How to cancel your Aviva insurance in singapore and reclaim your money
Understanding Aviva and why you might want to cancel
Aviva is a multinational insurance and financial services group operating across life, health and investment products in Singapore. Your cancellation route depends entirely on which product you hold, because Aviva's retail offerings have split: travel and life insurance products are now managed under Singlife (formerly Aviva Singapore), while Integrated Shield Plan top-ups remain under the Aviva brand. This structural change means you must identify which platform manages your specific policy before you proceed.
You may cancel because your coverage no longer matches your needs, you have found better rates elsewhere, or your life circumstances have changed. Whatever your reason, understanding your options before you cancel is the critical first step. Yafee specialises in guiding consumers through this exact process, ensuring you recover every dollar you are entitled to claim back.
Which Aviva products you can cancel
Aviva manages several cancellable product categories in Singapore. Travel insurance (single-trip and annual multi-trip policies) represents the largest segment of consumer cancellations. Life and investment-linked policies (ILPs) can be cancelled, though surrender rules and penalties vary significantly by product design. Integrated Shield Plan top-ups (such as MyShield) allow cancellation, but timing relative to your MediShield Life renewal affects your refund entitlement.
Each product carries different refund rules, cancellation timelines and administrative fees. Understanding these distinctions protects you from forfeiting money you are entitled to recover.
Why timing and method matter for your refund
Insurance cancellations are not treated equally across product types. A 14-day free-look period on new annual travel policies guarantees a full refund if you cancel in writing within that window. Miss that deadline, and your refund drops to 80 percent of premium. For ILPs and Integrated Shield top-ups, surrender charges and medical examination fees can substantially reduce your recovery amount.
Yafee has helped thousands of Singapore consumers avoid these financial traps by taking action before deadlines expire. The procedural guidance that follows gives you the exact steps to protect your refund.
Your consumer rights under singapore law
Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protects you when you cancel insurance policies and strengthens your position if Aviva resists your refund claim.
What singapore law guarantees you
The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act requires insurers to handle cancellations transparently and process refunds fairly within stated timeframes. You have the absolute right to cancel any insurance policy you hold, provided you follow the correct procedure and meet the insurer's stated conditions. If Aviva or Singlife refuses to refund you without legal justification, you can escalate your complaint to the General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA) or the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Your consumer rights also include receiving clear information about cancellation policies, refund timelines and any fees that will be deducted. If you were not given this information at the point of sale, that becomes leverage in a refund dispute with Aviva.
Your legal position on cancellation
You hold a statutory right to cancel under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. The insurer must provide you with a cancellation confirmation in writing, including the refund amount and payment method. If Aviva processes your cancellation but the refund does not arrive within 30 days, you can file a formal complaint with the GIA or MAS. Keep all communications - emails, screenshots, policy documents, cancellation confirmations - as evidence.
Escalation if Aviva refuses your refund
If Aviva denies your refund claim without legal justification, lodge a formal complaint with the General Insurance Association (GIA). The GIA's Complaints and Resolution scheme is free to consumers and carries regulatory weight with insurers. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) oversees insurance regulation and will investigate if you believe Aviva has breached the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. Document all correspondence meticulously; this evidence is essential if escalation becomes necessary.
Methods for cancelling your Aviva policy
Aviva accepts cancellation requests through multiple channels, each with different processing timeframes and confirmation requirements.
Cancellation by post or written request
Written cancellation carries the strongest legal standing because you obtain a dated record of your cancellation request. Aviva requires cancellation notices to be addressed to the SGX Centre 2 office in Singapore. Provide your full policy number, full name as it appears on the policy, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel effective immediately. Send your letter via registered post or courier so you have proof of delivery. The insurer must acknowledge receipt and confirm the cancellation within 5 working days.
Cancellation by telephone
You can cancel by telephone, though this method provides less documentation. Call Aviva's customer service line and request a cancellation form be sent to you. Confirm the agent's name, time of call and reference number. After you receive the form, complete it and return it by post to SGX Centre 2. This hybrid approach gives you both verbal confirmation and written evidence.
Cancellation via singlife platform (for travel and life products)
If your policy is managed through Singlife, you may be able to cancel directly through the Singlife online portal or mobile application. Log in to your account, locate your policy and select the cancellation option. You will receive an on-screen confirmation and an email confirmation within 24 hours. Print or screenshot this confirmation as your proof of cancellation date.
Step-by-step cancellation process for Aviva
Follow these procedural steps to cancel your Aviva policy correctly and protect your refund entitlement.
Step 1: verify your policy details and cancellation window
- Locate your Aviva policy document or statement
- Record your policy number, product type and renewal date
- Travel insurance: check if you are within 14 days of purchase
- Life or ILP: note any surrender charges listed in your schedule
- Integrated Shield top-up: check your MediShield Life renewal date
- Calculate your refund entitlement using the table below
Step 2: prepare your cancellation request in writing
- Open a new document or email
- Include the following details:
- Your full name (as it appears on the policy)
- Your policy number
- Your contact number and email address
- Cancellation effective date (usually immediately or end of current month)
- A clear statement: "I wish to cancel my Aviva policy effective [date]"
- Your preferred refund method (bank transfer or cheque)
- Sign and date the request
- Keep a copy for your records
Step 3: submit your cancellation request to Aviva
- Address your cancellation to:
- Aviva Ltd, SGX Centre 2, 6 Shenton Way, Singapore 068809
- Send by registered post or courier (do not use standard mail)
- Retain your proof of postage or delivery receipt
- Alternatively, email your cancellation request to Aviva's customer service email (obtain the current address from Aviva's website)
- Request an email confirmation of receipt and processing timeline
Step 4: obtain written cancellation confirmation from Aviva
- Aviva must send you a written confirmation within 5 working days
- Your confirmation should state:
- Cancellation effective date
- Refund amount (before and after any deductions)
- Refund payment method and expected timeline
- Any surrendered charges or administrative fees deducted
- If Aviva does not send written confirmation, contact their customer service and request it immediately
Step 5: verify your refund has been processed
- Note the refund expected delivery date from Aviva's confirmation letter
- Check your nominated bank account or wait for cheque arrival
- If the refund does not arrive within 30 days of the cancellation effective date, send a follow-up request to Aviva requesting an explanation and revised payment date
- If Aviva fails to process the refund within a further 7 days, escalate your complaint to the General Insurance Association (GIA)
Refund entitlements and timelines for each product type
Your refund amount depends on your product type, cancellation date and whether you are within the free-look period.
| Product type |
Free-look period |
Refund if cancelled within free-look |
Refund if cancelled after free-look |
Processing timeline |
| Travel insurance (annual) |
14 days from purchase |
100 percent of premium |
80 percent of premium |
10-15 working days |
| Travel insurance (single-trip) |
7 days from purchase |
100 percent of premium |
No refund after trip start |
10-15 working days |
| Life insurance / ILP |
30 days from policy issue |
100 percent of premium |
100 percent minus surrender charges and exam fees |
15-30 working days |
| Integrated Shield top-up |
30 days from issue |
100 percent of premium |
Pro-rata refund; surrender charges apply |
15-20 working days |
| Investment-linked policy |
14 days from issue |
100 percent or less (unit value dependent) |
Surrender value (unit value minus charges) |
20-30 working days |
Refund processing and payment methods
Aviva will refund your money via your nominated bank account or by cheque, depending on your request and the original payment method.
Bank transfer refunds
Bank transfer is the fastest refund method. Provide Aviva with your full name, bank account number, bank code (SWIFT code for international banks) and bank branch. Processing takes 10-15 working days from the cancellation effective date. You will receive an email notification once the transfer has been initiated. Check your bank statement to confirm the funds have arrived.
Cheque refunds
If you request a cheque refund, Aviva will post it to your registered address. Allow 15-20 working days for receipt. Once you receive the cheque, deposit it into your bank account immediately. If the cheque does not arrive within 20 working days, contact Aviva and request a replacement or bank transfer instead.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If your refund does not arrive within the stated timeline, send a written follow-up to Aviva referencing your cancellation confirmation number and the expected refund date. If Aviva fails to respond within 7 days or the refund does not arrive within 10 additional days, lodge a formal complaint with the General Insurance Association (GIA). Yafee recommends keeping a detailed cancellation tracker with dates, confirmation numbers and correspondence copies.
What happens after you cancel with Aviva
Cancellation ends your coverage immediately, and you must understand what happens to your claims, documents and any related policies.
Your coverage ends immediately
Once Aviva processes your cancellation, your insurance coverage ceases on the effective date stated in the confirmation letter. You are no longer insured for any claims after that date. If you need continuous coverage, arrange a new policy with another insurer before your Aviva cancellation becomes effective.
Retrieve copies of your policy documents
Before or immediately after cancellation, download and print copies of your policy schedule, product guide, claims procedures and any correspondence with Aviva. You may need these documents for warranty claims, tax purposes or future insurance applications. Aviva typically retains copies for 7 years, but keeping your own record protects you if disputes arise later.
Update your financial records and beneficiaries
If your cancelled policy named beneficiaries (for life insurance), inform them that the policy has been cancelled and any beneficiary entitlements have ended. Update your personal insurance inventory to reflect the cancellation. If you have a mortgage or loan secured against the policy, notify your lender of the cancellation.
Common mistakes that reduce your refund
Cancelling insurance feels straightforward, but procedural errors frequently cost consumers money. You can avoid these traps with awareness.
Missing the free-look deadline
The 14-day free-look period for travel insurance and 30-day period for life policies begins on the policy issue date, not your purchase date. If you delay submitting your written cancellation request, you forfeit the full refund guarantee. Calculate your deadline immediately and submit your cancellation letter at least 2 days before the deadline expires.
Cancelling verbally without written confirmation
A telephone cancellation without follow-up documentation gives you no legal proof of the cancellation date. Aviva's records may show the cancellation date differently, affecting your free-look eligibility. Always submit a written cancellation request by post or email and obtain a confirmation letter from Aviva.
Failing to include your full policy number
Aviva cancellations require your exact policy number from your policy document. If you provide an incomplete or incorrect number, Aviva cannot process your request and your free-look period may expire while you wait. Copy your policy number directly from your statement to avoid typographical errors.
Not requesting a specific refund method
If you do not specify whether you want a bank transfer or cheque, Aviva will use the original payment method, which may be a credit card or GIRO deduction. Requesting bank transfer directly to your savings account ensures the fastest refund processing and eliminates the risk of cheque loss in the mail.
Ignoring surrender charges and fees
Investment-linked policies and some life insurance products deduct surrender charges, policy administration fees and medical examination costs from your refund. Review your product guide before cancelling so you understand what deductions are legitimate. If Aviva deducts fees that exceed the stated schedule, dispute the deduction with the GIA.
How to compare Aviva cancellation against keeping your policy
Before you cancel, compare the financial impact of cancelling versus continuing your coverage.
| Consideration |
Cancelling now |
Keeping policy (renewal coming up) |
| Immediate cash flow impact |
Positive: receive refund within 30 days |
Negative: pay renewal premium |
| Coverage gap risk |
Must arrange alternative policy immediately |
Coverage continues uninterrupted |
| Medical underwriting (life insurance) |
New insurer may require medical exam and ask about pre-existing conditions |
No new exam required on renewal |
| Surrender charges (ILP) |
Deducted from refund; permanent loss |
Charges apply only if you surrender later |
| Future insurability |
Must declare past cancellation to new insurers |
No change to underwriting status |
| Price competitiveness |
New provider may offer lower rates |
Aviva renewal rate may increase 10-20 percent annually |
Key checklist before and after you cancel
Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step correctly and retain evidence of your cancellation.
- Locate your Aviva policy document and verify your policy number
- Check whether you are within the free-look period (14 or 30 days)
- Confirm the cancellation address: Aviva Ltd, SGX Centre 2, 6 Shenton Way, Singapore 068809
- Draft your written cancellation request including policy number, full name and cancellation effective date
- Send your request by registered post or courier; retain proof of postage
- Wait for Aviva's written confirmation within 5 working days
- Review the confirmation to verify refund amount, deductions and payment method
- Dispute any unexpected charges or fees within 7 days of receiving the confirmation
- Monitor your bank account for the refund within 30 days of the cancellation effective date
- If the refund does not arrive on time, send a follow-up request to Aviva within 10 days
- If Aviva does not respond within 7 days, escalate your complaint to the General Insurance Association (GIA)
- Retain all cancellation correspondence, confirmation letters and refund evidence for 7 years
Aviva's primary cancellation and customer service address is in central Singapore, and you should direct all cancellation requests there.
Aviva ltd, singapore
Submit written cancellation requests, refund disputes and complaints to: Aviva Ltd, SGX Centre 2, 6 Shenton Way, Singapore 068809. Include your full name, policy number, contact details and a clear statement of your cancellation request. Send by registered post or courier so you have proof of delivery. Aviva must acknowledge receipt and provide written confirmation within 5 working days.
Escalating your complaint to the general insurance association
If Aviva refuses to process your cancellation or denies your refund without legal justification, lodge a formal complaint with the General Insurance Association (GIA). The GIA's Complaints and Resolution scheme is free and independent. Submit your complaint with copies of your policy documents, cancellation request, Aviva's response and proof of postage. The GIA will investigate and issue a binding determination within 30-60 days.
Monetary authority of singapore (MAS) oversight
If the GIA determination is unfavourable or Aviva fails to comply with the GIA's decision, escalate to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The MAS regulates all insurance operations in Singapore and has authority to fine insurers who breach consumer protection laws. File your complaint with documented evidence of Aviva's failure to comply with the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.
Conclusion: take control of your Aviva cancellation
Cancelling your Aviva insurance in Singapore is a straightforward process when you follow the correct procedure, submit written documentation and understand your consumer rights under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. Your statutory right to cancel is protected by law, and Aviva must process your cancellation and refund transparently within stated timelines.
The risks - missed free-look deadlines, undocumented verbal cancellations, unexpected surrender charges - are entirely avoidable with structured preparation. Use the step-by-step checklist provided above to track your progress from cancellation request through refund receipt. Keep all correspondence as evidence; this creates a complete record if you need to escalate your complaint to the General Insurance Association or Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Yafee has helped thousands of Singapore consumers cancel Aviva policies, recover full refunds and transition to better-value insurance without financial loss. Document every step, meet every deadline, and you will reclaim your money with confidence. If Aviva resists or delays your refund, your consumer rights - and your ability to escalate to independent regulators - give you the leverage to enforce your entitlement. Yafee specialises in this exact guidance, ensuring you navigate the process smoothly and recover every dollar owed to you.