Travel Master vs. TraveLite: Which Malayan plan is right for your next trip?

The two main plans: Travel Master and TraveLite

Malayan keeps things simple by dividing its main travel protection into two clear options: Travel Master and TraveLite. One is built for heavy-duty, comprehensive coverage (especially for overseas trips), while the other is tailored for budget-conscious travellers who still want solid safety nets.

Also Read: Why should you purchase a travel insurance policy online?

Travel Master: Comprehensive protection for bigger journeys

If you are travelling abroad, applying for a Schengen visa to Europe, or bringing expensive gear like a laptop, Travel Master is usually the recommended route. It covers almost every headache you might face on the road.

Medical emergencies and COVID-19

Getting sick in a foreign country is scary. It is also ridiculously expensive. Travel Master pays for emergency medical treatment if you get hurt in an accident or catch a sudden illness. It includes follow-up care and even daily allowance expenses if you end up admitted to a hospital.

You can also opt to add COVID-19 coverage. That way, if you test positive while travelling and need to quarantine or get medical help, you won't have to pay out of pocket for unexpected hotel stays or clinic visits.

Also Read: Why do local trips need a travel insurance plan?

Emergency assistance via Assist America

One of Travel Master’s best features is its partnership with Assist America. This gives you worldwide, 24/7 emergency travel support.

• Medical evacuation: Transporting you to the nearest proper hospital if local facilities aren't enough.
• Compassionate visit: Flying a family member to sit by your side if you are hospitalised alone for several days.
• Care of minor children: Escorting your children back home safely if something happens to you during the trip.
• Return of mortal remains: Handling logistics in the worst-case scenario.

Travel inconvenience and personal belongings

Lost luggage can ruin a trip in a hurry. Travel Master reimburses you if your checked bags are delayed, damaged, or lost completely.

Lost your passport or cash? Stolen laptop? Flight cancelled due to a sudden strike or bad weather? Worry not, Travel Master covers non-refundable lodging expenses and extra costs. It even offers extensive personal accident insurance that extends protection to unprovoked assault, terrorism, and murder.

Also Read: Flying to Taiwan? Why travel insurance should be in your backpack

TraveLite: Budget-friendly security for smart travel

Not every trip requires maxed-out coverage. If you are flying domestically within the Philippines or taking a short getaway where you just need essential protection, TraveLite is the budget-friendly choice.

What TraveLite covers

• Personal accident protection: Covers accidental death, disablement, and dismemberment, along with a burial benefit.
• Travel inconvenience: Basic compensation for lost travel documents, delayed baggage, and damaged bags.
• Trip recovery costs: Reimburses non-refundable travel and hotel stays if your trip gets cut short for a covered reason.
• Emergency evacuation: Covers the costs of safely transporting you to a proper medical facility or bringing you back home.
• Medical reimbursement: Up to PHP 500,000 (depending on the selected plan) for accident-related medical expenses, plus daily cash allowances for hospital stays up to 7 days.

TraveLite skips some of the high-end extras found in Travel Master, keeping the price low while ensuring you aren't left stranded if things go wrong.

Also Read: Smart travel: Should you buy travel insurance for one trip or the whole year?

Comparing the plans at a glance

Also Read: The cost of flying unprotected: Why travel insurance is your true best friend

How to buy your policy online

Buying travel insurance used to mean filling out paper forms at an agency. Now, you can do it on your phone while packing your bags.

1. Visit Malayan’s online portal: Go directly to their official travel insurance page.
2. Choose your product: Select Travel Master or TraveLite based on your destination and budget.
3. Fill in the trip details: Enter the travel dates, destination, and details for all travellers.
4. Select add-ons: Pick options like COVID-19 protection if you are choosing Travel Master.
5. Pay and receive: Pay via online channels (credit card, GCash, or direct online banking). Your official policy document arrives in your email inbox right away.

Also Read: What is travel insurance, and why every Filipino traveller should understand it

Bottom line

Travelling is all about making beautiful memories, trying new food, exploring new cultures, and, most importantly, taking a break from the routine. During such precious times, tension related to delayed flights or lost passports shouldn't steal your peace of mind. Solution? Get a travel insurance policy from Malayan Insurance. It only takes a few minutes, and you don’t even need to step out, as everything is up for grabs online. Once done, you have a solid safety net at your disposal for wherever your feet take you.

So, pack your bags, double-check your passport, grab your coverage, and enjoy the journey!

Also Read: Falling ill while travelling? Here's how travel insurance will come to your rescue

FAQs

Q1. Does Malayan Travel Master meet Schengen Visa requirements?
Ans. Yes. Malayan Travel Master offers compliant policies that European embassies accept. You see, Schengen countries require travellers to hold travel insurance with a minimum level of medical coverage.

Q2. Can I buy a policy if I am already overseas?
Ans. No. You must purchase your travel insurance policy before departing the Philippines. Once your flight leaves Philippine territory, you can no longer buy coverage for that specific trip.

Q3. What counts as a travel delay?
Ans. If your flight is delayed by a specific number of consecutive hours (usually 6 or more) due to weather, mechanical issues, or airport strikes, your policy provides coverage for food and necessities while you wait.

Q4. Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?
Ans. Generally, no. Malayan's standard travel policies cover sudden accidents and acute, unexpected illnesses that occur during the trip. They do not cover routine care or flare-ups of conditions you already had before buying the policy.

Q5. What should I do if my luggage is lost or damaged?
Ans. First, file an official report with your airline; do not leave before doing so. Request a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Keep this document along with your boarding pass and receipts. You will need them when submitting your claim to Malayan.

Q6. Is domestic travel covered under Malayan travel insurance plans?
Ans. Yes, both TraveLite and Travel Master offer domestic travel insurance. While the former is tailored specifically for domestic trips across the Philippines, the latter also covers domestic travel if you prefer maximum coverage limits.

Also Read: Traveller's blueprint: How and when travel insurance pays for emergencies