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Travel Insurance For A Trip To The Philippines (2024)

Is Philippines travel insurance worth it? We discuss the cost and coverage, plus travel and safety tips.

in under 2 minutes

Kristin Peters is a content developer with over seven years of experience researching and writing about various consumer-focused topics. As part of the Guides Home Team, she focuses primarily on home warranties and insurance services that can bring homeowners peace of mind.

Veronika Jelenik is an editor with a background in journalism. She previously has had her work published in the New York Daily News and the Hartford Courant, and she has covered many disparate topics. Veronika has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and social and cultural analysis. When not immersed in home services content, Veronika enjoys spending time with her friends and her Chihuahua, Beanie.

Traveling to a new country can be an exciting yet nerve-racking experience. Because so many aspects of the trip are out of your control, it’s impossible to predict or avoid every possible mishap. International travel insurance is one way to gain peace of mind and financial protection. You can find policies to cover a variety of situations, such as last-minute cancellations or medical emergencies and theft.

In addition to reviewing the top travel insurance companies , we at the Guides Home Team compiled all the information you need about travel insurance in the Philippines so you can plan a safe and memorable vacation.

Do I Need Travel Insurance To Visit The Philippines?

Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of $35,000 used to be required for foreign nationals visiting the Philippines. However, in May 2022, the Consulate General of the Philippines in New York issued new guidance stating that travel insurance is encouraged but no longer required.

Although the Philippines no longer requires foreign nationals to obtain travel insurance for their stay, you still need to meet other requirements for entry. You need a passport valid for at least six months and a valid onward or return ticket, as well as applicable COVID-19 vaccination proof.

If you choose to purchase travel insurance, you have options, including coverage for cancellation and medical emergencies.

Compare Philippines Travel Insurance Companies

Review policy rates and protections across top-rated travel insurance companies for a trip to the Philippines in the table below.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

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What Kind Of Travel Insurance To Get For A Trip To The Philippines

There are several types of coverage you should consider when buying travel insurance for your trip to the Philippines.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage is exactly what it sounds like — insurance that covers the cost of canceled travel plans regardless of the reason. Most insurance companies offer CFAR coverage as an upgrade or add-on benefit to a standard travel insurance plan. Standard plans also cover cancellations, but only for certain reasons. Typically, those reasons are limited to unforeseen events and things outside your control, such as a natural disaster or medical emergency.

With CFAR coverage, you can cancel for reasons not covered by a standard plan without an explanation. The freedom to cancel for any reason has become especially attractive during the era of COVID-19, as public health recommendations and requirements change frequently. CFAR coverage allows you to cancel if anything pops up that makes you uneasy about the timing or destination of your trip. Your reasons could be personal, financial or even hypothetical.

Tip: Check the U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) travel advisory for the Philippines shortly before leaving. Look for updates to the advisory level, health information and areas of increased risk that might affect your travel plans.

Gear Theft Protection

When you travel, your personal belongings are at risk of being lost, damaged or stolen. The airline could lose your luggage, or your bags could be delayed, leaving you without critical gear. A thief could snatch your suitcase or laptop from your Manila hotel room or pickpocket your wallet and passport as you sample Filipino cuisine.

Travel insurance that includes gear theft protection or baggage insurance can help you replace your stolen gear and even your travel documents. Depending on the situation, the insurance company may pay to repair or replace your belongings plus cover the cost of rental equipment if necessary after a theft, loss or delay.

You should also read through your renters or homeowners insurance before leaving for the Philippines. Many policies cover your personal belongings when traveling, not just when you are home. However, certain limits and exclusions may apply.

Tip: Make a list or take photos of everything you take on your trip. That inventory will come in handy if your bags are stolen, lost or delayed. If you experience theft, report it promptly and keep a copy of any official documentation, such as a police report, to submit to your insurance provider.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Medical emergency insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage may be the most important features of your travel insurance. Without insurance, stolen gear or a missed flight might cost you a few hundred dollars. Canceling your entire trip could cost several thousand dollars. However, experiencing a medical emergency overseas could cost tens of thousands of dollars — especially if you need to be evacuated.

Many travel insurance plans include $500,000 or $1,000,000 of medical evacuation coverage paired with $15,000 to $500,000 of medical coverage. As you decide how much coverage to purchase, think through your plans and itinerary. Consider where and how you will be spending your time. High-risk activities and remote locations may increase the likelihood that you will need medical care.

Remember that before changes were announced in May 2022, the Philippines required foreign nationals to obtain at least $35,000 of coverage. Squaremouth , a leading travel insurance quoting and comparison engine that has helped insure more than 2.5 million customers, recommends at least $50,000 of medical emergency coverage and $100,000 of medical evacuation coverage.

Tip: If you have a preexisting medical condition, you may need to purchase a waiver to ensure your plan will cover it. Not all plans will cover preexisting conditions, and those that do may need you to meet certain requirements.

Rental Car Protection

You may or may not need rental car protection for your trip to the Philippines. To decide, consider whether you plan to rent a vehicle and what, if any, coverage you already have.

Contact your car insurance agent to find out what your existing auto policy covers. Few U.S. car insurance companies will cover you when you’re driving abroad, but it’s worth checking. You should also check with your credit card company, as some card issues offer complimentary rental car insurance.

You can purchase protection directly from the rental car company. Liability insurance, which covers injuries and property damage you cause other people, may be included in the rental price. For broader coverage, you typically have the option to purchase a collision damage waiver. However, it is often less expensive to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes rental car coverage.

Tip: Consider getting an international driving permit (IDP) before your trip. Although you should be able to use your state-issued driver’s license in the Philippines for up to 90 days, many countries require an IDP. You should also research the driving laws, culture and conditions in the Philippines to ensure that you will be comfortable driving there.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Most travel insurance plans include trip cancellation insurance , often paired with travel delay and trip interruption coverage. Unlike CFAR coverage, this coverage is typically limited to certain situations. Your policy documents should spell out which situations do or do not qualify for reimbursement. Companies may also differ on how they treat cancellations related to the coronavirus pandemic.

If you cancel for a covered reason, trip cancellation insurance will generally cover any non-refundable trip costs up to the policy limit. You decide the coverage limits. When you apply, the insurance company will ask about your trip cost. Make sure the figure you provide includes all the prepaid, non-refundable expenses associated with your trip. If you say your trip costs $2,000, that is what your coverage limit will be.

Tip: If you need to cancel your trip, be ready to provide documentation. The insurance company will want to verify your reason for canceling. You will also need to provide proof of your expenses, such as receipts or itemized bills.

Flight Insurance

Though you only need flight insurance if you plan to fly, a trip to the Philippines will almost certainly require air travel. The Philippines is an island nation that lies more than 7,000 miles from California and nearly 5,500 miles from Hawaii. In many cases, you can expect your plans to include at least one connection, which increases the odds that you will miss a flight. Unless you purchased a fully refundable ticket, airlines are not always required to issue a refund or voucher.

Flight insurance helps you cover the cost of booking a new flight if you miss your original flight. You can purchase flight insurance from the airline itself or from a third-party travel insurance company. For international travel, it might be wiser to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes flight coverage. You could miss your flight for many reasons, and some may involve costs not covered by flight insurance alone.

Tip: Check the vaccination requirements of each airport you will pass through on your way to the Philippines, as COVID-19 protocols may vary. You may need certain documentation, such as a negative test result, proof of vaccination or a health declaration form ready to present.

How Much Does Philippines Travel Insurance Cost?

The first step to finding the cheapest travel insurance is comparing costs. The age of the traveler, the destination location and the total trip cost all factor into travel insurance costs.

To give you a general idea of what to expect, we obtained quotes from three companies for two different trip scenarios. For each plan, the trip cancellation coverage equals the trip cost, which is $2,000 for the first scenario and $5,000 for the second.

Quotes listed below were collected from each company’s respective website in December 2022 and assume June 2023 travel dates for a Virginia resident.

Trip 1: 27-year-old traveler, $2,000 trip cost, 7-day trip length

Trip 2: 45-year-old traveler, $5,000 trip cost, 14-day trip length, how do i get travel insurance for a philippines vacation.

Follow these steps to purchase Philippines travel insurance:

• Add up your trip costs. This will tell you how much coverage you need. Your tally should include all expenses that are prepaid and nonrefundable to ensure sufficient trip cancellation coverage.
• Gather quotes. Gather quotes from several companies. Most companies offer multiple comprehensive plans with different terms and coverage limits.
• Read the fine print. Make sure you understand what each policy covers. You may want to ask specifically about preexisting conditions, travel assistance, COVID-19 coverage and covered cancellations.
• Choose a plan. Compare your options and choose the best plan for your travel needs. If you have multiple trips planned in a year, consider investing in an annual travel insurance plan.

Remember, it’s best to purchase travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip. If you wait too long, you may be ineligible for coverage or risk the denial of certain claims.

The Philippines Travel and Safety Tips

Although getting travel insurance is important, it’s equally important to do what you can to avoid needing it. Start by reading through the travel and safety tips below.

Coronavirus precautions in the Philippines are set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. In October 2022, the IATF issued new guidance . Foreign nationals age 15 or older must present one of two things to enter the Philippines:

• Proof of vaccination. To be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you need to have received the second dose of a two-dose series or a single-dose vaccine more than 14 days prior to your departure from your country of origin.
• Negative rapid antigen test result. The COVID-19 test must have been administered and certified by a healthcare professional within 24 hours prior to your departure from your country of origin.

Note that a pre-departure COVID-19 test is no longer required for those who are fully vaccinated. Another recent change is that the country now requires a rapid antigen test within 24 hours rather than an RT-PCR test within 48 hours for unvaccinated individuals.

As of October 2022, face masks are no longer required except in healthcare facilities, medical transport and public transportation. Inbound travelers must only quarantine if they test positive for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test. Quarantine protocols are set by the country’s Department of Health (DOH). The DOH maintains an FAQ page that travelers may find useful.

You can find a COVID-19 case tracker on the Philippines DOH website, along with a list of relevant updates and policies. You can also check the U.S. Embassy website for information related to COVID-19 and travel to the Philippines.

Crime and Safety

The U.S. DOS has four travel advisory levels. As of December 2022, the Philippines fell into the yellow level-two category: exercise increased caution. Noted risks include crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping, particularly in the Sulu Archipelago, Marawi City and other areas of Mindanao.

According to Statista , the most prevalent crime in the Philippines is theft, with 11,492 incidents reported in 2021. The DOS highlights other dangers, including kidnappings and physical assaults. Specifically, it notes that travelers leaving Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport via taxi or private vehicle have been stopped and robbed.

If you fall victim to a crime, you should report it to the local police at the 911 hotline. U.S. citizens should also contact the U.S. Embassy at +(63)(2)5302-2000. The DOS recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This enables you to receive important security messages and makes it easier for authorities to locate you in an emergency.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

The largest island of the Philippines, Luzon, is home to the capital city of Manila. Other popular cities include Cebu in the central Visayas island group, Puerto Princesa on the westernmost island of Palawan, and El Nido at the northern tip of Palawan. Breathtaking scenery and recreational opportunities abound near all four cities. Here are a few of the top attractions and activities for tourists:

• Whale shark tours: Many tours offer a chance to see or even swim with the world’s largest fish. An up-close encounter is virtually guaranteed in Oslob, though some question the sustainability and ethics of the town’s setup. Other options are Donsol, on the island of Luzon, and Sogod Bay on Southern Leyte. The best months for this activity are November through May.
• Island hopping: Island-hopping tours allow you to visit multiple islands in one day. These tours often last 8 hours or longer and include lunch. To maximize the experience, choose a tour with a recreational activity you’d like to try, such as snorkeling or canyoneering.
• Beaches: As you might expect, the Philippines is home to several stunning beaches. Three popular destinations are El Nido’s Nacpan Beach and Boracay Island’s White Beach and Puka Shell Beach.
• Banaue Rice Terraces: Located in the mountains north of Manila, the Banaue Rice Terraces are a marvel carved into the landscape more than 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao people. The terraces are spread across several villages, including Batad. Many tours of this area are planned as a scenic multi-day adventure.

This list only scratches the surface of the things to do and see in the Philippines. The country also boasts multiple lakes, caves, parks and even underground rivers. Historical and religious sites include Fort Santiago, the Magellan’s Cross Pavilion, Cebu Taoist Temple and the Basilica del Santo Niño.

If you anticipate your trip being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we recommend setting aside at least 10 days. You will have no problem filling the time. Plan your itinerary well in advance, and be realistic about how much you can fit into your visit.

Is Travel Insurance For a Trip To The Philippines Worth It?

Purchasing travel insurance for a Philippines vacation is worth it if you want nonrefundable trip costs covered in an unexpected situation. Forgoing insurance or opting for a bare-bones plan could end up being an expensive decision if something goes wrong before or during your trip. A vacation here is not without risks. Theft is relatively common, and many of the top tourist attractions are heavily dependent on good weather.

Shop around before picking a plan. We recommend gathering quotes from at least three companies. Then compare not only the prices but also the coverage limits, benefits and exclusions to ensure you get the best deal and coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for The Philippines

Does philippine airlines require travel insurance.

When you book a flight to the Philippines from any other country through Philippine Airlines, your ticket automatically includes travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage. This coverage, which starts upon your arrival in the Philippines, is complimentary but not optional. It provides up to 30 days of protection for passengers from 2 weeks to 75 years old. It includes the following:

• Up to $35,000 for COVID-related medical expenses
• Up to $35,000 for COVID-related medical evacuation
• Up to $2,000 of personal accident coverage
• 24/7 emergency travel and medical assistance

How do you know if you need travel insurance?

To determine whether you need travel insurance, you should consider three things: cancellation policies, existing coverage and level of risk. Think through everything that could go wrong and what you can afford. Between complimentary coverage, existing insurance policies and generous cancellation policies, you may not need travel insurance.

If each item you have booked — hotels, flights , tours, etc. — can be canceled for any reason without penalty, then you can forgo cancellation coverage. For medical expenses, you may be covered by your existing health insurance, and your renters or homeowners insurance may cover any theft of your personal belongings. Some credit cards even offer complimentary travel insurance, including rental car coverage.

Which travel insurance policies cover COVID-19?

Standard travel insurance policies may or may not cover a COVID-related cancellation or delay, but most will provide medical coverage if you contract COVID-19 while traveling. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) policies will cover you if you need to cancel your trip due to COVID-19 — whether because you are sick or because of a lockdown or outbreak.

To ensure your travel insurance covers COVID-19, read through any policy documents carefully or speak to an agent. Ask about terms that may apply, such as a pandemic or foreseeable risk exclusion.

How much is travel insurance?

Travel insurance can cost anywhere from 4% to 12% of the total cost of your trip, according to Generali . However, the exact cost will vary depending on several factors, including the length and location of your trip. Your age and health may also play a role. We recommend gathering quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the best possible rate.

Some insurance companies, such as Nationwide and Allianz, offer annual travel insurance plans that are more affordable than purchasing separate policies for each trip. You may also qualify for free but limited coverage through the airline or your credit card.

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What is the best travel insurance for Philippines vacation?

Tips when choosing travel insurance.

To make your vacation in the Philippines even more hassle-free, you should consider getting travel insurance for your trip. In this article, we list travel insurance tips to help you understand what to look for when choosing one that is best for your holiday in the Philippines.

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Travel insurance policies vary. Depending on your travel needs, you may opt to buy a single-trip plan, a multi-trip plan, a family/group plan, and even specific plans, including travel insurance with COVID coverage in the Philippines.

Note that most of the policies require you to settle your bills first, which the insurance company will reimburse you after your claim has been processed and approved. After your policy expires, your other travels will not be covered anymore unless you purchase a new plan.

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Although travel insurance is usually an optional expense, it can save you a lot of money if you encounter problems during your vacation. To give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip better, purchase a travel insurance plan that fits your Philippines itinerary . 

Do I need travel insurance when going to the Philippines? 

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But even if you fail to buy a travel insurance plan early, you can still get one from an insurance company that allows you to purchase one as late as 24 hours before your trip. However, note that travel insurance policies are not retroactive and will only cover the events after the plan is in force. 

What does travel insurance cover? 

This covers medical emergencies due to accidents or illnesses. For example, if you accidentally fall over and injure yourself while exploring the many tourist spots of Luzon , you can expect your travel insurance company to cover some if not all of the hospital and medicine expenses.

This covers non-refundable bookings in the event that you need to cancel your trip before it actually starts due to accidental death, injury, or a serious illness of the insured or an immediate family member. 

If your mother suddenly contracts a serious disease and you have to cancel your entire trip, your travel insurance should be able to reimburse what you already paid for, including flights, hotel bookings, and Philippine tour packages .

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If your flight or trip gets delayed for reasons beyond your control, you can get compensation depending on how long the delay is. Note that this coverage has a minimum number of hours delay that needs to be met, and a couple of hours’ delay or less is usually not covered. 

For instance, if your flight from Boracay to any of the Philippine Airports is delayed by more than 12 hours due to bad weather, the insurance company will shoulder the cost for additional meals and hotel bookings in the Philippines you need to purchase because of the delay or non-refundable tours to Philippine tourist spots that you missed.

Should you need to cut your trip short due to valid emergencies, your insurance company can help cover the non-refundable deposits, like the Cebu City tours you already paid for, as well as the cost of changing your travel plans, including booking a new last-minute flight.

This covers your transportation from a dangerous non-medical situation to a place of safety. Depending on your policy, this can cover natural disasters and civil or political unrest. If, for example, Mount Mayon erupts during your holiday in Albay , your travel insurance company will reimburse you the money you spent to get to a safe place.

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A comprehensive travel insurance policy usually covers the loss of your baggage and personal items that got lost, damaged, or were stolen during your travels. For example, if your airline loses your luggage on your way to visit the tourist spots of Mindanao , this will cover the costs of buying new items you’ll need for your trip, including clothes, toiletries, and other travel essentials. Depending on the policy, most travel insurance companies will only cover up to a certain value. 

This is usually an added benefit to basic travel insurance policies, as injuries sustained from extreme adventures and sports are not included in the basic packages. This is useful for those who want to visit the Philipines and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, jet skiing, or scuba diving. This means that if you get injured while exploring the best diving spots in the Philippines , you’ll receive monetary assistance.

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This coverage is similar to that included in most life insurance policies, but the only difference is that it only covers the duration of your travel. If, while on vacation, you figure in an accident and lose a limb, your sight, your speech, or your hearing, you will be compensated for it financially. In case of accidental death, your chosen beneficiary will receive the benefit. 

When it comes to personal belongings, the most basic travel insurance only covers up to a certain value, usually excluding travel gear like smartphones, cameras, laptops, and drones. If you have this included in your coverage, you will be compensated if any of these items get stolen or lost by your airline or other carriers.

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Where to get travel insurance for Philippines vacation? 

Insurance companies like Pacific Cross and AXA have travel insurance policies you can check. If you are traveling to the Philippines via Philippine Airlines, you can purchase Philippine Airlines travel insurance if it’s not already included in the cost of your ticket. You may also ask your Philippine travel agency like Guide to the Philippines for recommendations.

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Keep in mind that the cheapest travel insurance in the Philippines may not give you the best value for money. Generally, the cheaper the plan, the fewer incidents it covers, so you need to compare policies based on their coverage and not just the price.

Is travel insurance refundable? No. After your trip or coverage is over, the policy will be terminated. Remember, you’re paying for peace of mind and security, and not claiming anything from your travel insurance is actually a good thing.

If you are a frequent traveler, it might be better for you to consider multi-trip or yearly travel insurance plans, which will cover more travel.

Those traveling with several people in their traveling party should inquire about group or family travel insurance in the Philippines to ensure that everyone is protected.

You may already be insured without knowing it. Some banks provide basic travel insurance with their credit cards and debit cards. Some airlines also include travel insurance in their airfare.

Check the fine print for health exclusions. Most travel insurance policies will not cover pre-existing conditions like asthma or allergies.

Protect yourself while traveling in the Philippines by getting travel insurance

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• Philippines Travel Insurance

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• Key takeaways

Philippines travel information & requirements

What does travel insurance for the philippines cover, what isn’t covered by travel insurance for the philippines, how much does travel insurance for the philippines cost, how to get the best philippines travel insurance, faq: philippines travel insurance, related topics.

Philippines Travel Insurance: Coverage Requirements & Costs

• You’re not required to purchase travel insurance to visit the Philippines, but you should purchase a policy anyway.
• Our top picks for travel insurance for a trip to the Philippines come from Tin Leg, Seven Corners, and Generali Global Assistance.
• It’s especially important to have travel medical insurance because US private insurance and Medicare will not work in the Philippines.
• In addition to medical emergencies, travel insurance can also protect you against flight delays, trip interruptions, loss of luggage, and other unexpected events.
• We recommend using an online comparison tool to find the right travel insurance to suit your needs for your trip to the Philippines. This way, you can compare multiple quotes and coverage options at once and get the best deal.

Whether you want to climb a volcano or dip your toes into the turquoise waters of Bacuit Bay, the Republic of the Philippines is the perfect place to get away from it all. Before you get caught up in sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming, it’s important to protect yourself against trip delays, cancellations, and other problems that could throw a wrench in your travel plans.

Although travel insurance isn’t legally required to visit the Philippines, it’s something you should purchase for your own peace of mind. We put together this guide to help you understand the benefits of Philippines travel insurance and show you why it’s essential to buy coverage before you leave for your trip.

Our top picks for the best philippines travel insurance

• Tin Leg: Best Rated Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best Value for Medical Emergencies
• Generali Global Assistance: Best Value Travel Insurance

Our top picks for travel insurance

Seven Corners

Generali global assistance.

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

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.

Is travel insurance required to visit the Philippines?

Travel insurance isn’t legally required to visit the Philippines. However, we strongly recommend that you buy travel insurance before your trip. This type of insurance policy minimizes your losses in the event of a medical emergency or other covered event.

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.

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

• Pre-existing conditions:   In most cases, travel insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing health conditions. These are conditions that you have on or before the date you book your trip. For example, if you’ve had chronic kidney disease for 20 years, CKD is a pre-existing condition. This type of coverage won’t pay your medical expenses if you experience a complication of kidney disease while traveling in the Philippines.
• Risky activities:   If you plan to climb volcanoes, go skydiving or engage in other risky activities, check with your insurance agent first. Many plans exclude coverage for adventure sports and other high-risk activities, so you may need to purchase extra insurance if you’re a bit of a daredevil.
• Known storms:   Travel insurance generally doesn’t cover you if you experience an emergency due to a known storm. For example, if there’s a storm brewing in the South China Sea, your insurer may deny your claim if you choose to travel to the Philippines anyway.
• Foreseeable events:   Your travel insurance may not cover you if you experience a loss due to a foreseeable event. This is an event that a reasonable person could have predicted.

For basic medical coverage for your trip to the Philippines, travel insurance can cost as little as $1 per day . For a more comprehensive policy that includes trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, you can expect to pay around $9 to $11 per day for insurance.

To give you a better understanding of how much travel insurance for the Philippines cost, we got sample quotes from some popular travel insurance providers.

We used these travel details for our quotes:

• Age: 35 years old
• Destination: Philippines
• Trip Length: 7 days
• Trip cost: $2,000

This first table shows four quotes for basic travel insurance coverage.

Example Where Plan Doesn’t Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

To have financial protection in case your trip is canceled or interrupted, you’ll need more comprehensive coverage. For this next table, we got four quotes that show the cost of coverage which includes trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance.

Example Where Plan Does Reimburse the Full Trip Cost

Several factors affect the cost of travel insurance:

• Age:   The younger you are, the less it costs to buy coverage for your upcoming trip. This is because older people have a higher risk of accidents and illnesses.
• Destination:   Some destinations are riskier than others. Insurers charge more to provide coverage for trips to those destinations.
• Trip price:   The more your trip costs, the more coverage you need. It costs extra to extend your coverage.

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

• Consider what type of coverage you need: Evaluate the risks you face when traveling. If you plan to do any adventure activities, you should consider a plan that includes extra coverage.
• Check to see what coverage you get with your credit card: If you book your trip with your credit card , you may already receive some types of coverage, such as trip cancellation and interruption. Once you know what you already have, you can then decide what additional types of protection you want.
• Compare plans and providers: Request multiple quotes and take the time to compare them. Make sure you understand each plan and what it requires for reimbursement. To easily compare coverage options, try using our online comparison tool .
• Purchase a policy early: If you purchase your travel insurance soon after making your initial trip deposit, you may be able to get a better deal.

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.

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 5 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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Top Travel Insurances for the Philippines You Should Know in 2024

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture (including the famous Ati-Atihan Festival and Sinulog Festival), the Philippines is a great destination for travellers from abroad. Although travelling to the Philippines can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, out-the-pocket healthcare costs in the country tend to be expensive, so it's a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to the Philippines and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Philippines Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for the Philippines:

Best Travel Insurances for the Philippines

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for the Philippines? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to the Philippines scroll down

Heading to the Philippines soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

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• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for the Philippines?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through the Philippines.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to the Philippines or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for the Philippines:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to the Philippines. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to the Philippines, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for the Philippines:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to the Philippines? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to the Philippines

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for the Philippines. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in the Philippines can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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International Travel Insurance For The Philippines- Buying COVID Insurance

As of May 30, 2022, the IATF-MEID Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases no longer requires foreigners to purchase mandatory COVID-19 insurance. While not required, health insurance coverage is still highly recommended. Here is the best way to find Philippines travel insurance coverage. minutes

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About the author

Hi, I'm Marco Sison . I worked in finance for Fortune 50 companies before retiring early at 41 years old. I have been an expat for over 10 years, living in over 50 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries outside the USA. I am a trusted resource on personal finance and overseas retirement for US News & World Reports, HuffPost, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Best Life, Association of MBAs, and the iTunes documentary Seeking FIRE.

Overview- Philippine Tourist Visas

QUICK SUMMARY- Requirements For Mandatory COVID Travel Insurance For The Philippines?

• As of May 30, 2022, the requirement for mandatory COVID-19 insurance has been lifted.
• Be purchased from a reputable insurance provider
• Specifically, mentions covering any COVID-19 related treatments
• Includes emergency medical minimum coverage of at least $35,000 USD
• Purchased before arriving in the Philippines

Get your vacation travel plans set. Book your favorite hotel. The Philippine islands are opening up to all fully vaccinated international tourists. As of April 1st, entry exemption documents (EED) are no longer required to enter the Philippines.  

Am I required to purchase Covid travel insurance for the Philippines?

No. As of May 30, 2022, the IATF-MEID (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) lifted the requirement for foreigners traveling to the Philippines to purchase mandatory COVID-19 insurance. While not required, health insurance coverage is still highly recommended. 

Previously (as of April 1st, 2022), all foreign tourists traveling to the Philippines were required to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment to enter the Philippines. The previously mandatory COVID-19 insurance was required before arrival from a reputable insurance carrier and be valid for the duration of their stay.

A foreigner citizen with a valid visa, other than a 9a tourist visa/visa on arrival , such as a marriage visa , SRRV retirement visa , or SIRV investor visa is exempt from the COVID insurance requirement. 

This post may contain affiliate links. I may get a commission if you purchase something using my link. Please note, there is NO ADDITIONAL COST to you. For more information, please see my  disclosure .

QUICK TIPS- PHILIPPINES

Show a mandatory departure ticket.  You cannot enter the Philippines on a one-way ticket if you only have a tourist visa or visa on arrival. You will need a flight ticket with a date leaving the country before your visa expires. Save money by showing immigration you have    a cheap onward travel ticket for just $14 . 

Get help with your visa .  The Philippines visa process can get complicated. The rules and regulations change frequently. Avoid the hassle of dealing with the immigration bureaucracy by speaking with a Philippines Visa Specialist.

Learn some basic Tagalog phrases.  While nearly everyone speaks some English,  learning some basic Tagalog is always appreciated by Filipinos. Get a  FREE Language Lesson using the same learning technique used by the US State Department, FBI, and overseas military.

Save On Moving Costs .  Save up to 40% on your international moving costs. Nomadic FIRE has partnered with 10,000+ pre-screened global moving companies to save you time and money. Fill out our 60-second form and get 5 free quotes from accredited moving companies competing for your business.

Get Free Expat Health Insurance Quotes .  Your home insurance will not cover you while abroad. However, you can find  affordable international health insurance  for less than what you would pay in the United States. 

How To Find The Cheapest Flights To The Philippines

Other guides on expat life in the philippines, 2024 philippines online annual reporting requirement guide for expats, expat life in the philippines: an american expat’s pros and cons, foreigner’s guide to prenuptial agreements in the philippines- protecting your money, a comprehensive guide to philippines health insurance for expats, 24 facts about healthcare in the philippines every expat must know, how do i send money to the philippines my remittance rundown, best places to live in manila- an expat guide to metro neighborhoods, can foreigners buy property in the philippines [options, tips, laws], what to do if you overstay in the philippines penalties, blacklists, extensions.

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What are the different types of insurance for travel?

Generally, three types of insurance are sold under the term "travel insurance:" travel medical insurance, international medical insurance, and plain-ole travel insurance. It is critical to understand the insurance's specific medical coverage and purpose, as they are far from equal.

• 1 Travel Insurance ($)-  Sometimes called trip insurance, these policies may not necessarily cover any medical treatments. This insurance is primarily for protecting your belonging from sneaky thieves, airlines losing your luggage, or even travel delays and trip cancellations. This type of insurance does not typically cover COVID medical treatment and is unlikely to meet the travel insurance mandatory to enter the Philippines.
• 2 Travel Medical Insurance ($$)-  If you get sick eating suspect street food or break a leg hiking in the jungle, this type of expat insurance covers you when you need to see a doctor, visit a clinic, or otherwise unplanned medical assistance. Primarily, travel medical covers you are outside your home country and requires you to maintain health care insurance in your country of residence.
• 3 International Medical Insurance ($$$)-   If you are an expat living abroad, international medical insurance is a more complete healthcare solution. Expat Medical Insurance is a substitute for the health insurance you have in your home country, but with coverage overseas. International Medical Insurance can cover pre-existing conditions, chronic health conditions, planned check-ups, and emergency medical care.

you can Compare Costs for all three types Of Insurance Here

What are the benefits of Philippines COVID health insurance from your insurance partners?

• Meets the mandatory COVID19 travel insurance requirement to enter the Philippines -  As of April 1st, 2022, all foreign tourists must show proof of health insurance, including a minimum coverage of $35,000 USD of COVID-19 treatments to enter the Philippines. Most plans quoted here far exceed the minimum amount set by the IATF-MEID (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases).
• No waiting period-  You can start coverage on the effective date as soon as you leave your country with your policy.
• Quick & Simple-  Getting a policy takes less than 5 mins! The process is very easy and quick. Pick a plan, pay, and receive your policy documents instantly in your email.
• Proof of Insurance Certificate Provided ASAP-  We provide insurance certification to enter The Philippines. The visa letter proves to immigration authorities you obtained the mandatory insurance to enter the Philippines.
• COVID Medical & Emergency Treatment Included-  24/7 emergency assistance coverage for medical expenses, accidents, and emergencies.
• Inclusive Coverage Plans-  Some of our partners have plans to insure anyone up to 80 years old and include pre-existing conditions.  

Get An Onward Departure Ticket Within 60 Seconds For Only $14

Visitors entering the Philippines must also show a departure ticket leaving the country within 90 days. Nomadic FIRE has partnered with the most trusted Onward Ticket Provider on the web . They will make a confirmed flight reservation on your behalf and provide you Proof Of Onward Travel to show visa or immigration officials.

For $14, it's the cheaper, smarter option for traveling with complete freedom.

What are the benefits of getting international medical insurance instead of cheaper travel medical insurance?

Both policies meet the COVID insurance requirement for the Philippines. The key differences are international medical are more expensive annual insurance plans that provide more complete coverage, including chronic conditions, preventive care, routine check-ups, and non-emergency medical treatment.

In contrast, travel medical insurance is cheaper for short-term trips, does not allow for pre-existing conditions, and only covers emergency medical treatment.

What medical expenses are typically covered by trip insurance for international travel?

The chart below provides a side-by-side comparison of what is usually commonly by travel insurance versus international/expatriate insurance plans:

Trip Insurance

DOES NOT MEET PHILIPPINES REQUIREMENTS FOR COVID COVERAGE

• Medical emergencies
• Non-emergency medical treatment
• Regular check-ups
• Pre-existing conditions
• Flight delay
• Loss of belongings
• Liability insurance

Global Medical

Expats living abroad for an extended period who need comprehensive coverage

• Meets Philippines Required COVID coverage

Travel Medical

Simple, fast, and affordable coverage ideal for short trips.

  INSIDER TIP   : You may hear different terminology for the same type of coverage. International Medical Insurance for expats living abroad is sometimes called expatriate health insurance, international health insurance, or global insurance, depending on the carrier.  

How much does COVID travel insurance cost for the Philippines?

Travel insurance monthly premium costs depend on several factors: your age, how long you are staying in the Philippines, your co-insurance and deductible (how much you would pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicked in), your maximum coverage, and the insurance provider underwriting your policy.

The IATF requires your travel insurance to the Philippines to include a minimum of $35,000 USD (roughly 1.8 million PHP) of coverage specifically for COVID-19 medical treatment.

I was able to get a 30-day $50,000 COVID policy for the Philippines for $50 per month.

  INSIDER TIP   : Duration of COVID Travel Insurance Coverage- Technically, the insurance policy must be valid for your entire stay in the Philippines. However, there have been no reports of the Bureau of Immigration checking for COVID medical insurance coverage when you extend your visa.

The deductible and co-insurance on the Philippines Covid travel insurance plan vary by provider and underwriting company. It is critical to read through the details carefully to understand what is covered and how the dollar amounts the insurance pays are calculated.

  INSIDER TIP   : Important Terminology-

• Deductible- What you will have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company begins to reimburse you for covered expenses.
• Co-insurance- The percentage of each claim you will be responsible for after meeting your deductible.

Why should I buy international trip insurance from your insurance partners?

• Includes a travel insurance visa letter explicitly stating COVID-10 coverage ( click here for a quote )
• Coverage can start as early as today or pick any date in the future
• Many plans cover the acute onset of a pre-existing condition.
• No medical exam is required
• Some policies can cover applicants up to 80 years old

How to get mandatory COVID coverage for travel to the Philippines

The process is simple. It only takes 5 minutes to get the required COVID travel insurance to enter the Philippines. Start by clicking the red button below and filling out a short form about your trip. Next, pick from a list of policies that cover your needs and best fit your budget.

Follow the instructions and pay your premium and that's it, done! We make it easy to be covered today with no waiting period. You can download the visa letter to show immigration immediately.

Steps to compare and buy travel insurance online

Finding the international travel insurance plan that best fits your needs, complete the short 5-minute quote with your personal details, trip information, and insurance requirements to get a price list of quotes that meet your travel insurance requirements., compare the different options for travel insurance coverages .

It is vital to look at price and coverages to compare and contrast plans. The tools give you a good idea of what each policy offers. The good news is that all the plans offered have a worldwide network of hospitals and doctors, so you can get the care you deserve in an emergency.

Buy the best travel insurance for your budget and lifestyle

The best health insurance for travel offers comprehensive coverage for medical expenses and fits your lifestyle. This means buying an insurance policy to cover your medical costs and overnight hospital stays, medical transportation, and incidentals while fitting your risk level and budget.

Review the travel insurance policy documents and print the Visa Letter

Check your email for the login information to your account. Here you can find all the insurance policy documents, including the travel insurance visa letter required by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration, policy coverage details, and important phone numbers.

Get online access to all required documentation

Visa Letter  -ID Card  -PPO Network (Provider Directory)  -Policy Certificate  -Claim Forms  -Cancellation / Refund Procedure  -Make Corrections / Changes to Policy  -Purchase Receipt

Satisfies the requirement to Enter the Philippines

This policy more than satisfies the $35,000 USD mandatory coverage set by the Inter-Agency Task Force to enter the Philippines

No waiting period

Your coverage starts when you are ready to leave for the Philippines.

Easy & Quick

Getting a policy from our partner takes less than 3 mins! Fill out a short form about your trip to the Philippines, pay on the secure site, and your new policy is sent immediately to your email.

RELATED POSTs ON Visas IN The Philippines

The Philippines Visa Requirements And Policy For Foreigners

How-to get a philippines visa extension [2023]: guide, fees, requirements, philippines visa application forms and visa extension forms, philippines investor visa- how to invest in the philippines for residency, requirements and how-to apply for a philippines visa for uk citizens, what is the best international travel health insurance for the philippines.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to finding the best travel insurance for the Philippines. Everyone has different needs. Do you plan on risky activities, like jet-skiing or scuba diving, with a higher risk for potential injury? Do you need coverage for pre-existing conditions?

Your lifestyle and risk tolerance will change your insurance needs. I pay extra to cover surfing, diving, and mountain climbing. The additional coverage gives me peace of mind when enjoying all the fun activities the Philippines offers.

Additionally, with the low healthcare costs in the Philippines, I don't mind paying out of pocket before my insurance kicks in. My health insurance plans have high deductibles but low monthly costs.

My choice for the best international travel health insurance is IMG Patriot International . For my risk tolerance, as a single 48-year old male with additional "Adventure Sports" coverage, I pay roughly $60 per month for my travel health insurance.

  INSIDER TIP   : Cheap Travel Insurance-  Cheaper is not always better. Pick the policy covering the activities you want to enjoy while in the Philippines. Our partners offer an extensive range of insurance plans to fit your budget, activity level, and risk tolerance..

FAQs: Travel Insurance Philippines Covid-19 Policy

Is the covid travel insurance mandatory for the philippines if i am already vaccinated.

As of May 30, 2022, the requirement for mandatory COVID-19 insurance has been lifted.  The previous requirements are saved below for future reference. Any foreigner entering the Philippines Visa on Arrival or with a 9a tourist visa must purchase travel health insurance covering at least $35,000 of COVID-19 medical treatment, regardless of your vaccination status. Tourists without COVID insurance will not be allowed to enter the Philippines.

My US Health Insurance covers COVID medical treatments, is my home insurance policy enough to enter the Philippines?

As of May 30, 2022, the requirement for mandatory COVID-19 insurance has been lifted.  The previous requirements are saved below for future reference. No. The Philippines requires you purchase international travel medical insurance, specifically with COVID coverage. Additionally, a health insurance policy from your home country provides limited coverage for medical treatment incurred outside your home country.

If I buy COVID coverage from your insurance partner's website, how long will it take for my coverage to start?

If you need rush coverage because you forgot to buy insurance before leaving home, you can buy it now, and coverage can start today, even if you have already departed for the Philippines. A visa letter proving you purchased adequate travel insurance is downloadable immediately for you to show the Immigration officer.

However, your plan options and the costs of the plans available to you for rush coverage are better if you buy at least one day in advance. I was able to get a 30-day $50,000 COVID policy with a $250 deductible for $50 with no advance notice.

Does medical insurance for international travel cover the cost of a Covid-19 test?

A PCR test or any COVID test is considered diagnostic testing and is not covered by most insurance policies.

Will international travel insurance cover emergency evacuation or repatriation?

Yes, most policies offered by our insurance partners will cover emergency transportation or evacuation to the nearest qualified medical facility or repatriation to the country of residence. Additionally, if a covered illness results in a death, repatriation of remains to your home country is covered.

As with any insurance policy, terms and conditions vary. You will need to check the certificate wording for complete details.

Are there other entry requirements besides mandatory Philippines travel insurance to enter the Philippines?

Only fully vaccinated foreigners can enter the Philippines. In addition, all foreign tourists must have the following to enter the Philippines:

• Acceptable proof of vaccination;
• A negative RT-PCR test taken within forty-eight (48) hours prior to departure from the country of
• A valid passport with an expiration at least six months from the time of their arrival to the Philippines;
• Valid tickets leaving the country within 30 days after arrival
• eARRIVAL CARD- The One Health Pass has been officially replaced with the electronic ARRIVAL CARD (eARRIVAL CARD). The eArrival card should be filled out 72 hours prior to your trip  to the Philippines. The eArrival card is free of charge. If a website is asking for a registration fee, you are on a scam website. Use the official eArrival website .
• As of May 30, 2022, the requirement for mandatory COVID-19 insurance has been lifted.  The previous requirements are saved below for future reference. The previously discussed visa insurance with coverage of at least $35,000 of COVID-19 treatment costs

As of April 1st, 2022, a negative laboratory-based Antigen Test taken within twenty-four hours from departure from your country of origin is another option that meets the current COVID-19 testing requirement. 

Hi, That's me. I'm Marco Sison . I am a survivor of the corporate rat race. I started Nomad FIRE to show you an alternative to the stress and grind of 70-hour weeks to pay off a mortgage, student loans, and countless bills. After getting laid off in 2015, I said screw it all and retired early at 41 years old. I have traveled the last five years to over 40 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest , and live in amazing countries for 70% less cost than the US. I have been featured in: US News & World Reports, Huffington Post, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Best Life, CW Network, Dr. Wealth, and others. [view press...]

My DOB is Feb 11 1946 is it possible to get the mandatory C/19 Ins for my holiday, I am requesting requesting 1 year.

I checked with my health insurance partners and they recommend these international health insurance companies given your DOB. I did a quick quote for someone 76 years old and found coverage between $100 – $275.

https://link.nomadicfire.com/philipppines-covid-nolimit Let me know if you have any questions.

D the Filipino healthcare system accept American Medicare as health insurance? Also, I have certain medical conditions that require medications for pain and anxiety management. Can I access prescriptions for these, such as Tramadol and Xanax? Thank you po. Much appreciated.

Great questions. Regrettably, Medicare doesn’t cover expat healthcare costs outside the US and some US territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible). Guam has the two closest Medicare hospitals I am aware of. Additionally, there is Tricare coverage in the Philippines if you are a US military veteran.

The good news is Philippine healthcare coverage is much cheaper than in the US. In my article on living in the Philippines , you can see some examples of the price of Philippine healthcare coverage.

Additionally, you can get a quote for expat health insurance covering you in the Philippines and providing global coverage when you travel. You can get a free quote at https://insurance.nomadicfire.com/intl/health/main

On your prescription drug question, I know that Tramadol is available for roughly $0.60 cents USD per 50 mg capsule, but I am unsure about Xanax. I would email Mercury Drugs or Watsons Drugstore and ask them specially about Xanax.

If you need any help with getting a Philippines Visa, feel free to reach out for assistance.

https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation

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10 Best Travel Insurance Companies & Plans in the Philippines

Last Updated on – Jul 13, 2023 @ 1:17 pm

What’s the best travel insurance in the Philippines? When it comes to the best travel insurance providers in the country, AXA’s iON – Smart Traveler stands out. This insurance is not only affordable but also has a comprehensive list of coverage including medical expenses, personal accident, travel inconveniences, personal belongings, emergency medical evacuation, and many more.  Other insurance plans worth considering include Pioneer Insurance, Standard Insurance, World Nomads Explorer Plan, and AIG Travel Guard.

See the Full List

He finally pulled it off—a quick weekend getaway in Kuala Lumpur to give his frayed nerves the much-needed rest they deserve.

Exploring the majestic rock formation inside Batu Caves was the first item in his itinerary. As he was climbing up the steps of this popular Malaysian destination, he notices the monkeys roaming around.

He goes near one to tries to pet it. As he reaches for its head, the monkey jumps, grabs his hand and bites it.

After wiping off the blood from his palm, he looks for a guide who takes him to the nearest hospital for a rabies shot. He was advised to take antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and pain medicine for the next few days.

Doctors told him he had nothing to worry, he can continue on with his trip the same day.

But even if his trip was off to a bad start, he was still thankful for one thing:

His travel insurance paid for all medical expenses.

Who was the guy? Dunno, really.

But it was an actual testimonial posted by one of the customers of a travel insurance company which we’ll check out later.

The lesson?

Don’t touch ‘em monkeys.

Also, travel insurance is valuable whenever these kinds of things happen.

Because while we’re all hopeful that the trip will go smoothly and according to plan, sometimes, sh*t happens.

And it’s not only tourist-biting monkeys were talking about here.

Travel insurance can also provide protection for your gear/belongings, pay for trip cancellations, problems with baggage, emergency medical situations, and more.

So read on to learn everything you need to know about travel insurance. It’s a small price to pay to get protection and peace of mind for your whole trip.

Related: 79 Visa-Free Countries (+eVisa & VOA) for Philippine Passport Holders

What is a Travel Insurance?

It’s a contract or arrangement with an insurer to guarantee some form of compensation for a specified loss, illness, accident, damage, interruption, and others during your travels.

Put simply, it provides you with coverage for unexpected situations whether traveling domestically or abroad.

How Travel Insurance works?

Like regular insurance, it works by paying a fee to buy a policy. The policy is essentially the contract that states the types of reimbursements or refunds that your insurance can pay for.

For example, say you have a business trip to Spain. Three days before your flight, you experience chest pains and decide to get a checked by a doctor. He concludes that you contracted pneumonia through some form of bacteria.

You were advised to cancel the trip. Will you get reimbursed for travel expenses you already paid like tickets and accommodation?

Yes—if you have travel insurance.

Depending on the type of policy you purchased, expenses incurred for the trip will be reimbursed by your insurance company .

What does a Travel Insurance cover?

Travel insurance can reimburse you on the following expenses:

• Canceled trips
• Medical emergencies
• Lost baggage
• Emergency Evacuation
• Legal costs (for unexpected incidents you didn’t cause)
• Protection of property (gear and possessions) and more.

Related: 40+ Ways to Save Money while Traveling

Types of Travel Insurance in the Philippines

While you’ll see different types of travel insurance policies out there, the two main types are Vacation Plan and Travel Medical Plan .

1. Vacation Plan Insurance

This type of travel insurance is considered to be the widest in terms of coverage. Most sub-types fall under this category. Package plan, trip cancellation, trip insurance, and the generic, “travel insurance” are considered as types of vacation plan insurance.

What coverage does vacation plan insurance provide? Here are some of the most common items covered:

• Interrupted/Cancelled Trips
• Medical Emergencies
• Lost/Delayed Baggage
• Gear protection
• 24/7 Assistance

You’ll notice that medical emergencies are still included under Vacation Plan insurance. This is because some all-in-one policies also include it on the coverage.

However, if you only seek to have medical coverage when traveling and feel like you won’t need the rest, then the next type of travel insurance is what you should get.

Related: Complete International Travel Checklist

2. Travel Medical Plan

Your health insurance provider usually provides only partial or zero coverage when traveling.

A travel medical plan ensures you have adequate medical assistance should the need arise when you’re away from your home country.

• Medical Expenses
• Emergency Evacuations

Related: Easiest Countries to Get a Citizenship

Why do you need Travel Insurance?

The answer will vary from one person to another. Essentially, however, you’re paying for peace of mind. It’s protection for your pockets.

Same reason why you get a car insurance or life insurance : It helps sidestep any headaches caused by unforeseen expenses during your travels.

Think about it: Say the guy who got bit with the monkey earlier didn’t have insurance. He’ll be forced to shell out money from his own pockets to pay for the medical expenses.

That could have affected his budget for the trip, forcing him to cancel some of the items on his itinerary to make up for the expense.

Or maybe someone fell ill back home and you need to go back ASAP. With the right travel insurance, you can reimburse the fees you paid and get back home without worrying about “wasting” what you paid for.

The same applies if your destination country is suddenly reported to experience some form of weather disturbance or natural calamities (typhoons/hurricanes/earthquakes) and you are forced to bail out. Travel insurance keeps you compensated for the expenses you already paid for.

Also Useful:  How to Get a Philippine Passport: DFA Online Appointment & Requirements

How much does Travel Insurance cost in the Philippines?

It varies. Most will fall within the range of Php 500 to Php 3000 for a single trip (4 days to a week, based on the estimated quotes provided by each insurer. More on this later).

There are several factors that affect how much your quote will be.

These are age, type of activities you’ll do during your travel, level of coverage, destination country, length of travel, medical conditions, and others.

To give you an idea of how much travel insurance costs, I’ve pulled up some sample quotes from GoBear (a comparison website).

For travel insurance packages for trips to Asian countries (single trip):

Price range: Anywhere from Php 400 to Php 800

For travel insurance packages to other countries/worldwide (single trip):

Price range: Anywhere from Php 500 to Php 3000

Best Travel Insurance Companies for Filipinos Traveling Abroad

We’ve compiled a list of travel insurance companies currently offering various policies depending on your needs. Read on to compare, you might find this useful on your next travel abroad.

Note: Please make sure to visit each insurer’s official website to get up-to-date rates. Policy coverage shown here may vary from the insurer’s product page depending on the type of plan you will avail of.

1. World Nomads

Service coverage: Worldwide Prices start at: $38 for Standard Plan; $42 for Explorer Plan

World Nomads Pty Ltd is a travel insurance company based in Sydney, Australia. It was founded in 1999 and has been a go-to insurance provider for most independent (and adventurous) travelers worldwide.

Policy coverage:

They provide emergency medical support, evacuation assistance, trip cancellation, and even include coverage for adventure sports and activities (which is not usually provided by other insurance companies).

If you check their site, you’ll see that they offer a myriad of insurance features that the more “Active” nomads will find useful. These include the following:

• Pain relieving dental treatment                     
• Prescribed medicines by a doctor or specialist                     
• Daily emergency cash allowance in hospital                     
• Hospitalization or treatment by a doctor or specialist                     
• Physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment                     
• Treatment by acupuncture or osteopath                     
• Counseling after an assault or mugging                     
• Sports & adventure activities                     
• Study, work and volunteer

2. AXA iON – Smart Traveler

Service coverage: Worldwide Prices start at: Php 990 (Essential Plan)

AXA iON is AXA Philippines’ travel insurance service. They have a pretty comprehensive list of options which includes the following:

Policy Coverage:

• Personal accident
• Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
• Travel Inconveniences
• Personal Belongings
• Other Benefits (Personal liability, hijacking, kidnapping, funeral and burial expenses)

3. AIG Travel Guard

Service coverage: Worldwide Prices start at: Php 400 (1 to 4 days)

AIG is a global insurance company that has been around for decades, catering to businesses, institutions, and individuals worldwide. One of their products is AIG Travel Guard, which is focused on providing insurance solutions to traveling individuals.

• Medical expense
• Medical evacuation
• Repatriation expense
• Child Guard
• Compassionate visit
• Baggage delay
• Trip cancellation
• Trip termination
• Baggage and personal effects
• Flight delay
• Loss of travel documents
• Personal liability

4. Fortune General

Service coverage: Worldwide Prices start at: Php 900 (1 week)

Fortune General (FGen), has revamped its travel insurance services to include more features. They provide insurance for people traveling to Asia, Schengen (Europe), and to the rest of the world.

• Accidental benefit
• Medical expense and hospitalization
• Medical evac or repatriation
• Emergency Dental Care
• Repatriation of Family Member
• Repatriation of Mortal Remains
• Compassionate Emergency Visits
• Compassionate Emergency Return
• Care for Minor Children
• Flight Delay
• Missed connecting flight
• Trip diversion
• Strikes and aircraft hijacking
• Emergency trip cancellation
• Emergency trip termination
• Personal belongings and baggage
• Other services

5. Pacific Cross

Service coverage: Worldwide Prices start at: Php 500 (Executive Peso Plan)

Pacific Cross is a medical, accident, and travel insurance service provider. It was founded in the Philippines and now operates across various branches across Asia.

Their market focus is on ASEAN countries, providing insurance products to residents in the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.

• In-patient and Out-Patient care
• Emergency dental treatment
• Emergency room availment and in-patient reimbursement for pre-existing conditions
• Recreational activities
• Recreational extreme sports
• Implants coverage necessitated by a covered accident
• Hospital income
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Land vehicle rental excess protection

6. Malayan Travel Master

Service coverage: Worldwide Prices start at: Php 375 (4 days in ASEAN)

Malaysian Travel Master touts itself as “The most comprehensive international travel health insurance in the Philippines”. They offer competitive pricing on their packages and caters to both local and international travels.

• Personal Accident
• Emergency medical treatment (excluding pre-existing conditions)
• Recovery of travel expenses
• Travel inconvenience benefits
• Travel assistance benefits
• Value-added features

7. MAPFRE Philippines

Service coverage: Worldwide Get a quote: Contact MAPFRE at [email protected]

MAPFRE Insular offers non-life insurance packages which are mainly focused on motor vehicles and other niche areas like engineering, marine cargo, fire, and allied lines, surety and microinsurance.

They currently offer a Travel Insurance package for both international and domestic use.

• Medical expenses and hospitalization benefits
• Trip cancellation and curtailment benefit
• Accidental death and permanent disability of insured
• Repatriation of mortal remains

8. FPG Insurance

Service coverage: Worldwide Prices start at: Php 450 (Classic Plan – 4 days)

Operating under the Zuellig Group of Companies, FPG Travel is the company’s insurance offering for individuals who need protection during their travels.

• Medical treatment/expenses
• Emergency dental care
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Return of a family member when traveling with the insured
• Trip cancellation and curtailment
• Delayed departure
• Loss of travel documents and money
• Luggage delay

9. Standard Insurance

Service coverage: Worldwide Prices start at: Php 495 (Asia Protect Peso – 8 days)

Standard Insurance offers both ASEAN and International travel insurance packages. They offer competitive rates for as little as Php 500 for a coverage of up to Php 500,000 (ASEAN).

• Emergency Medical Assistance
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• Travel Inconvenience Benefits
• Personal Liability Benefit
• Personal Accident Liability

10. Pioneer Insurance

Service coverage: Worldwide Prices start at: Php 399 (ASEAN 4 days)

Pioneer Life Inc was established in 1964 and is currently 100% Filipino-owned after the joint venture with Allianz AG of Germany in 2003.

• Emergency trip cancellation and termination
• Damage to baggage
• Loss of baggage
• Loss of personal money
• Loss of Travel documents

5 Tips for Buying the Best Travel Insurance

Tip #1: determine what type of insurance you need.

Before choosing a travel insurance, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• What type of activities will I be doing on the trip?
• Will I be carrying valuable possessions or baggage?
• Is there a chance or reason for the trip to get canceled?
• How much am I willing to pay for insurance?
• Does this company have a decent track record?

And other similar questions. The goal is to have a nice checklist that ticks off everything you think you’ll need for the trip.

For example, say you’re a professional photographer. You’ll be traveling to Europe for a paid assignment. Since you’ll be carrying valuable (read: expensive) gear, it’s crucial that the travel insurance you get prioritizes coverage for possessions and/or baggage-related assistance.

Tip #2: Make sure it has sufficient medical coverage

Seasoned travelers will tell you that the most expensive potential money drain (if you don’t have travel insurance) are medical-related. Accidents and injuries can range from minor to serious, easily costing you thousands of pesos from your own pocket.

A good travel insurance policy should be big enough to cover both minor and major medical issues.

Also, try to get one that has separate coverage for emergency evacuation. Since you’ll be getting insurance anyway, better get the best one you can afford.

Having the option to have a helicopter fly you off to the nearest hospital during a medical emergency (during your travels to hard-to-reach locations)  or natural disaster/calamity is highly valuable and could spell the difference between life or death.

Tip #3: As with any agreements or contracts, you should always check the fine print.

Two companies might offer similar-looking plans but the other is cheaper.

What’s the deal?

Almost always, you’ll know it by reading the fine print carefully. One might be cheaper, but with it comes a slower and more painful claims process.

The speed of getting your claims can make or break a trip, so better be careful in choosing your insurance so you won’t regret it later.

Tip #4: Take advantage of your credit card perks

Most credit card companies include travel insurance as one of the perks for their travel-focused credit cards. It’s part of their “Frequent Traveler’s” package and it can prove valuable for saving yourself a couple of hundred to a few thousand pesos for travel insurance.

Check out our list for best credit cards for travel to know more which ones provide free travel insurance.

Tip #5: Know what’s not included in your policy

Again, this goes along with doing your homework as you decide on which travel insurance company to go with.

What’s not usually covered:

• Extreme adventure activities (though some insurers provide packages for these types of activities)
• Alcohol and drug-related incidents
• Baggage/luggage issues due to the carelessness of policyholder
• Pre-existing conditions (double-check with the insurer)

Bonus tip: Purchase travel insurance at least 2 days before your trip.

Most policies get activated within 24-48 hours within approval. You don’t want to head out without adequate protection activated yet. Be safe, apply and get approved early.

Check with the insurer to confirm the exact date of when the insurance will apply.

How to Claim your Travel Insurance

It’s quite easy, actually. You just need to contact your insurer via their preferred method.

They will then ask you to submit the required documents to serve as proof of the validity of the claim.

In general, it’s a good idea to provide as much documentation as you can so as to avoid any further delay brought about by insufficient requirements.

Always check with your insurance provider what they will need exactly to approve your claim as it may vary from one insurer to another.

Required documents for claiming travel insurance due to trip cancellation:

• Documentation supporting the reason why you need/had to cancel the trip
• Invoice of trip expenses which may include the details (what, when, where) of the trip itself, airline tickets, room or hotel accommodation receipts
• Receipts and itemized bills for all trip expenses
• Physician’s statement (for medical-related incidents)
• Police reports (for stolen baggage or vehicular accidents)
• Unused tickets

In conclusion:

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”.

Travel insurance is one of those things that you need but hope you’ll never need to use. That’s just the way insurance works. Should you do, however, you’ll be thankful you have it.

Remember: Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish . A few hundred pesos for travel insurance is a tiny price to pay for protection from potentially massive expense later. Save yourself from this trouble and get adequate protection.

Disclaimer: Grit PH strives to post up-to-date information on all investment, banking, and other financial products we feature. However, information may change without notice. Therefore, we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information listed on the website, including those provided by third parties at any particular time. 

It is best to review the updated terms and conditions of your chosen financial institution. Grit PH is not affiliated with the companies mentioned in the article. All testimonials and opinions are representative only of the writer’s experience, but the results will be unique to each individual.

About Amiel Pineda

Amiel Pineda is the Head of Content at Grit PH.

He started freelance writing in 2010 doing product reviews and tech news. In 2018, he became a full-time freelancer, writing in the financial space and creating content for clients in various niches.

Prior to freelancing full-time, he worked 7 years in the financial services industry for a Fortune 500 company.

He also writes on his personal blog, Homebased Pinoy (https://homebasedpinoy.com/), where he shares tips and guides as a work-from-home freelancer, along with NFT-game guides.

Education: Technological Institute of the Philippines (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering) Focus: Freelancing, Entrepreneurship, Financial Products, Investing & Personal Finance

Reader Interactions

February 10, 2019 at 1:04 pm

What travel insurance for old but fit, 86 year old can you recommend?

April 15, 2019 at 2:31 am

This is actually helpful, thanks.

May 22, 2019 at 12:42 pm

Medical insurance to use working abroad such as USA?

August 12, 2019 at 3:33 am

Hi Amiel, thanks for this. When World Nomads stopped supporting Filipino travelers early this year, we had to search for alternatives which are not as good as what World Nomads offered. This is really helpful. I just have some follow up questions: 1. Are these the “best” or “the only” providers offering travel insurance to Filipinos? 2. If the best, what was your criteria for saying that? 3. Is your list ranked from best to worst among the list of the best? 4. What then in your opinion is the best among these and why? Thanks. Gio

September 28, 2019 at 1:30 am

Do you know any travel insurance companies that offer insurance to travelers aged 70+? It seems like all of them stops at 70 year olds 😭

November 15, 2021 at 9:42 pm

Hi, would you know insurance companies offering travel insurance with covid19 coverage and covers travelers 75 years old and above as well? Thank you.

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Compare And Find The Best Travel Insurance

Below are travel insurances available in the Philippines, both for domestic and international travel. To make it quick and easier for you, we have collected all the relevant information that will assist in your decision making. By clicking the apply button, you can start the application process and be secured for your future vacations.

We found 15 travel insurance(s) for you!

Etiqa Travel Insurance Plan

Personal Accident

AIG Travel Guard Standard Protection

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Travel insurance, also called travelers insurance, aims to spread your restorative costs while you are travelling. There are both local and worldwide travel insurances available that would cater to your specific requirement. Verify and consider the scope of your coverage when planning for your travel arrangements in the future before contracting the insurance provider. Aside from the scope of most restorative costs, insurance companies additionally offer many related remuneration for flight delays, loss of items and other unfavorable circumstances.

Why Should I Get Travel Insurance?

Apart from its cost, travel insurance can do so much more for you. Imagine that you are an adventurous, 30 something individual who plans to visit exotic places while at the same time, doing extreme sports. In this example, it is logical to get travel insurance because of the activities you’re planning to do are riskier than most. Definitely, lesser risk is involved for a 50 year old who plans to go to a friend’s wedding in a very safe location, but then again you’ll never know.

Travel Insurance In The Philippines

A travel insurance is designed to cut back risks and value borne with sudden events throughout travel. A number of these sudden events will be baggage lost, personal accidents, delayed flights, something that involves the travel provider’s incapacity.  Travel insurance in the Philippines  is not usually bought by Filipino travellers because it is connoted as something not essential for travelling, but what most Filipinos aren't aware of is the fact that there are chances, in fact, big chances of most airlines having the incapacity to perform as they're expected to.

Who Can Purchase Travel Insurance?

You can get insurance for yourself as well as your immediate family members, as young as six (6) weeks and up to 80 years of age. Choose between insurance coverage for domestic or international flights, or for single or unlimited trips in a year (must not exceed from 90 to 180 consecutive days) if you’re a frequent flyer. Be reminded, however, that pre-existing conditions are not covered by travel insurance policies.

What Kind Of Travel Insurance Do I Need?

The sort of travel insurance you need to rely on upon your future travel plans, whether they are for travel or for business. You can either decide to get a yearly arrangement or for a solitary outing. Likewise, we propose checking your needs based on the frequency and also the locations that you plan to visit.

What Is The Coverage Of My Travel Insurance?

It really depends on the insurance that you plan to take; you can view our comparison table for more information on this. One determinant of how much coverage you need is dependent on the places you travel and how much baggage and items costs. Usually you are going to shell out a little cash for travel insurance and it gets cheaper if you get more days covered with the plan. Every plan is unique and has its own exceptions, although benefits are almost the same and the limits for each of these do not differ from each other, it is still best to check the fine print.

What Is The Travel Insurance Claiming Process?

What you have to do first is contact your travel insurance company as soon as possible to clear any possible problems you may encounter. Ask relevant questions you find fit in the situation. At the end of this, the only way to get compensated is through a submission of a form that states you claiming what the travel insurance company owes you. This is provided that you have the supporting documents and is within the scope of claiming.

Can I Cancel My Travel Insurance Policy?

If you had purchased a travel insurance policy and your plans suddenly changed, you could file for refund as long as the policy is still within its cooling off period. Check with your travel insurance agent about the cooling off period of your plan. It may vary depending on the policy contract, but generally it is within the 14-day period.

Will Travel Insurance Protect Me When I Work Overseas?

Travel insurance plans are offered to leisure travellers and not to overseas employees. It protects passengers during flight cancellation, lost baggage, delayed flights or emergency medical situation related to travel. If you plan to work abroad, you may need a different type of insurance that will provide a more comprehensive protection against work-related accidents.

Can I Extend The Term Of My Travel Insurance Plan?

If you need to extend your travel for reasons other than typhoons, volcanic eruptions, or flood; travel insurance policy is good only within a specified term. You may need to purchase another plan to cover your extended stay.

Still wondering on the pros and cons of travel insurance? Determine if the need outweighs the cost and to further assist you on this issue, you can read our article on  determining whether getting a travel insurance is worth it .

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For your holidays in Philippines and abroad

Travel insurance for the philippines.

Welcome to the enchanting archipelago of the Philippines, a tropical paradise renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and warm hospitality. From the bustling streets of Manila to the stunning landscapes of Palawan, this diverse nation captivates travelers with its rich history, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.  

As you embark on your journey to the Philippines, it's essential to make sure that your travel adventure is safeguarded. In this guide, we'll delve into the importance of securing travel insurance for the Philippines, so you can immerse yourself in the activities of this Southeast Asian gem with confidence.  

• What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Philippines? 
• How Does Travel Insurance for Philippines Work?
• Do I need Travel Insurance for Philippines? 
• How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Philippines?

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

What types of medical coverage does axa travel protection plans offer.

• Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Philippines?
• Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to the Philippines?

At a minimum, your travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage. AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.  

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Brazil.

How Does Travel Insurance for the Philippines Work?

Imagine you're exploring the beautiful islands of the Philippines, and suddenly a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, strikes the region. In this unfortunate situation, the "Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation" benefit from AXA Travel Protection becomes crucial. The policy may offer provisions for evacuating you to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriating you to your home country in the face of a serious crisis, ensuring your safety and well-being during unexpected events like natural disasters.

Here are more ways travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:  

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits 

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for the Philippines?

While not obligatory, having travel insurance becomes crucial when exploring the Philippines. Situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions, the country presents potential risks that make obtaining suitable insurance coverages a necessity. It's vital to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances and make sure you have the proper protection in place during your visit.  

Here are more reasons why having travel insurance is recommended for trips to the Philippines:  

Medical Emergencies : Given the geographical location of the Philippines, having coverage for emergency medical expenses is important. In the event of unforeseen accidents or illnesses during your trip, this benefit offers coverage for hospital stays and doctor's fees, offering the confidence you need to explore the archipelago.  

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.  

Trip Cancellation: With the unpredictability of weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances in the Philippines, having coverage for trip cancellation is important for all travelers. Whether it's due to sudden illness, injury, or unexpected events, this benefit offers reimbursement for canceled trips.  

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for the Philippines?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans:  

Total Trip cost: The total amount of non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc.

Age: L ike any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals.  

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to the United Kingdom will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each offer varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs.

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Philippine hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers to consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.  

The Platinum Plan is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage for the Philippine experience. "Cancel for Any Reason" offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the "Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver)" offers assistance when you're out exploring the Philippines's stunning landscapes in a rental car.  

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:  

Emergency medical: Covers unforeseen situations like fractures, burns, sudden illnesses, and allergic reactions.  

Emergency evacuation and repatriation: Covers your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness.  

Non-medical emergency evacuation and repatriation: Offers assistance for evacuating a destination promptly due to events unrelated to health issues. These events may include occurrences like natural disasters or civil unrest.  

Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to the Philippines?

The Philippine government has lifted the requirement for international travelers to show a vaccination certificate in order to enter the country. This means that anyone can now travel to the Philippines, regardless of whether they are vaccinated against COVID-19.  

Traveling with preexisting Medical Conditions? 

Traveling with preexisting medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip. Our Gold  and  Platinum Plan . offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions. The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons,

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition that's been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60 day look back period. We're here to make sure you travel with ease, no matter your health situation.  

1.Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.  

2.When should I buy Travel Insurance to the Philippines?

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14-days of making your initial trip deposit.  

3.Do Americans need travel insurance in the Philippines?

While travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens traveling to the Philippines, it is strongly recommended. Travel insurance may offer sufficient coverage in the event of unforeseen travel or health emergencies.  

4.What is needed to visit the Philippines from the USA?

US citizens entering the Philippines must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their departure. Additionally, they must complete the eTravel Portal within 72 hours before or upon arrival and show a return ticket to the port of origin or the next destination.  

5.What happens if a tourist gets sick in the Philippines?

If you become sick in the Philippines, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline 855-327-1442 . Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please read through your policy details and information.  

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

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Philippines Travel Insurance Requirements

Last updated: 03/07/2024

On May 30, 2022, the Philippines removed their rules requiring all travelers to buy travel insurance and submit a negative Covid-19 test upon entry into the country. With the rule change, fully vaccinated travelers do not need to meet these requirements.

However, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers may still need to adhere to various entry requirements before entering the country. These requirements are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check with the official government travel advisory before departing on your trip.

Squaremouth’s Philippines Travel Insurance Recommendations

Squaremouth recommends all travelers visiting the Philippines purchase a minimum of $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage. This benefit can provide coverage for Covid-19, as well as other unforeseen illnesses and injuries that occur during the trip.

Squaremouth also recommends a policy with at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, which can provide reimbursement for transportation costs to the nearest adequate medical facility in the event of an emergency. These medical recommendations are consistent with Squaremouth’s suggestions for all international travel.

Most travelers heading to the Philippines are specifically buying medical travel insurance. However, many travelers may also have non-refundable trip costs. In this case, Squaremouth recommends a comprehensive policy that includes the Trip Cancellation benefit.

Trip Cancellation can reimburse up to 100% of a traveler’s prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses in the event they have to cancel their trip for a covered reason. These reasons commonly include an unforeseen illness or injury, inclement weather, natural disaster, or death of an immediate family member. Travelers who contract Covid-19 before their trip and need to cancel can be covered by this benefit.

Travelers who buy this coverage can also receive other benefits, including Trip Interruption and Travel Delay, among others.

Trip Interruption can reimburse travelers who need to cut their trip short due to an unforeseen illness, injury, or death, or testing positive for Covid-19. Trip Interruption can reimburse a traveler between 100-200% of their unused, non-refundable trip costs, and can also reimburse travelers if they have expenses rebooking their flight home.

Travel Delay can reimburse travelers for daily expenses related to a delay post-departure. Most commonly, these delays are due to severe weather or a mechanical issue impacting their flight.

If a traveler cannot return home on time due to a positive Covid–19 test and required quarantine, the Travel Delay benefit can also cover those expenses. Policies with this coverage can typically be extended 5-10 days, and can cover a traveler’s meals and accommodations during their quarantine.

Click here to begin your search for Philippines Travel Insurance.

Philippines Travel Insurance Trends and Data

The Philippines is an Island near Malaysia and Vietnam famous for its stunning beaches, delicious food, and historical sites.

Destination Rank: 21

Percentage of Squaremouth Sales: 1.20%

Average Premium: $196.97

Average Trip Cost: $2,813.39

Helpful Resources

• Philippine Covid-19 Information
• Philippine Travel Information

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Squaremouth's destination information is free and available for use within your reporting. Please credit Squaremouth.com for any information used.

Squaremouth's topic experts are on hand to answer your questions. Contact a member of our team for media inquiries about Squaremouth Analytics or to schedule an interview.

Steven Benna, Lead Data Analyst: [email protected]

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The Best Travel Insurance in the Philippines, For Every Budget

Whether you need comprehensive or cheap travel insurance, we have just what you need here.

The Right Travel Insurance For All Destinations.

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A Proper Travel Insurance Is Essential When Traveling to Europe, USA, Canada, Asia, and Schengen Territories.

For anyone traveling outside the country, travel insurance may be required, depending on your destination.

But beyond that, it's an essential cover to protect you from any travel-related mishaps you might encounter along the way. Risks can mount up once you travel to foreign places. Lost baggage and baggage delays, missed flights and flight delays, missing passports, sicknesses, and accidents—these are just some of the most common inconveniences that happen during out-of-town trips, especially during peak travel periods.

Travel insurance is a product made specially to protect you, your family, your documents, and your belongings from potential emergencies that may come your way. You can be confident that whatever travel inconvenience happens to you and your family, travel insurance is there to save your day. Everyone wants to look forward to having the best experience on their trip, and travel insurance can help you get that extra peace of mind.

What People Say About Getting Travel Insurance With eCompareMo

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I was in dire need of a travel insurance for my Euro trip. I searched everywhere but only eCompareMo was able to issue me a policy on the same day. I was able to score the best rates too!

Travel Insurance Explained

While it can be an additional expense, travel insurance is an indispensable tool that you will be thankful to have if travel-related disruptions happen.

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance refers to a type of insurance that covers flight delays and accidents, medical expenses, and other losses experienced during travel, be it trips within the Philippines or trips to Asia, Schengen, USA and Canada, and other destinations worldwide. It is recommended for anyone traveling outside the country, whether for business or pleasure, so you can have the best experience possible.

Why is Travel Insurance Important?

There might be instances when unforeseen problems arise while you're traveling: accidents, lost documents & valuables, delays, trip cancellations, and illnesses. While they're already a hassle in and of themselves, these can be especially tough when you're on foreign soil. That's why you need a reliable travel insurance policy to cover these costly financial expenses.

Reasons why getting travel insurance is essential

• Getting assistance abroad. It’s like having a helpline when and where you need it. In a foreign country, the language barrier can be quite the deal-breaker. Travel Insurance makes sure that you get the best and highest-quality assistance regardless of your location, in terms you can understand.
• Spares you from costly unexpected expenses. Getting medical treatment abroad can burn a serious hole in your pocket. With a travel insurance policy in hand, fees from getting medical attention will be handled by your coverage.
• Reimbursement for any losses or expenses. Stolen baggage and flight cancellations are no fun. Incidents like these often require you to shell out extra money. Your Travel Insurance is there to make up for your losses and unwanted expenses in the form of cash reimbursement.

Travel Insurance Sample Coverage

International.

• Provides personal accident insurance, medical insurance coverage
• Includes travel inconvenience & emergency assistance
• More than 20% estimated total savings
• More than 30% estimated total savings

Worry-free Travel Insurance From The Top Providers in the Philippines

Compare quotes from top travel insurance companies in the Philippines to make your travel smooth-sailing.

Travel Insurance FAQ

Here are some other answers to questions you might have about travel insurance.

How do I choose the right travel insurance?

With all the different types of Travel Insurance coverage, how do you tailor-fit the best travel insurance package for your trip and budget? Here are a few helpful tips:

• First ask yourself: How much protection do I need? Do you want security from the worst possible scenario? Or do you want very specific coverage? Many Travel Insurance providers offer a variety of packages that cater to specific needs and budgets.
• Look for an insurance policy that has a high coverage limit when it comes to medical expenses. The higher the coverage, the more potential savings you have.
• Get a Travel Insurance package that has 24/7 assistance so that you are assured of help whenever an emergency arises.
• For frequent travelers—or those flying more than four times a year—opt for an annual Travel Insurance plan that has worldwide coverage. With this, you save money and bring peace of mind with you on any trip you go to.
• Carefully compare all the Travel Insurance plans in the market before buying to avoid regrets.

What are the requirements for getting travel insurance?

Policyholders need to meet the following criteria:

• Aged between 1 and 80 years old
• Traveling locally or internationally

To apply for Travel Insurance, you must give the following requirements:

• Duly accomplished application form
• Itinerary showing destinations
• Mode of travel (air, land, sea)
• Dates of travel
• Photocopy of any valid ID
• Birth certificate

Do I really need travel insurance, even if I'm just traveling domestically or to nearby countries?

If you want to focus more on your trip and Insta-worthy posts than the worries, then yes, it is a must.

When is the best time to buy Travel Insurance?

It is recommended that you purchase one right after you book your trip and get a confirmation. Make sure that your policy covers the essentials, such as the destination's itinerary, luggage and baggage items, and medical assistance, among others.

Is luggage loss or theft always covered?

Most Travel Insurance providers in the Philippines provide luggage loss or theft cover. So whether it’s accidental loss, damage, or theft, you’re sure to have some backup. In case your luggage gets misplaced or delayed, your Travel Insurance has got it covered too.

Does Travel Insurance cover extreme sports and outdoor activities?

This is a special type of cover for adrenaline junkies. Make sure you clear this one with your insurance agent if they provide one.

Where can I apply for travel insurance that's fit for my budget and has a reliable history of supporting travelers over the years?

You can quickly access travel insurance quotes from top insurance companies for FREE at eCompareMo. We've partnered with the best travel insurance providers in the Philippines to give you the freedom to choose from only the best Travel Insurance coverage. Use our Wizard to fine-tune your selection and compare affordable packages for travel care insurance in the Philippines that suit your budget. It only takes a few taps and clicks to get a result!

How long do I have to wait to get travel insurance?

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International Travel Insurance

We have selected the right insurance products that match your needs. Here are our recommended plans with emergency medical treatment including COVID-19 coverage for international travels.

All travel insurance plans below are inclusive of travel inconvenience benefits and 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance Hotline.

Choose your plan

Plan A (Asia except Japan)

Includes COVID-19 coverage and up to ₱500,000 Emergency Medical Treatment Benefit . For up to 75 years old, with trip duration of up to 90 days.

Sample Premium:

4-day southeast asia - ₱350.

Plan A (Worldwide)

 15-Day USA -  ₱917

Plan B (Asia except Japan)

Includes COVID-19 coverage and up to ₱1.5M Emergency Medical Treatment Benefit . For up to 75 years old, with trip duration of up to 90 days.

4-Day Southeast Asia -  ₱463

Plan B (Worldwide)

Includes COVID-19 coverage and up to ₱1.5M Emergency Medical Treatment Benefit. For up to 75 years old, with trip duration of up to 90 days.

15-Day USA - ₱1,264

Plan C (Worldwide)

Includes COVID-19 coverage and up to ₱1.5M Emergency Medical Treatment Benefit. For infants 14 days to adults 70 years old, with trip duration of up to 184 days.

15-day USA- ₱1,898

Plan D (Worldwide)

Includes COVID-19 coverage and up to ₱1M Emergency Medical Treatment Benefit. For infants 14 days to adults 80 years old, with trip duration of up to 365 days.

15-Day USA -  ₱1,628

Disclaimer: These are only general descriptions of the benefits of the insurance products. We encourage you to learn more on how they can help secure your finances. The terms and conditions of the insurance products will apply. The product details and premiums are valid as of today and may be changed without prior notice. 

Things to know before buying

When should i purchased the travel insurance.

Insurance must be purchased for at least four (4) hours before your departure flight.

I tested positive for COVID-19. May I file a claim for a trip cancellation?

No. The COVID-19 coverage applies only to Emergency Medical Treatment, Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains.

If I get infected with COVID-19 virus while on trip, but developed only mild symptoms requiring no admission but endorsed to self-quarantine, can I reimburse cost of accommodation and expenses on medicine?

Only expenses incurred for medical treatment/confinement in a hospital are covered. Cost incurred for self-quarantine at home or in a hotel are not covered.

I heard that I need special coverage to get a Schengen visa. Can I get it from you?

The Worldwide 2.5M Plan meets the insurance requirements of Schengen embassies in the Philippines. Click here to purchase 2.5M Plan 

How do I make a claim?

Contact us at +63 (2) 8838-2364 or email [email protected] and we will guide you through process. We work for you. We assist you every step of the way, from start to finish. We deal with the insurer on your behalf.

We do the legwork for you every step of the way

Your Security and Protection from Financial Loss

We help you identify, assess, and manage your risks. 

Your Peace of Mind and Financial Well-Being

We work for the payment of your benefit and claims according to the terms and conditions of your policy.

Your Convenience

We do the legwork to save you time and effort evaluating insurance products.

BDO Insure Head Office

43/F - 44/F BDO Corporate Center Ortigas, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, 1550, Mandaluyong City

BDO Insure Contact Center

(+632) 8838-BDOI or 8838-2364

[email protected] 

You can also send us a message  here .

Domestic Toll-Free   

1800-10-8382364

BDO Insure is are registered trademark of BDO Insurance Brokers, Inc., an insurance broker licensed and supervised by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines (www.insurance.gov.ph). Insurance Broker License No. IB-13-2022-R. The BDO Insure trademarks are owned by BDO Insurance Brokers, Inc.

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Dear Valued Clients,

In our continuing effort to improve our services, Etiqa Philippines’ e-commerce systems will be undergoing a scheduled maintenance on October 22, 2019 from 1:00 AM to 3:30 AM .

During this period, you will temporarily be unable to purchase our products online. For your convenience, please purchase before 1:00 AM or after 3:30 AM.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may get in touch with us via our Facebook Page ( https://www.facebook.com/etiqaphilippines/ ) or you may email us at [email protected] Thank you for your continuing support.

Great News!

Terms and conditions of covid 19 rider.

• RT-PCR Test is part of the medical expenses limit and is ONLY covered for symptomatic patients
• Hospitalization due to COVID 19 will only be covered IF medically required and necessary as determined by a medical practitioner based on the condition of the Insured patient.
• Any quarantine expenses are NOT covered either as a requirement upon arrival in the foreign country (i.e., known risk) or as a requirement for a COVID positive Insured.
• We do not cover any medical evacuation / repatriation of people with the active virus.
• We do NOT cover the hospitalization expenses IF the quarantine facility for an asymptomatic or mild case patient is in a hospital in that particular country abroad.
• Medical check-ups due to COVID 19 for symptomatic patients that do not require hospitalizations (i.e., mild cases) IS NOT covered; Only the RT PCR Tests are covered for MILD cases that would not require hospitalization.
• For Trip Cancellation coverage (Prior to leaving the Philippines): “Serious illness understood as any unexpected alteration of the Insured's state of health that involves risk of death or implies hospitalization and makes it impossible to start the contracted trip”. If the reason for cancellation is due to COVID 19, the insured is obliged to submit a positive COVID 19 test performed 14 days before the start of the trip. [Contracting COVID 19 would require a positive COVID 19 test to validate that Insured has COVID 19, and would not rely on self-diagnosis or unsubstantiated doctors report.
• EXCLUDES coverage on expenses due to prolonging the stay of a positive COVID 19 who cannot travel but is asymptomatic and has not required medical attention and carrying out COVID 19 tests as a preventive measure or in asymptomatic policyholders, expenses related to mandatory quarantines without medical criteria. For those who have undergone hospitalization, our policy has a standard wording that only allows allow automatic extension of up to 10 days only from the initial expiry date if extension is due to a covered illness.
• Commercial gestures related to COVID 19 Coverages, by general definition, will not be allowed unless covered under the Terms and Conditions of this COVID 19 Travel Rider Indemnified Package.
• We reserve the right to the possibility of cancelling the travel insurance subscription to certain destinations if we see the possibility of adverse loss experience or increase in utilization in that particular destination abroad.
• This COVID Rider is specific to COVID-19 ONLY and will not extend to cover any other epidemic, pandemic and any communicable disease declared by any government agency, entity or in an executive order causing a state of emergency in any area and necessitating the setting up of appropriate quarantine measures therein.
• This is applicable to International Travel ONLY

PREMISES OF THE COVERAGE

• Can only be covered as a rider to the Travel Assistance Reinsurance Program and not as a separate / stand-alone new program
• For the purposes of issuance, it can go as an additional coverage or an optional rider that is attached to the contracted policy under the Travel Reinsurance Contract within its particular conditions.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Quota Sharing
• Annual Minimum Reinsurance Premium (Quarterly Payment)
• Maximum Days of Coverage allowed (Indemnified Program)
• Maximum Age
• Eligible Individuals
• Declaration Mode
• We do NOT cover any medical evacuation / repatriation of people with the active virus.
• Any other epidemic, pandemic and any communicable disease declared by any government agency, entity or in an executive order causing a state of emergency in any area and necessitating the setting up of appropriate quarantine measures therein are also NOT covered under the main travel contract.
• This is applicable to International and Domestic Travel

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

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The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

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• The average travel insurance premium this week is $292.22, about the same as last week.
• For travel in the United States, the average premium is $89 to $399.
• Travel insurance protects against delayed baggage, trip cancellation, and more.

The average cost of travel insurance fluctuates throughout the year, based on demand and whether or not school's in session. Also keep in mind that where you're traveling and how many people are taking the trip will affect your exact premium.

The average travel insurance premium this week is about the same compared to last week.

Travel insurance rates this week:

• Average premium: $292.22
• Average trip cost: $7,034.06
• Average trip length: 15 Days

Understanding Travel Insurance

Travel insurance plans can cover both domestic and international travel. It could protect against something as familiar as delayed baggage (experts estimate 85% of lost luggage is returned to its owner within 48 hours) or as complicated as trip cancellation.

The benefits and limitations of travel insurance vary based on the company and plan. Above all else, this insurance coverage offers peace of mind.

Some credit cards offer a limited amount of travel insurance annually. If you need clarification on what your credit card offers, contact your provider to verify. These plans are great for cancellations and interruptions but may not cover more costly losses associated with unexpected medical expenses or emergency evacuations.

Individual travel insurance plans include this and much more. Travel insurance protects travelers from the unexpected when away from home.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Destination

Some countries are naturally more expensive travel destinations due to higher flight and lodging costs, which could increase travel insurance costs. Travel insurance will generally cost 5% to 10% of your total trip price, according to SquareMouth.

Here's how the prices stack up:

Source: SquareMouth

How Far in Advance to Purchase Travel Insurance

According to an AAA travel survey , 88% of travelers say that reimbursement after a trip cancellation is the most valuable benefit of trip insurance.

According to data gathered by SquareMouth in the last six months, travelers tend to purchase trip cancellation travel insurance 53 days before their trip. Meanwhile, travelers without trip cancellation insurance will buy a policy approximately 16 days before their trip. Regardless of when you buy, cancellation protection can kick in to protect you against the unexpected.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Age

A traveler's age is a significant factor in determining the cost of travel insurance. The older a traveler is, the higher travel insurance premiums are. For instance, a senior traveler may need more insurance for health-related emergencies than a millennial.

When calculating your travel insurance premium, travel insurance providers consider the likelihood of a medical emergency.

Get your free travel insurance quote with SquareMouth »

Travel Insurance Rate Tips

How much does travel insurance typically cost.

Travel insurance rates through most providers fall between 4% and 8% of the total trip cost. Like the cost of flights, cruises, etc., rates may vary substantially based on the season, your original location, your destination, and other factors. This week, the average cost of a policy was close to $300.

How can I save money on travel insurance?

To save money on travel insurance, tailor your policy to your specific needs and avoid unnecessary extras. You should also shop around to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Opting for an annual plan if you're a frequent traveler, checking existing coverages from other insurance policies or credit card benefits, and choosing a policy with a higher deductible can significantly lower your premiums. Always read the fine print to understand your coverage fully, ensuring you don't pay for redundant or irrelevant features.

Where are the cheapest places to buy travel insurance?

To find affordable travel insurance, consider using online comparison websites like SquareMouth or InsureMyTrip to see rates from various providers. Other ways to save include purchasing directly from insurance companies, exploring package deals from travel agencies or airlines, utilizing included coverage from credit card benefits, and checking for discounts through membership organizations such as AAA or AARP.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

What we know about the container ship that crashed into the Baltimore bridge

• The ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday was the Singapore-flagged Dali.
• The container ship had been chartered by Maersk, the Danish shipping company. 
• Two people were recovered from the water but six remain missing, authorities said.

A container ship crashed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River.

A livestream showed vehicles traveling on the Francis Scott Key Bridge just moments before the impact at 1:28 a.m. ET.

Baltimore first responders called the situation a "developing mass casualty event" and a "dire emergency," per The Associated Press.

James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore Fire Department, said in a press conference that two people had been recovered from the water.

One was uninjured, but the other was transported to a local trauma center in a "very serious condition."

Wallace said up to 20 people were thought to have fallen into the river and some six people were still missing.

Richard Worley, Baltimore's police chief, said there was "no indication" the collision was purposeful or an act of terrorism.

Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, declared a state of emergency around 6 a.m. ET. He said his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary.

"We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration," Moore added.

Understanding why the bridge collapsed could have implications for safety, in both the shipping and civil engineering sectors.

The container ship is the Singapore-flagged Dali, which is about 984 feet long, and 157 feet wide, per a listing on VesselFinder.

An unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report said that the ship "lost propulsion" as it was leaving port, ABC News reported.

The crew notified officials that they had lost control and warned of a possible collision, the report said, per the outlet.

The Dali's owner is listed as Grace Ocean, a Singapore-based firm, and its manager is listed as Synergy Marine, which is also headquartered in Singapore.

Shipping news outlet TradeWinds reported that Grace Ocean confirmed the Dali was involved in the collapse, but is still determining what caused the crash.

Related stories

Staff for Grace Ocean declined to comment on the collision when contacted by Business Insider.

"All crew members, including the two pilots have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution," Synergy Marine said in a statement.

The company did not respond to a request for further comment from BI.

'Horrified'

Maersk chartered the Dali, with a schedule for the ship on its website.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," the Danish shipping company said in a statement.

Maersk added: "We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed."

Per ship tracking data, the Dali left Baltimore on its way to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, at around 1 a.m., about half an hour before the crash.

The Port of Baltimore is thought to be the largest in the US for roll-on/roll-off ships carrying trucks and trailers.

Barbara Rossi, associate professor of engineering science at the University of Oxford, told BI the force of the impact on one of the bridge's supporting structures "must have been immense" to lead to the collapse.

Dr Salvatore Mercogliano, a shipping analyst and maritime historian at Campbell University, told BI: "It appears Dali left the channel while outbound. She would have been under the control of the ship's master with a Chesapeake Bay pilot onboard to advise the master.

"The deviation out of the channel is probably due to a mechanical issue as the ship had just departed the port, but you cannot rule out human error as that was the cause of the Ever Forward in 2022 just outside of Baltimore."

He was referring to the incident two years ago when the container ship became grounded for a month in Chesapeake Bay after loading up cargo at the Port of Baltimore.

The US Coast Guard found the incident was caused by pilot error, cellphone use, and "inadequate bridge resource management."

Claudia Norrgren, from the maritime research firm Veson Nautical, told BI: "The industry bodies who are here to protect against incidents like this, such as the vessel's flag state, classification society, and regulatory bodies, will step in and conduct a formal investigation into the incident. Until then, it'll be very hard for anyone to truly know what happened on board."

This may not have been the first time the Dali hit a structure.

In 2016, maritime blogs such as Shipwreck Log and ship-tracking site VesselFinder posted videos of what appears to be the stern of the same, blue-hulled container vessel scraping against a quay in Antwerp.

A representative for the Port of Antwerp told BI the Dali did collide with a quay there eight years ago but couldn't "give any information about the cause of the accident."

The Dali is listed as being built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

Watch: The shipwreck at the center of a battle between China and the Philippines

• Main content

Philippines Plans up to $10.4 Billion Domestic Borrowing in Q2

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines, one of Asia's most active issuers of sovereign debt, plans to raise as much as 585 billion Philippine pesos ($10.4 billion) from treasury bills and bonds in the second quarter, its Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said on Monday.

The BTr would hold weekly auctions for 91-day, 182-day and 364-day T-bills in April to June, offering up to 15 billion pesos at each.

It would also offer 120 billion pesos of T-bonds each in April and June, and 150 billion pesos in May, BTr said in a posting on its website.

($1 = 56.28 Philippine pesos)

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Tom Hogue)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: Philippines

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PH Ports Authority warns Holy Week commuters vs. travel insurance scam

As millions of ship passengers are expected to travel this Holy Week, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Tuesday warned passengers against falling victim to travel insurance scammers.

PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte said two victims, a mother and her child, paid P500 to an individual offering them travel insurance at the Manila North Port Passenger Terminal on Monday.

"May mga hindi natin maiwasan na mga tao na nagbebenta online at mga nagbebenta sa labas ng pantalan ng mga travel insurance. Paalala po natin sa ating mga kababayan, itong travel insurance ay kasama na po sa ticket na inyong binili. Ibig sabihin, hindi na po kailangang magbabayad pa ng additional na anumang halaga para sa travel insurance," Samonte told GMA Integrated News in a phone interview.

(There are individuals selling travel insurance online, and outside of port areas. May we remind our countrymen that travel insurance is part of the tickets you purchase. That means you don't need to pay any additional fees for travel insurance.)

Samonte said the peak period of Holy Week travel is likely on Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday, when nearly 300,000 passengers per day are expected at all ports in the country.

Earlier in the day, Samonte told Unang Balita that over 2 million passengers were projected to travel by sea during Holy Week .

Meanwhile, passengers were advised to be at the ports two to three hours before their scheduled departure.

Samonte also advised passengers to avoid bringing items that may be confiscated.

"Hanggang ngayon, may mga nakukumpiska pa tayo na mga kitchen knife at saka po yung mga flammable material, mga gas at butane. 'Yun po ang pinakakaraniwan nating nakukumpiska. Sana po huwag na pong magdala ng mga ganitong bagay ang ating mga kababayan," she said.

(Until now, kitchen knives and flammable materials like gas and butane have been confiscated. These are the usual items we confiscate. We ask our countrymen to refrain from bringing these things.)

Travelers were also advised to pack light amid tighter security at all ports.

"Dahil nga mas mahigpit ang seguridad natin sa mga pantalan, mas maigi pa rin po kung kakaunting gamit na lang ‘yung dalhin nila dahil daraan po yang lahat sa X-ray machine at saka po sa matinding screening," Samonte added.

(Because of heightened security in our ports, it is better to travel light because all belongings will pass through x-ray machines and strict screening.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News

April 2024 total solar eclipse guide: How to watch, understand and stay safe on April 8

The surreal midday darkness of a total solar eclipse will pass over the United States on April 8, 2024, and there's plenty you should know before the big day, which won't happen again for about two decades .

Of all the celestial sights , there's none quite like a total solar eclipse , when the sun, moon and Earth align and a narrow stretch of land is plunged into the moon's shadow. Millions of people are expected to travel to see the spectacle, which will also attract scientists from across the country to study its unique effects .

But seeing the sight for yourself requires some planning: You'll want to know where the path of totality is, how to get protective glasses, how bad traffic will be and many other things.

Read on for answers for all your eclipse questions, including how to watch the eclipse , understand the eclipse and stay safe during the eclipse .

WATCHING THE APRIL 2024 ECLIPSE

How do i watch the 2024 solar eclipse.

There are a few ways of watching the eclipse:

• Get the full experience in person : If you're in a narrow band of U.S. land that spans from Texas to Maine, you will see the moon block the sun and its shadow cast a night-like darkness over Earth for a few minutes. You'll briefly be able to look up without eye protection and see the moon block the sun.
• Watch from outside the path of totality : Much of the U.S. will get a partial view of the eclipse that isn't nearly as impressive as being in the path of totality. Earth won't be plunged into complete darkness and you'll have to wear protective eyewear to see the moon partially block the sun.
• Watch a livestream : Check back on April 8 for a video feed from the path of totality. It's not the same as being there in person, but hey, at least you won't have to sit in traffic .

What time is the solar eclipse on April 8?

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.

You can search by zip code to find the exact time for your location.

Where will the April eclipse be visible?

All of the lower 48 U.S. states will see the moon at least clip the sun, but that sight is a trifle compared to being in the path of totality.

Because the narrow path includes or is near some of the nation's largest cities, expect millions of people to crowd into a band of land a little over 100 miles wide that spans from the Texas/Mexico border to the Maine/Canada border.

Here are the major cities in each state where you can expect to experience totality (note that the included times do not account for when the partial eclipse begins and ends):

• Dallas, Texas: 1:40-1:44 p.m. CDT
• Idabel, Oklahoma: 1:45-1:49 p.m. CDT
• Little Rock, Arkansas: 1:51-1:54 p.m. CDT
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: 1:56-2:00 p.m. CDT
• Paducah, Kentucky: 2-2:02 p.m. CDT
• Carbondale, Illinois: 1:59-2:03 p.m. CDT
• Evansville, Indiana: 2:02-2:05 p.m. CDT
• Cleveland, Ohio: 3:13-3:17 p.m. EDT
• Erie, Pennsylvania: 3:16-3:20 p.m. EDT
• Buffalo, New York: 3:18-3:22 p.m. EDT
• Burlington, Vermont: 3:26-3:29 p.m. EDT
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: 3:27-3:30 p.m. EDT
• Caribou, Maine: 3:32-3:34 p.m. EDT

Will clouds block the April 2024 eclipse?

It's too soon to say for sure, but history offers some clues.

Chances of cloudy skies are pretty high along much of the eclipse's northern path, and some areas such as Buffalo have about a 1-in-3 chance of clear skies in early April.

Skies are usually more clear to the south. Right along the Texas/Mexico border, chances of a clear sky can be nearly 75%.

Keep in mind that clouds don't always ruin an eclipse. High, wispy clouds won't spoil the show in the same way that low thick clouds would. In that case, you wouldn't be able to see the moon pass in front of the sun, but you would still notice a sudden darkness in the path of totality.

Where is the best place to watch the eclipse?

Texas is considered the best state for eclipse viewing . There's a good chance the skies will be clear and its location along the southern path of the eclipse means totality will last a little longer.

A few lucky travelers will also have a front-row seat with unobstructed views — from a plane .

Will traffic be bad?

Most likely, yes — especially after the eclipse ends . Millions of people will crowd into the narrow path of totality, then many will attempt to leave all at once as soon as the eclipse is over.

When a total solar eclipse passed over the U.S. in 2017, reports say some traffic jams didn't fully clear for more than 12 hours. Even worse, a recent study reported that the 2017 eclipse "was associated with increased risks of a fatal traffic crash" – potentially as much as a 31% increase, the study said .

Also worth noting: The eclipse is expected to have impacts for air travel as well.

UNDERSTANDING THE 2024 ECLIPSE

What is a solar eclipse definition explained..

A total solar eclipse happens when three celestial spheres — the sun, moon and Earth — line up in a specific way in space.

According to NASA, a solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. That alignment casts a moving shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun's light in some areas. This leads to a period of partial or full darkness on a narrow stretch of Earth. 

The path is so narrow because of the huge distance and size of the sun — as well as the moon's distance from Earth. That focuses the moon's shadow on an area of land much smaller than the moon itself. The movement of the shadow across the land happens as the Earth's rotation interacts with the orbit of the moon.

A total eclipse only happens occasionally because the moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the sun and Earth do. In addition, a solar eclipse can only happen during a new moon.

What's special about a total solar eclipse?

The total solar eclipse on April 8  is causing such a stir because the rare event is an astronomical experience like no other that will be unusually accessible to millions of people.

April's total solar eclipse will fall over more places in the U.S. than the total eclipse before and after it. And the broad length of the path of totality – where Americans have the best shot of getting a clear view – is "much wider"  than it was for the eclipse in 2017 , according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

A total solar eclipse is also far more impressive  than a lunar or an annular solar eclipse. During an annular eclipse, the moon covers the Sun but leaves an outside ring some call a "ring of fire" — it darkens the sky instead of plunging Earth into a night-like darkness, which is what happens during a total solar eclipse. And a lunar eclipse – the appearance of a red moon – happens when the moon passes into the Earth's shadow, according to NASA.

Total solar eclipses can have spiritual significance, too . Ancient cultures viewed as a sign of the gods' anger or impending departure. Some religions today are hosting eclipse viewings and services.

Historically, eclipses have left major marks on religious and spiritual civilizations. In Christianity, an eclipse has been associated with the darkness that accompanied Jesus' crucifixion and in Islam, the passing of the Prophet Muhammad's son Ibrahim.

When will the next solar eclipse happen?

The  next visible total solar eclipse  to cross over the U.S. after April will come in more than two decades on Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA.

And that eclipse won't be as accessible as the 2024 one: The path of totality in 2044 will only touch the states of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy. Another total eclipse  will pass over the U.S. in 2045  that will be more accessible to Americans, including for people who live in California, Florida and Nevada.

ECLIPSE GLASSES AND SAFETY

What kind of glasses are needed for the eclipse.

Gazing at the bright rays from the eclipse without  protective eyewear  can cause serious damage the retina of the eye, so wearing a pair of safe glasses is important.

There's a technical standard for eclipse glasses, which are designed to block out most light and let you safely see the moon pass in front of the sun: It's called ISO 12312-2 after the International Organization of Standardization.

While there's concerns that not all glasses marketed as eclipse glasses live up to that standard, experts say usually the shortcomings aren't significant .

How can you tell if eclipse glasses are real?

NASA shared an easy method to vet eclipse glasses at home.

Buyers should put on their glasses and look at a bright light, like a flashlight. If the light is "extremely dim," or doesn't appear at all, the glasses are safe, Susannah Darling, of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in an instructional video. Viewers should be able to see the filament of the lightbulb, not the glow surrounding the bulb.

Can you really go completely blind watching a solar eclipse?

No, but you could severely damage your eyes . Directly staring at the sun before and after the total eclipse, or watching a partial eclipse outside the path of totality without proper eye protection, can result in permanent damage including blurred and altered vision.

While rare, eye damage from watching a partial eclipse happens because a person's natural response to squint when looking at sunlight does not get triggered. In the leadup to the  April 8 solar eclipse ,  doctors and a rare set of eclipse watchers are warning about  watching this planetary event without adequate eclipse glasses or with the naked eye.

It’s hard for experts to know or even estimate how many people experience eye damage from solar eclipses. Since looking at an eclipse does not cause complete blindness, people with permanent damage may not know they have it or report it to a doctor. The  2017 eclipse , which passed from Oregon to South Carolina, is thought to have caused about 100 cases, according to the  American Astronomical Society .

How can I watch the eclipse without glasses?

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses do not use regular sunglasses — You need a more creative solution for safe viewing, like a pinhole projector .

Contributing: Ramon Padilla, Karina Zaiets and Janet Loehrke