FAQ
The followings are the frequently asked questions which aim to give you an overview of our travel insurance plans. For the full terms and conditions, please refer to the Policy Wordings.
General
How can I apply for Columbus Travel Insurance?
You can simply visit our website and apply online instantly. It's fast, easy and good value for money!
Is there any age limit?
Yes. The insured person must be 70 years of age or below.
Should I bring along my policy during the journey?
It is recommended that you bring along the original policy during the journey and leave a copy with a family member or a friend in Singapore. The policy provides you with information and telephone numbers you may need for emergency support or making a claim.
Is there any limit on trip duration?
All single trip plans cover up to 181 days per trip. All annual plans cover 365 days with a maximum of 90 days per trip.
Can a child be covered under the single trip plans?
A child is covered as an individual under the single trip plans.
Is skiing, scuba diving or other sports activities covered in your insurance?
Leisure sport activities which do not earn or receive remuneration, donation, sponsorship, award or certificate of any kind, are covered.
Do I need to buy another policy if my flight is delayed thus forcing me to stay at the destination for one more day?
No. If by circumstances beyond your control, your trip is extended beyond the period stated in the policy, your insurance
will be automatically extended up to a maximum of 72 hours without extra charges.
How will I receive my policy documents?
Your insurance policy will be sent to the email address you have provided us during the purchase process. Therefore, please make sure the email address you have provided is correct.
How do I view the e-mailed version of my policy?
You will need a current version (4 or above) of Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the attachments. To download the latest version, visit the link at the end of your policy confirmation e-mail.
Is a "one-way trip" covered?
Yes. However, please note that you must purchase your policy in and depart from Singapore. You are covered only within the airport transit area during stopovers/ transfers. The policy will expire either on the expiry date of your policy or within 3 hours from the time of arrival at your overseas permanent residence or hotel, whichever is earlier.
Am I covered under trip cancellation if I need to cancel my trip to attend to urgent matters at work?
No. Trip cancellation only covers the following occurring within 30 days (except item (c)) before your departure date -
- death, serious injury or serious sickness or compulsory quarantine of insured, your relative or travel companion;
- unexpected strike, riot or civil commotion at the planned destination;
- serious damage to your principal residence from fire, flood or similar natural disaster (typhoon, earthquake etc) within 1 week before the date of departure;
- witness summons or jury service
I have emailed you an enquiry earlier this morning, when do I expect to hear back from you?
We endeavour to reply all email enquiries as soon as possible. Please expect 2 working days for email replies. If you do not hear from us after 2 working days, please kindly contact us again.
Medical
If I am injured overseas and require follow-up medical treatment returning to Singapore, will such expenses be covered as well?
Yes. Follow-up treatment in Singapore for injury or sickness which you have sustained whilst overseas is covered. However, please take note of the conditions below:
a) If prior medical treatment has not been sought overseas, you must seek medical treatment in Singapore within one week of the date of your return to Singapore. From the date of first treatment in Singapore, You have up to a maximum of 21 days to continue your medical treatment in Singapore or up to a maximum sum of 5% of the Benefit provided under the section "Medical Expenses", whichever occurs earlier.
b) If medical treatment had already been sought overseas, you have up to a maximum of 21 days of the date of return to Singapore to continue medical treatment in Singapore or up to a maximum sum of 5% of the Benefit in Medical Expenses, whichever occurs earlier.
What should I do if I fall sick or get into an accident during my journey?
You must visit a qualified medical practitioner for medical consultation if you wish to claim for medical expenses. Please remember to keep all doctor report(s)/ receipt(s) for claims purpose when you are back in Singapore. You may also call the 24-hour Travel Guard hotline at +65 6733 2552 by collect call for emergency assistance. This number can be found in your insurance certificate as well as in your policy documentation. It can also be found in Contact Us on our website.
Are dental expenses covered?
Expenses for accidental dental treatment necessary to restore sound and natural teeth are covered.
Baggage
My suitcases were stolen in the waiting area while I was queuing for train tickets. Is it covered?
Unfortunately, no. You should always take all reasonable care of your belongings by not leaving them unattended.
* Please note Baggage Benefits are covered only when you have selected the optional cover "Travel Extension".
My luggages were stolen in the hotel. What should I do?
You should report the case to the police and/or relevant authority such as the hotel management within 24 hours of the incidents. When submitting your claim request, please provide all written documents from the police and/or such authorities together with other supporting documents such as original receipts and warranty cards.
* Please note Baggage Benefits are covered only when you have selected the optional cover "Travel Extension".
I have sent my baggage back to Singapore in advance. Is this covered?
No, unaccompanied baggage, that is not checked in with the airline you are flying with, is not covered.
* Please note Baggage Benefits are covered only when you have selected the optional cover "Travel Extension".
Is baggage delay at Singapore airport covered?
Yes. You are covered for baggage delays for every full 6 consecutive hours of delay that occur overseas as well as in Singapore.
* Please note Baggage Benefits are covered only when you have selected the optional cover "Travel Extension".
Travel Delay
Is Travel Delay Benefit applicable if my flight cannot take off due to adverse weather condition?
Yes. You will be paid $100 for each 6 full consecutive hours of delay overseas or in Singapore.
* Please note Travel Delay Benefits are covered only when you have selected the optional cover "Travel Extension".
DIY cover
What is DIY Cover?
DIY cover is a new concept of buying travel insurance! We offer you a basic plan which includes the covers every traveller need at a very low premium. You may then add optional benefits such as Travel Extension, Golf Extension and Excess Waiver at a minimal additional cost according to your needs. In this way, you only need to pay for what you need without spending an extra dollar on unnecessary covers. For more details on how to DIY your own travel insurance, please visit here.
Endorsement
What should I do if I have already purchased my travel insurance but need to postpone my trip to a later date?
Please call our customer service hotline at 6419 3000 to inform us of your new travel dates before your policy effective date so that we can make amendments to your policy.
I just received my insurance certificate and discovered that I had made a mistake on my NRIC number. What should I do?
For clerical error(s), please call the customer service hotline at 6419 3000 for amendment.
I have bought a 10-day travel insurance single trip plan but I need to shorten my trip now. Can I get a partial refund?
Yes. As long as you notify our Customer Service Officers before your policy effective date, we will amend your policy and refund you the difference.
I am going to the US but have accidentally bought the Asia plan, would it be possible to change my plan from Asia to Worldwide?
Yes. You may change the plan before your policy effective date by paying the cost difference. Please call the customer hotline at 6419 3000 for assistance. However, please note this applies to single trip plan only.
Annual Plan
What does family plan mean?
Family plan is applicable to annual policies only and consists of a maximum of 2 adults who are legally married husband and wife, and who are named in the Policy Schedule as the Insured(s); and any number of their legal children who are unmarried and unemployed, and not older than 18 years of age or up to age of 23 years provided they are studying full-time in a recognised institution of higher learning.
Will my child be covered by my annual policy if they travel without me?
A child making a trip under an annual family plan must be accompanied by at least one insured parent for coverage under the same policy.
Group Purchase
Is there any group purchase discount if we are traveling in a group? What is the application procedure?
Yes. There will be special discount if you are travelling in a group of 9 persons or above. Please download the application form from here, and email to cs@columbusinsurance.com.sg after completion. Please allow 7 working days to process the application.
Please note in order to enjoy the group purchase discount, all insured persons should depart from and return to Singapore on same dates and travel to the same destination, and be covered under the same plan. The structure of group purchase discount is as follows:
9 to 19 persons : 5% off
20 to 49 persons: 10% off
50 persons or above: 15% off
Claims
Are there any excesses when making a claim?
Medical Expenses, Trip Cancellation, Travel Document & Personal Money and Baggage & Personal Effects are subject to an excess of S$100 for each claim. However, you may select the Optional Benefit Excess Waiver for your plan and all these excesses will be waived when making a claim.
How do I file for a claim?
In the event of claims, please notify Travel Claims in writing within 30 days after the date of the incident, together with all relevant documents. Detailed instructions on how to file a claim are set out in the Travel Insurance Claim Form.
Any examples stated herein are purely fictional and are for illustrative purposes only. Any relation to or reference to any actual person, party or events is purely coincidental. It is important to note that each actual claim is unique. The nature of the claims examples herein (if any) should not be construed as any comment on, or confirmation or extension of, coverage for any past, present or future claim. Furthermore, these examples should not be relied upon to predict the outcome of any actual claims as all claims are evaluated on their own individual merits and subject to the actual terms and conditions of the relevant insurance policy.
