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Philippines Travel Insurance: Top Plans & Cost (2024)

  • Based on our analysis of over 20 providers, our top picks for travel insurance to the Philippines come from Tin Leg, Seven Corners, Faye, and AXA. (skip ahead to view these plans)
  • Most traditional US health insurance plans aren’t accepted in the Philippines. Therefore, we recommend having medical travel insurance in place at a minimum.
  • The Philippines is full of small islands where medical facilities may be sub-par. Opt for strong medical evacuation coverage to ensure you have access to adequate medical care.
  • On average, Philippines travel insurance costs a little over $6/day for comprehensive travel coverage.
  • Online comparison tools allow you to view pricing and coverage from several insurance providers at once, which can help you get a good deal.

Our top 3 recommendations for Philippines travel insurance plans

Advertiser Disclosure
Our Most-Sold Travel Insurance Plan

Seven Corners

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.37
Preferred Plan
Trip Protection Choice
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $1,000,000
Best Value for the Money

Tin Leg

GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
4.6
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Easy to Use & Fast to Resolve Claims

Faye Travel Insurance

Check Pricing via the Faye website
4.5
Preferred Plan
Faye Travel Protection Plan
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $500,000

Do I need travel insurance to visit the Philippines?

The short answer is yes. Although Americans aren’t legally required to have travel insurance to enter the Philippines, most US health insurance plans, including Medicare, don’t work outside of the US. Therefore, most travelers opt for medical travel insurance when visiting the Philippines to ensure they stay covered.

Apart from medical coverage, travel insurance can protect your trip in many other ways, such as reimbursing you for trip cancellations, travel delays, lost bags, and more.

More details on the best Philippines travel insurance plans

Advertiser Disclosure

Our Most-Sold Travel Insurance Plan

Full Policy Details

Seven Corners

4.37
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Trip Protection Choice
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

The Seven Corners Trip Protection Choice plan is the number one selling plan among LA Times’ visitors for two years running thanks to its comprehensive coverage at a great price.

This plan has it all including coverage for medical issues, travel delays, baggage issues, cancellations, and more.

The medical and medevac limits, $500k and $1m respectively, are some of the highest around and will ensure you can receive proper medical care in the event of an emergency. Additionally, you get 100% trip cancellation and 150% trip interruption reimbursement standard.

Despite being slightly more expensive than other plans on this list, it offers the highest coverage limits in nearly every category. Having high coverage limits is important since the Philippines is so far from the US, and many small islands may have subpar medical facilities. It also includes valuable extras not available with other plans, such as optional interruption for any reason coverage.

At the end of the day, all the added benefits you get with the Trip Protection Choice plan greatly outweigh the small difference in price versus cheaper plans.

PROS

  • Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cancellation & Interruption coverage standard
  • Covers action sports & equipment

CONS

  • Cancel for any reason not included standard
  • Must meet waiver for pre-existing conditions to be covered

Best Value for the Money

Tin Leg

4.6
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Following close on the tails of Seven Corners, The Tin Leg Gold plan is our second best-selling plan and offers the best value overall.

The Tin Leg Gold plan is slightly cheaper than the Seven Corners Trip protection choice plan, which is reflected in the coverage limits of this plan. That said, the Tin Leg Gold plan still offers strong travel coverage in all categories, including $500k of medical and medevac coverage, which should be more than enough for most travelers.

The coverage limits are lower on things like baggage coverage and travel delays but are still high enough to offer you overall protection. You also get 100% trip cancellation reimbursement and 150% trip interruption reimbursement standard with the plan.

To top it all off, Tin Leg has some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry, which speaks volumes for this provider.

PROS

  • Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
  • High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
  • Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
  • Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit

CONS

  • Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
  • Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Easy to Use & Fast to Resolve Claims

Full Policy Details

Faye Travel Insurance

4.5
Check Pricing via the Faye website
Preferred Plan
Faye Travel Protection Plan
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000 / $500,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Faye is more than a travel insurance plan – it’s an all-in-one travel app that offers travel coverage, flight tracking, trip destination info, playlists, and more. Essentially, Faye lets you manage your entire trip from the app and syncs all your flight and hotel info into one place.

Travel insurance claims are fast and easy, snap a photo and upload the docs to the app. Apart from this Faye offers great comprehensive travel coverage and tons of optional add-ons you won’t find eslewhere, such as airbn coverage and more.

It’s great for yourger tech-savvy travelers, but it’s so easy to use that senior travlers are also signing up. It’s a new player but is quickly disrupting the travel insurance industry with it’s unique offering, comprehensive coverage, and flexible plans.

PROS

  • Friendly agents
  • Easy-to-use mobile app
  • Fast reimbursements for eligible claims
  • Prompt replies to questions

CONS

  • Long wait times for reimbursement
  • Difficulty reaching Faye outside of email & virtual chat

Strong Budget-Friendly Plan Perfect for Most Travlers

AXA Assistance USA

4.22
GET A QUOTE via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Platinum
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000 / $1,000,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

This is the most affordable plan on our list and another best-seller among LA Times’ visitors. The AXA Platinum plan offers just enough coverage limits to keep you safe while away and to keep the price low.

This plan also offers strong coverage in all of the major categories, such as medical, medevac, cancellations, interruptions, delays, and baggage – just as the other plans on our list.

In regard to the lower medical limit, most people aren’t likely to rack up more than $250k of medical bills while away unless they need medical evacuation back to the US. That is why the $1m of medical evacuation coverage included in this plan is key.

In our view, this plan is a great option for most travelers who are healthy. However, elderly travelers or people with underlying health conditions may want to opt for a plan with higher medical coverage limits.

Also of note, this plan has higher baggage and trip delay coverage than the Tin Leg Gold plan, which may be important for heavy packers or people with high-value contents in their luggage.

PROS

  • High coverage limits in every category. Extremely comprehensive
  • Includes identity theft coverage & non-medical evacuation coverage
  • CFAR coverage reimburses 75% of prepaid travel expenses

CONS

  • Coverage cannot be extended unlike other plans
  • Medical limit is lower than other cheaper plans, but still sufficient
Passport and Plane Ticket

How much is travel insurance for the Philippines?

The average cost of Philippines travel insurance is $6.93 per day. This is based on internal sales data from LA Times’ visitors who bought travel insurance to the Philippines between September 2023 to September 2024. On average, travelers spend $169.60 on Philippines travel coverage with an average stay of 27 days in the country.

That said, many medical-only travel insurance plans are even cheaper and can cost as little as $1 per day.

For more examples of how the cost of Philippines travel insurance varies, we requested several sample quotes for a 35-year-old traveler from California spending 7 days in the Philippines for a total trip cost of $2,000.

Cost Example for Medical-only Travel Insurance

Provider Plan Name Plan Cost Cancellation / Interruption Limits Medical / Medevac Limits
Tin Leg Standard $5 $0 / $0 $30,000/ $200,000
Trawick International Safe Travels Explorer $26 $0 / $0 $50,000/ $200,000
Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic $25 $0 / $1,000 $100,000 / $250,000
AXA Assistance USA Silver $42 $0 / $500,000 $25,000 / $100,000

From this example, it’s clear to see that medical travel insurance is very affordable even for robust plans. That said, if you want benefits like reimbursements for cancellations, travel delays, lost baggage, and more, you’ll need to opt for comprehensive travel insurance as shown below.

Cost Example for Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Provider Plan Name Plan Cost Cancellation / Interruption Limits Medical / Medevac Limits
Tin Leg Standard $64 $2,000 / $3,000 $30,000/ $200,000
Trawick International Safe Travels Explorer $61 $2,000 / $2,000 $50,000/ $200,000
Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic $75 $2,000 / $2,000 $100,000 / $250,000
AXA Assistance USA Silver $69 $2,000 / $2,000 $25,000 / $100,000

In this example, comprehensive travel insurance costs around $10/ day for the philippines.

Keep in mind that these prices are examples only. The final cost of travel insurance depends on your specific trip parameters. Several variables influence the cost of travel insurance, including

What does travel insurance for the Philippines cover?

Travel insurance for the Philippines covers a wide range of circumstances.

It’s important to understand that some travel insurance policies may be more comprehensive and cover more potential issues than others. The following is a breakdown of standard coverages, but you should always review a provider’s plan to ensure you’re comfortable with the coverage.

Trip cancellation insurance

When you’re excited about a trip, the last thing you want to do is cancel it. Unfortunately, you may have to cancel your trip to the Philippines due to circumstances outside your control. For example, if a close family member passes away a few days before you’re set to depart, you may have to cancel to attend the funeral.

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for the prepaid, nonrefundable portion of your trip. This includes hotel accommodations, flights, and prepaid bookings. To qualify for reimbursement, you must cancel the trip for a covered reason. Many companies allow you to cancel due to illness, job loss, or the death of your travel companion.

If you’re concerned about trip cancellation, consider purchasing cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance. This type of coverage reimburses a significant portion of your prepaid expenses.

Trip delay insurance

Trip delay insurance reimburses you for additional expenses associated with common carrier delays. In travel lingo, a common carrier is a company that offers transportation services to the public as part of its business model. Airlines, railroads, bus companies, and ferries are all examples of common carriers that may be covered by this type of travel insurance.

Once you purchase trip delay insurance, read the policy carefully. You won’t be reimbursed for additional expenses unless the delay lasts for a specific amount of time. For example, you probably won’t qualify for reimbursement due to a 30-minute delay, but you may qualify if your flight is delayed by six hours or more.

This type of coverage reimburses you only for necessary expenses. You can’t go out and buy a new wardrobe, but your insurance company may reimburse you for accommodations, transportation to and from your hotel, meals, toiletries, medication, and other personal items.

Trip interruption insurance

Like trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption coverage reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. The difference is that it only reimburses you if you start your trip and have to end it early for a covered reason. For example, if your travel companion has a heart attack while you’re in the Philippines, your travel insurance may reimburse you for the unused portion of your hotel stay.

Travel medical insurance

Even if you’ve never had any medical problems, there’s always a chance that you’ll develop one during your visit to the Philippines. Travel health insurance covers the cost of lab tests, X-rays, surgery, and other types of medical care, ensuring you don’t have to pay the whole bill yourself.

Medical evacuation insurance

Many types of travel insurance also include medical evacuation coverage, which pays to transport you to the nearest suitable medical facility in an emergency. Let’s say you’re climbing one of the many volcanoes in the Philippines when you fall and break several bones. If you’re in a remote area, the nearest adequate hospital maybe 50 miles away.

Baggage insurance

No one wants to arrive in the Philippines and discover that their luggage is missing or damaged. Unfortunately, it’s possible for a common carrier to lose one of your bags or damage it during the handling process. Thieves also target travelers, which may leave you without your favorite piece of jewelry or the dress you purchased just for your trip.

This type of travel insurance usually covers baggage loss and baggage delays. If you bring two suitcases to the airport and only get one upon your arrival to the Philippines, your travel insurance should reimburse you for the missing bag. Note that many travel insurance plans have per-item and per-person limits.

Baggage delay coverage reimburses you for certain expenses if your bag doesn’t arrive as scheduled. This type of coverage doesn’t kick in right away, so don’t assume that you can buy a new outfit just because your bag is an hour late. The purpose of baggage delay coverage is to reimburse you for the money you spend replacing certain items. For example, if you have to buy shampoo, bar soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush, your travel insurance should reimburse you for these expenses.

Rental car coverage

Many types of travel insurance also cover rental car damage and theft. For example, if you accidentally hit the curb while trying to park on a busy street in the Philippines, your travel insurance may pay to repair the scratch. If you get into an accident, your travel insurance may cover the cost of repairs or reimburse the rental company for the fair market value of the car, whichever costs less.

What isn’t covered by travel insurance for the Philippines?

Although travel insurance covers you in many situations, it doesn’t cover every possible emergency.

Passport and Plane Ticket

How to get the best Philippines travel insurance

To get the best travel insurance for your trip to the Philippines, follow these tips:

Philippines travel information & requirements

Here’s an overview of what you can expect when traveling to the Philippines

Query Detail
Tourist visa required? Not required for trips lasting 30 days or less
Passport requirements Must have a valid U.S. passport with at least 6 months remaining until the expiration date
Local currency Philippine peso
Average 5-year exchange rate 1 USD = 52.15 PHP
Vaccine requirements Not required unless you’re traveling from a country known for yellow fever transmission
COVID test required? No
Travel advisory level Level 2 - Exercise Increased Cautio
Emergency services phone number 911
Accepts U.S. health insurance? No

Do I need a visa to travel to the Philippines?

You don’t need a visa to travel to the Philippines unless you plan to stay there for more than 30 days.

Do I need a passport to visit the Philippines?

Yes. You must have a passport that’s valid for at least six months after your travel date

COVID-19 requirements

All travel restrictions related to COVID-19 have been lifted. You don’t have to present proof of vaccination, test for COVID-19, or quarantine yourself upon arrival in the Philippines.

FAQ: Philippines travel insurance

Do I need travel insurance to visit the Philippines?

Although you’re not required to purchase Philippines travel insurance, we strongly recommend that you purchase this type of coverage. The right insurance plan can prevent you from losing thousands of dollars.

What does travel insurance cover in the Philippines?

It depends on what type of policy you buy. The most basic insurance plans usually cover medical expenses, medical evacuation, unexpected delays, trip cancellations, and trip interruptions. You can also buy travel insurance that covers your baggage and your rental vehicle.

How much is Philippines travel insurance?

Philippines travel insurance can cost as little as $1 per day for the most basic policy. For a more comprehensive plan, you can expect to pay around $9 to $11 per day.

Can I use my U.S. insurance in the Philippines?

U.S. health insurance doesn’t cover medical expenses incurred in the Philippines. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, military insurance plans, and private health insurance.

Can U.S. citizens get free health care in the Philippines?

The Philippines has a public health system, but non-citizens aren’t eligible for free health care. Therefore, it’s important to purchase health insurance designed to cover medical emergencies in other countries. If you don’t have travel health insurance, you may end up owing thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan
Leigh Morgan Personal Finance

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

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