If you travel abroad once or twice a year, a single trip plan is usually the simplest way to get covered. You pay for one journey, you are protected for the dates you choose, and the policy ends when you are home.
This guide answers the questions Malaysian travellers ask most often about single trip travel insurance, so you know what you are buying before you pay.
What is single trip travel insurance?
A single trip plan (also called a one-way or one-off plan) covers one journey for the travel dates stated in your policy. Once that trip ends, so does the cover. If you travel again, you buy a new plan.
It suits you if you only leave the country once or twice in a year, for example one holiday, one family visit or one business trip. Because you pay for one trip at a time, the premium is usually lower than a full-year plan.
Single trip or annual plan: which should you pick?
The answer depends on how often you travel. The table below gives a simple way to decide.
Single trip plan
Annual plan
Covers
One journey, for the dates you choose
Multiple trips within 12 months, subject to the policy terms
Best for
Occasional travellers
Frequent travellers
Cost pattern
Pay each time you travel
One premium for the whole year
Watch out for
Buying again for every trip
Limits on how long each trip can last, which differ by plan
If you leave Malaysia several times a year, an annual plan often works out better value. If you only travel once, a single trip plan is normally the cheaper choice. Compare both quotes for your own travel pattern before deciding.
What does a single trip plan usually cover?
Benefits differ between insurers and plans, but most single trip policies include a mix of the following:
Personal accident: compensation for injury, permanent disability or death during the trip.
Medical expenses: hospital and treatment costs overseas, and emergency medical evacuation.
Travel inconvenience: flight delay, trip cancellation or curtailment, and delayed or lost baggage.
Lost passport or money: extra hotel and travel costs while you replace a lost passport.
Repatriation: returning the remains of an insured person who dies in an accident abroad.
24-hour emergency assistance: a hotline for medical advice, referrals and help with lost documents or baggage.
Personal liability: offered under some plans.
The Malaysian general insurers’ association, PIAM, lists these as typical travel insurance benefits on its travel insurance guide. Always read your policy wording, because limits and conditions are set by each insurer.
What is not covered?
Every policy has exclusions. Common ones include:
War and civil unrest.
Injuries from extreme or hazardous sports, unless you add the right cover.
Childbirth and miscarriage, other than unexpected emergency complications under some plans.
Baggage loss or delay caused by customs seizure or similar government action.
Check the exclusions list before you buy, especially if you plan activities such as diving or climbing.
What decides your premium?
There is no fixed price for single trip travel insurance. Insurers look at several factors, which are the same ones you will see when you compare plans:
Your destination or region.
The coverage amount you choose.
Whether you travel alone or with a spouse or family.
The length of your trip.
Longer trips and higher coverage limits generally cost more. Comparing plans for the same dates and destination shows you the real difference between insurers.
How long does the cover last, and can I visit other countries?
Cover runs for the trip dates in your policy, subject to the plan’s terms. The maximum trip length depends on the insurer and the plan, so check it before you travel.
If you visit several countries on one journey, make sure each one falls within the coverage area of your plan. If a country is outside that area, you may need a separate or higher-tier plan for it.
Can I cancel a single trip policy?
Most insurers let you cancel a policy, usually by informing them in writing. Whether you get any premium back depends on the insurer and the policy terms, so check the cancellation and refund wording before you buy rather than after.
What should you do if something goes wrong overseas?
Follow the steps in your policy. In general, the insuranceinfo.com.my guide advises you to call the emergency hotline if your plan has one, report incidents promptly to the police, hotel or transport company, and submit your claim form with supporting documents such as the medical or police report as soon as possible. If you lose your passport or money, the report to the police must be made within 24 hours.
Before you buy: a quick checklist
Confirm how many trips you will take in the next 12 months.
Check that your full route is inside the coverage area.
Compare medical and evacuation limits, not only the price.
Read the exclusions and the claim notification period.
Keep the emergency hotline number where you can reach it offline.
A single trip plan keeps things simple for occasional travellers. Compare the options on BJAK to find a plan that fits your trip, your budget and your coverage needs.
It is a plan that covers one journey for the travel dates stated in your policy. When the trip ends, the cover ends. It suits people who travel abroad only once or twice a year.
Is single trip travel insurance worth it if I travel often?
Usually not. If you leave Malaysia several times a year, an annual plan often gives better value. Compare quotes for both based on your own travel pattern.
Is single trip insurance cheaper than an annual plan?
For one trip, it is normally cheaper because you only pay for the dates you travel. The exact price depends on your destination, coverage amount, trip length and who is travelling.
What does a single trip plan usually cover?
Typical benefits include personal accident, overseas medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel inconvenience such as flight delay and lost baggage, lost passport costs and 24-hour emergency assistance. Benefits and limits differ by insurer and plan.
Does it cover all the countries I visit on one trip?
Only if each country falls within the coverage area of your plan. If a destination is outside that area, you may need a separate or higher-tier plan.
Can I cancel my single trip policy after buying it?
Usually yes, by informing the insurer in writing. Whether any premium is refunded depends on the insurer and the policy terms, so check the cancellation wording before you buy.
Nabil Farhan· · 4 min read
