Everyone has that one travel moment that changed the way they look at protection—travel protection, I mean.
For me, it was watching a friend stare helplessly at a departure board in KLIA as his flight delay stretched longer and longer, eventually causing him to miss his connecting flight in Indonesia. Another friend spent her first day in Melbourne limping around for a clinic after a nasty ankle sprain at the State Library. And I’ll never forget the time my luggage took a detour to Vietnam when I was in the Philippines.
These moments make you realise how small and unprepared you can feel when things go wrong overseas.
I used to be one of those travellers who believed nothing bad would happen on holiday. Flights would run on time, luggage would follow me faithfully, and I’d somehow stay perfectly healthy even after eating street food with zero hesitation. Travel insurance? I’d tell myself that I don’t need it.
Image Credit: Yasmin Zulraez/MFT
But after hearing enough horror stories from friends and family, I’ve learnt that travel comes with its own version of life’s little surprises. And lately, more Malaysians seem to feel the same way.
We’re no longer travelling the way we did five or ten years ago. Airports feel busier, flights feel more unpredictable, and the unexpected feels a little more expected.
This is where travel protection becomes practical rather than optional, and where Etiqa’s TripCare 360 Insurance and TripCare 360 Takaful offer features suited to the way modern travellers move.
The moment you realise you need protection more than you thought
Etiqa’s TripCare 360 Insurance and Takaful includes several features that address the common risks travellers face today. One example is the automatic flight delay payout, which applies once a delay reaches a minimum of two hours. It provides immediate compensation through the Etiqa+ app without requiring additional paperwork.
Another key feature is its cashless overseas medical care. With access to over 400,000 service providers worldwide, travellers can seek treatment abroad without paying out-of-pocket* first. This reduces the uncertainty and financial stress that often come with medical issues overseas.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Protection that stays with you from start to finish
Image Credit: Etiqa
Etiqa’s TripCare 360 Insurance and Takaful is designed to cover the full journey, from the moment a trip is booked until the traveller returns home. The coverage includes trip cancellations, lost or delayed baggage, missed connections, and various travel disruptions that can occur unexpectedly.
For those who participate in physical or outdoor activities, there are optional add-ons such as adventurous activity cover, extended home care, golf cover, and COVID-19 protection.
Travellers who sign up online at etiqa.com.my/travel also receive a 25% rebate, which makes upgrading more accessible for individuals and families.
The Etiqa TripCare 360 Takaful option provides the same comprehensive protection in a Shariah-compliant format. Annual plans include a no-claim cashback feature, which is a thoughtful and practical benefit for families who prefer takaful coverage.
Note: “Cashback” refers to Surplus Sharing.
Etiqa is also running its Trip Paling Win campaign until 31 December 2025, where travellers stand a chance to win travel gadgets worth up to RM50,000.
Why Malaysians are finally taking travel protection seriously
Image Credit: Yasmin Zulraez/MFT
There is a noticeable shift in how Malaysians approach travel protection. Many are no longer purchasing it out of fear, but out of practicality. After experiencing or hearing about common travel disruptions, more people now recognise how unpredictable travel can be.
I hope I never need to use my travel protection plan. I hope my every flight is smooth, all my bags arrive on time, and every trip is perfect. But if something unfortunate does happen, I’d know that I’ve already done the necessary practical thing to ensure my bills, worries, and “what ifs” are taken care of.
So I’ll gladly take that protection, because it just makes direct, practical sense.
Website: https://www.etiqa.com.my/travel
Campaign Period: Now until 31 December 2025
PIDM Statement for Etiqa TripCare 360 Insurance/Etiqa TripCare 360 Takaful:
The benefit(s) payable under eligible product is(are) protected by PIDM up to limits. Please refer to PIDM’s TIPS Brochure or contact Etiqa General Insurance Berhad or Etiqa General Takaful Berhad or PIDM (visit www.pidm.gov.my). | Member of PIDM
Feature Image Credit: Yasmin Zulraez/MFT
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