What is the Best Travel Insurance in the Philippines?

Exploring the Philippines’ islands or jetting off to different countries abroad is a dream for many Filipinos. But with flight delays, typhoons, and rising medical costs, smart travelers know that having travel insurance in the Philippines is a must.

If you’re only traveling locally, travel insurance may not be on top of your priorities. But the thing about travel insurance is it’s not just about coverage, but also peace of mind. Knowing that you will be compensated and covered financially in an emergency is worth every peso. Plus, today, plans start as lows as P100+ via apps like GCash, covering everything from medical emergencies to baggage issues.

Do you need travel insurance?

Travel insurance acts as your safety net, covering risks that could derail your trip. In the Philippines, where over 7,000 islands mean domestic flights and ferries are common, disruptions like flight delays or lost baggage can be a real hassle. For international trips, it’s even more vital. Medical emergencies abroad can cost upwards of P500,000 without coverage.

Here are key reasons to get travel insurance:

• Medical emergencies: Filipino healthcare is excellent in cities like Manila and Cebu, but rural areas lag. Policies often include up to P2.5 million in emergency medical coverage.
• Trip cancellations and delays: Local airlines are notorious for delayed and cancelled flights, especially during typhoon season (June to November), which sees frequent ground flights. Reimbursement for non-refundable bookings can reach P100,000 or more.
• Baggage and document loss: Lost passports or stolen gear? Coverage up to P50,000 helps replace essentials quickly.
• Visa requirements: For Schengen visas, you need at least €30,000 (about P1.8 million) in medical coverage from an accredited provider.

Types of Travel Insurance in the Philippines

Policies vary based on your travel needs. Here’s a quick overview:

Type	Coverage	Best For	Average Cost (per week)
Domestic	Medical up to P500,000, baggage loss, delays	Local trips, island getaways	P200–P500
International	Up to P2.5M medical, evacuation	Overseas travel, Schengen visas	P300–P1,000
Annual multi-trip	Unlimited trips yearly	Frequent travelers (4+ trips)	P2,000–P5,000/year
Single trip	One specific journey	Occasional travelers	P250–P800

For digital nomads, subscription-based plans like SafetyWing offer long-term flexibility.

Top picks for travel insurance in the Philippines

Local Flights

1. GInsure Travel Protect (GCash Exclusive)

GCash’s GInsure is one of the most popular options for travel insurance, offering different plans for local and/or international trips that are processed in under 5 minutes. GCash’s GInsure partners with Standard Insurance and Malayan for two main plans: Travel Protect International (cashless, up to P2.5M medical) and Travel Protect Saver Plus (reimbursement for SEA/domestic, P500,000 coverage).

What it’s good for: GCash’s GInsure is perfect for last-minute bookings and domestic trips.

• Pros: Wallet-direct, no extra apps. Fast and can be processed in minutes.
• Cons: Limited to GCash users. User reviewers say that fees add up, so it is best for short trips.

2. Klook’s TravelJoy Insurance

TravelJoy Insurance is a favorite for travelers booking activities like tours or transfers via Klook’s platform. Starting at P300 for a single trip, it offers comprehensive coverage, including P1–2.5 million in medical expenses, P50,000 for baggage loss, and trip protection including cancellations, delays (with lounge access), and interruptions up to P50,000.

• Pros: Seamless integration with Klook bookings, competitive pricing, Schengen-compliant. 24/7 assistance: global hotline for emergencies.
• Cons: Limited to Klook users; excludes pre-existing conditions and extreme sports like skydiving.

3. Built-In Credit Card Travel Insurance

Some premium credit cards (e.g., BDO Visa Platinum, Metrobank World Mastercard) offer complimentary travel insurance when you book flights using the card. Coverage typically includes medical expenses up to P100,000–P500,000, trip delays P5000–10,000, and baggage loss, usually P20,000–P50,000.

While accompanying credit card travel insurance is great, it typically has limited coverage, so it is still recommended to avail of standalone policies for big trips. Credit cards like BDO offer a separate add-on for card holders.

• Pros: Free with eligible cards; no extra purchase needed.
• Cons: Low coverage limits, not Schengen-compliant, and often excludes pre-existing conditions.

International Flights

4. Pacific Cross Worldwide Elite

Pacific Cross is one of the most recommended travel insurance options for international flights. Pre-existing friendly, USD quotes. Coverage highlights include $50,000 medical and dental costs.

• Pros: Group deals.
• Cons: Conversion hiccups.

5. Malayan Travel Master

This option is quote-based and sports-inclusive. Aside from the insurance, other perks include access to lounges.

• Pros: Instant aid.
• Cons: No fixed rates.

Tips for Choosing Travel Insurance in the Philippines

Here are key tips to choose the best travel insurance for you:

• Match coverage to your trip: For domestic getaways like Boracay, a basic plan with P500,000 medical and delay coverage suffices. International trips, especially for Schengen visas, need at least P2.5 million medical coverage.
• Read the fine print: Avoid surprises by reading the exclusions. In particular, watch for:
  • Pre-existing conditions (unless waived).
  • Extreme sports without riders (e.g., no skydiving base jumps).
  • Pregnancy, mental health, or war zones.
  • Unattended items or alcohol-related incidents.
• Buy early: Purchase at least 4 hours before departure to ensure coverage kicks in. Klook and GCash allow instant app-based buys for last-minute plans.
• Check reviews: Read user experiences in platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook for user insights.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim in the Philippines

Claims can be stress-free if prepped:

• Step 1: Contact the hotline immediately.
• Step 2: Gather docs such as police reports for theft, medical receipts, flight delay proofs.
• Step 3: Submit via app/email within 30 days; expect 7-14 days for processing.
• Follow Up: Claims typically process in 5–15 days. Check status via the provider’s app or hotline. For assistance, you may also contact the Insurance Commission.

Wrap-Up

Getting a travel insurance in the Philippines is key for safe, stress-free adventures, whether you’re off beach bumming in Boracay or Siargao or jetting off to Europe. With various options available, securing coverage is easier and more affordable than ever.

Featured image source.