Unlike Singapore, which recently ranked the 3rd safest and most secure country to live in, safety isn’t guaranteed in other parts of the world. A 2022 survey showed that 85% of university students worry about their safety in other countries. Before deciding on a destination for your studies, it’s vital to do a thorough check on the country.

Entry into the country

While travel restrictions to Singapore have eased, some countries still require you to clear health checks before applying for a visa. Check the visa requirements and validity in advance, and apply early as processing and approval time varies from country to country.

Political stability and general safety

Avoid countries with tense political situations to deter being caught in violent attacks or countrywide lockdowns. Keep up with global news and check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) website for safety advice on travelling to various places. For instance, MFA highly encourages the deferring of all non-essential travel to Russia in view of the current Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Local laws and customs

Being a foreigner doesn’t exempt you from obeying the local rules. Know and follow the local laws to stay out of trouble. (MFA’s website also details the do’s and don'ts for certain countries.) For instance: Did you know that it’s illegal for a driver or passenger not to wear a seatbelt in Australia? Or that completely concealing your face is illegal in France?

Familiarising yourself with cultural norms will help with assimilating more easily. Many international students feel homesick largely because they find fitting in a challenge. Knowing what’s appropriate demonstrates that you respect the country’s culture – and ensures that you don’t accidentally offend any local.

Local language

Communicating is much easier when you know some of the country’s local languages, especially if you’ll be staying there for an extended period of time. Just like how we Singaporeans have Singlish, pick up some local slang and phrases to break the ice with locals. Knowing some vocabulary will also help you to navigate the country more easily.

Making friends

The safest way to enjoy your global study experience to the fullest is by making friends with local students. Apart from feeling less lonely, you’ll have friends you can trust for tips and recommendations and who can travel around with you.

As a well-connected nation, Singaporean students are spread out worldwide. Many universities across the globe have on-campus clubs/ societies for Singaporean students to gather and mingle. Sometimes, they even have events celebrating local arts and food culture, a win for Singaporean students with beef rendang or chicken rice cravings!

Emergency personnel

Find out where the closest police station, hospital and other emergency facilities to your accommodation are. Keep a handy list of important emergency numbers – the Singapore embassy, police, ambulance, university, and family members – in case your phone isn’t with you. Also, learn emergency phrases in the local language to ask for help if needed.

Important documents

Keep your important documents secure. However, don’t panic if they get lost or stolen. Prepare scanned or digital copies of your passport, visas, ticket confirmations and other key documents; this also makes getting replacements easier. 

► What should I do if my passport gets lost/ stolen in the country?

If you’ve lost your passport, follow MFA’s step-by-step procedure to learn how to cancel your passport and make a replacement.

If your document has been stolen, make a police report within 24 hours. MSIG’s Global Study Insurance covers the cost of getting replacement passports, travel tickets and other relevant travel documents because of theft or natural disaster.

Adventurous activities

You’re in a new land! Your first instinct may be to go all out. But don’t recklessly rush into adventure. Fully know the risks before attempting any dangerous activities like cliff diving, bungee jumping, or skydiving. If you don’t feel confident, don’t do it! If you’re booking an experience through a company, read the reviews to know if the company is reputable and safe.

► What should I do if I get into an accident from an adventurous activity?

Regardless of the injury’s severity, seek medical attention immediately. Request for emergency medical services or call for an ambulance to the nearest hospital. When you can, update your family on what has happened.

Once you’re in proper care and have seen the doctor, document the accident as best as possible, as you’ll never know if there will be legal recourse. This will also help with your insurance claim. Our Global Study Insurance’s premium plan covers injury caused by an extensive list of adventurous activities, done for leisure with a licensed operator.

► What should I do if my studies get interrupted?

If you’re hospitalised for a prolonged period, and your studies are rudely interrupted, we have your back. Our plan covers your unused tuition fees, charges and deposits, unused travel fares, accommodation, and deposits, as well as your travel back home to Singapore.

Getting around

Not all places are as well-connected as tiny Singapore. Often, getting from Point A to B, unless they’re conveniently located by train stations, will take some transfers and walking. Be sure to look for the most direct and safest routes to take. If you get lost, stay calm and approach a local for directions to your destination.

Keep out of dingy neighbourhoods known to be unsafe. Avoid going to unfamiliar places by yourself and staying out until late at night. Also, never go anywhere alone with a stranger, even if they seem nice. If you feel unsafe, walk into a public place with high visibility and large groups of people.

Finally, even if you’re curious, stay away from protests or civil unrest as they can turn violent spontaneously without warning.

Losing personal valuables

Pickpocketing is a common occurrence overseas. The best way to deter it is to avoid drawing attention to yourself. Don’t dress flashily and only carry what you’ll need for the day, keeping your valuables concealed. Stay vigilant when moving through crowded areas where you’ll likely brush against others.

When overseas, abandon the Singaporean habit of “choping” and leaving your items unattended. Once your belongings are out of sight, there’s a high chance they won’t be there when you return.

► What should I do if I experience theft?

If your wallet or phone has been stolen, immediately cancel your credit cards and/or mobile SIM service. Make a detailed police report as soon as possible. If your passport has been stolen, follow the instructions above in Point 3.

While our Global Study Insurance doesn’t cover accidental loss of items, it does cover loss of personal belongings from your overseas residence. So, if you come home to find your door ajar and your room ransacked, rest assured that you’ll get some compensation.

Whether in Singapore or overseas, this same rule applies: let people know where you are. Before leaving for your studies, be sure to register your travel with the MFA so that the government knows how to reach you in case of emergencies.

When overseas, make it a habit to share your whereabouts or ride details with a friend or family member to keep tabs on you. iPhone users can easily share their location with family if they have Family Sharing set up. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram also make sharing one’s live location via text easy.

The best way to stay safe is to cover all bases with good insurance for your overseas studies. MSIG’s Global Study Insurance offers wide coverage of accidents and medical expenses that you might incur while studying abroad. The plan even covers your pre-paid course fees should your studies be interrupted by illness or injury.

If any accidents or mishaps happened, calmly collect the incident details and submit the report to us for claims. We’re here to ensure that your overseas study experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Remember, your global study is not meant to be anxiety-inducing. Sure, you may make mistakes occasionally, but that’s part of life. Be adventurous but careful, take precautions, and have fun exploring this chapter of your life!

► How do I make a claim?

If you are overseas and require any emergency assistance, you can call our 24-hour MSIG Assist at +65 6323 8288. If you wish to file a claim on your insurance, you must do so within 30 days of any event giving rise or likely to give rise to a claim. You can download the claim form or submit your claims here.

1. Increase in Annual Claim Limit to $60,000

Up from $15,000 previously, the new medical insurance will offer an annual claim limit of at least $60,000 to help defray bigger bills and minimise out-of-pocket expenses. You can upgrade the $60,000 cover (Standard Plan) to $80,000 (Classic Plan) or $120,000 (Premier Plan) for greater coverage. Your helper will also enjoy up to 90 days pre- and post-hospitalisation expenses for diagnostic services and treatment under all plans.

2. 25% Employer Co-Payment

We fully insure the first $15,000. A 25% co-payment will be required for bills from $15,001 to $60,000 (Standard Plan). You will be required to make full payment for amounts that exceed your claim limit.

3. Option to Reduce Co-Payment

If you would like to lower the 25% co-payment, we offer the flexibility to bring it down to 10% or even 0%. This further reduces expenses borne by employers during medical emergencies.

4. Direct Reimbursement to Hospitals

You will no longer have to pre-pay the entire hospital bill and make a claim later. MSIG will reimburse our portion of the bill directly to the hospital upon admissibility of the medical claim.

5. Age-differentiated Premiums

There are now different premiums for those aged 50 and below; and above 50. Age differentiation keeps premiums affordable as the majority of helpers tend to be younger.

These improvements are a significant upgrade over what we had previously. The good news is MSIG’s MaidPlus goes above and beyond MOM’s requirements to provide greater insurance coverage and peace of mind. Here are additional benefits you’ll enjoy with MSIG MaidPlus:

1. Coverage for Traditional Chinese Medicine or Alternative Treatments

We cover up to $3,000 for medical expenses due to injury, which includes sub-limits for dengue fever, dental and TCM treatment.

2. Compassionate Travel Expenses

We cover up to $500 for your helper’s travel expenses if she has to travel home due to the passing of a legal parent, spouse or child.

3. Reimbursement of Compassionate Home Leave

If your helper has to take compassionate home leave, you will receive compensation of up to $420 for wages and levies.

4. Hiring Expenses for a Replacement Maid

In the event you have to terminate your domestic worker’s service due to injury, illness or death, we pay up to $750 to engage a replacement maid.

Q: My MaidPlus policy started before 1 July 2023. How will the new enhancements affect my policy? Can I upgrade it?

A: Your current MaidPlus policy will not be affected. You do not need to upgrade your policy. MOM’s new regulations apply only to policies that start from 1 July 2023.

Q: Will my helper’s pre-existing medical condition be covered under the new rules?  

A: Hospital and surgical expenses for any pre-existing conditions are covered after the first 12 months of employment with the same employer. Under the new rules, the sum insured will be up to $60,000 with employers co-paying 25% for the portion of eligible claims exceeding the first $15,000.

Q: How can I reduce my 25% co-payment for hospital bills exceeding $15,000?

A: Choose to reduce co-payment to 10% or even 0% by selecting ‘Reduction of co-payment’ at the point of purchase. This option cannot be amended once your plan has started.

Q: Will my helper be covered during an overseas holiday?

A: MaidPlus covers hospitalisation expenses incurred on an overseas trip, provided your helper is travelling with you. However, a separate travel insurance will provide comprehensive cover for any eventualities. 

Q: Will my helper be covered on home leave?

A: When on home leave, your helper will only be covered for accidental death and permanent disablement. All other benefits will cease till she returns to Singapore.

Your helper is an essential member of your family. To protect her well-being and your interest, we designed MSIG MaidPlus to incorporate MOM’s new requirements – and more! Click here to learn more about MSIG MaidPlus and the comprehensive cover we provide.

From time to time, we have exclusive promotions on our insurance plans. View our latest deals here!

Policy terms and conditions apply.

In order to live out your study abroad dreams, you have to first find a place to call your own. Picking the right accommodation is important because your rent takes up a huge proportion of your budget, apart from your tuition fees.

Whether you’re choosing between student hostels or homestays, prioritise proximity to your school and compare prices. You might want to consider opting for a place closer to campus even if it costs you a little more. While the cheaper option sounds like the obvious choice, daily commuting expenses can really add up! Plus, if you’ve had a really tiring day, taking ages to travel home isn’t the most ideal.

Don’t forget to watch out for sneaky costs, like laundry or electricity. If you’re staying in a homestay, you might luck out with a washing machine included—which means that you probably only have to pay for detergent. But do keep an eye out for cleaning fees from homestay hosts too! On the other hand, student hostels might charge you for each laundry load.

We’ve all heard the term “broke student” and there’s a reason for that. Being a student might not come with a hefty bank account, but here’s a silver lining: you’re eligible for the most perks and discounts! Don’t underestimate the small savings from daily essentials—they can be substantial in the long run.

1.Transport

Transport costs can seem insignificant on a daily basis but they definitely add up. Many countries offer student rates for train and bus tickets or even concession passes that are heavily subsidised.

2. Telecom

Being miles away from home means more phone calls to loved ones. International calls can be pricey, but messaging apps have made it easier to connect via the internet. Look for a cost-effective phone plan with sufficient data for video and phone calls, so that you can stay connected while staying within budget.

3. Groceries

The key to saving money is mastering basic cooking. But the real trick? It’s all about being grocery savvy.

Don’t overestimate how often you’ll cook—there will be days where you’ll eat out or when leftovers happen. A good way to avoid bursting your grocery budget is to plan meals for the week and make a shopping list. Here’s a pro-tip: grab frozen meats! They last longer and pack the same nutrients.

Remember to apply for supermarket membership for discounts to help you save too!

4.Laundry

Laundry costs might not be as cheap as you think, especially at a student hostel where each load comes with a fee. Do your due diligence and check on the price of each load and wash in bigger loads to save detergent and money.

If you’re in a country with a colder climate, consider rewearing your clothes too (if they still smell fresh)—smart moves for your wallet!

Semester breaks are prime time to explore your new home. But before you start making travel plans, take the time to research months in advance and secure budget-friendly train or flight deals for your short getaway. For instance, if you’re studying in Great Britain, consider the 16-25 Railcard which gives you one-third off rail fares for a whole year!

You’re likely to spend more on a holiday trip, so plan a reasonable budget by breaking down expenses for various categories such as food, shopping and sightseeing before scooting off. Pack light using a carry-on duffel or backpack so you can save on extra flight baggage fees too.

Lastly, bring your student card everywhere to get discounts at museums, attractions, or even retail outlets! Your bank is going to thank you (a lot).

Budgeting is a student’s secret superpower. Taking into account all the mentioned expenses, start creating a monthly budget—encompassing everything, from groceries to transportation, even your daily cup of joe! You might be surprised by how much those coffee runs add up.

Jotting everything down can be a hassle. Try handy budgeting apps that can make your budgeting journey smooth and easy. Don’t forget to set aside an emergency fund after accounting for all your essentials too. Now, you’ll be financially well-prepared to take on your study abroad.

Studying abroad is like unlocking a world of adventure, growth and resourcefulness, but let’s face it—life can be pretty unpredictable. While you're busy exploring new horizons and embracing cultures, unexpected bumps can pop up.

That’s where MSIG Global Study comes in—it’s your trusty travel companion while studying overseas. It provides you with comprehensive coverage for loss of personal belongings, loss of baggage on air transport and even alternative accommodation. Not only does it protect your travels, it also provides up to $150,000 coverage in the event of accidental death and permanent total disability.

It can be daunting to pick up the pieces on your own especially when you’re away from your loved ones at home. Having comprehensive coverage serves as a reliable safety net, providing peace of mind so that when trouble arises, financial relief will be the least of your worries.

Enjoy your study abroad to the fullest while feeling secure with MSIG Global Study: https://www.msig.com.sg/personal-insurance/global-study

*Cover and limits based on Premier Plan.

Besides warming up your home, sunlight entering through your windows can harm your skin and furniture. Using blackout curtains or blinds when the sun is out can lower the temperature in your house by up to 5°C.

For greater effectiveness, use light-coloured curtains or blinds to reflect more light, and avoid thicker curtains as they trap heat. An alternative is getting window films, with the tinted ones offering the added benefit of privacy.

Don’t mistakenly turn your house into a furnace. Closing all doors and windows to shut heat out can actually cause a reverse effect. Instead, keep the air moving. Enable cross ventilation by opening doors and windows at opposite ends of your home to produce a cooling wind tunnel.

Turning on a fan can help with directing airflow. (Sadly, “aesthetic” bladeless fans aren’t that effective.) Ceiling fans are particularly helpful. When set to spin counter-clockwise, they direct cool air downwards. Apart from lowering your electricity bill, because they cover a larger surface area, ceiling fans can cool down your room by up to 5°C.

Incandescent light bulbs generate a higher temperature due to using tungsten wires. It may be affordable, but its usage leads to spending more on electricity and cooling. On the other hand, LED bulbs use less energy, last longer and light up a room without heating it.

Did you know that simply leaving our appliances running can warm up your home? Electricity produces heat, and the collective heat from all plugged-in appliances adds up. Turn off switches when not in use to cool the house down while preventing risks of spontaneous fires from short-circuiting.

Some appliances like washing machines and dryers emit alarmingly large amounts of heat. Consider using such appliances at cooler times of the day, like in the morning or at night. If you need to dry your clothes during the day, why not take advantage of the natural blazing hot sun?

Ever wonder why perspiring in Singapore feels so unpleasant? In humid Singapore, the air is too saturated with water to evaporate the moisture on your skin, trapping the heat within your body. This leaves you feeling sweaty and sticky instead of relief.

Dehumidifiers cool the room down by lowering its relative humidity level. They also protect your household items and improve cleanliness by making the space unconducive to mould growth and pests.

Before purchasing your dehumidifier, consider the space you’ll be placing it; the larger the room, the larger the dehumidifier should be. Optimise its effectiveness by placing it in the centre of the room, clear of obstructions like walls or furniture.

An alternative for homeowners with green thumbs is indoor plants. They bring the humidity to optimum levels while cooling the air during transpiration. Additionally, plants purify and freshen the air around them when they emit oxygen during photosynthesis.

We recommend these cosy HDB-friendly houseplants to bring you joy and cooling comfort to your home without too much maintenance:

• Rubber Plant – Prefers indirect sunlight, requires little water, has large sturdy leaves for more cooling, elevates the aesthetic of a room
• Sansevieria – Prefers direct sunlight, requires monthly watering, stores a lot of water, has high levels of transpiration, purifies air
• Monstera – Prefers indirect sunlight, requires weekly watering, has vibrant broad leaves for more cooling and shade, an ideal centrepiece for your living room
• Aglaonema – Has high levels of transpiration, requires little water and sunlight, purifies the air, perfect for plant beginners

With these handy cooling tips, braving the heat will be a breeze. Aside from feeling more comfortable, you’ll protect your home’s residents and objects from damaging UV rays. But for absolute surety that your home is secure, take the added precaution of safeguarding it with reliable home insurance.

MSIG Enhanced HomePlus® insurance offers all-around protection for your home and household contents. Our policy provides comprehensive coverage for home-related accidents, from renovation mishaps to furniture damage to even the loss of domestic pets.

From time to time, we have exclusive promotions on our insurance plans. View our latest deals here! Policy terms and conditions apply.

An Insta-worthy hotel may fill your feed with cool photos. But is it child- and elderly-friendly? For example, a see-through bathroom with glass walls may look swanky, but your conservative parents may not appreciate it at all.

When searching for accommodation, check if the location, facilities and amenities cater to both young and old. Does the hotel have an elevator? Do they have child-friendly rooms? Do they provide amenities for the elderly? Comfort and convenience should be your top priority.

Keep in mind the interests of all age groups when planning your itinerary. Mix up your sightseeing with cultural excursions, outdoor adventures and leisurely pursuits. Everyone should have a chance to do something they love.

Listening to their suggestions creates an inclusive experience. Everyone gets involved and the chosen activity feels more meaningful, fostering closer ties between your family members.

Fast food or street food? Western or Asian? Select restaurants with menus for all ages and dietary requirements, so everyone has something that suits their palate.

While exploring local specialties, it’s good to have familiar food available as well. Also, let family members take turns in selecting where to eat – eg. kids decide on the lunch venue while grandparents dictate the dinner destination.

No one wants to fall ill away from home. It’s a lifesaver to bring along medication for headaches, flu or diarrhoea. To avoid confusion, carry the medication in their original containers or label them with proper dosage and directions.

Don’t forget to bring along pills for your parent’s chronic conditions. Keep a copy of the prescription just in case you need to purchase medication along the way. You can also take note of pharmacies and medical facilities near your hotel, in case of emergencies.

Have a flexible schedule and don’t pack in too many activities. Children and elderly move at a slower pace, so cater for that. The last thing you want is to rush about and feel overly stressed and create an unpleasant scene for everyone.

With extra time in your schedule, you can easily accommodate any unexpected changes or surprises if they arise. It’s perfectly okay if you don’t follow your itinerary closely. Just chill, relax and go with the flow.

You’re on holiday, after all!

You can have a smoother family trip by following these tips. But for total peace-of-mind, it’s essential to purchase travel insurance that covers all your family members, from young to old, and even your domestic pets at home! 

Start planning your multi-generational getaway with MSIG TravelEasy® insurance and rest assured that your loved ones will travel safely.

From time to time, we have exclusive promotions on our insurance plans, click here to view the latest deals. Policy terms and conditions apply.

It’s wise to do a thorough background check before approaching the agency. Select a reputable company from the Ministry of Manpower’s list of licensed agents. While an experienced agency may not guarantee the highest quality maids, it may assure you that they won’t cease operations abruptly.

Take the time to call up the agencies you’re interested in to inquire about their screening processes. An agency that screens its candidates thoroughly will more likely find you a quality eldercare helper best suited for your family’s needs.

Exercise prudence and look through the listed agency’s website or social platforms, if they are available. A company with a good online presence shows that they’re not afraid of being transparent – and that’s always comforting. 

Reviews from others who have used a service are a foolproof way to understand a company’s standards. Better yet, ask friends and family members for personal recommendations for maid agencies.

Firstly, we need to establish that a domestic helper and a caregiver have different job scopes.

A domestic helper can assist with caregiving duties, but she may not have the proper skills to deliver care safely. Her main role is to take care of the house. Conversely, while a caregiver can assist with housekeeping duties, her main responsibility and expertise is administering care, for which she would have undergone formal training.

A certified eldercare helper would be competent with basic medical procedures like first-aid, measuring pulse rate, giving medication and preparing healthy food according to dietary restrictions. Eldercare courses often impart skills in caring for the elderly suffering from stroke, dementia, diabetes, Parkinson’s or cancer. These skills would be extremely beneficial if your relative has any of these conditions.

Prioritise finding an eldercare helper that fulfils your requirements over the most ideal one. Getting a qualified and experienced eldercare helper can be advantageous as she would have the knowledge and experience in dealing with different elders and situations. But, a fresh eldercare course graduate can be equally capable too.

Knowing the specific care needed for your elderly helps you decide whether you need an eldercare helper. How mobile is this family member? Can he/she perform day-to-day tasks independently? Is there a chronic illness? Is he/she recovering from surgery/injury and requires rehabilitation?

Also remember: domestic helpers and caregivers have different responsibilities; one person should not be expected to fulfil both roles. Setting these expectations at the start ensures your eldercare helper is able to focus on her primary role and is treated fairly. Your eldercare helper should still work reasonable hours where she can get enough rest to perform her tasks well. She is also entitled to a day off per week to properly relax and socialise.

Assess if the eldercare helper is fluent in the same language/dialect as your family members. Barriers to communication can lead to frustration and tension. The FDW should be able to communicate effectively with the elderly, keeping them company and administering proper care. 

On your part, understand that as this isn’t the helper’s first language; her vocabulary is limited. Keep your instructions as simple as possible. Be patient and ready to help her if she has any language-related questions.

We hope these tips will help you select the right eldercare helper for your family to provide the right care for your elderly. While she dedicates herself to caring for the elderly, protect her well-being with MSIG MaidPlus insurance. 

Our policies have been updated to reflect MOM’s latest requirements that safeguard not just FDWs, but also the interests of employers. Click to learn more about MSIG MaidPlus insurance and the comprehensive coverage we provide.

From time to time, we have exclusive promotions on our insurance plans. View our latest deals here!