Best Travel Insurance for Philippines

Heading to the Philippines for your next trip? Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just prefer a relaxing holiday, check out the best travel insurance plans when travelling to the Philippines from Singapore.

Best Travel Insurance: TIQ Travel Insurance | MSIG TravelEasy | Allianz Travel Insurance | Ergo TravelProtect | Singlife Travel Insurance | Sompo Travel Insurance | Tokio Marine Travel Insurance | Allied World Travel Insurance | Starr Travel Insurance | FWD Travel Insurance | AIG Travel Guard

Travel insurance is only important once you really need it, the same goes for other insurance plans like personal accident, critical illness and whole life. But once that happens, it’s too late to purchase one.

So whether you’re scuba diving in Boracay, hitting waterfalls in Cebu, island-hopping in Coron or going on underground river tours in Puerto Princesa, you can have a peace of mind knowing that you’re protected if you purchase good travel insurance.

Not sure what travel insurance plans there are? Here are your options.

Table of contents:

• Best scuba diving travel insurance plans for Philippines
  
  • Best value-for-money: FWD
  • Best for comprehensive coverage: Singlife
  • Best for COVID-19 coverage and adventure sports cover: Tiq
• Comparing Philippines Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Philippines
• Comparing Philippines Travel Insurance Coverage
• Important travel insurance coverage for Philippines
  
  • Medical expenses for adventure sports
  • Loss of belongings
  • COVID-19 medical expenses
  • Flight delay
  • All time global emergency assistance
  • Flexibility in changing travel plans
  • Natural disasters in Philippines
• FAQs

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Best scuba diving travel insurance plans for Philippines

Scuba diving in the Philippines offers an exhilarating exploration of vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Statistically, scuba diving carries a relatively low risk of death compared to many other sports, with an estimated fatality rate of about 1 death per 200,000 dives according to data from Divers Alert Network. However, the specific dangers associated with scuba diving make it essential to not underestimate the importance of being prepared and covered.

Some of these risks include barotrauma, decompression sickness, and the dangers posed by marine life. The more severe risks involved in scuba diving include running out of air due to insufficient gas management, entrapment in underwater caves or wrecks, and equipment failure. 

These incidents can be fatal, emphasising the need for comprehensive insurance coverage that includes medical expenses, evacuation, and hyperbaric treatment coverage.

To mitigate the risks of scuba diving:

• Proper Training: Always dive within the limits of your training and certification level.
• Pre-dive Checks: Conduct thorough pre-dive checks of your equipment.
• Dive Planning: Plan your dive and dive your plan, adhering to dive profiles that avoid rapid ascents and mandatory decompression stops.
• Buddy System: Never dive alone and always maintain close communication with your dive buddy.

Holding a recognised scuba diving licence, such as those issued by PADI, ensures that you have received the necessary training and are aware of safe diving practices and emergency procedures. This not only reduces your risk of accidents but is also often a requirement for many insurers before they provide coverage for diving-related incidents.

When looking for the best travel insurance for scuba diving in the Philippines, look for plans that specifically cover depth limits suitable to your certification, cover equipment loss, and provide ample medical coverage including hyperbaric treatment. Always ensure your insurance covers the specific types of diving you plan to do, such as wreck diving or night diving.

If you are engaging in other types of diving, standard travel insurance plans may not provide adequate coverage. Instead, opt for adventure sports travel insurance specifically designed for more hazardous diving activities. These specialised plans cater specifically to the needs of divers engaging in more adventurous forms of underwater exploration, such as cave diving, ice diving, or technical diving. 

Best value-for-money: FWD travel insurance

If you’re looking for a travel insurance policy that’s affordable yet provides very decent coverage, you can get FWD travel insurance. From just S$30 for a 7-day trip to Philippines, FWD travel insurance offers highly competitive premiums compared to the rest.

You’ll also get up to S$1,000,000 in medical expenses coverage and S$150 per every 6 hours of baggage delay, up to S$900.

The only downside is that the plan doesn’t come with COVID-19 coverage, and you’ll have to opt for Protector as an add-on rider at S$11.59 (for a 7-day trip to Philippines). It offers up to S$200,000 for medical expenses due to COVID-19, an overseas quarantine allowance of S$50 per day for up to 14 days, and trip disruption up to S$5,000.

With regards to claims, it has a seamless claim system and efficient customer service where you can easily submit your claims on the FWD SG App and request for assistance if you need any help. 

Also, FWD just added coverage for trip cancellation, postponement or curtailment for any reason, up to S$6,000. This is only applicable if you purchase the add-on within 7 days from the initial trip deposit for your trip.

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code TRAVEL25 to get a 25% discount on Single Trip and Annual Trip plans! Valid till 19 May 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive:

• 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 1 July 2024. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway. T&Cs apply.
• A chance to win up to 500,000 KrisFlyer miles. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply.
• Complimentary lounge access during flight delays. Valid till 1 July 2024 8:59 am. T&Cs apply.

Best for comprehensive coverage: Singlife Travel Insurance

Singlife is known for its all-rounded travel insurance that offers high coverage. They also offer unique coverage such as loss of bridal accessories, rainfall and trip cancellation for any reason.

If you opt for their Travel Prestige plan, you have unlimited coverage for medical expenses — which is one of the highest coverage out there across all travel insurance plans. If you wish to cancel your trip for a valid reason, you’re reimbursed up to S$15,000, while cancellations for any reason cover you up to S$5,000 for the Travel Plus and Travel Prestige Plans. 

This means that you can easily cancel because of a conflicting event, have changed your travel plans or simply don’t feel like going anymore. However, you have to purchase your policy within 7 days of your flight purchases or hotel bookings for them to qualify for a claim.

Planning your trip during the monsoon season? Not to worry as Singlife offers rainfall coverage of up to S$150 if the rain is more than 6.4mm over a 24-hour period. On top of that, you’re also covered for adventurous activities like diving, white water rafting, jetski-ing and kayaking.

The plan includes COVID-19 coverage, offering up to S$200,000 for overseas medical expenses.

Singlife Travel Insurance Promotion:

Single Trip: Enjoy a 28% discount when you use the promo code FLY28 for Single Trip. Valid till 22 May 2024. T&Cs apply.

Annual Trip: Use promo code ANNUAL25 to get 25% off Annual Trip plans when you buy now. Valid till 31 May 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive:

• 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 1 July 2024. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway. T&Cs apply.
• A chance to win up to 500,000 KrisFlyer miles. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply.
• Complimentary lounge access during flight delays. Valid till 1 July 2024 8:59 am. T&Cs apply.

Best for COVID-19 coverage and adventure sports cover: Tiq Travel Insurance

TIQ’s travel insurance stands out for its high COVID-19 coverage and adventure sports cover. However, do note that COVID-19 coverage is only available if you add on the rider, from S$18 (for a 7-day trip to Philippines). 

It offers up to S$500,000 coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses, so you’ll be able to have a peace of mind knowing that you’re sufficienty covered. It also covers up to $5,000 on non-refundable costs for cancelling or postponing your trip 14 days before your departure date. With such decent coverage, the add-on is definitely worth the top-up.

It also offers high coverage for sports equipment coverage, that’s available as an add-on as well. It covers up to S$4,000 for equipment like golf clubs, diving gear, fishing equipment, bicycle(s), ski equipment, snowboards and climbing gear.

SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: 

Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 45% off. Valid till 22 May 2024.

Annual Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off your COVID-19 rider. Valid till 31 May 2024.

Also receive a Complimentary lounge access during flight delays. Valid till 1 July 2024 8:59 am. T&Cs apply.

Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts.

Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.

See also:
Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans (2023)
Is Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage Still Necessary?

Comparing Philippines Travel Insurance Plans

Comparing travel insurance plans can often be overwhelming. To simplify your decision-making process when selecting a plan for your trip to the Philippines, we've carefully evaluated various providers, allowing you to choose the plan that best aligns with your specific needs and priorities. 

Compare the features and benefits of each option and look for key differences in coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Consider factors like overall cost, coverage for specific activities planned during your trip, and the ease of making claims.

The Best Travel Insurance Plans for the Philippines

Exploring the Philippines can be an adventure of a lifetime, but like any great adventure, it comes with its risks. To help you stay protected on your journey, we've curated a list of the best travel insurance plans tailored for travellers to the Philippines, ensuring that you are covered under various scenarios, from medical emergencies to travel disruptions.

Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance (Comprehensive) – Bronze

• Total Medical Coverage: Enjoy up to $200,000 in overseas medical coverage, including unlimited emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Hospitalisation Coverage: Benefit from an overseas hospital cash benefit of $200 per day (capped at $5,000) and up to $7,000 in hospitalisation guarantees.
• Outpatient Coverage: The plan includes up to $15,000 for follow-up medical treatments and coverage for alternative treatments like Chinese Medicine and Physiotherapy.
• Trip Curtailment: Though there is no trip cancellation coverage, you can receive up to $5,000 for trip curtailment.
• Loss/Damage of Baggage: Includes generous coverage for personal luggage, including up to $2,000 for travel document loss and alternative accommodation costs.

FWD Travel Insurance – Premium

• Total Medical Coverage: Offers up to $200,000 in overseas medical coverage, including unlimited emergency evacuation and repatriation. This plan also covers accidental death or permanent disability up to $200,000.
• Hospitalisation Coverage: Provides an overseas hospital cash benefit of $200 per day, up to $5,000.
• Trip Cancellation: Includes up to $7,500 in trip cancellation coverage.
• Loss/Damage of Baggage: Coverage includes up to $3,000 for personal luggage, with specific sub-limits for laptops/tablets and mobile phones.

TIQ Travel Insurance – Entry

• Total Medical Coverage: Covers up to $200,000 for overseas medical expenses and up to $1 million for emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Hospitalisation Coverage: Offers a hospital cash benefit of $200 per day overseas, capped at $5,000, and a hospital allowance in Singapore of $50 per day, up to $500.
• Trip Cancellation: Provides up to $5,000 for trip cancellation and $3,000 for travel curtailment.
• Loss/Damage of Baggage: Covers personal luggage up to $2,000, with specific sub-limits for laptops and other items.
• COVID-19 Coverage: Optional add-on available for comprehensive COVID-19 coverage.

MSIG TravelEasy – Standard

• Total Medical Coverage: Provides one of the highest levels of coverage at $250,000 for overseas medical expenses and $1 million for emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Hospitalisation Coverage: Includes up to $5,000 for emergency dental benefits, enhancing the overall medical coverage.
• Trip Cancellation: Offers substantial coverage for travel inconveniences, including up to $5,000 for both travel cancellation and travel curtailment.
• Loss/Damage of Baggage: Extensive coverage for personal items and documents, including up to $3,000 for luggage and $2,000 for loss of travel documents.

Singlife Travel Insurance – Travel Prestige

• Total Medical Coverage: Provides unlimited overseas medical coverage and emergency medical evacuation, with an additional $80,000 for follow-up medical expenses in Singapore.
• Overseas Hospitalisation Coverage: Receive $200 for every 24 hours of hospitalisation, up to a total of $50,000.
• Flight Delay Coverage: Compensates $100 for every 6-hour delay, up to a total of $2,000.
• Trip Cancellation: Offers up to $20,000 for trip cancellation and up to $5,000 for cancellation for any reason, providing ultimate flexibility.
• Loss/Damage of Baggage: High coverage limits for personal items, including up to $8,000 for luggage, with specific sub-limits for valuable articles.

Comparing Philippines Travel Insurance Coverage

Choosing the right travel insurance for your trip to the Philippines is vital for ensuring peace of mind during your travels. Below is a comprehensive comparison of various travel insurance plans that cater to different needs, from medical emergencies to trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. This table will help you evaluate which plan offers the best coverage based on your individual requirements.

Important travel insurance coverage for Philippines

When selecting a travel insurance plan, consider also the specific risks associated with your travel style and destination. For instance, if you plan on engaging in activities like scuba diving or hiking in the Philippines, ensure your plan covers medical emergencies that could arise from such activities. 

Here are some key coverage you should take note of when purchasing travel insurance to the Philippines.

Medical expenses (water sports and adventurous activities)

Medical expenses coverage is one of the most important aspects of travel insurance, as accidents do happen so it’s best knowing that you are sufficiently covered for. 

If you’re an adventure junkie, there’s a high chance that you might participate in some sports or adventurous activities while you’re in the Philippines. Places like Boracay boast of their crystal clear waters, so you might want to go recreational scuba diving or snorkelling there. This is why purchasing travel insurance that covers these activities is important.

Be sure to check the policy wording carefully, as certain policies and insurers specifically exclude such adventurous sports from their coverage. 

On top of that, certain travel insurance policies also offer sports equipment coverage for bicycles, golf clubs, skis, scuba diving equipment etc, great for those who are bringing their own valuable equipment overseas.

Pro tip: If you’re going scuba-diving, most insurers only allow up to 30 or 40m deep and at all times be accompanied by a qualified dive instructor or dive master. Otherwise, it’s up to the depth allowed if you have the PADI Certification or similar recognised diving qualification.

Loss of belongings

Depending on which area of the Philippines you’re travelling to, many of these places are known for their high cases of pickpocketing. Whether your phone got stolen, you misplaced your belongings, or they are damaged, being covered for loss of baggage will give you the peace of mind of knowing that if you can’t locate them, you can at least offset some of these costs through travel insurance claims. 

This is especially important for those bringing their laptops for work or cameras and equipment for professional photography, as travel insurance plans cover these too!

Do note that most travel insurance providers require you to make a police report if your belongings are lost or stolen and attach the report to your travel insurance claim for them to be successful.

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COVID-19 medical expenses

Though almost the entire world is learning to live with COVID-19, it is still advisable to be covered for COVID-19 as the virus is still prevalent in certain places.

By opting for COVID-19 coverage, you’ll be able to postpone or cancel your trip if you or your travel buddy contracts COVID-19 before your trip. You’ll also be able to purchase off-the-counter medication or get treated at a clinic if you’re down with COVID-19 during your trip to the Philippines.

If you end up being seriously ill due to COVID-19 or medical complications arising from COVID-19, you’ll be covered for your hospital stay and even receive hospital benefits under certain travel insurance policies. If the worst happens, you can also receive emergency evacuation back to Singapore for treatment if need be.

See also: Is Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage Still Necessary?

Flight delay or cancellation

I’m sure you’ve heard of several instances of your friends, family members or even you being stranded at the airport because of an unexpected flight delay or flight cancellation. Regardless of how long the delay is, spending that few hours in the airport and ruin your plans can be highly frustrating.

That is why being able to be compensated for flight delays or cancellations is important to at least be reimbursed for any travel disruptions. Usually, insurers give you a payout for every 4 to 6 hours, up to a limit. This gives you the extra budget to book a nearby hotel or cover any missed activities due to your flight delay, if need be.

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All-Time Global Emergency Assistance

Travelling internationally exposes you to the unknown, making 24/7 global emergency assistance an invaluable feature of any travel insurance plan. This coverage ensures that wherever you are in the world, assistance is just a call away, whether it’s for medical emergencies, legal help, or urgent travel advice. Policies offering this service provide a safety net that spans across all time zones, ensuring that help is available anytime you need it, making it an essential safeguard for travellers to the Philippines.

Flexibility in Changing Travel Plans

Flexibility in travel plans is a key feature sought by many travellers when considering travel insurance, especially in uncertain times. Travel insurance plans that offer flexibility for itinerary changes without imposing hefty fees provide peace of mind. This feature is particularly beneficial if you need to reschedule or cancel parts of your trip to the Philippines due to unforeseen circumstances. Insurance providers that allow for easy modifications to travel plans ensure that you can adapt to changing situations without incurring financial losses, thus saving you from the stress and cost typically associated with altering travel arrangements.

Natural Disasters in the Philippines

The Philippines is prone to a range of natural disasters, including typhoons, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes. These events can dramatically affect travel plans and safety. Travel insurance that covers natural disasters plays a critical role in providing financial protection and support during such events. Benefits can include coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, emergency evacuation, and accommodation expenses incurred due to disaster-related disruptions.

By choosing a travel insurance plan that covers natural disasters, you can protect your investment in your trip and ensure assistance is available in the event of major disruptions, thereby allowing you to travel with confidence despite the environmental risks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Travel Insurance For The Philippines

Must I buy travel insurance when travelling to the Philippines from Singapore?

It is not mandatory to purchase travel insurance when travelling to the Philippines, but it’s highly recommended and encouraged to safeguard yourself against any unfortunate circumstances abroad. 

It also gives you a peace of mind knowing that you’re covered for medical expenses, baggage loss, flight delay, trip cancellations, emergency services and even COVID-19 medical expenses.

Are there any travel requirements or advisories for travelling to Philippines?

If you’re fully vaccinated with a recognised COVID-19 vaccine and have received at least one booster shot, you do not require any documents to enter the Philippines. However, if you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll have to present a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours or an administered ART test taken 24 hours before you depart from the country of origin.

How to buy a travel insurance plan for the Philippines?

Purchasing travel insurance for the Philippines is straightforward. You can buy a policy online directly from an insurance provider's website, through a travel agent, or via a comparison website that lets you compare features and prices of different plans. Just fill out some basic travel details, choose the coverage that suits your needs, and make the payment. Your insurance documents will typically be emailed to you immediately after purchase.

How much should I pay for a travel insurance plan for The Philippines?

The cost of travel insurance for the Philippines can vary depending on several factors including the length of your trip, the type of coverage, your age, and whether you are engaging in high-risk activities such as scuba diving or hiking. Basic plans may start as low as a few dollars a day, but comprehensive coverage could cost more. It’s recommended to compare different plans to find one that offers the best value for the coverage you need.

If there is a change in my travel dates to the Philippines, can I make the changes to the travel dates mentioned in the policy?

Most travel insurance policies allow you to amend the travel dates if your plans change. However, this is generally only possible before the start date of your policy. You should contact your insurance provider as soon as you know your dates are changing so they can adjust your coverage period accordingly.

How many days in advance should I buy travel insurance?

It's advisable to buy your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. Purchasing insurance early can often protect you against potential losses from pre-departure issues, such as trip cancellations or significant delays that might occur even before you leave. Some benefits, like cancellation coverage, only apply if the policy was purchased soon after making the initial trip deposit.

Why buy travel medical insurance for the Philippines?

The Philippines presents a unique set of health risks from tropical diseases to potential injuries from adventure activities. Travel medical insurance ensures that you are covered for medical treatments, hospital stays, and possibly emergency evacuations related to these risks. Moreover, it can cover you financially against high healthcare costs abroad, providing peace of mind so you can enjoy your travels worry-free.