DirectAsia's focus on trip delay coverage and relatively affordable pricing are the hallmark of this insurer's travel insurance policies, with the premium-tier DA500 plan a clear standout.
DirectAsia's focus on trip delay coverage and relatively affordable pricing are the hallmark of this insurer's travel insurance policies, with the premium-tier DA500 plan a clear standout.
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Personal Accident Coverage Trip Delay Coverage Baggage Delay CoverageDirectAsia's travel insurance plans benefits and competitively priced plans can entice both the budget and value-seeking traveller. The notable perks they offer are not often seen in travel insurance, making it a good choice for families or adventurous travellers. However, depending on which kind of plan you're looking at, DirectAsia may give you a varying amount of bang for your buck, forcing you to pay more to get a better value plan. Below, we break down each of DirectAsia's travel insurance plans so that you can make the right call when planning your next trip out of Singapore.
| Summary of DirectAsia Travel Insurance |
|---|
| A good option for families since child limits are the same as adults and kids are covered for free |
| Provides single trip optional COVID-19 coverage to meet the overseas entry requirement |
| Covers trip cancellations due to haze and reluctance to travel following terrorist attack |
| DA500 and DA1000 plans combine great value and cheap prices to make affordable premium plans |
| DA150 is only offered for Single Plans and DA1000 is only offered for Annual Plans |
| Covers trip disruption for any irrecoverable unused pre-paid transport and accommodation expenses due to serious injury, serious illness, death of you, your travel companion, or an immediate family member of yours |
| Promotions: |
Table of Contents
DirectAsia offers four travel insurance plans for Singaporeans looking to travel: DA150 (single plan only), DA200, DA500 and DA1000 (annual plan only). The DA500 and DA1000 Plans are the clear standouts due to their price and coverage.
While the DA150 plan sacrifices value for cheap premiums, the other plans boast a pretty high value for dollar spent. This is especially true for its family plans, which have some of the highest value ratios on the market and keep coverage limits for children the same as for adults.
Furthermore, adventurous travellers will find this to be an affordable alternative to plans that don't provide adventurous activity or sports equipment coverage. Overall, DirectAsia's focus on trip inconvenience coverage and competitive pricing are the hallmark of this insurer's travel insurance policies.
DirectAsia has the standard exclusions that most other insurers have, minus the extreme sports (with a few exceptions) for those buying their additional coverage. Below, you will find an abridged list of some of the main exclusions, but you should always read the policy documents to make sure you know what you are—and aren't—covered for.
| Medical Exclusions | Trip Inconvenience Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Pre-existing conditions | Participation in professional or compensated sports |
| Mental disorders | Items taken by customs officials |
| Unnecessary dental expenses | Travelling against advice of regulatory authorities |
| Pregnancy-related events unless caused by injury | Travelling to a country at war |
| Travelling when medically unfit | Claims paid for by other insurers |
| Travelling to countries with pandemics or epidemics |
DirectAsia's cheapest and mid-priced plans will fail to make a resounding impression with anyone who's not shopping solely on price. Apart from their great coverage emergency medical repatriation and they generally provide below-average coverage in many other important areas like personal accident/death, medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage loss/damage. However, they tend to be on the pricier end given the amount of protection these two plans offer compared to their competitors.
The DA150 Plan, which is DirectAsia's budget travel insurance plan, lacks an annual/multi-trip policy, making the DA200 plan a better alternative for individuals who travel out of Singapore more than 3 to 5 times a year. However, the DA150 plan is currently one of the cheapest plans on the market, which can make it a great option for budget travellers who don't find themselves travelling often.
Summary of Coverage & Premiums for DirectAsia 150| Premiums and Coverage | DirectAsia DA150 | Basic Plan Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Week ASEAN | S$21.00 | S$35.00 |
| 1-Week Global | S$42.80 | S$63.00 |
| Annual ASEAN | N/A | S$191.00 |
| Annual Global | N/A | S$297.00 |
| 1-Week ASEAN Value Ratio | 0.71 | 0.74 |
| Emergency Evacuation | S$1,500,000 | S$550,000 |
| Overseas Medical | S$150,000 | S$206,563 |
| Trip Cancellation | S$3,000 | S$5,816 |
| Trip Delay | S$1,0000 | S$785 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | S$1,000 | S$3,058 |
| DirectAsia 150 | Basic Plan Avg. | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Week ASEAN | S$21.00 | S$35.00 |
| 1-Week Global | S$42.80 | S$63.00 |
| Annual ASEAN | N/A | S$191.00 |
| Annual Global | N/A | S$297.00 |
| 1-Week ASEAN Value Ratio | 0.71 | 0.74 |
| Emergency Evacuation | S$1,500,000 | S$550,000 |
| Overseas Medical | S$150,000 | S$206,563 |
| Trip Cancellation | S$3,000 | S$5,816 |
| Trip Delay | S$1,0000 | S$785 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | S$1,000 | S$3,058 |
The DA200 Plan is more competitively priced than its sibling, the DA150 Plan, as it tends to be the cheapest single and annual trip option for mid-tier plans. However, it is consistently given a run for its money in terms of value for single trip policies by FWD Business Plan, which tends to offer generally better overall coverage for similar prices. Even though it is the cheapest among annual policies, it is outclassed by the similarly-priced Allianz Global Assistance Silver plan, a very high-value plan that gives you among the most bang for your buck in the entire business tier of travel insurance policies. Despite this, travellers who are renting cars or will be participating in sports should stick to DirectAsia as it offers much better benefits in those arenas.
Summary of Coverage & Premiums for DirectAsia DA200| Premiums & Coverage | DA200 | Mid-Tier Industry Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Week ASEAN | S$40.25 | S$35.00 |
| 1-Week Global | S$46.01 | S$63.00 |
| Annual ASEAN | S$149.00 | S$191.00 |
| Annual Global | S$209.00 | S$297.00 |
| 1-Week ASEAN Value Ratio | 1.64 | 1.01 |
| Emergency Evacuation | S$1,500,000 | S$550,000 |
| Overseas Medical | S$200,000 | S$206,563 |
| Trip Cancellation | S$10,000 | S$5,816 |
| Trip Delay | S$1,000 | S$785 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | S$3,000 | S$3,058 |
| Premiums & Coverage | DA200 | Mid-Tier Industry Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Week ASEAN | S$40.25 | S$35.00 |
| 1-Week Global | S$46.01 | S$63.00 |
| Annual ASEAN | S$149.00 | S$191.00 |
| Annual Global | S$209.00 | S$297.00 |
| 1-Week ASEAN Value Ratio | 1.64 | 1.01 |
| Emergency Evacuation | S$1,500,000 | S$550,000 |
| Overseas Medical | S$200,000 | S$206,563 |
| Trip Cancellation | S$10,000 | S$5,816 |
| Trip Delay | S$1,000 | S$785 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | S$3,000 | S$3,058 |
The DirectAsia DA500 plan is a particularly good choice for travellers seeking annual/multi-trip policies that are affordable while packing a punch. It is one of the cheapest premium plans for this kind of policy, regardless of destination, and has one of the highest-value premium plans on the market for annual trips. It offers S$15,000 of trip cancellation and curtailment, a combined S$525,000 for international and domestic medical expenses and a few extra benefits including pet hotel cover, rental car excess and sports equipment coverage. However, though the benefits are plenty, its high value comes from its low price rather than high limits on benefits. This means travellers who are seeking to maximise better coverage may fare better with other insurers.
One alternative you may want to consider when making your decision is the FWD First Plan, which is a good value option that is similarly priced to the DirectAsia DA500 Plan and puts a greater emphasis on coverage for medical expenses and baggage loss/damage as well as unlimited coverage in case of emergencies. For a slightly higher price, you may also consider the AXA Comprehensive Plan or the Allianz Global Assistance Gold Plan for even better trip inconvenience coverage at a great value.
Summary of Coverage & Premiums for DirectAsia DA500| Premiums & Benefits | DA500 Plan | Top-Tier Industry Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Week ASEAN | S$35.70 | S$62.00 |
| 1-Week Global | S$57.78 | S$101.00 |
| Annual ASEAN | S$185.00 | S$294.00 |
| Annual Global | S$239.00 | S$418.00 |
| 1-Week ASEAN Value Ratio | 2.21 | 1.29 |
| Emergency Evacuation | S$1,500,000 | Unlimited |
| Overseas Medical | S$500,000 | S$1,064,677 |
| Trip Cancellation | S$15,000 | S$15,087 |
| Trip Delay | S$1,500 | S$1,426 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | S$5,000 | S$7,232 |
| Premiums & Benefits | DA500 Plan | Top-Tier Industry Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Week ASEAN | S$35.70 | S$62.00 |
| 1-Week Global | S$57.78 | S$101.00 |
| Annual ASEAN | S$185.00 | S$294.00 |
| Annual Global | S$239.00 | S$418.00 |
| 1-Week ASEAN Value Ratio | 2.21 | 1.29 |
| Emergency Evacuation | S$1,500,000 | Unlimited |
| Overseas Medical | S$500,000 | S$1,064,677 |
| Trip Cancellation | S$15,000 | S$15,087 |
| Trip Delay | S$1,500 | S$1,426 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | S$5,000 | S$7,232 |
Direct Asia's DA1000 Plan is its annual-only option that can benefit frequent travellers looking for a high-value trip inconvenience focused policy. Its premiums cost 30-40% below its peer average, yet it has 35% more trip inconvenience coverage than other premium plans on the market. Additionally, it can appeal to solo and family adventure enthusiasts with its S$5,000 and S$12,500 sports equipment coverage (highest on the market) and S$1,500 car rental excess coverage. You will also find above average overseas medical coverage of S$1,000,000.
One potential setback for DirectAsia's DA1000 plan is that though its medical coverage is not paltry by any means, it is not necessarily outstanding compared to other players in the market. Those who are willing to pay for high medical and personal accident benefits may fare better with insurers such as Singlife with Aviva. Furthermore, its travel inconvenience benefits are a bit lacking when it comes to trip cancellation and curtailment, as those benefits are bundled under one limit.
Summary of Coverage & Premiums for DirectAsia DA1000| Premiums & Coverage | DA1000 Plan | Top-Tier Industry Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Week ASEAN | S$00.00 | S$62.00 |
| 1-Week Global | S$00.00 | S$101.00 |
| Annual ASEAN | S$238.00 | S$294.00 |
| Annual Global | S$288.00 | S$418.00 |
| 1-Week ASEAN Value Ratio | 3.09 | 1.29 |
| Emergency Evacuation | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Overseas Medical | S$1,000,000 | S$1,064,677 |
| Trip Cancellation | S$25,000 | S$15,087 |
| Trip Delay | S$2,000 | S$1,426 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | S$7,500 | S$7,232 |
| Premiums & Coverage | DA1000 Plan | Top-Tier Industry Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Week ASEAN | S$00.00 | S$62.00 |
| 1-Week Global | S$00.00 | S$101.00 |
| Annual ASEAN | S$238.00 | S$294.00 |
| Annual Global | S$288.00 | S$418.00 |
| 1-Week ASEAN Value Ratio | 3.09 | 1.29 |
| Emergency Evacuation | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Overseas Medical | S$1,000,000 | S$1,064,677 |
| Trip Cancellation | S$25,000 | S$15,087 |
| Trip Delay | S$2,000 | S$1,426 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage | S$7,500 | S$7,232 |
DirectAsia offers extreme sports coverage only for its annual plans and will raise your premiums by around S$65 to S$100, depending on destination and plan selected. However, most of the accepted activities must be done with a professional guide, including trekking, scuba diving, rafting/kayaking, parachuting/skydiving, rock climbing, hang gliding and hot air ballooning. There are a variety of sports that are included even if you don't purchase the annual policy add-on including golfing, hiking, cycling, fishing, water polo and swimming. You can also purchase S$5,000 of sports equipment coverage for an additional S$50.14.
This benefit is extended to cover one adult maid whilst the maid is travelling with an insured adult for the duration of the insured trip. Coverage includes Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation, Emergency Phone Charges, Trip Cancellation and Curtailment, Reluctance to Travel Following an Act of Terrorism and Travel Delay.
All travellers must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
This benefit will cover you for the following for any irrecoverable cost that you have paid, or pay you for reasonable additional expenses for economy class transport or standard hotel room as a result of the disruption:
More information about COVID-19 coverage can be found here.
To submit a claim with DirectAsia, you have to call them at their claims number and have ready your flight itinerary and any other supporting documents you'll need. You will be assigned a claims representative who will help you process everything. Alternatively, you can also submit online claims, email or mail them your claim form and documents.
| Contact Information | |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | (65) 6665 5555 |
| Claims Information | Make a Claim |
| Claims Email | [email protected] |
| Claims | Form |
| Claims Hotline (in Singapore) | (65) 6532 1818 |
| Overseas / Emergency | (65) 6603 3699 |
| Mailing Address | 20 Anson Road, #08-01, Singapore 079912 |
Getting the right coverage for your activities can mean saving a lot of money in the event of an unfortunate accident. Below, we outline DirectAsia's coverage and premiums, as well as how they compare to the industry average. If you would like to compare DirectAsia in more detail to other plans in the market, we've written a guide to some of our top travel insurance picks in Singapore.
Benefits at a Glance| 150 | 200 | 500 | 1000 | Industry Avg. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Week ASEAN | S$21.00 | S$40.25 | S$35.70 | N/A | S$46.00 |
| Annual ASEAN | N/A | S$149.00 | S$185.00 | S$238.00 | S$248.00 |
| 1-Week Asia | S$26.25 | S$30.45 | S$45.15 | N/A | S$56.00 |
| Annual Asia | N/A | S$149.00 | S$185.00 | S$238.00 | S$264.38 |
| 1-Week Global | S$42.80 | S$46.01 | S$57.78 | N/A | S$78.00 |
| Annual Global | N/A | S$209.00 | S$239.00 | S$288.00 | S$355.00 |
| 1 Week ASEAN Value Ratio | 0.71 | 1.64 | 2.21 | N/A | 1.01 |
| Annual Global Ratio | N/A | 1.16 | 1.69 | 2.09 | 1.00 |
| Personal Accident & Death | S$100,000 | S$300,000 | S$500,000 | S$500,000 | S$261,588 |
| Medical | S$155,000 | S$210,000 | S$525,000 | S$1,050,000 | S$598,140 |
| Emergency Medical/Evacuation/Repatriation | S$1,500,000 | S$1,500,000 | S$1,500,000 | S$1,500,000 | S$772,727 |
| Trip Cancellation | S$3,000 | S$10,000 | S$15,000 | S$25,000 | S$10,224 |
| Trip Delays | S$1,000 | S$1,000 | S$1,500 | S$2,000 | S$1,087 |
| Baggage Loss Damage | S$1,000 | S$3,000 | S$5,000 | S$7,500 | S$5,082 |
| Baggage Delay | S$1,000 | S$1,000 | S$1,000 | S$1,000 | S$998 |
Anastassia is a Senior Research Analyst at ValueChampion Singapore, evaluating insurance products for consumers based on quantitative and qualitative financial analysis. She holds degrees in Economics and International Business Management and her prior working experience includes work in the capital markets sector. Her analyses surrounding insurance, healthcare, international affairs and personal finance has been featured on AsiaOne, Business Insider, DW, Vice, Her World, Asia Insurance Review, the Australian Institute of International Affairs and more.
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