Best Travel Insurance for Travelling to the United Kingdom (UK)
From immersing in British culture at the Tate Modern to indulging in a shopping spree along Oxford Street, there are plenty of reasons to visit the UK. Just don't forget to secure suitable travel insurance coverage to safeguard yourself against trip disruptions or unexpected events like natural disasters.
Entry Requirements for Travelling to the UK
In general, Singaporeans do not need a visa to enter the UK for short-term stays. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, although a validity of at least six months is recommended. However, if you plan to stay in the UK for more than six months or for purposes other than tourism, youâll need to apply for the appropriate visa.
Notably, the UK is also not part of the Schengen area, so a passport is required to travel between the UK and other European countries, including Ireland.
Visa Application
If youâre intending to work, study, settle, or seek asylum in the UK, hereâs how you can apply for the relevant visa:
| Scenario | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Check eligibility | Check if your purpose of visit/stay requires a UK Visa or electronic travel authorisation (ETA), or access to an eVisa to prove your immigration status. |
| For visits up to 6 months | Youâll need a Standard Visitor visa. Examples of permitted activities under this visa include tourism, visiting friends and family, volunteering, in transit, studying, and others. It costs ÂŁ115 for up to 6 months and can be applied up to 3 months prior to departure. Meanwhile, Visitor in Transit visas cost ÂŁ64. |
| For students |
|
| For work | There are many available work visas for the UK. Check out the full list of work visas here. |
| For family | To join a family member in the UK, they must either be your spouse/partner or a parent (if youâre under 18 years old). |
Travel Insurance
While travel insurance is not mandatory, itâs still better to be safe than sorry and stay protected for your trip â especially in events like medical emergencies or trip disruptions and delays. Healthcare in the UK can be very expensive for foreigners, since overseas medical expenses are not usually subsidised by the government for tourists.
Coverage Benefits: Travel Insurance for the UK
Overall good value
Bubblegum Travel Insurance
Budget travel
FWD Premium
Pre-existing conditions coverage
Tiq Travel Insurance Pre-Ex
Extreme sports
Starr TraveLead Comprehensive
Reliable all-rounded coverage
Allianz Travel Insurance
Unique coverage benefits
MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex
Unlimited overseas medical coverage
Singlife Travel Insurance
post-departure plan purchase
INCOME Standard
Affordable premiums
Zurich Travel Insurance
Best Travel Insurance Plans for the UK
Bubblegum Travel Insurance
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$150,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Personal Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$30.3210% Off - S$27.29
[GIVEAWAY | Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
Get over S$60 worth of rewards including:
âą Up to S$25 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
âą S$30 Revolut cash reward
âą Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
For those who are more adventurous, activities like scuba diving, hot air ballooning or mountain trekking overseas, Bubblegum travel insurance will cover these experiences too.
FWD Premium
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$7,500
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$20.9730% Off - S$14.68
[Prizes worth over S$13,500 | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get over S$35 worth of rewards including:
âą S$30 Revolut cash reward
âą Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
Ready to Travel ANYWHERE for FREE?
âą Score a Holiday (worth up to S$5,000)
âą Apple AirTag (worth S$45). T&Cs apply.
âą S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Youâll also be entitled to benefits like their cashless medical claim service, 180-day advance purchase, emergency medical evacuation, and more.
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Tiq Entry
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Travel Cancelation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$2,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$2750% Off - S$13.50
[GIVEAWAY | FLASH SALE]
Enjoy 50% off Single Trip and 80% off COVID-19 add-on Annual Trip. Discounts valid till 31 Dec 2024. T&Cs apply
Get S$30 Revolut cash reward with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
S$37.4460% Off- S$14.98
[Prizes worth over S$13,500 | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Enjoy 60% off your Single Trip policy premium.
Get over S$115 worth of rewards including:
âą Up to S$50 via PayNow OR an Apple AirTag (worth S$45) with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
âą S$30 Revolut cash reward
âą S$30 Trip.com Hotel Coupon*
âą Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Ready to Travel ANYWHERE for FREE?
âą Score a Holiday (worth up to S$5,000)
âą Apple AirTag (worth S$45). T&Cs apply.
âą S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Under the Gold tier, enjoy up to S$1 million overseas medical coverage with no sub-limits on outpatient expenses (up to S$65,000 for Covid-19 coverage), up to S$15,000 in trip cancellations, and up to S$7,500 for lost or damaged baggage.
It also includes flexible add-ons for activities like golf, cruises, scuba diving, winter sports, and more.
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Allianz Travel Basic
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$1,500
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$1,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$3753% Off - S$17.39
[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get over S$80 worth of rewards including:
âą Up to S$45 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
âą S$30 Revolut cash reward
âą Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy Standard
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$34.560% Off - S$13.80
[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get over S$75 worth of rewards including:
âą Up to S$40 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
âą S$30 Revolut cash reward
âą Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Score exciting gifts on top of existing rewards:
âą Apple iPad 10.9-inch 64GB (10th Gen). T&Cs apply.
âą S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Its TravelEasy Pre-ExÂź add-on option that can be added onto the TravelEasyÂź Standard, Elite, and Premier insurance plans. Each plan includes standard benefits like Covid-19 coverage, up to S$200,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation expenses, and up to S$1 million overseas medical expenses.
Other unique benefits include up to S$600 TCM coverage, up to S$3,500 wedding clothes and accessories coverage, up to S$1,000 traveller replacement, and more.
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Singlife Travel Lite
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$28.5525% Off - S$21.41
[GIVEAWAY | SmartRewards | Receive your rewards as fast as 30 days*]
Get over S$65 worth of rewards including:
âą Up to 510 SmartPoints OR S$30 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
âą S$30 Revolut cash reward
âą Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Use SmartPoints to redeem your favourite product from our Rewards Store today.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
INCOME Standard Classic
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$42.1860% Off - S$16.87
[Prizes worth over S$13,500 | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Enjoy 60% off your Single Trip policy premium and get additional 50,000^ STAR$Âź with worldwide plans purchased. Valid till 24 December 2024. T&Cs apply.
Get over S$45 worth of rewards including:
âą S$10 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
âą S$30 Revolut cash reward
âą Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Ready to Travel ANYWHERE for FREE?
âą Score a Holiday (worth up to S$5,000)
âą Apple AirTag (worth S$45). T&Cs apply.
âą S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
This means that if you forget to purchase travel insurance before your trip commences, you can still buy an INCOME Standard plan up to one day after your departure and be covered for the remainder of your trip. Talk about a last-minute lifesaver!
Zurich Travel Insurance Essential
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$125,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$20.3610% Off - S$18.32
[Prizes worth over S$13,500 | FLASH SALE]
Get over S$60 worth of rewards including:
âą Up to S$25 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
âą S$30 Revolut cash reward
âą Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Ready to Travel ANYWHERE for FREE?
âą Score a Holiday (worth up to S$5,000)
âą Apple AirTag (worth S$45). T&Cs apply.
âą S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Average Cost of Travel Insurance for a UK Trip
| Travel insurance provider | Overseas medical expenses | Personal accident & permanent disablement | Baggage loss / damage | Trip disruptions / cancellations | Premium cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubblegum | Up to S$150,000 | Up to S$150,000 | Up to S$3,000 | Up to S$5,000 | From S$58.56 |
| FWD | Up to S$1 million | Up to S$400,000 | Up to S$7,500 | Up to S$15,000 | From S$43.72 |
| Tiq by Etiqa | Up to S$1 million | Up to S$500,000 | Up to S$3,000 | Up to S$10,000 | From S$56.25 |
| Starr TraveLead | Up to S$1 million | Up to S$500,000 | Up to S$7,500 | Up to S$15,000 | From S$30.58 |
| Allianz Travel | Up to S$1 million | Up to unlimited | Up to S$5,000 | Up to S$10,000 | From S$57.34 |
| MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex | Up to S$150,000 | Up to S$500,000 | Up to S$7,500 | Up to S$15,000 | From S$115 |
| Singlife Travel | Up to unlimited | Up to S$500,000 | Up to S$8,000 | Up to S$20,000 | From S$60.74 |
| INCOME Standard | Up to S$1 million | Up to S$400,000 | Up to S$8,000 | Up to S$15,000 | From S$73.96 |
| Zurich Travel Insurance | Up to S$250,000 | Up to S$500,000 | Up to S$5,000 | Up to S$7,500 | From S$56.79 |
*Calculated based on a one-week UK trip for a single traveller
S$58.56 + S$43.72 + S$56.25 + S$30.58 + S$57.34 + S$115 + S$60.74 + S$73.96 + S$56.79 = S$552.94
S$552.94 / 7 = S$79
Tallying up the cost of travel insurance premiums across the seven providers, the average cost of a travel insurance plan for one week in the UK is about S$79. Among the options, FWD and Starr TraveLead Comprehensive plans are more budget-friendly compared to MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex or Singlife plans.
How Does Travel Insurance Protect Against Natural Disasters or Unexpected Trip Disruptions?
Thus, when choosing a plan, estimating the value of your personal belongings will help determine how much coverage you may need.
Once again, Singlife offers the highest coverage for this of up to S$20,000, followed closely by FWD, Starr TraveLead Comprehensive, and MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex of up to S$15,000.
Compensation will be given at the medical facilities where treatment was received, whether abroad or in Singapore. However, reimbursement limits and treatment eligibility apply, so ensure to review your insurance policy wording for specific details. FWD, Tiq by Etiqa, and Starr TraveLead offer the highest coverage of up to S$1 million.
Best Things to Do in the UK
Take a scenic boat ride on Windermere or Ullswater in the stunning Lake District, then hike, cycle, or kayak through breathtaking landscapes like Scafell Pike.
For a more laidback experience, stroll through charming villages like Ambleside and Keswick and delve into literary history at Dove Cottage.
Visit the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Dungeon or hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views, and attend the vibrant Edinburgh Festival.
Tuck in to Scottish cuisine and whiskey tastings, and stroll down the Royal Mile for shops and street performers.
Explore the ancient wonders of Stonehenge and the surrounding Salisbury Plain, home to landmarks like the Avebury Stone Circle, the mysterious Silbury Hill, and the West Kennet Long Barrow.
Countryside villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury feature honey-coloured limestone cottages, historic castles like Sudeley, and traditional tea rooms where you can indulge in authentic English tea.
Gaze upon hexagonal basalt columns at Giantâs Causeway along the stunning Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. You can join a guided tour to find out more about its geological wonders and folklore.
Tour Stratford-upon-Avon to discover the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and be mesmerised by the romantic charm of Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the home of Shakespeareâs wife.
Step back in time to experience life in the Tudor era as you stroll through the enchanting grounds, admiring the architecture with its thatched roofs and picturesque gardens. These landscapes inspired many of Shakespeareâs timeless love sonnets.
Join the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which happens every August featuring a diverse array of English theatre, comedy, and musical performances.
When visiting the Oxford and Cambridge university campuses, give punting a go!
These punting tours not only serve afternoon tea, but also guide you past attractions like Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, Botanic Gardens, and the Christ Church Meadows that inspired Alice in Wonderland.
Hike up the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Snowdonia National Park, Wales. Out of the available trails, the Llanberis Path is great for beginners while the Pyg Track is more challenging for experienced climbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage for my UK trip?
- Although Covid-19 complications are less prevalent, overseas medical expenses incurred by Covid-19 can still be costly since they arenât subsidised for foreigners.
With adequate coverage, youâll be reimbursed for overseas medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation & repatriation, Covid-19 diagnosis, quarantine allowance, overseas hospital cash, trip disruptions, cancellations, and more arising from Covid-19. Am I required to have a visa to visit the UK?
- As mentioned above, it depends on what kind of passport and citizenship you hold. For Singaporean passports, you donât need to apply for a visa to enter the UK.
However, if your country is not exempted, youâll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa online or other types like the long-term Standard Visitor visa, a Visitor in Transit visa and Long-term work visas.
A Standard Visitor visa costs ÂŁ100 for up to 6 months and can be applied for up to 3 months prior to departure. Is travel insurance compulsory for the UK?
- Travel insurance is not mandatory, but is highly recommended to protect you from any trip or health complications during your UK visit.
What does travel insurance cover for in the UK?
- Travel insurance coverage for the UK is no different than for any country. The benefits depend on the insurer and plan tier you purchase.
Key benefits to look out for/have include overseas medical expenses,personal accident (death or permanent disablement), trip disruptions & cancellations, emergency medical evacuation & repatriation, and baggage damage or loss.
Basic plans offer minimal coverage and payouts, whereas higher tiers provide more comprehensive protection. Can I get a UK Visitor in Transit visa on arrival?
- A Visitor in Transit visa costs around ÂŁ64.
Youâll need one if youâre:- Changing flights in the UK en route to another country
- Passing through UK border control (e.g. checking in luggage for connecting flight)
- Leaving the UK within 48 hours
- Not working or studying in the UK
Eligibility is subject to your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK. You can check your requirements here. How to upload documents for a UK visa?
- Ensure you have a valid passport and/or other travel documents.
For non-UK nationals, youâll need:- Residence permit
- Green card
- Valid visa
For non-UK residents, youâll need:- Flight booking emails
- Ticket or boarding pass
- Travel agent confirmations
Singaporeans may apply for a UK visa online.