- The best travel insurance plans for Philippines
- Is it currently safe to travel to Philippines?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Philippines?
- Why take out travel insurance for Philippines?
- What travel insurance for the Philippines should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Philippines
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Philippines
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Philippines?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Philippines: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for the Philippines covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for entry but is vital due to limited regional medical facilities.
3. Healthcare cost: Private hospital care can be costly, with a one-night stay potentially exceeding AUD $500.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for the Philippines typically costs between AUD $40 and $80.
5. Good to know: Check your policy's exclusions for travel to high-risk areas like parts of Mindanao.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for the Philippines.
The best travel insurance plans for Philippines
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Our preferred plan for travel to Philippines. - high medical coverage - strong emergency and repatriation - flexible Worldwide support |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Strong for travellers needing round-the-clock assistance. - 24/7 medical helpline - fast claims process - robust cancellation cover |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800k | Good fit for tourists seeking value and simplicity. - adequate medical cover - no deductible - useful emergency services |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Balanced solution for a range of activities. - high inpatient limit - strong luggage protection - repatriation |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480k | Sufficient for basic needs and short trips. - medical expenses - civil liability - repatriation coverage |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800k | Simple and affordable option. - medical cover for illness/accident - fast payout on claims - lower overall ceiling |
- high medical coverage
- strong emergency and repatriation
- flexible Worldwide support
- 24/7 medical helpline
- fast claims process
- robust cancellation cover
- adequate medical cover
- no deductible
- useful emergency services
- high inpatient limit
- strong luggage protection
- repatriation
- medical expenses
- civil liability
- repatriation coverage
- medical cover for illness/accident
- fast payout on claims
- lower overall ceiling
Is it currently safe to travel to Philippines?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines, due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and violent crime in several regions.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: some locations, such as central and western Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Sulu Archipelago, are classified as "do not travel" zones because of terrorism and kidnapping threats. The terrorist attack in Marawi City in December 2023 highlights continued risks in Mindanao.
- Health risks: infectious diseases like malaria, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis are common, especially in rural and provincial areas. Hospitals outside Manila may have limited capacity and often require upfront payment for care.
- Legal requirements: all travellers must register on the eTravel portal within 72 hours before arrival and secure a QR code for entry. Australian citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days provided they have a return or onward ticket.
- Environmental hazards: the Philippines regularly experiences typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. In July 2023, flash flooding and landslides affected several provinces in Luzon.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Philippines.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Philippines?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian travellers to enter Philippines.
It is still strongly recommended due to the risk of high medical expenses, limited access to quality healthcare outside major cities, and the possibility of needing emergency evacuation or repatriation. Travel insurance can provide essential financial protection in these cases.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Philippines. This high percentage reflects local medical costs, risks related to natural disasters, and the overall safety context.
Why take out travel insurance for Philippines?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Philippines.
In Philippines, private hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila or The Medical City in Pasig charge high fees for consultations, hospitalisation and emergency care. Outside major cities, access to quality medical facilities is limited, and some public hospitals may not provide foreign-language support or advanced care.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia if a serious incident occurs.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Philippines.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at St. Luke’s Medical Center | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 125,000 PHP (about 3,440 AUD) | Up to 1,600,000 AUD per claim |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 65,000 PHP (about 1,790 AUD) | Up to 1,600,000 AUD per claim |
| I need to be repatriated | 900,000 PHP (about 24,800 AUD) | Up to 1,600,000 AUD per claim |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 220,000 PHP (about 6,070 AUD) | Up to 1,600,000 AUD per claim |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for the Philippines should cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Philippines.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers treatment after accidents or illness in hospitals or clinics, including medicines and surgery. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least 800,000 AUD. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Pays for transport to the nearest suitable hospital or return to Australia if needed. Choose a limit of at least 1,000,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Covers costs of returning to Australia due to serious illness or death. Pick coverage of at least 500,000 AUD. |
| 👜 Baggage and valuables | Compensates for loss, theft or damage of luggage and valuables. Suggested coverage: minimum 3,000 AUD per person. |
| 🚫 Trip cancellation | Refunds unused travel and accommodation expenses after serious causes like illness or family emergencies. Seek at least 10,000 AUD coverage. |
| 💳 Personal liability | Protection if you harm someone else or their property. Look for a minimum of 1,000,000 AUD. |
| 🌋 Natural disasters | Covers delays, evacuation, or extra expenses if a typhoon, earthquake, or volcano disrupts your stay. Recommended cover: at least 250,000 AUD. |
| 🏄 Activities cover | Covers medical and evacuation costs for adventure sports (scuba, surfing) not always included. Check for at least 50,000 AUD and confirm your activities are covered. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least 800,000 AUD.
Choose a limit of at least 1,000,000 AUD.
Pick coverage of at least 500,000 AUD.
Suggested coverage: minimum 3,000 AUD per person.
Seek at least 10,000 AUD coverage.
Look for a minimum of 1,000,000 AUD.
Recommended cover: at least 250,000 AUD.
Check for at least 50,000 AUD and confirm your activities are covered.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers limited coverage with low reimbursement caps and many exclusions. It is safer to select a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare leading plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Philippines
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 38 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 72 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 105 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 245 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance for the Philippines depends on several key factors: your age, the length of your stay, your destination, the level of cover, and any optional extras like cancellation protection. It's crucial to keep these in mind to select the right policy and avoid any nasty surprises on your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Philippines
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Philippines while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Medical care in the Philippines can be expensive outside major cities, especially in emergencies. | Choose a policy with the medical cover you realistically need to avoid overpaying for extras. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age-based pricing can increase rates significantly for older travellers, especially over 60. | Compare providers; Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🗓 Trip duration | Extending your cover for unnecessary dates means your premium is higher than it needs to be. | Insure only the planned travel dates and avoid overestimating if you know your schedule. |
| 👫 Number of travellers | Group and family cover can result in significant savings over buying individual plans. | Consider family or group policies when travelling with others to benefit from group rates. |
| 🏄 Activities planned | Extra cover for motorbiking, scuba diving, or adventure hikes raises your premium. | Add special activity cover only if you will participate, not simply because it's available. |
| 🌍 Area of coverage | Worldwide cover is more expensive, but most will only need Asia or Southeast Asia cover. | Select regional cover specific to Southeast Asia if you will only visit nearby countries. |
| 🚑 Excess/deductibles | Higher deductibles lower upfront costs, but you pay more if you need to claim for small incidents. | Opt for a higher excess if you would rather save now and self-insure for minor expenses. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Philippines?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing Australian coverage—such as Medicare, private health insurance, or credit card insurance—can protect you during a trip to Philippines. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient for emergencies or high health costs abroad. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Philippines? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No cover for international medical costs, hospital stays, emergency evacuation, or repatriation. | Travel insurance offers up to unlimited AUD medical costs, evacuation, and 24/7 emergency assistance. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) | Limited coverage | Some emergency expenses (2,000-5,000 AUD), strict conditions, no overseas repatriation or travel disruption. | Travel insurance covers medical expenses up to unlimited AUD, plus disruption, lost bags, and repatriation. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, Commonwealth Low Rate) | Limited coverage | Some policies offer minimal injury and loss cover, max limit often under 5,000 AUD, no hospital/repatriation. | Travel insurance includes medical, baggage (up to 15,000 AUD), trip cancellations and natural disaster cover. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Altitude Black, NAB Qantas Signature) | Limited coverage | Higher health and travel cover (up to 500,000 AUD), usually excludes pre-existing conditions, strict rules. | Travel insurance offers unlimited AUD for health, evacuation, and unique benefits like robbery or adventure sports. |
Example
While exploring Palawan, Aussie tourist Chloe contracted severe dengue fever, requiring a medical evacuation to Manila. The total cost reached AU$40,000. Her CommBank Platinum card's insurance only covered AU$2,000, and her domestic health insurance was invalid overseas, leaving her with a shocking AU$38,000 bill for her tropical getaway.
Expert advice
Don't assume your bank card or health fund covers trip interruptions for a relative's illness or death, as these are common exclusions. Always check the fine print to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, subscribing to dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Philippines?
If you are an Australian citizen, you do not need a visa for stays in the Philippines of up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes. You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay and provide a return or onward ticket showing your planned departure within the 30-day period.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Philippines?
To purchase travel insurance for the Philippines, start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review options. Next, carefully check the coverage and exclusions, ensuring they address risks specific to the Philippines. Once you have chosen your plan, you can buy it online and will receive your insurance certificate by email.
What are the main health risks in the Philippines that travel insurance should cover?
Travel insurance for the Philippines should cover medical treatment for infectious diseases like malaria and dengue, as well as accidents. Due to limited facilities in rural areas and high costs in private hospitals, ensure emergency evacuation and hospitalisation are included. Coverage for natural disasters and repatriation is also advised.
Does travel insurance cover lost baggage or travel disruptions in the Philippines?
Most travel insurance policies offer protection for lost, delayed, or stolen baggage, and cover travel disruptions such as cancelled or delayed flights. Check your policy for claim limits, which can vary widely but generally provide reimbursement up to several thousand AUD for these events.
Are natural disasters commonly covered by travel insurance in the Philippines?
Yes, many comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for events like typhoons, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions. As these events can disrupt travel plans and essential services, look for a policy with trip cancellation, interruption, and emergency evacuation benefits relevant to natural disasters in the Philippines.
Can I buy travel insurance for the Philippines if I am already overseas?
Some insurers allow you to purchase travel insurance if you are already outside Australia, though it may cost more and have specific limitations or waiting periods before coverage begins. It’s most effective to arrange your cover before departure, but check with providers if you are already travelling.
Do I need a visa to travel to Philippines?
If you are an Australian citizen, you do not need a visa for stays in the Philippines of up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes. You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay and provide a return or onward ticket showing your planned departure within the 30-day period.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Philippines?
To purchase travel insurance for the Philippines, start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review options. Next, carefully check the coverage and exclusions, ensuring they address risks specific to the Philippines. Once you have chosen your plan, you can buy it online and will receive your insurance certificate by email.
What are the main health risks in the Philippines that travel insurance should cover?
Travel insurance for the Philippines should cover medical treatment for infectious diseases like malaria and dengue, as well as accidents. Due to limited facilities in rural areas and high costs in private hospitals, ensure emergency evacuation and hospitalisation are included. Coverage for natural disasters and repatriation is also advised.
Does travel insurance cover lost baggage or travel disruptions in the Philippines?
Most travel insurance policies offer protection for lost, delayed, or stolen baggage, and cover travel disruptions such as cancelled or delayed flights. Check your policy for claim limits, which can vary widely but generally provide reimbursement up to several thousand AUD for these events.
Are natural disasters commonly covered by travel insurance in the Philippines?
Yes, many comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for events like typhoons, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions. As these events can disrupt travel plans and essential services, look for a policy with trip cancellation, interruption, and emergency evacuation benefits relevant to natural disasters in the Philippines.
Can I buy travel insurance for the Philippines if I am already overseas?
Some insurers allow you to purchase travel insurance if you are already outside Australia, though it may cost more and have specific limitations or waiting periods before coverage begins. It’s most effective to arrange your cover before departure, but check with providers if you are already travelling.
On the same topic
