Philippines Travel Insurance

Author: Melissa A.

Published: October 9th, 2024 | Updated: October 9th, 2024
Read time: 5 mins

The Philippines is one of the most visited tourist destinations, attracting millions of international visitors annually. It is world-famous for its abundant islands, beaches, and diving spots. Tourists are also attracted to the mountainous and volcanic landscapes, the array of exotic fruits and wildlife, and the culture and architecture. No matter what the reason for your trip, unexpected events, from minor travel disruptions to major medical emergencies, can and often do happen before or during travel. Therefore, it’s best to prepare yourself with travel insurance, especially travel medical coverage, because your government health insurance won’t necessarily travel with you. The cost of medical expenses abroad is sky-high, and who wants to continue paying well into the future for a trip that you have already returned home from?

Do I need travel insurance for the Philippines?

Post-pandemic countries have eased travel entry requirements; therefore, travel insurance with a negative COVID-19 test result is no longer mandatory upon entry into the Philippines, but it is still strongly encouraged to have when you leave your home province, territory or country. Travel insurance for the Philippines offers financial security for unexpected pre-departure and post-departure events related to travel disruptions and medical emergencies.

Although Philippines travel insurance is not an entry requirement, you must still meet other entry requirements. To visit for less than 30 days or transit through, you will need your Canadian passport with a minimum validity of six months following the date of your arrival, a return or onward ticket, and you must register your entry and exit into the Philippines eTravel System within 72 hours before your trip. If you are heading to a restricted visitor destination in the Philippines, you may be required to show proof of your accommodations at an accredited hotel.

What does Philippines travel insurance cover?

Philippines trip insurance can cover unpredicted travel mishaps and medical emergencies abroad that you cannot afford to pay upfront and out-of-pocket. Travel mishaps generally include trip cancellation, such as the need to cancel or change your trip, interruptions when your trip is unexpectedly cut short, carrier (airlines, train, boat, bus) and baggage delays, baggage loss and 24/7 cross-border travel assistance. Medical emergencies generally include sudden accidents, including emergency dental work and illnesses. Travel insurance plans vary by insurance company. However, the beauty of travel insurance is that you can select a plan that suits your travel needs best and tailor it with different options and add-on coverages. For example, add pre-existing conditions, high-risk and adventure sports activities, gadget coverage, etc.

Do I need travel health insurance for the Philippines?

Although the Philippines has high-quality healthcare and qualified facilities in urban areas, many remote locations only offer basic healthcare and may not have comparable equipment or staff levels. Regardless of the treatment facility, international medical costs soar when a tourist requires emergency medical care. For example, emergency transportation to the nearest qualified hospital and treatment can cost tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Unfortunately, your Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) will not pay your medical expenses upfront and may only cover a limited amount or nothing, depending on your home province. This means you must pay for emergency medical treatment out-of-pocket, and you will only be admitted once you do so. Therefore, travel health insurance for the Philippines (known as emergency medical insurance) with emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage is essential.

How much is travel insurance to the Philippines?

The cost of travel insurance to the Philippines can vary and depend on your travel needs. On average, it will cost 4% to 10% of your total trip cost. Critical risk factors such as traveller(s) age, number of travellers, trip duration, level of coverage, destination whether high-risk or remote, limits, deductibles, and plan options and add-ons can increase the cost. Having pre-existing conditions and/or being a senior can also affect the price. Unfortunately, travel insurance is not as cheap as before the pandemic. But you can keep it affordable by looking at coverages you may already have, for example, through your company benefits plan, travel rewards credit card, or an existing policy and supplementing with top-up travel insurance coverage. To find out what travel insurance for the Philippines will cost you, gather all your trip details and visit us online, where you can get a quote and make a plan comparison with our various providers.

What is the best travel insurance for the Philippines?

Travel medical insurance for the Philippines is the best for your trip across the Pacific Ocean. In fact, travel medical insurance, commonly known as emergency medical insurance, is essential because your Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) will not pay your medical expenses upfront and is limited. Depending on your home province, it may only cover a certain amount or none of your medical expenses. You can buy travel medical insurance stand-alone or as part of a package plan, such as an all-inclusive plan. You can also tailor a plan to your travel needs by opting for different options and add-on coverage benefits. Regardless of the travel insurance plan you settle on, ensure you read its terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions to know what exactly you will be covered for.

Do visitors from the Philippines to Canada need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is optional for those coming from the Philippines to visit, work, or study in Canada. However, Visitors to Canada (VTC) travel insurance coverage is critical because it protects against costly emergency medical care. Unfortunately, if you are not a citizen or resident of Canada, you are ineligible for enrollment in Canada’s Government Health Insurance Plan. Therefore, without VTC insurance, you will be expected to pay your medical bills upfront and out of pocket if you face an unanticipated medical emergency.