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Despite being the largest island in Vietnam, Phú Quốc island has slipped off the world’s radar for a long time. Lined with beautiful white-sand beaches that will make you want to lounge on them all day, it should be top of your list if you ever visit the country. Sunset-seeking travelers would find Long Beach, one of the most popular beaches, perfect to catch the sun dip below the waves. If you are up for an adventure, there are other uninhabited remote islands nearby that are equally alluring in beauty.

The province where the Raja Ampat Islands are found is also known as the Amazon of the Oceans. The reason behind this name is due to it having one of the highest diversity of marine life in the world. With more than 1,000 tropical fish species and 250 species of exotic bird sightings, this hidden treasure of Indonesia is a diver and bird lover’s paradise. Making the trip down to these islands is definitely worth it, especially when you come face to face with the untouched and undisturbed coral reefs.

On the eastern side of the Thai Gulf lies the lesser-known Koh Kood Island, as compared to the much-heralded Phuket Islands. With hardly any crowds and the absence of night life, this is the place to be at if you are looking to relax and unwind. About 70 per cent of the island is covered by lush tropical rainforests. If you venture into the middle of the island, you will find the beautiful Klong Chao waterfall—along with the opportunity to swing on hanging vines into a refreshing cool lake.

Whenever Hong Kong is mentioned, it is common to think of a concrete jungle. But just 20 minutes away from Central Hong Kong lies a completely peaceful world of sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and emerald green hills. The free-spirited and multi-cultural vibes that emanates through this island makes this a true gem. Go on one of the many hiking trails to clear your thoughts, or visit Lamma Winds, Hong Kong’s very first wind turbine.

No matter the activity you chose to partake in - be it plunging into lakes from hanging vines or diving into the sparkling blue waters - be sure to keep yourself covered with a comprehensive travel insurance plan. That way, you can enjoy your well-deserved vacation with a peace of mind.

Got any questions about travel insurance? Find out more here or feel free to contact us here.

When you’re not around, your closest allies are almost always your neighbours. Give them your vacation contact information so that they can notify you should they notice anything amiss. If you’re not on friendly terms with them, the next best alternatives are your relatives or your closest friend. You can even get them to swing by once in a while for a quick check.

If you have a mailbox out in your front yard that is visible to people, it may be worthwhile to give the post office a call to stop the mail for the period of your vacation. The same goes for your subscriptions such as the newspapers. Having an overflowing mail box or an increasing pile of newspapers on your porch gives a clear indication that the owner is away and only makes it more enticing for burglars.

In recent years, CCTVs are less costly and more effective than ever before. Installing a CCTV that can be connected to your smartphone is a savvy option that allows you to monitor your house anytime of the day. If you want to cut down on unnecessary footage, you can also invest in one that comes with motion sensors. Having a CCTV can serve as a deterrent for burglars, so even setting up a dummy camera can possibly make them think twice.

Sounds strange? It isn’t. Go through the valuables in your home and ring up your agent to update them on any valuable new additions to the house since the day you purchased your insurance. That way, you can check whether these home contents are under coverage. While most insurance plans don’t provide full coverage for expensive articles such as jewellery and fur, it is still important to get at least partial coverage for these costly items. If you don’t have an existing home insurance plan, it would be good to do some research and invest in a comprehensive home insurance plan before your trip.

Keeping your house secure requires teamwork and MSIG is on your side. If you have any queries regarding home insurance, feel free to find out more here or contact us here.

A juice cleanse is a diet where people stop eating solid food and depend on vegetable and fruit juice for a period of time. This can last from a few days up to a week or more. Many of these cold-pressed juices can be bought in cafes or health stores.

While there is no doubt that fruit and vegetable juices contain high amounts of nutrients, too much of something is seldom good. For example, it takes many oranges to prepare a glass of orange juice—which makes it likely to contain more sugar than a can of Coke. This can potentially lead to overconsumption and an excess of sugar in your diet. Too much sugar can result in Type 2 diabetes or even worsen existing heart problems. If you haven’t declared your heart problems when signing up for health insurance, it is highly likely that you would be unable to claim for any associated medical treatment.

Perhaps, simply adding a variety of fruits and vegetables into your existing diet or consuming them in moderation could prove to be more helpful in the long run than going on a juice cleanse. 

Sounds fancy? A keto diet is basically an extremely low or no carbohydrates diet. That means no food such as bread, rice, or pasta. Instead, the body depends on a high-fat diet that includes food such meat, fish, eggs, and high-fat dairy for energy.

For severely overweight people, going on a keto diet can be an effective solution. However, slashing your carbs intake overnight can drastically lead to a constant state of hunger. As a result, you may overconsume other food sources to satiate your hunger, making it harder to lose weight. Replacing your carbs with a high-fat diet can also lead to an increased risk of high cholesterol and heart disease for those at risk.

You should also note that much of your initial weight loss is water. That is because your kidney flushes out more water when carbs are reduced, which can lead to low levels of hydration that are detrimental for people with underlying kidney issues. Much like juice cleansing, if you have these prior health conditions, the chances of claiming from any health insurance plans are low.

As such, as effective as a keto diet could be for short-term weight loss, it is important to consult your doctor and understand the state of your body fully before going on any fad diets.

When it comes to health issues, don’t leave anything to chance. If you have any queries regarding health insurance, find out more here or reach out to us here.

"Where are the most surreal yet safe places to visit in the world?"
The world is such a vast and enormous place that it is impossible to pinpoint all of these places in one article. But for starters, Asia is a safe haven and wonderful place to begin with. Just take a look at the annual Safe Cities Index in 2017, where four of the top 10 cities are from Asia.* Looking for intriguing places? Check out Singapore, a city where alien-looking supertrees thrive. Or you can also visit the land of Korea, where real-life ‘mermaids’ dive into oceans deep. How about Bhutan, a peaceful country where a monastery can be found hanging on the cliffside? With an array of diverse cultures steeped in history and a plethora of UNESCO world heritage sites, Asia is full of spectacular places that will surely appeal to your sense of adventure.

"Will not switching my phone off result in a plane accident?"
This is one question that has mystified plane passengers for decades, especially those who had to begrudgingly quit a game halfway on their phone. The short answer is, yes. In fact, there have been at least 2 cases of plane crashes due to suspected mobile interference in history: the Crosshair Flight 498 incident in 2000, and a fatal crash in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2003. The potential of mobile phone interfering with flights not only exist while it is being used, but also when it lies dormant. That is why passengers are requested to switch their phone to flight mode or turn it completely off.

"Is travel insurance really essential?"
A hundred-percent yes. While you may associate the absence of travel insurance with cost savings, the risks you are taking are often not worth it. Travel insurance covers a wide range of the most frequently occurred incidents, from flight delays, to injuries sustained overseas to lost belongings. If you are a frequent traveller, there will be a higher risk of such incidents occurring. At the end of the day, when it comes to travelling, there really is no substitution for a peace of mind.

With the right insurer, the ins and outs of travel insurance can be easy to understand. If you have any queries regarding travel insurance, find out more here or feel free to reach out to us here.

*Source: http://safecities.economist.com/safe-cities-index-2017

An activity that has grown in popularity over the years, whitewater rafting is the perfect sport for thrill seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Whitewater refers to the extremely fast rapids of the river, and requires great skill and dexterity to navigate through it. If you’re looking for a place to try this, check out Mae Taeng River in Thailand where they have rapids of varying difficulty levels, from Class II to Class IV. However, if you’re up for a challenge, there is always Mayhka River in Myanmar. Dubbed the ‘Everest of Rivers’, there are gorges along the river where Class V to VI rapids await the daredevil in you.

We’ve all probably seen it at one point—the iconic picture of hot air balloons floating across limestone spires and caves in Cappadocia, Turkey. But do you know there’s a place in Asia that offers similar breathtaking sights? Take to the skies in Bagan, Myanmar, and be treated to an awe-inspiring view of ancient temples and the beautiful Inle Lake.

If you’re not intimidated by heights, Asia has some great places for bungee jumping. Check out the bungy tower at AJ Hackett Sentosa in Singapore, where you can also experience the beach life, or The Last Resort in Nepal where you can plunge towards a daunting tropical gorge. If that’s not extreme enough for you, take a step up by leaping off the Macau Tower in China—the world’s highest jumping site at 233 metres. Due to its tremendous height, special bungee chords, guide cables, and a recovery system had to be developed.

We’ve all seen it—from blockbuster action films to aspirational commercials. There’s just something about jumping off the plane and falling through the air that gets us. Visit Dubai, a country which is gaining a reputation as one of the best places to skydive in Asia. Leap off the plane and witness a stunning view of the skyline and the iconic Palm Jumeirah. If that’s not extreme enough for you, Thailand offers skydiving altitudes up to 14,000 feet (4,300 metres), one of the highest in Asia. With some of the most scenic seaside locations in the world, you’ll definitely be in for a treat.

As adventurous as you may be, don’t jump in without the safety net of travel insurance. Some travel insurance policies provide optional coverage for adventurous activities as an add-on, which would be extremely handy for the astronomical cost of emergency medical treatment should the need ever arise. Find out more about the risks below!

Not sure what type of coverage there is? Click here to find out more about our travel insurance.

In this case, Car B, C, and D all failed to keep a safe braking distance and were unable to stop in time.
They are all liable for the cars they rear-ended each. Only Car A is not at fault.

In this case, Car D would be liable for all damages caused in the chain collision due to his failure to keep a safe braking distance.

While this case closely resembles Scenario A, it has additional complications. In the majority of cases, the car(s) at the back are liable for the accident due to a failure in keeping a safe braking distance. Without camera evidence of Driver A’s reckless driving behaviour, he could be able to avoid liability even though he is at fault. That is why installing a front and rear car camera is so important. In cases where there is a lack of evidence, hiring a lawyer and/or having eyewitnesses would be Driver B, C, and D’s best chances of avoiding liability.

When it comes to multi-car crashes, it can be very difficult to establish who was at fault. While police investigators can strive to do their best to determine the liability fairly, it may not always be in your favour—especially if your car has no cameras installed and there is no evidence to support your case.

This is where insurance comes in handy. A good car insurance policy can help to reduce your liability and cover the damage done to other vehicles. It is valuable in Scenario B, where the driver has a number of claims stacked against him. It is especially helpful in Scenario C where the drivers are at fault only in the eyes of the unsuspecting law. However, subject to your policy terms, do note that you may still need to pay an excess before your insurer pays out your full liability.

Car accidents are never straightforward, not even if it only involves two vehicles. If you want to find out more about car insurance, click here or reach out to us here.

When it comes to car insurance, most cars follow a general rule of thumb: the older the vehicle, the higher the premiums. That is because older cars have a higher tendency of getting damaged due to wear and tear. On the other hand, newer cars usually have the latest technology and safety features that lower the chances of accidents.

Tip: If you have an older car, consider adding new safety technology such as blind spot sensors and a forward collision warning system.

For some insurers, the nature of your job matters. For example, a sales agent may have to drive to different locations on a daily basis, thus increasing the risk of accidents and his insurance premium. On the other hand, a HR executive may only drive during off-peak hours, which makes him less likely to get into accidents. As a result, he may have a lower insurance premium.

Tip: If you drive frequently for work purposes, having a company car insured under your company’s name would be your best option.

Some insurers develop their own vehicle safety rankings by using data from customers’ claims and analysing industry safety reports. Flashy and expensive cars are often deemed more susceptible to damage and theft, leading to higher insurance rates.

Tip: Before purchasing a car, do some background research to find out whether it has strong safety ratings by checking with your insurance agent.

If you have a history of getting into driving accidents, you will likely have to pay a higher rate of car insurance due to perceived bad driving habits. On the flip side, a clean driving record could be useful for getting a discount.

Tip: Develop safe driving habits such as braking, cornering, and accelerating with care. This would greatly reduce the likelihood of getting into accidents. In addition, it is always good to check in with your agent a year after purchasing your car insurance, especially if your record is unblemished. Chances are, you could be in line for a discount.

Get more out of your insurance by having a better understanding of the coverages and limitations. Read on here to find out more about our motor insurance plans.

Be it the backdrop of the iconic Eiffel Tower or the Seoul Forest in Korea, it is an emerging trend for budding photographers to travel overseas in search of the perfect picture. The need to bring along your camera equipment would mean that there is a risk of it being damaged or even lost in transit. To reduce any potential repair or replacement costs, look out for travel insurance plans that provide coverage for luggage loss or damage.

Being a foodie at heart, you’re always on the lookout for new and interesting kinds of food on your trip. But as much as you may enjoy trying the local street food in a foreign country, it would be wise to only do so when you have insurance protection at hand. That is because food poisoning cases are not uncommon overseas and can chalk up high medical costs. As such, do look out for travel insurance coverage that includes hospital benefits abroad.

When visiting a different country, there are few better ways to sightsee than going on a road trip—just think about driving down that incredibly scenic Great Ocean Road in Australia. Unless you have friends or relatives lending you the keys to their cars, most people would choose the rental option. If you know that you will be renting a car overseas, do some research on the excess (or deductible or similar condition) which makes you liable for the loss or damage to the vehicle from the rental agency. And after your research, make sure that your travel insurance is able to cover at least some part of that excess.

Children can be more susceptible to food poisoning in a different country, as well as knocks and injuries in hotels that may not be child-proof. With this in mind, it is wise to purchase family insurance packages that not only cover for your whole family (including kids and the elderly), but could also be offered at a cheaper rate when compared to individual travel policies.

Heading overseas for work instead of leisure? Unlike people on a vacation, it can be very stressful and hectic for you. If you’re headed to a new country, the food and weather can also take some getting used to.

As a result, your immune system may be weakened, making you more prone to falling ill overseas. If you travel for business frequently, an annual travel plan that covers overseas doctor visits could be just the thing for you.

Want to find out more about travel insurance? Click here to read on.

Not all home insurance policies provide coverage for flood damage, but it is fast becoming essential to homeowners. Rising global temperatures have led to extreme weather changes and rising sea levels, which in turn has led to more floods around the world. Some areas that have been recently affected include
Vietnam and Thailand, where countless homes were submerged or damaged as a result of torrential rain in 2017*. As such, it is wise to consider insurance plans that include flood coverage, such as MSIG’s Houseowner Insurance.

Real estate prices fluctuate in the market all the time. Some people reduce insurance on their home to get more savings when the value of their homes drop—but you should refrain from doing so. That is because the price of rebuilding your home remains the same, no matter your real estate value. In the case of an 
unfortunate disaster, you will likely have to fork out a fortune.

Most home insurance plans have limitations for claims regarding your personal possessions found in your home. For example, you may have expensive furniture and home appliances that total up to a large sum—but the coverage you have is limited to much less than that. Before purchasing any home insurance, always make a list of all your important home contents, especially those that cost above $1,000. That way, you can check whether your chosen home insurance plan contains or matches the value of both your home and the contents inside it.

While lower premiums can represent savings in the long term, they may not necessarily be the best option. Some insurance policies may have removed certain important aspects such as flood coverage so as to bring down the price of a policy and entice more buyers. Tip: Identify your insurance needs and priorities before
going to any insurer, such as whether you live in an area that is prone to floods. Doing so will help to keep your needs top-of-mind before the price.

The key to avoiding costly mistakes lies in understanding home insurance. Find out more about the different home insurance plans we have available here.

*https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/floods-landslides-in-vietnam-kill-37-people-thousands-evacuated