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Which is the best travel insurance for the Philippines?
We take a close look at five travel insurance policies for the Philippines and help you choose the best one for your traveler profile.
White sand beaches in Palawan, turquoise waters in Boracay, or diving adventures in Cebu, Philippines is a dream destination for those seeking unspoiled nature and rich culture. But like any trip to a tropical country with over 7,000 islands, it comes with certain risks. That is why travel insurance for the Philippines is essential.
Private healthcare is generally good in quality but expensive for foreigners, and many rural areas or small islands lack modern hospitals. On top of that, natural events like typhoons or earthquakes can disrupt your plans at any time. That is why, before packing your bags, it is essential to compare travel insurance options that cover medical expenses, water sports, cancellations, and lost luggage.
In the following guide, we review the best travel insurance policies for the Philippines, the essential coverage you should look for, and the providers that offer plans suited to a destination full of diversity and adventure.
Why should I purchase travel insurance for the Philippines?
Traveling to the Philippines is an adventure across an archipelago full of contrasts, from the modern vibes of Manila to the untouched beaches of Palawan, or from the calm of a fishing village to the thrill of diving in Cebu. It is this very diversity that makes travel insurance for the Philippines not just a luxury, but a necessity.
The first major reason is health. While the cost of living in the Philippines is not very high, private healthcare is expensive for foreigners, and public services are often limited outside major cities. If you have an accident while snorkeling or suffer food poisoning on a remote island, you might need an air or boat transfer to a more advanced hospital. This can easily cost over $5,000, but with travel insurance, you won’t have to pay out of pocket.
Weather is another important consideration. The Philippines is prone to typhoons and earthquakes, which can disrupt flights, bookings, or your travel plans. With proper travel insurance, you can get reimbursed for hotels, tours, and domestic flights, or at least recover part of your expenses.
Everyday travel problems are another reason to have insurance, from lost or stolen luggage to frequent domestic flight delays or tropical illnesses like dengue. These issues can be expensive and stressful, but travel insurance takes care of the costs and provides support right away.
In short, travel insurance for the Philippines is not just another cost. It is the smartest way to enjoy your island adventure without financial surprises or emergency stress.
What kind of coverage should travel insurance for the Philippines offer?
When it comes to the Philippines, travel insurance needs to be suited to a tropical, island environment with frequent natural events. Here are the essential coverages that any policy you choose should include:
- Comprehensive medical coverage: At least $100,000, though $200,000 or more is ideal. Private healthcare in Manila or Cebu is expensive, and a transfer from a small island can easily double the costs.
- Medical transport and evacuation: Essential in a country made up of over 7,000 islands. Coverage should include air or boat medical transfers and international repatriation.
- Water sports coverage: Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing are common activities in the Philippines. Your insurance should cover them without requiring extra fees.
- Assistance for tropical diseases: It should cover hospitalization and medications in case of dengue, chikungunya, or other mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Trip cancellation and interruption: Important in a country prone to typhoons and earthquakes. It safeguards the money you spend on domestic flights, tours, and accommodations.
- Theft or loss of luggage: Coverage should be enough to protect luggage and gear such as diving equipment, cameras, or electronic devices. A recommended amount is between $1,200 and $2,000.
- Medical and funeral repatriation: Essential coverage for serious emergencies that require returning to your country of origin.
In short, the ideal travel insurance for the Philippines should be comprehensive, focusing on health, medical transfers, water sports, cancellations, and luggage, designed for an environment with both natural and adventure-related risks.
What are the best travel insurance policies for the Philippines?
Traveling to the Philippines requires more than a basic insurance policy. You need coverage that includes medical care, transfers between islands, water sports, and protection against natural events like typhoons or earthquakes. With so many choices out there, finding the right plan can be tricky.
To help you out, we put together a comparison table of five travel insurance options for the Philippines. We looked at their medical coverage, emergency evacuations, trip cancellations, luggage protection, and estimated costs for a seven-day stay. This gives you a clear overview to choose the plan that best fits your travel style, whether you’re diving in Cebu, exploring Palawan, or just relaxing in Boracay.
| Coverage / Insurance | IATI Backpacker | Intermundial Totaltravel Sports | Heymondo Premium | World Nomads Explorer | Allianz Assistance |
| Medical coverage | $500,000 | $300,000 | $10,000,000 | $200,000 – 500,000 | $200,000 |
| Evacuation and transfers | Included (airplane/medical boat) | Included in sports module | Included | Included (with notification to headquarters) | Included |
| Water sports | Yes, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking | Yes, with sports module | Yes, included in Premium | Yes, up to recreational diving | Requires supplement |
| Tropical diseases | Yes, hospitalization and medication | Yes, included in medical assistance | Yes, no additional limit | Yes, included in general coverage | Yes, but with limits |
| Trip cancellation | Up to $2,000 | Up to $5,000 | Up to $5,500 | Variable depending on plan (approx. $3,000 USD) | Up to $3,000 |
| Theft or loss of luggage | Up to $1,200 | Up to $1,500 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $1,500 | Up to $1,000 |
| Repatriation | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Price for 7 days (approx.) | $65 | $70 | $90 | $75 | $75 |
1- IATI Backpacker
IATI’s Backpacker Plan is one of the top recommendations for a tropical destination like the Philippines. It provides $500,000 in medical coverage, enough to handle emergencies in private hospitals in Manila or Cebu, and also covers common illnesses in the region such as dengue. The plan includes medical transfers by plane or boat, which is especially important in a country made up of over 7,000 islands.
A key advantage is that it includes popular water activities like snorkeling, recreational diving, and kayaking without any extra fees. It also offers coverage for trip cancellations up to $2,000 and protects luggage up to $1,200.
Overall, IATI Backpacker is perfect for backpackers, adventurers, and digital nomads planning to explore multiple islands who want comprehensive medical coverage, rescue services, and included water sports.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| High medical coverage. | Cancellation limited to $2,000 |
| Includes snorkeling, diving, and kayaking | Baggage covered up to $1,200, less than other plans. |
| Medical transfers by plane or boat. | Slightly higher price than basic plans. |
| 24/7 assistance. |
2- Intermundial Totaltravel Sports
Intermundial’s Totaltravel Sports plan is a well-rounded and comprehensive option for the Philippines. It provides $300,000 in medical coverage, enough for hospitalizations and treatments in private clinics in Manila, Cebu, or Davao. The plan also includes medical transfers and rescue services, which are essential when traveling to islands without advanced hospitals.
When it comes to activities, the sports module covers water sports like diving, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking, making it ideal for beach destinations. It also offers one of the highest trip cancellation coverages at $5,000, protecting your investment in domestic flights, diving tours, or excursions that might be disrupted by typhoons. Luggage coverage goes up to $1,500, which is perfect if you’re traveling with cameras, diving gear, or laptops.
If you are traveling to the Philippines with family, your partner, or a large group, this insurance is one of the best options, especially if you plan to combine relaxing on the beach with water activities. It is also a great choice if you want strong coverage for cancellations and lost luggage.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Full coverage for water sports. | Less medical coverage than IATI or Heymondo. |
| Very generous cancellation coverage ($5,000). | Higher price than basic insurance. |
| Luggage covered up to $1,500. | A supplement may be required depending on the specific activity. |
| Global network of hospitals. |
3- Best travel insurance for the Philippines: Heymondo Premium
Heymondo’s Premium plan is one of the most comprehensive options available and a great choice for traveling to the Philippines. Its standout feature is medical coverage of up to $11.7 million, well above the average, ensuring unlimited care in private clinics and extended hospital stays.
It covers transfers and medical evacuations between islands, as well as protection against tropical illnesses like dengue and chikungunya. For water sports, it includes activities such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, and kayaking with no extra fees, making it an ideal policy for travelers seeking ocean adventures.
Another key advantage is trip cancellation coverage of up to around $5,500, which comes in handy for cancellations due to typhoons, earthquakes, or personal emergencies. Luggage is covered up to about $2,750, making this one of the policies with the highest limits in that area.
That is why this plan works especially well for travelers who want complete peace of mind, whether you are going with your family, your partner, or taking a trip where you would rather not worry about a thing.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Very high medical coverage ($10 million). | Higher price than other insurers. |
| Includes water sports at no extra cost. | Altitude not relevant, but does not cover extreme expeditions. |
| Very generous cancellation and baggage allowances. | May be excessive for short, low-budget trips. |
| Digital customer service and app with support. |
4- World Nomads Explorer
World Nomads’ Explorer plan is a favorite among backpackers and international travelers who want flexibility and coverage across multiple destinations, including the Philippines. It provides between $200,000 and $500,000 in medical coverage, which is ideal for hospital stays, treatment for tropical illnesses, and air or sea medical evacuations.
Its biggest advantage is the coverage it offers for adventure activities and water sports. Snorkeling, recreational diving, surfing, kayaking, and even hiking routes are included, making it a great choice for travelers who want to fully enjoy the beaches and mountains of the Philippines. It also includes trip cancellation coverage of about $3,000, and baggage protection up to $1,500 in case of loss, theft, or damage.
Rescue and transport are covered as long as you contact their 24 hour assistance center beforehand, an important detail to remember so you do not run into issues with reimbursement.
This insurance is a solid choice for backpackers, digital nomads, and multi-destination travelers who are including the Philippines as part of a longer route through Asia and want a flexible policy with a strong international reputation.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Coverage for multiple water sports and adventure sports. | It is mandatory to notify the head office before a rescue. |
| Comprehensive medical coverage. | More limited cancellation than Heymondo or Intermundial. |
| International reputation and flexibility for long trips. | Slightly higher price than other similar insurance policies. |
| Includes baggage protection up to $1,500. |
5- Allianz Assistance
Allianz Assistance is one of the most well-known insurers worldwide, which adds an extra layer of confidence when traveling to the Philippines. Its medical coverage goes up to $200,000, enough for most emergencies in private clinics in Manila or Cebu, although it is lower than what Heymondo or IATI offer.
It covers medical transport and evacuations, and it includes hospital care for tropical illnesses such as dengue. The downside is that water activities like diving, snorkeling, or surfing usually require an added supplement, which can raise the overall cost.
For trip cancellations, it provides coverage of up to $3,000, which is reasonable for protecting bookings on domestic flights or tours. Luggage is covered up to $1,000, which is lower than some of the other policies in this comparison.
We recommend Allianz Assistance for travelers who value the reliability and support of a major international insurer with global service and 24/7 assistance, but who do not plan to take part in a lot of water sports.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Backed by a highly reputable international insurance company. | Water sports only with supplement. |
| Trip cancellation up to $3,000. | Lower medical coverage than Heymondo or IATI. |
| Extensive hospital network and 24/7 assistance. | Baggage limited to $1,000. |
| Service available in Spanish and English for most plans. |
What is the best travel insurance for the Philippines?
After reviewing the top travel insurance options for the Philippines, it is clear that the destination calls for a comprehensive policy, with strong medical coverage, inter-island transfers, included water sports, and protection against typhoons and tropical illnesses.
In this context, IATI Backpacker stands out for several reasons. Its medical coverage of $500,000 is well suited to the needs of a tropical country, where private hospital stays and air or sea transfers can be very expensive. It also automatically covers water sports like diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, which are part of almost any trip to the Philippines.
Another advantage is that it covers transfers by air or medical boat and includes illnesses like dengue in its medical coverage. On top of that, it offers support in Spanish, easy online management, and a competitive price-to-value ratio.
Overall, there are other solid options, like Heymondo Premium with its very high medical limits or Intermundial with extensive cancellation coverage. Still, IATI offers the best balance of coverage, affordability, and flexibility for a destination as diverse as the Philippines.
Connectivity in the Philippines – Key to using your travel insurance
In the Philippines, where traveling often means hopping from one island to another, having an internet connection is almost as important as carrying your passport. Not just for navigating your transfers or staying in touch with family, but also for being able to use your travel insurance right away.
Imagine getting food poisoning in Cebu or losing your luggage upon arriving in Palawan. The first step is to contact your insurer to file a claim and receive instructions, which requires a stable internet connection. Many policies come with apps that provide medical chat, nearby hospital locations, and online claim management, all of which rely on having internet access.
Having mobile data also lets you share your exact location if you need a medical transfer or check on domestic flights canceled by typhoons, which are common in this destination. Relying on hotel or café WiFi can be insecure and often unreliable.
That is why the best option is to get a Holafly Plan, which provides mobile data from the very first minute without the need to hunt for a local SIM. This way, you not only enjoy the convenience of staying connected at all times, but also have the peace of mind that your travel insurance is accessible instantly anywhere in the archipelago. On top of that, the same plan gives you internet in more than 160 countries worldwide.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for the Philippines
No, it is not a migration requirement. However, it is highly recommended due to the high costs of private care and the limited facilities in hospitals on smaller islands.
It is wise to choose insurance that provides at least $100,000 in coverage, but $200,000 or more is ideal, as medical transfers between islands or emergency evacuations can be very costly.
It depends on the plan. IATI, Heymondo, and Intermundial include diving and snorkeling in their policies, while Allianz usually requires an additional supplement.
Policies with comprehensive medical coverage include hospital care and medication for dengue, chikungunya, and other mosquito-borne illnesses, which are very common in the Philippines.
Yes, most policies cover trip cancellations or interruptions due to natural events like typhoons or earthquakes, with compensation ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the plan.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
