1. When should I buy travel insurance?

Ideally, you should buy travel insurance as early as 12 months in advance or as soon as your bookings are confirmed.

Travel insurance can cover you for up to 60 days before departure, protecting you from pre-trip disruptions like the sudden closure of a travel agency, sudden illness, natural disasters, or political unrest. Buying early ensures you're not caught off-guard before your trip even begins.

This allows you to plan in the days before your holiday with peace of mind, knowing that your payments for flights and accommodations are protected against disruptions that may occur before the trip.

2. Should I opt for Single-Trip or Annual Travel Insurance?

Single-Trip Travel Insurance covers one specific journey from start to finish. It’s ideal for occasional travellers who go on one or two trips a year and want protection without committing to a longer-term plan.

Annual Travel Insurance, also known as multi-trip insurance, covers unlimited trips within a year, with each trip typically capped at a set duration (e.g. 30 or 60 days). It can be cost-effective for frequent flyers, who may travel up to seven times a year, since you only pay a fixed premium once instead of buying separate policies for every trip. It also eliminates the hassle of arranging for travel insurance every time you travel.

3. What kind of coverage do I really need? Should I consider add-ons?

While it’s important to stick to your budget, the cheapest plan might not cover everything you need. Consider your destination, trip duration, and nature of your activities—especially if they involve higher risks such as scuba diving.
Are you travelling to a country with expensive healthcare? Do you want peace of mind in case your baggage is lost, or your flight is delayed? If you're planning anything out of the ordinary, like adventure sports or remote travel, it might be worth paying extra.

Add-ons may include coverage for trip cancellations, rental car excess, pet boarding costs, or adventure sports — each offering extra protection tailored to your needs.

Some policies like Etiqa’s Travel Infinite even offer payment upon a three-hour flight delay without the need to submit a claim. Do check the fine print to avoid surprises.

4. What is the claims process like? What else do I look out for?

Some claims are straightforward, but others can require multiple documents. It's important to know what’s needed in advance.

For travel delays, coverage may extend beyond just flights—check if it includes other types of delays like transport or baggage.

To make a claim, you’ll typically need supporting documents such as airline tickets, boarding passes, medical or police reports, irregularity notices, original purchase receipts, or photos of your belongings taken pre-trip.

Some credit cards, such as the Maybank Credit Card offer complimentary travel insurance for your spouse and children when you charge your full travel fare on the card. This can also cover luggage delays or the loss of damaged sports equipment.