As a large majority of our population are fully vaccinated, this puts Singapore in a good position to cautiously loosen its COVID-19 restrictions.
In a move towards living with COVID-19, on 24 March 2022, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a number of changes to the current COVID-19 restrictions.
COVID-19 Restrictions Changes
With effect from 29 March 2022, the changes announced will affect group size caps, mask-wearing practices, workplace capacities as well as travel.
Social Gathering Capacities Will Increase to 10
For those with friend groups of more than five, you are probably rejoicing at this change to the COVID-19 restrictions. From 29 March 2022, limits on social gathering will double from the current cap which is five to 10.
Along the same vein, the maximum number of visitors per household at any point in time will be doubled as well from five to 10.
Dining In
Dining Capacities
Following the increase in social gathering limits, groups of up to 10 fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to dine-in at Food and Beverage (F&B) establishments from 29 March onwards.
Understanding the difficulties that F&B operators face in conducting vaccination-differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS) checks, this change applies to coffee shops as well as hawker centres that previously had VDS checks in place at their entrances.
F&B operators will also be allowed to seat groups of up to five fully vaccinated individuals without the need for vaccination-differentiated checks.
Alcohol Restrictions
Previous restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol after 10.30pm will also be lifted following the slew of changes announced.
Resumption of Live Performances and Singing
On top of the above changes mentioned, live performances at all venues including F&B establishments will resume on March 29. Having said that, individuals involved in the performances will still be required to adhere to the prevailing SMMs.
Apart from live performances, the following vocational activities conducted by large groups will resume on the condition that masks are worn throughout the activities.
- Congregational singing and chanting
- Audience cheering
- Singing in general settings such as schools
Optional Mask-Wearing Outdoors
As we learn to live with COVID-19, we’ve long gotten used to wear masks whenever we are out and about. However, from 29 March 2022, because the risk of transmission while outdoors is significantly lower, it is no longer compulsory to wear a mask when outdoors.
In a bid to help you better understand what indoor and outdoor settings entail, we have included a list provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH) below classifying indoor and outdoor settings.
Indoor Settings
- Spaces within office buildings, shopping malls, lifts
- Public Transport such as buses and trains
- Within hawker centres, coffee shops, and wet markets
- Within Housing and Development Board (HDB) retail shops and other shophouses
- Within classrooms and libraries
Outdoor Settings
- HDB void decks and retail shop walkways
- Five-foot ways
- Bus stops and naturally ventilated bus interchanges
- Open unenclosed spaces such as parks, fields, nature trails
- Open-air sheltered walkways and bridges
Image source: iStock
Workplace Restrictions
Currently, the limit on the number of employees that may return to their workplace is 50 percent. However, from March 29, up to 75 percent of employees will be able to return to their workplaces.
In addition, rostered routine testing will no longer be required at workplaces. However, employers and businesses who wish to impose it can continue doing so but must cover the costs.
Event Capacity Limits
For those planning big events such as weddings, this measure will you may be thrilled with the recent revisions to capacity limits. From March 29, for smaller events and settings involving 1,000 people or fewer, there will be no capacity limit.
For larger events and settings such as those with more than 1,000 people, the capacity limit will be raised to 75 percent.
Safe-Distancing Measures
Above all the changes in the COVID-19 restrictions, during mask-off settings, a 1m safe-distancing must still be adhered to.
Removal of Vaccinated Travel Lanes
For many of us who are dying to travel, from April 1, Singapore will be reopening its borders to all fully vaccinated travellers.
Transitioning into the new Vaccinated Travel Framework, existing Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) will be removed. Countries and regions will now be classified under two categories, the general travel or the restricted category. Further, the daily quotas on the daily number of arrivals will be removed.
As such, travellers who wish to enter Singapore quarantine-free will now no longer need to book for designated VTL transport or apply for entry approvals.
Under the new Vaccinated Travel framework, all fully vaccinated travellers including those aged 12 and below will be able to enter Singapore simply with just a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test from 11.59pm on March 31 from the approved providers. They will also no longer be required to take an on-arrival COVID-19 test and serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
The Exceptions
For travellers who fall under the following categories – long-term pass holders and unvaccinated short-term visitors aged 13 and above – they will not be allowed to enter Singapore.
However, there are a few exceptions:
- Long-term pass-holders who are medically ineligible for vaccines
- Travellers with a valid entry approval such as compassionate reasons
For travellers eligible for the above exceptions, they will need to
- Take a pre-departure test within 2 days before their departure for Singapore
- Serve a seven-day SHN
- Take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test after their isolation period.
Paying for COVID-19 Treatment
Under the new vaccinated travel framework, there have been changes to the charging policies for vaccinated travellers.
Fully vaccinated Singaporeans and long-term pass-holders will not need to pay for their medical bills for COVID-19 treatment should they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of arriving in Singapore.
Unfortunately, travellers who are not fully vaccinated will still be required to cover their own COVID-19 treatment. The charging policy for unvaccinated individuals who contract COVID-19 in the community will apply to them.
Lastly, for those who are travelling to countries and regions under the restricted category, they will have to cover their COVID-19 treatment should they develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within seven days of arriving in Singapore.
Stay Protected During Your Travels Using Travel Insurance
With the new framework in place, you are probably rushing to book your tickets to travel abroad. But while you are at it, remember to purchase travel insurance as well!
Protecting you from flight delays and offering medical coverage including COVID-19 coverage for some, there really is no harm in preparing for a rainy day.
Comparing Travel Insurance in Singapore
We will not deny that travel insurance’s policy wordings can be complicated.. As such, to help you find the best travel insurance plan, here are features that you should look out for.
Premiums
In this context, premiums are essentially the price you pay when you purchase a travel insurance policy. It is highly dependent on the type and extent of coverage you would like as well as your age. To save even more, consider purchasing a group travel insurance policy as it is generally a cheaper option.
Medical Coverage
Unfortunately, outside of Singapore, we will not be entitled to subsidised healthcare. This is where travel insurance comes in. Travel insurance covers your medical expenses when you are overseas which is especially helpful in places where healthcare is extremely costly.
Travel Disruption Coverage
Be it flight delays or the loss of luggage, you can be sure to travel with peace of mind when you have travel insurance. While it’s usually an extremely troublesome and costly affair to recover such costs from airlines, almost every travel insurance policy will cover such travel disruption.
Pre-existing Conditions
Typically, travel insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma as an optional add-on. However, should you have such pre-existing conditions, you can consider NTUC Income and MSIG’s travel insurance plans which offer extensive pre-existing conditions coverage.
Adventure Activities
If you are planning to embark on adventurous endeavours such as scuba diving, mountain hiking, skydiving, diving, and more, be sure to check that your insurance policy covers such activities.
COVID-19 Coverage
While you may now travel quarantine-free the selected countries, the risks of contracting COVID-19 when abroad still exists. As such, some insurers now offer COVID-19/pandemic coverages. Under the COVID-19 coverage, you will be covered for trip cancellations, curtailments and more. For more information, check out our comprehensive review on COVID-19 Coverage in Travel Insurance.
To simplify the process for you, check out our Travel Insurance Comparison where we compare it all for you! As an added bonus, enjoy five percent cashback when you buy travel insurance through us.
Finding the Best Travel Insurance in Singapore
Image source: iStock
We have sifted through the market and analysed the travel insurance plans offered by insurers in Singapore to find you the best deal.
Cheapest Travel Insurance in Singapore: Tiq Travel Insurance
Consider this if you are choosing travel insurance based on affordability
Promotion: Get up to $100 when you refer your friend!
Coverage and Benefits:
|
|---|
| |
Entry Plan |
Savvy Plan |
Luxury Plan |
| 1-Week Global Trip Premium |
S$43.55 |
S$56.55 |
S$71.50 |
| Annual ASEAN Premium |
S$133.90 |
S$190.45 |
S$209.95 |
| Trip Cancellation |
S$5,000 |
S$5,000 |
S$10,000 |
| Baggage Loss/Damage |
S$2,000 |
S$2,000 |
S$3,000 |
| Medical Expenses |
S$200,000 |
S$500,000 |
S$1,000,000 |
Analyst’s Review:
Etiqa’s Tiq travel insurance plans are a great option for people on a tight budget who are willing to sacrifice some, but not all, benefits in exchange for affordability. Before discounts, Etiqa’s pricing is not necessarily competitive—in fact, its top tier Business Plan actually costs more than the industry average.
However, Etiqa’s generous promotions 45% off (with an additional 10% off every Friday) and 35% off for Annual Trip plans create plans that are some of the cheapest on the market (around 35% below average).
In terms of coverage, you’ll receive standard trip cancellation, delay, misconnection and curtailment coverage in addition to flight overbooking, personal belongings and bankruptcy of a travel agent.
Though trip inconvenience and personal accident coverage is below average until you get to its Business Plan option, Etiqa’s above-average medical, hospital allowance, hospital visitation and emergency evacuation coverage may appeal to consumers who are looking for a medically-inclined budget plan.
Best Coverage: Allianz Travel Insurance and Aviva Travel Insurance
Premiums & Benefits
|
|---|
| Insurer |
Premiums |
- Value Ratio: 2.76
- Accident & Death: S$100,000
- Medical: Unlimited
- Trip Delay: S$1,500
- Cancellation: S$25,000
- Baggage Loss/Damage: S$15,000
|
- ASEAN: 359.25
- Asia: 359.25
- Global: 499.50
|
- Value Ratio: 1.79
- Accident & Death: S$500,000
- Medical: Unlimited
- Trip Delays: S$2,000
- Cancellation: S$20,000
- Baggage Loss/Damage: S$8,000
|
- ASEAN: 356.00
- Asia: 392.00
- Global: 506.00
|
Analyst’s Review:
If you are not restricted by price and want the highest possible coverage, then Allianz and Aviva will give you the greatest protection whether you want maximum medical, travel inconvenience or personal accident coverage.
Allianz Travel Platinum is best for those who want medical protection, as it has unlimited medical, hospital and dental coverage for sickness and accidents, S$50,000 for outpatient expenses and S$100,000 in personal accident coverage.
They also provide plenty of coverage for adventurous travellers, pandemics/endemics and cruise trips. However, please note they do not provide annual trip coverage for the ASEAN.
If you travel with expensive belongings and want to make sure they are well protected, Aviva’s Prestige plan offers respectively 50% and 80% more baggage-related coverage than the industry average. Another notable perk for Aviva is that you can change or cancel your trip for any reason, although you’ll only be able to claim between S$3,000-S$5,000.
Categorising the plans into the cheapest, best value, best coverage, best for pre-existing conditions, and the best for sports, you can be sure to find the best travel insurance for your trip using our comprehensive analysis on travel insurance in Singapore!
Moving Forward
Amongst all of the recent speeches given by PM Lee, you are probably most excited about these changes. However, as measures loosen and we move towards learning to live with COVID-19, we should still be responsible and cautious.
As for those already thinking about booking your next trip, travel with peace of mind by finding the right and best travel insurance in Singapore!
Looking for a travel insurance quote? Simply fill in the relevant details over here and receive one in 48 hours.
This article was first published on ValueChampion and republished on theAsianparent with permission.
ALSO READ:
Mask On or Mask Off? What You Need to Know About This New Covid-19 Measure
‘Breathe the fresh air, my friend’: Singaporeans Celebrate Further Easing of Covid-19 Rules
Malaysia to Reopen Border to Fully-Vaccinated International Travellers from April 1
This article was first published on Value Champion and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.
