Philippines Travel Insurance: Plans & Prices
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Reviewed By Last updated: 10/13/2025
Key Takeaways
- Our analysis shows that Tin Leg, Travel Insured International, and IMG offer the best travel insurance for the Philippines.
- Comprehensive plans for the Philippines cost an average of $7 per day, but medical-only polices can be even cheaper.
- With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines presents unique risks to travelers, such as difficulty accessing medical care in remote areas, travel delays, and weather-related disruptions, making evacuation and interruption coverage essential.
- The U.S. State Department also highlights several security risks for travelers to consider and recommends that visitors opt for comprehensive travel coverage when visiting the Philippines.
- Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to get quotes from multiple providers at once. For personal assistance, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369
Our Top Recommended Philippines Travel Insurance Plans
- Travel Insured International—FlexiPAX is a customizable plan that offers the option for hazardous sports protection and a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade, making it ideal for flexible itineraries or vacations during typhoon season.
- Tin Leg – Gold is a comprehensive plan that covers pre-existing conditions (if purchased within 15 days of initial deposit) and upgradable protections for adventure sports, making it ideal for extended trips or remote stays.
- Tin Leg – Adventure offers over 100 high-risk activities, including scuba diving, surfing, ziplining, snorkeling, trekking, and spelunking. It’s ideal for travelers exploring Siargao’s surf scene, Apo Island’s reefs, or Samar’s caves.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for the Philippines?
Although the Philippines required travel insurance during COVID, U.S. citizens are no longer required to have travel insurance to visit the Philippines. That said, the U.S. Department of State strongly advises people to buy travel insurance when visiting the Philippines, citing the need for evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
As a reminder, most U.S. health insurance plans don’t work outside of the United States, so having travel insurance is key for accessing medical care abroad. Apart from this, there are several risks that the Philippines poses to potential travelers. Here’s a look at some of the most common reasons to consider travel insurance when visiting the Philippines.
Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for the Philippines?
Substandard Healthcare or Limited Access in Certain Areas
Travel.state.gov notes that healthcare in the Philippines is widely available nationwide; however, rural areas may have substandard healthcare or only be serviced by regional clinics. Ambulance services are also not as widespread as in the United States, and the State Department notes that travelers may have difficulty accessing ambulance services, and even then, these ambulances may not be able to offer medical care as found in the United States. Additionally, certain blood types are rare in the Philippines, and travelers needing urgent blood transfusions may need access to specialized care. The State Department recommends opting for a comprehensive travel insurance policy that can offer you quick access to quality healthcare and medical evacuations.
✅ A strong medical travel insurance policy can get you access to quality medical care abroad and pay for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, treatments, and more. It can also pay for Emergency Medical Evacuation to the nearest quality hospital, even if that means sending you back to the United States for care.
Crime & Terrorism
Overall, the Philippines is generally safe for tourists, but the State Department’s travel advisory notes several areas within the Philippines that Americans should not travel to under any circumstances. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and phone theft is common across the country, especially in crowded tourist areas and city centers. Additionally, Travel.state.gov notes terrorism as a possible risk when traveling to the Philippines, and advises visitors to remain alert.
✅ Travel insurance can coverlost, damaged, or stolen personal items as well as pay for essential replacements if your luggage is delayed. Terror threats and attacks are covered by some travel insurance policies, allowing you to cancel your trip if there is a valid threat before arriving, or seek non-medical evacuation if an attack has happened while visiting.
Natural Disasters and Weather-Related Disruptions
The Philippines also falls within a region prone to typhoons, the Pacific Ocean’s version of a hurricane. From June to November, these storms carry the potential to close hotels, restaurants, airports, and other major services and interrupt your trip. Additionally, the Philippines is home to a number of volcanoes as it sits within the Ring of Fire. While visiting these volcanoes makes for a thrilling excursion, there is also potential for earthquakes, which can disrupt your travel, leave lodgings uninhabitable, or even lead to injuries.
✅ Travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage can reimburse you if you need to cancel your trip due to a natural disaster such as a Typhoon. If your lodgings become uninhabitable, trip interruption insurance can help you find alternate accommodations or even pay for you to return home early.
Injuries from Adventure Activities
The Philippines is home to amazing natural beauty, from snorkeling and diving at Apo Reef, surfing in Siargao, and volcano hiking on Mount Pinatubo. That said, it’s important to consider injuries that can arise from participating in these activities and opt for adequate protection to ensure you are covered if you end up with a laceration from brushing up against coral while snorkeling, or a dislocated shoulder while surfing. In all of these cases, travel insurance can help.
✅ Many travel insurance policies carry specific language that excludes injuries from common sports or adventure activities. It’s important to opt for Adventure Sports Protection when buying your policy to ensure you are covered for a wide range of sports and any resulting injury associated with them.
More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for the Philippines
Recommended Plan: Adventure
Emergency Medical: $100,000
Medical Evacuation: $1,000,000
Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
Includes 400+ adventure activities like scuba diving (up to 50 feet), surfing, hiking, ziplining, spelunking, etc.
Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
Emergency Medical: $100,000
Medical Evacuation: $500,000
Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
Customizable coverage amounts for travel delay, baggage loss or delay, Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR), and Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) to match your itinerary and risk tolerance
Recommended Plan: Gold
Emergency Medical: $500,000
Medical Evacuation: $500,000
Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
Ideal for high-risk activities like motorbiking, hiking, or jungle excursions with optional upgrades
How Much Does Philippine Travel Insurance Cost?
Internal sales data from square miles over the past 12 months show that the average cost of travel insurance to the Philippines is $191.41. The Philippines is one of the cheapest travel destinations, with Squaremouth users spending an average of $2847.26 per trip. The average trip length is around 27 days, which means that travel insurance for the Philippines costs Squaremouth users an average of $7 per day. That said, medical-only plans can be even cheaper.
Medical-Only Travel Insurance Cost Example
Medical-Only Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Leg | Adventure | $21 | $0 / $0 | $100,000 / $1,000,000 |
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $27 | $0 / $0 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $28 | $0 / $0 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Leg | Adventure | $88 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $100,000 / $1,000,000 |
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPAX | $113 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| Tin Leg | Gold | $160 | $3,000 / $4,500 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
Quote Philippines Travel Insurance
What Travel Coverage Do You Need for the Philippines?
Whether planning a relaxing beach vacation in Palawan, diving in Apo Reef, or hopping between islands on local ferries, the right travel insurance plan can protect you from unexpected expenses and disruptions. Here’s what to look for:
Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
The Philippines is prone to sudden weather changes, including typhoons and tropical storms that can delay flights, shut down ferry routes, or close resorts. Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage reimburses you for non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel or cut your trip short due to illness, natural disaster, or other covered reasons.
Travel Medical Coverage
Access to quality healthcare can vary drastically across the country. While cities like Manila and Cebu have modern hospitals, remote islands and rural provinces may lack adequate facilities. Medical coverage ensures you’re protected if you get sick or injured and need emergency care during your trip. We recommend at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage.
Sports and Activities Coverage
Adventures like scuba diving, surfing, hiking, ziplining, or spelunking are top attractions in the Philippines, but are often excluded from basic insurance. Look for a policy with Adventure Sports coverage, especially for outdoor or water activities, as these cover risks tied to adventurous activities, protecting against medical expenses, evacuations, trip cancellations, and disruptions. Many policies exclude adventure sports, even activities like biking, swimming, and motorcycling. When choosing trip protection, review policy documentation carefully for important exclusions.
Medical Evacuation Coverage
Imagine trekking the Cordillera mountains or exploring Palawan, and you become injured. These remote locations are stunning, but they are far from proper medical care, and depending on your injuries, you might require airlifting to a hospital in Manila or being evacuated to another country for specialized treatment. So, consider getting a policy that offers a minimum of $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage to prevent incurring substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Insurance for Baggage and Personal Items
Airports in Manila, Cebu, and Davao can be prone to luggage delays, and tourist areas may see occasional petty theft. Baggage coverage can reimburse you for lost, delayed, or stolen items, especially helpful if your bags go missing while island-hopping or during transit through international hubs.
What Isn’t Covered by the Philippines Travel Insurance Plans?
Every travel insurance policy comes with a detailed list of exclusions, which vary depending on the provider and the plan. It’s important to review the exclusions list before buying to ensure you get coverage for everything you need. That said, certain things are generally excluded across plans or come with specific requirements for getting them covered. Here is a look at common exclusions.
Adventure Activities Without Coverage Add-Ons
Typically, sports are excluded from travel insurance unless you buy a plan built to cover action and adventure sports. Bear in mind that common activities like hiking, bike riding, snorkeling, moped riding, deep-sea fishing, and more are all considered action and adventure sports. It’s important to review the policy to ensure it covers the activities you plan to do while in the Philippines.
Medical Claims Related to Pre-Existing Conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded from travel insurance coverage unless you purchase a policy built to cover pre-existing conditions. These policies typically have Pre-Existing Condition waiver criteria that must be met to ensure you receive coverage. Typically, that means purchasing the policy within 14–21 days of your initial trip payment and insuring the entire cost of the trip.
Alcohol- or Drug-Related Incidents
If you are planning on sipping cocktails on a beach in Palawan or enjoying the nightlife in a place like Makati, it’s important to understand that travel insurance usually excludes coverage for scenarios caused by alcohol or drugs. This includes injuries and illnesses brought on by alcohol or drugs, as well as damage to property, and more. While this isn’t a deal breaker for most people, it’s important to understand where your coverage starts and stops with travel insurance, and adjust accordingly.
Weather-Related Claims for Named Storms Purchased Too Late
As mentioned before, travel insurance can cover you for disruptions and cancellations caused by hurricanes, typhoons, and natural disasters. That said, it’s important to know that this coverage only applies if you purchased travel insurance before the storm was named. In other words, you can’t have known there was going to be a storm, and bought travel insurance to avoid it. The coverage only applies if you purchased insurance as a pre-emptive measure. For this reason, it’s important to buy your policy as soon as possible to ensure you get the widest breadth of coverage benefits.
Non-Covered Cancellation Reasons
It may sound obvious, but travel insurance will only cover you for reasons stipulated by the policy. For example, you won’t be covered if you cancel on a whim, due to a fear of flying, or due to a simple change of heart. That said, some policies offer optional add-ons in the form of Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. This coverage upgrade lets you cancel for any reason at all and receive a reimbursement for up to 75% of your total trip cost, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
Tips for Finding the Best Travel Insurance for the Philippines
Here is a list of our most important points to consider when searching for travel insurance.
Read the Fine Print
As we mentioned above, there are many scenarios that travel insurance won’t cover, and each plan comes with its own unique list of exclusions. Using a site like Squaremouth is helpful to filter out plans that don’t meet your coverage needs. Additionally, we always recommend checking the policy documents before buying a plan to ensure the policy covers you for the activities and areas in your itinerary, as well as any pre-existing medical conditions you have.
Consider Your Unique Risk Factors
When buying a policy, it’s important to consider your unique risk factors and find a policy that matches your needs. Consider your individual health risks, such as pre-existing conditions, age, or potential needs you may have. Consider your unique itinerary needs, such as potential pitfalls due to your modes of transport, number of layovers, etc. Lastly, consider your destination-specific risks, such as natural disasters, common safety or health concerns at your destination. Ensure you buy a policy that can cover you for all the risks you may face on your trip.
Consider Add-Ons for Adventure Activities
Similar to the above, we recommend considering all the sports and activities you plan to do while on your trip. Travel insurance policies are notorious for excluding coverage for common activities and considering them as adventure sports. It’s best to come up with a list of all the excursions and activities you plan to do while in the Philippines so you can buy a plan with adequate coverage.
Use a Comparison Tool
Since all travel insurance policy pricing is regulated nationwide, you’ll find the same prices wherever you decide to buy travel insurance. This is where travel insurance comparison sites like Squaremouth can help. The best way to save on travel insurance is by comparing coverage and prices from several providers to find the best value for your dollar. As the largest travel insurance comparison site in the country, Squaremouth lets you compare plans from over 20 travel insurance providers, which is more than any other platform. Compare, sort, and filter plans by coverage, price, customer satisfaction rating, popularity, and more to find the right plan for you.
Is Travel Insurance for the Philippines Worth It?
Philippines travel insurance is well worth the expense, especially when considering the challenges of accessing quality medical care while in the Philippines, and how far away it is from the United States if you need to be medically repatriated.
Medical-only travel insurance policies are available for just a few dollars a day, and are extremely valuable as standard U.S. health insurance policies are not widely accepted in the Philippines. Apart from this, travel insurance is explicitly recommended by the US Department of State when visiting the Philippines.
Ultimately, the value of travel insurance is understood when it comes time to use it, but the cost of travel insurance is a small price to pay compared to the ample benefits it offers.
FAQ: The Philippines Travel Insurance
Is the Philippines safe to visit?
Yes, the Philippines is generally safe to visit for tourists; however, there are certain safety considerations for visitors outlined by the U.S. Department of State. There are certain areas that the US government includes in its travel advisories for the Philippines marked as “Do Not Travel”, and the State Department highlights petty theft, the risk of terrorism, and natural disasters as general risks for tourists. Consult the full list at travel.state.gov.
Is travel insurance mandatory for the Philippines in 2025?
No, travel insurance is no longer required for Americans visiting the Philippines.
Will my U.S. Health Insurance Work in the Philippines?
Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover international travel, and private hospitals in the Philippines usually require upfront payment. Even if your health insurance works abroad, it will likely be subject to heavy exclusions and out-of-pocket co-pays.
Consider opting for travel insurance to bridge this gap.
Do I need a visa or passport to travel to the Philippines?
Yes, to enter the Philippines, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity left before expiration. U.S. tourists visiting for fewer than 30 days do not need a travel visa, but you may be required to show proof of a return flight home or continued travel outside of the Philippines.
Does travel insurance cover scuba diving in the Philippines?
While some travel insurance policies can cover scuba diving, it is classified as an action and adventure sport. It’s important to review the policy documents to ensure that scuba diving can be covered, as some travel insurance policies may not cover certain action sports like scuba. Squaremouth’s website allows you to select scuba as a planned activity and filter by policies that include scuba diving as part of the coverage offering.
Will travel insurance cover ferry cancellations or missed island flights?
Yes, a comprehensive travel insurance policy can include coverage for trip delays, missed connections, trip interruptions, and more. There are also additional policy guidelines for disruptions caused by a common carrier, such as ferries and airlines. To ensure you have coverage for interruptions and delays, it’s best to opt for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Some medical-only policies have fewer interruption and travel delay benefits as they are mainly geared towards offering medical care.
What happens if I get sick in a remote part of the Philippines?
If you become seriously ill or injured while on a remote island, you may need to be medically evacuated to a better-equipped hospital in a larger city, or even repatriated back to the United States for treatment. We recommend choosing a plan with at least $250,000 of Medical Evacuation coverage to ensure you are adequately covered.
Does travel insurance cover volcanic eruptions or earthquakes?
Some plans offer Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption protections if a natural disaster disrupts your travel. However, you need to buy the policy before the event occurs or is named to qualify for financial protection. Given that the Philippines is within the Pacific Ring of Fire and there are frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, purchasing a comprehensive plan would make sense.
Will travel insurance cover adventure gear or camera equipment if stolen or lost?
Not all baggage coverage will reimburse you for electronics or specialty gear. These items will be included in the policy exclusions section if they are not covered. Your best bet is to look for policies that include high limits for baggage and personal items. Non-electronic sports equipment can usually be covered as long as the loss did not result from your use of the equipment, and it’s not professional or occupational sports equipment.