By Jennifer Ornstein, Insurance Agent for Expat Insurance
 
I like to sometimes reflect back and remember how it is that I ended up here in Singapore. It comes back to me altogether too clearly – sitting at the dinner table with my partner, enjoying some good Alberta beef, when he suddenly presents the idea of moving half way across the world to complete his PhD. At first I thought he was kidding but when I finally came to the realization that my life was about to completely change, he threw in this line: “you’ll get to travel all over SE Asia for cheap!” – sold! Ok, so call me a sucker or just a woman in love with the idea of adventure maybe just slightly more than her partner, but I made the move and can honestly say that the travel has been amazing.
 
Our very first trip was to a little island in Malaysia called Rawa. It’s very easy to get to and involves a quick taxi ride to Mersing and from there a 30-minute ferry ride straight to your very own tropical paradise. We spent our days snorkelling right off the beach and our nights eating way too much glorious food. The staff and other guests were incredibly friendly and we managed to make some very good friends while we were there. But of course, not everything can be roses and wine. On the last day, we decided to take a quick snorkel out by the reef – I left my flippers behind and unfortunately there was a sneaky little bugger of a stone fish hiding under the sand in the water and my foot just grazed the top of him – ouch! My toes immediately went numb (after the excruciating pain) and I knew I needed a doctor and quick. All I can say about that is thank goodness for travel insurance. I went to a clinic in Mersing (interesting place) and my expenses were all fully covered through my annual travel policy.
 
What you should know…

 
In much of Asia, standard medical care can be found only in a private clinic or hospital, if at all. The cost of such medical care is exorbitant. For Canadians and other Expats, the already high price of care is typically inflated further. Imagine breaking your leg while on a skiing holiday in Japan. You can expect a hospital bill of $7,000 to $14,000 for the casting alone. If adequate care is unavailable and emergency evacuation is required, it could cost you over the $250,000 mark.  
 
I strongly recommend you also take into consideration your medical policy before traveling.  As an Expatriate, investing in a health insurance plan that travels with you regardless of where you are relocated is important. Your policy should be as mobile as you are.  With most global policies, you will be fully covered for any medical treatment when you travel outside of Singapore; whether elective treatment or otherwise. If you have young children, a global medical policy is the way to go for your peace of mind while traveling.
 
Whether you’ve booked a weekend away to Bintan or Phuket, or a longer holiday abroad, it’s essential to be adequately insured. Expat Insurance provides comprehensive travel insurance products for families and individuals; and for anyone planning on more than three trips a year, an annual policy is the most cost-effective way to go.
 
Tips for Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance should cover you for:

•           Unlimited emergency medical expenses
•           Unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation costs
•           Trip cancellation
•           Luggage loss or delay
•           Personal Liability