You have saved up for months, packed your favourite outfits, and booked your flights to Japan or Singapore. You can already taste the authentic ramen and picture yourself posing at famous landmarks. But right before you click "pay," a little pop-up window appears on your screen: “Add Travel Insurance for PHP800?”
If you are like most first-time Pinoy travellers, your instinct might be to ignore it, save the PHP800, and spend it on street food instead. After all, nothing bad ever happens on vacation, right?
Here is the truth: travel insurance sounds like a boring adult chore, but it is actually the most important item in your luggage. Think of it as an invisible superhero cape. If your flight is cancelled, your suitcase goes missing, or you end up in an overseas hospital with a high fever, travel insurance steps in so your dream trip doesn't turn into a financial nightmare.
To help you get ready for your very first international flight, here is the ultimate travel insurance checklist designed specifically for Filipino travellers.
Also Read: Planning your next trip? Here is how AXA Smart Traveller keeps you covered
1. Before you buy: The essential checklist
Before you hand over your hard-earned money to any insurance provider, make sure your plan covers these four non-negotiables:
AI-Generated ImageEmergency medical coverage
Medical care in countries like Japan, Singapore, or European nations is extremely expensive. A simple overnight stay in an overseas hospital can cost over PHP200,000! Make sure your policy covers hospital stays, emergency room visits, and doctor consultation fees.
Trip cancellation & interruption
What if a typhoon hits Manila on the day of your flight? Or what if a family emergency forces you to fly back home halfway through your vacation? Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you for non-refundable costs, such as flights and hotel bookings, if your trip is cut short or cancelled for covered reasons.
Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage
Imagine landing at your destination, standing by the luggage carousel for an hour, and realising your suitcase is stuck in another country! Good insurance pays you cash to buy essential clothes and toiletries while you wait, or reimburses you if your bag is lost forever.
Flight delays & missed connections
Airport delays are common. If your flight is delayed by more than 6 hours, your policy may cover meal allowances and hotel accommodations while you wait at the airport.
Declare pre-existing conditions
If you have asthma, high blood pressure, or diabetes, make sure you disclose it when buying your policy. Hiding health conditions can lead to rejected claims if you get sick while travelling.
Check COVID-19 & medical guidelines
Verify whether your policy covers epidemic/pandemic illnesses like Covid-19, including quarantine hotel expenses if you test positive abroad.
Also Read: Things to check before buying travel insurance: The ultimate checklist (Part 1 Health & Safety)
2. Choosing the right policy for your trip
AI-Generated ImageNot every policy fits every traveller. Choose based on where you are going and what you plan to do:
Single-trip vs. annual policy
If you only travel once or twice a year, buy a single-trip policy. If you travel frequently for work or leisure, a multi-trip annual policy will save you money.
Schengen visa compliance
Planning a trip to Europe? European embassies require a specific Schengen-compliant insurance policy with minimum medical coverage of €30,000 (around PHP1.8 million).
Adventure sports add-on
Planning to try scuba diving, mountain hiking, or riding a rented scooter in Bali? Standard policies often exclude risky activities. Make sure to select an "Adventure Sports Cover" rider so you are fully protected. Also, make sure you hold a valid driver’s license and wear appropriate safety gear, like a helmet.
Also Read: Things to check before buying travel insurance: Flights, baggage, & smooth claims
3. The pre-departure checklist: Things to do before flight day
AI-Generated ImageOnce you buy your policy, you are not quite done yet! Follow these steps before heading to the airport:
Step 1: Save emergency numbers
Save your insurance company's 24/7 global assistance hotline and your policy number directly into your smartphone contacts.
Step 2: Print and email digital copies
Keep a printed copy of your policy certificate in your carry-on bag. Email a digital copy to yourself and a family member back home so someone always has access to it.
Also, if possible, try to register on the eTravel portal.
Also Read: Medical emergencies abroad (Part 2): How travel protection keeps you safe and covered
4. How to make sure your insurance actually pays out
AI-Generated ImageBuying an insurance policy is only half the process; knowing how to claim your money is where many Pinoy travellers get stuck. Therefore, you should keep the following basic rules in mind:
Report the incident immediately
Most providers require travellers to notify them within 24 to 48 hours of an accident, illness, or a lost item.
Collect official documentation
If your luggage is stolen, obtain a police report within 24 hours. If your flight is delayed, get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or a delay letter from the airline counter.
Keep digital receipts
Take immediate photos of all medical receipts, pharmacy bills, and boarding passes. Paper receipts fade or get lost easily!
Also Read: How to claim travel insurance: A step-by-step guide for Pinoy travellers
Final thoughts
You don’t buy travel insurance because you worry that something will go wrong; rather, it's about making sure you can enjoy every minute of your trip without fear. Spending a few extra hundred pesos gives you complete peace of mind, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories overseas.
Pack your bags, double-check your checklist, and explore the world with confidence.
Also Read: Travelling with your aged parents? Don’t skip these travel insurance tips!
FAQs
Q1. What is the best time for a traveller to buy travel insurance?
Ans. It is usually recommended to buy it as soon as you book your flights and hotel accommodations. That way, if an emergency happens weeks before your flight and you have to cancel, your trip cancellation coverage can protect your initial payments.
Q2. Can I use the free travel insurance provided by my credit card?
Ans. Yes, but read the conditions carefully. Credit card insurance usually requires you to pay 100% of your flight tickets using that card, and the coverage limits for medical expenses are often much lower than those of standalone plans.
Q3. What will happen if I forget to buy travel insurance before leaving the Philippines?
Ans. Most Philippine insurance companies require you to purchase coverage before departing. A few international providers allow you to buy insurance while you are already overseas; there’s usually a waiting period of 3 to 7 days before the coverage takes effect.
Q4. Does travel insurance cover lost cash or missing jewellery?
Ans. Most standard policies offer limited coverage for cash and high-value jewellery. Always keep your cash, passport, and other valuables in your carry-on luggage or in the hotel safe, rather than in checked baggage.
Q5. How to claim medical expenses if I pay cash at a clinic abroad?
Ans. Keep the original diagnostic reports, doctor's prescription notes, and official itemised receipts. Submit these along with your filled-out claim form to your insurer within 30 days of returning home.
Q6. Will insurance cover my trip if a typhoon cancels my flight?
Ans. Yes, weather-related cancellations and severe flight disruptions caused by natural disasters, such as typhoons or volcanic ash clouds, are generally covered under trip delay or trip cancellation benefits.
Also Read: The biggest travel insurance claim mistakes Filipino travellers make & how to avoid them
