage Under InsureTravel

UOB’s InsureTravel has built-in COVID-19 coverage. You don't need to add it separately. 

Compared to cheaper travel insurance, its COVID-19 benefits are extensive. This ensures that even in these uncertain times, your travel plans are safeguarded. If you want comprehensive protection related to COVID-19 on your trip, InsureTravel is a great pick. COVID-19 benefits includes:

• Trip cancellation/postponement
• Medical expenses during your trip
• Emergency medical evacuation/repatriation
• Overseas hospital daily allowance
• Overseas quarantine daily allowance
• Trip curtailment
• Get well benefit
• Bereavement benefit

Some of the benefits listed above are only offered in the top-tier plan type, i.e., InsureTravel Preferred Plan, and not in the basic and mid-tier plan types, i.e., InsureTravel Basic Plan and Essential Plan. Make sure that you select the right plan type to meet your needs. If you want the most complete protection, go with the InsureTravel Preferred Plan.

List of UOB Travel Insurance Exclusions

UOB’s InsureTravel does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. If you have an ongoing health issue, it won't pay for treatment if that flares up on your trip. You need a plan like Tiq Travel Insurance that covers pre-existing conditions.

InsureTravel also has limits on sports coverage. Its adventure activity insurance won't cover you for professional or income-earning sports/games. But leisure activities like scuba diving and hiking are covered, as long as they're conducted by licensed organisers and under the supervision of qualified instructors. 

Additionally, all airborne activities are excluded. The plan won’t cover things like skydiving and hot air ballooning.

Pros & Cons Of UOB Travel Insurance

When considering UOB InsureTravel for your travel insurance needs, it's essential to weigh its advantages and limitations. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons:

Pros of UOB Travel Insurance

• Comprehensive Coverage Options: UOB InsureTravel offers extensive protection that includes not just the basic travel inconveniences and medical expenses but also covers less common issues such as credit card fraud, personal liability, and even alternative medical treatments like Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• COVID-19 Coverage Included: In response to the ongoing pandemic, UOB has integrated COVID-19 coverage at no additional cost, covering medical expenses and trip cancellations related to the virus, which is a significant advantage in today's travel climate.
• Competitive Premiums: Compared to other travel insurance products on the market, UOB InsureTravel is competitively priced, offering good value for the coverage provided, especially for the more comprehensive plan options.
• Flexible Plan Options: With three different levels of coverage (Basic, Essential, and Preferred), travellers can choose a plan that best fits their budget and coverage needs, making it suitable for a wide range of travellers, from budget solo travellers to families on extensive international trips.
• High Limits on Claims: UOB offers high limits on claims, particularly in areas like medical evacuation and repatriation, which can be crucial during emergencies abroad.

Cons of UOB Travel Insurance

• Exclusions on Pre-existing Conditions: Like many travel insurance policies, UOB InsureTravel does not cover pre-existing medical conditions, which might be a drawback for travellers with ongoing health issues.
• Limited Sports Coverage: While the policy covers a range of leisure activities, there are exclusions, particularly for professional or competitive sports and certain high-risk activities, which might not make it suitable for adventure-seeking travellers.
• Geographical Coverage Limitations: Certain plans may have geographical limitations or higher premiums for specific destinations, which could limit options for global travellers.
• No Coverage for Lost or Stolen Cash: Unlike some competitors, UOB does not cover losses of cash, which could be a concern for travellers carrying cash during their journeys.

Understanding these pros and cons will help potential customers make an informed decision about whether UOB InsureTravel fits their specific travel insurance needs.

UOB Travel Insurance Claim

If you need to file a claim under your UOB Travel Insurance policy, here are the essential steps to follow:

Step 1: Notify the Insurer 

As soon as you realise that you might need to make a claim, contact UOB InsureTravel's support team. Immediate notification is crucial and can be done via their hotline, email, or through their online portal. It's important to notify the insurer of any claims immediately. All claims must be reported no later than 31 days after your policy expires.

Step 2: Complete the Claim Form 

Download the claim form from UOB’s official travel insurance webpage. Fill out the form thoroughly, providing all necessary details regarding the incident and your policy. Ensure all sections are completed to avoid delays in processing your claim.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Collect all relevant documents that support your claim. This may include, but is not limited to, medical reports, police reports, receipts for expenses incurred, proof of travel delays, or baggage damage reports from airlines. The specific documents required will depend on the nature of your claim.

Step 4: Submit Your Claim

Mail the completed claim form along with all necessary supporting documents to the appointed Claims Handling Agent:

Broadspire by Crawford & Company
Travel Insurance Claims Department
6 Shenton Way, #19-10 OUE Downtown 2
Singapore 068809

Alternatively, submissions can also be made via email at travel-uoi@broadspire.asia.

Step 5: Claim Processing

Once your claim is submitted, UOB will process it based on the provided documentation and the coverage outlined in your policy. This process involves reviewing the claim details, assessing the documents provided, and possibly contacting you for further clarification.

Step 6: Resolution and Reimbursement

After processing your claim, UOB will inform you of the outcome. If approved, they will proceed with the reimbursement based on the terms of your travel insurance policy. The time taken to receive payment can vary, but UOB endeavours to handle it as efficiently as possible

What Online Reviews Are Saying About UOB Travel Insurance

UOB offers a range of travel insurance plans designed to meet various needs and budgets. Here’s a closer look at the Basic, Essential, and Preferred plans based on customer reviews and coverage details:

Basic Plan

UOB’s Basic Plan is favoured by individuals and families looking for affordable yet reliable coverage for shorter regional trips. Reviews often highlight its cost-effectiveness, covering essential needs such as medical expenses and personal accident insurance without a hefty premium. It’s particularly recommended for budget-conscious travellers who do not require extensive coverage.

Essential Plan

The Essential Plan steps up in terms of coverage and is well-suited for longer international trips. Online reviews praise its balanced approach, offering broader protection including higher medical coverage limits and additional benefits like travel delay and baggage loss. This plan strikes a good balance between cost and comprehensive coverage, making it a popular choice among average travellers.

Preferred Plan

UOB's Preferred Plan is its most comprehensive travel insurance plan, providing extensive coverage limits and additional perks, which include higher medical expense coverage and inclusive coverage for adventure activities. Reviews often note the peace of mind this plan offers, especially for those travelling to remote or high-risk destinations. It’s ideal for travellers who seek the most complete protection available.

Other Travel Insurance Provider Reviews

For those considering other options, it's useful to compare UOB's offerings with other travel insurance providers. Here are reviews of some other top travel insurance providers:

• Income Travel Insurance: Known for its high customer satisfaction rates, Income offers a variety of plans that cater to different needs, including specialised coverage for activities like winter sports and adventure.
• AIG Travel Guard®: AIG is praised for its extensive global support network. Their Travel Guard® plans are comprehensive, providing exceptional coverage for medical emergencies and travel inconveniences.
• FWD Travel Insurance: FWD is popular for its straightforward claims process and affordable pricing. Their coverage includes unique aspects such as unlimited medical evacuation, which is a standout feature noted in many reviews.
• Starr Travel Insurance: Starr offers a range of travel insurance options with varying levels of coverage, highly rated for their customer service and the ease of purchasing and claiming.

By exploring these options, you can better understand how UOB’s travel insurance stacks up against its competitors, helping you make a well-informed decision based on your specific travel insurance needs.