Does travel insurance for Asia cover me for COVID-19-related costs?

Yes – most travel insurance policies cover any COVID-19-related expenses, such as medical treatment while you’re in Asia and the need to cancel your holiday if you test positive before you leave. However, cancellation due to COVID-19 isn’t usually available on basic policies. The risk of testing positive for COVID-19 is still quite high if you’re travelling to Asia as of September 2022, so it’s best to wear a mask when possible if you’re worried about contracting the disease.

Can I take out travel insurance if I’m already in Asia?

Yes – you can buy travel insurance if you’re already wheels up and headed to Asia for your holiday. You’ll be afforded the exact coverage you would usually get if you purchased before departure. However, these policies have waiting periods of between 48 and 96 hours. This means that if you suffer a claimable incident inside this period, you won’t be able to make a claim.

When is the best time to buy travel insurance for Asia?

Most people in the know will tell you the best time to purchase your travel insurance is when you know your travel dates. That allows you to be covered for the maximum amount of pre-paid bookings, such as those for hotels or tours if something unforeseen happens and you need to call off your holiday. There are also often sales on around holiday periods, such as Easter, Christmas and the End of the Financial Year, which means you could snap up a policy at a discount. In most cases, you won’t be able to get instant cover, as most policies have waiting periods of at least 72 hours.

How do I make a claim on my travel insurance if I’m in Asia?

When you do it online, claiming on your travel insurance is a pretty easy process. When you go to your insurance company's website, enter your policy number and the email address that goes with it. From there, you can do the following: Fill out your claim form with plenty of detail Attach any documents, such as receipts, medical evidence, or proof of purchase Submit your claim The majority of the time, you should hear back from your insurance company within about ten business days. It's best to quickly answer any requests for more information to avoid slowing down the process.

How much will my travel insurance to Asia cost?

The cost of your travel insurance to Asia will be determined by a range of interchangeable variables, including: Your age The length of your trip and destinations Whether you suffer any pre-existing conditions If you need optional extras The insurer you’ve chosen The level of cover you have purchased What parts of Asia you’re visiting (for example, you may not be able to receive cover if you’re travelling to a region that has just suffered a terrorist attack or natural disaster)