Understanding Trip Delay Insurance in Singapore

Unexpected travel hiccups can disrupt even the best-laid plans. While airlines may offer some assistance, it's often limited, especially when delays are due to circumstances beyond their control. This is where trip delay insurance, often a benefit included with premium credit cards, comes in. It provides financial protection against the unforeseen costs that arise when your trip is significantly delayed. Understanding how trip delay insurance works and where to find it is essential for stress-free travel.

Trip delay insurance is a form of travel protection designed to reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses resulting from significant delays in your journey. This coverage typically extends to travel via common carriers, including:

• Airlines

• Ferries

• Passenger railways

• Long-distance buses

However, not all delays are eligible for coverage. Most trip delay insurance policies have specific requirements, such as a minimum delay duration before coverage kicks in. The flight needs to be delayed for at least six consecutive hours or may require an overnight stay.

It's also important to note that trip delay insurance offered through credit cards is often secondary coverage. This means that if your airline provides compensation, such as a hotel room or meals, you generally cannot claim those same expenses under your credit card's trip delay insurance.

>> More: Guide to making travel insurance claims

Trip delay insurance policies in Singapore may vary, but they generally offer reimbursement for necessary expenses you incur as a direct result of a covered travel delay. Common covered expenses include:

• Meals

• Accommodation (e.g., hotel rooms)

• Transport costs (e.g., taxi fares to and from a hotel)

• Toiletries

• Medication

• Other essential personal items

Coverage typically applies to delays caused by unforeseen circumstances, such as:

• Severe weather conditions

• Technical issues with the aircraft or other transportation

• Natural disasters

• Unexpected disruptions to travel services

It's crucial to carefully review the policy's terms and conditions to understand the specific covered reasons and any exclusions. Additionally, it’s important to note that if an airline cancels a flight, this coverage will work alongside or in place of trip delay insurance, depending on the specifics of each travel insurance policy.

>> More: Best credit cards with free travel insurance in Singapore

Many credit cards in Singapore offer trip delay insurance as part of their comprehensive travel insurance benefits, providing a convenient safety net for frequent flyers and travellers. This built-in protection can be a valuable asset, especially for travellers who often embark on both regional and international trips.

Here’s the list of popular travel cards with potential trip delay benefits.

If the credit card you used to book your trip doesn't include trip delay protection, or if you require additional coverage beyond what your card offers, you can easily purchase it as part of a comprehensive travel insurance package available through SingSaver.

Coverage details, including who is covered, what expenses are covered, and coverage amounts, can vary between plans and issuers. It's crucial to review the policy details before making a purchase, as not all travel insurance providers offer trip delay protection.

Here are a few prominent providers that offer travel insurance with trip delay protection:

Allianz provides travel delay protection as a component of many of its travel insurance packages. For instance, their OneTrip Prime plan offers coverage for expenses up to S$800 per trip (S$200 per day) and activates when your trip is delayed by five hours or more.

Allianz's coverage also extends to reimbursing expenses if you miss your cruise or tour due to a covered delay. In addition to single-trip plans, Allianz offers annual travel insurance options for frequent travellers seeking continuous protection.

>> More: Is Allianz Travel Hero good & worth it: review, pros & cons?

AIG offers comprehensive travel insurance packages that include trip delay coverage. Their plans typically cover a range of travel disruptions, including flight delays due to weather or mechanical issues. AIG also offers different levels of trip cancellation, and evacuation insurance coverage, depending on the plan chosen.

AIG's coverage limits and activation thresholds for trip delays vary depending on the chosen plan. It's recommended to review the specific policy details to understand the coverage amount and the duration of the delay required to trigger benefits.

Etiqa provides travel insurance plans that include trip delay benefits, catering to various travel needs and budgets. Their plans offer coverage for expenses incurred due to flight delays, such as meals and accommodation.

Etiqa's coverage amounts and activation criteria for trip delays differ among their plans. Customers should refer to the policy documents for detailed information on the coverage limits and conditions.

MSIG offers travel insurance packages with trip delay coverage, designed to protect travellers from unexpected disruptions. Their plans provide reimbursement for expenses resulting from flight delays, ensuring you're not left out of pocket.

MSIG's coverage details, including the maximum reimbursement and the delay threshold, vary depending on the specific plan. It's essential to review the policy terms to understand the coverage inclusions and limitations.

>> More: How to find the best travel insurance

Trip delay insurance serves as a valuable safeguard when unexpected delays disrupt your travel plans, offering coverage for essential expenses like meals, accommodation, and transportation. Given the frequency of travel for Singaporeans, this type of insurance is especially useful.

Before purchasing additional coverage, it's wise to verify if your credit card already offers this benefit. Remember, coverage eligibility hinges on the nature of the delay and the specific terms of your credit card or insurance policy.

To view the rates and fees of the AMEX Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card, see this page.

To view the rates and fees of the DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card, see this page.

To view the rates and fees of the UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card, see this page.

To view the rates and fees of the CIMB Visa Signature Credit Card, see this page.

To view the rates and fees of the Citi PremierMiles Card, see this page.

To make the most of your travels, here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2025:

• Best for flat-rate rewards: Citi Cash Back+ Card

• Best for flexibility and bonuses: UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

• Best portal benefits: DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card

• Best cashback on travel bookings: Standard Chartered SimplyCash Credit Card

• Best for direct travel bookings: American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card

• Best for luxury travel perks: Citi Prestige Card

• Best for business travellers: Citi PremierMiles Card