In this post-pandemic era of tourism recovery, where “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” has become a common activity during long weekends, it’s typical to hear friends and family say, “You must buy travel insurance when going overseas!” But what if the destination is Langkawi, Terengganu, or Sabah? Many would shrug it off and think, “Travel insurance for local trips? Isn’t that overkill?”

As someone who has long observed the digitization of insurance and SME risk planning, I believe this “only buy insurance for overseas travel” mindset reflects a blind spot in our risk perception—and it’s one we should seriously reconsider.

Is Domestic Travel Really That Safe?

Many of us associate “domestic” with familiarity and safety. After all, local language, healthcare, and familiar surroundings should make everything more manageable. But the reality is, even local travel can be unpredictable—especially during holiday seasons or rainy periods:

• Hours-long traffic jams on major highways
• Natural disasters like floods or landslides
• Domestic flights being delayed or cancelled
• Lost baggage or unexpected illness during the trip

These are not rare occurrences. Yet, most Malaysians travel domestically without any form of insurance coverage.

Inbound Travel Insurance: Affordable and Worth the Protection

Many people may ask: “Do I really need insurance for domestic travel? Isn’t it expensive?” This is actually a common misconception.

Today, with digital platforms like easycover.my, domestic travel insurance is not only affordable but also offers comprehensive protection. For as little as RM10, you can get a 5-day travel insurance plan with coverage of up to RM80,000, which includes:

• Accidental death benefit
• Permanent disability compensation
• Reimbursement of medical expenses due to accident
• Emergency medical evacuation services
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Compensation for loss of baggage and personal belongings

For business owners who frequently travel within Malaysia or take family trips, this protection is not only cost-effective but highly practical. For the price of a cup of coffee, you gain peace of mind and protection for the entire trip. More importantly, it reflects a sense of responsibility—to yourself, your family, and even your employees.

Who Should Seriously Consider Domestic Travel Insurance?

Based on real client cases and corporate feedback, the following groups would particularly benefit from this coverage:

• Families traveling with young children or elderly members
• Business travelers with tight schedules and valuable luggage
• Adventure enthusiasts engaging in diving, hiking, or long-distance biking
• Domestic air travelers, especially to East Malaysia or remote areas
• Attendees of weddings, graduations, or time-sensitive personal events

Increasingly, companies promoting work-life balance may even include domestic travel insurance as part of employee benefits—demonstrating care and enhancing employer branding.

Why Do We Take Domestic Travel for Granted?

I often reflect on this: perhaps the term “domestic” gives us a false sense of control or safety. But in reality, accidents and emergencies don’t discriminate based on geography. Whether you’re flying to Tokyo or Kota Kinabalu—or even driving from KL to Ipoh—the risks are real, and being unprepared makes the impact even worse.

It’s time to rethink the outdated notion that “insurance is only for international trips.” In today’s digital age, risk doesn’t care about borders.

Digitization Makes Protection Easier Than Ever

When we launched domestic travel insurance on easycover.my, our goal was clear: How can we make travel protection fast, easy, and accessible?

The answer:

• Entire process completed online in under 3 minutes
• Instant quotation and immediate policy activation
• No documents or health checks required
• All policy documents are digitally stored for easy reference anytime

This kind of digital innovation helps SMEs, young travelers, and everyday families adopt responsible insurance habits with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts: Insurance Is About Responsibility, Not Distance

From a business perspective, if we’re willing to spend RM10 on coffee or RM20 on a meal, spending a similar amount on travel protection is hardly a burden.

Domestic travel insurance is not a luxury—it’s a responsible choice. It protects not just ourselves, but our families, employees, and peace of mind.

I hope that more Malaysians will consider adding a “digital safety net” to their checklist alongside sunscreen and ID before heading out. That’s how a truly complete journey begins.