Your Passport to Peace of Mind: 7 Best Credit Cards with Complimentary Travel Insurance in Singapore (2025)
Travel is an adventure filled with new sights and experiences. Yet, every journey, no matter how well-planned, comes with a degree of risk. From unexpected flight delays to medical emergencies overseas, these unforeseen events can quickly turn a dream holiday into a financial headache. A simple solution for many is a credit card that includes complimentary travel insurance, offering a layer of protection without the hassle of buying a separate policy for every trip.
At TallRock Capital, we believe that savvy financial planning extends to every aspect of your life, including your travel. This guide will help you understand how complimentary credit card travel insurance works, what to look for when choosing a card, and compares 7 of the best options available in Singapore in 2025.
How Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Work?
Most premium credit cards in Singapore offer complimentary travel insurance as a valuable perk. However, this coverage isn't automatic for every trip. To activate it, you must meet specific requirements, most commonly using the credit card to pay for the full cost of your flights, and sometimes other travel-related expenses like accommodation. Once activated, the policy typically provides coverage for the cardholder, and in many cases, their spouse and dependent children.
Credit card travel insurance typically covers:
Overseas medical expenses: For unexpected illnesses or injuries during your trip.
Trip cancellations or delays: Financial compensation for a cancelled or delayed journey.
Lost or delayed baggage: Coverage for essentials if your luggage is delayed, or compensation if it's permanently lost.
Accidental death and disability: A lump sum payout in the event of a severe accident.
It's crucial to read the policy's terms and conditions carefully, as coverage levels, claim limits, and exclusions (e.g., for extreme sports or pre-existing medical conditions) can vary significantly between cards.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card with Travel Insurance
When selecting a credit card with complimentary travel insurance, it’s important to weigh up these factors to find the one that’s right for you.
Coverage Scope: Not all policies are created equal. Some may offer extensive medical protection and generous payouts, while others provide more basic coverage for flight and baggage delays. Match the policy to your travel habits—a business traveller may prioritize trip delay cover, while a family on holiday may need robust medical and personal accident coverage.
Claim Limits: Every policy has a specific claim limit for each type of coverage. For example, overseas medical expenses might be capped at S$1,000,000. These limits can vary widely, so it's essential to compare them.
Annual Fee vs. Benefits: Most cards with these perks come with an annual fee. Evaluate whether the value of the travel insurance, rewards, and other perks (like lounge access) outweighs the annual cost. Many cards waive the fee in the first year or for a specific spending amount, so check the fine print.
Eligibility & Exclusions: Beyond being approved for the card, there are often specific conditions you must meet to activate the insurance. These can include paying for the entire trip on the card, age limits (e.g., no coverage for those over 70), and exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions.
The 7 Best Credit Cards for Free Travel Insurance in Singapore (2025)
Here’s a comparison of top options that offer solid rewards and a basic level of complimentary travel insurance.
Card |
Activation Requirement |
Types of Coverage Highlights |
Annual Fee (SGD) |
Additional Perks |
---|---|---|---|---|
UOB PRVI Miles |
Charge full travel fare |
Public conveyance accident, Emergency evacuation, Travel delay, Credit card liability |
$261.60 |
4 lounge visits, online travel discounts |
DBS Altitude Visa |
Book flights via DBS Travel & Leisure Marketplace |
Personal accident, Trip delay, Baggage delay, Journey cancellation |
$196.20 |
2 lounge visits, online travel deals |
Citi PremierMiles |
Charge full travel fare |
Medical expenses, Emergency medical assistance, Personal accident, Trip delay/cancellation, Baggage loss |
$196.20 |
2 lounge visits, hotel & flight promos |
Amex Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer |
Charge outbound and return travel fare |
Personal accident, Baggage & flight delay, Missed connection |
$179.85 |
Cashback offers |
HSBC TravelOne |
Charge full travel fare |
Medical expenses, Emergency evacuation, Trip delay/cancellation, Luggage delay/loss |
$196.20 |
4 lounge visits, cashback offers |
Maybank Horizon |
Charge air ticket + provide photocopy of ticket |
Personal accident, Luggage delay/loss, Missed connection, Loss of sports equipment |
$196.20 |
Free sign-up gift, lounge access |
CIMB Visa Infinite |
Charge full travel fare + other travel expenses |
Personal accident, Medical expenses, Emergency evacuation, Baggage delay/loss, Trip cancellation |
Free |
3 lounge visits, dining discounts |
A Closer Look at the Top Choices
1. UOB PRVI Miles Card
Best for: Frequent overseas shoppers and travelers.
Insight: A strong all-rounder with a competitive miles earn rate for both local and overseas spending. It offers a solid baseline of travel insurance, including emergency medical assistance.
2. DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card
Best for: Online travel bookings and foreign spend.
Insight: A favorite for frequent flyers, this card provides strong miles on overseas spending. However, note that its complimentary travel insurance has limitations, specifically excluding overseas medical expenses outside of a few specific exceptions. You would need to purchase a top-up policy for more extensive medical coverage.
3. Citi PremierMiles Card
Best for: Comprehensive coverage with high limits.
Insight: This card stands out for its well-rounded complimentary insurance, which includes medical expenses and emergency evacuation. The miles earn rate is strong, making it a good choice for those who want both benefits and a solid safety net.
4. American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card
Best for: Travelers flying regularly with Singapore Airlines.
Insight: If you are a loyal Singapore Airlines customer, this card offers one of the best miles earn rates on eligible purchases. Its insurance is more focused on travel accidents, so it's a good choice for those who have a separate medical insurance policy already.
5. HSBC TravelOne Card
Best for: Maximizing miles on spending with solid insurance coverage.
Insight: HSBC has a highly competitive earn rate for foreign currency spend. The complimentary travel insurance is also robust, covering overseas medical expenses and emergency evacuation, making it a powerful combination of rewards and protection.
6. Maybank Horizon Visa Signature Card
Best for: Earning points on flights.
Insight: This card allows you to rack up miles quickly on flights and foreign currency spending, making it ideal for jet-setters. It also offers perks like a free sign-up gift and lounge access, adding to the travel experience.
7. CIMB Visa Infinite
Best for: A no-annual-fee option with unlimited cashback.
Insight: The CIMB Visa Infinite is a fantastic choice for those who want to earn cashback on their travel and overseas purchases without paying an annual fee. It even includes complimentary medical coverage, which is a rare find for a no-fee card.
The TallRock Capital Advantage
While a credit card with complimentary travel insurance is a smart financial move, it's essential to understand its limitations. These policies are often a starting point, not a complete solution.
At TallRock Capital, our financial advisors can help you:
Review Your Coverage: We'll help you assess the specifics of your credit card's insurance policy and identify any gaps in your coverage.
Holistic Financial Planning: We can integrate your credit card strategy into a broader financial plan that includes robust, comprehensive insurance policies, ensuring you're fully protected.
Strategic Debt Management: We'll help you use credit cards to your advantage, managing debt effectively and protecting your credit score, which is crucial for future financial milestones like securing a mortgage.
Conclusion:
A credit card with complimentary travel insurance is a powerful tool, offering a blend of rewards and protection. By understanding the fine print, comparing options, and aligning your card with your travel habits, you can gain a valuable safety net for your journeys.
Ready to ensure your travel plans are as secure as your financial future? Contact TallRock Capital today for a complimentary consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. The credit card recommendations are for general guidance, and terms, conditions, fees, and eligibility criteria are subject to change by the issuing banks. It is essential to consult the official bank websites and review the latest terms and conditions before applying. This information does not constitute personal financial advice.