What are the eligibility criteria for buying a travel insurance policy?

1. The age bracket: How young or old are you?

Age is the first thing an insurance provider considers. Why? Mathematically, very young children and elderly individuals face higher health risks when travelling.

The maximum age cut-off

Most standard travel insurance plans in the Philippines cover adults up to 60 or 65 years old. If you are booking a trip for your parents or grandparents who are older than this, don't worry, they can still get covered! However, they will likely need a specialised senior citizen plan. These plans often come with slightly higher costs and adjusted coverage limits because older individuals are more prone to medical emergencies abroad.

The minimum age

Can babies have travel insurance? Yes. Most local insurance companies offer insurance plans to babies. Additionally, minors (usually anyone under 18) cannot buy a policy on their own; they must be attached to an adult’s policy as a dependent.

Also Read: The cost of flying unprotected: Why travel insurance is your true best friend

2. Residency status: Where is your home base?

This rule catches many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) off guard. To buy a standard travel insurance policy from a Philippine provider, you must be a legal resident of the Philippines or a Filipino citizen living in the country.

If you are an OFW currently working in Dubai and want to fly straight from Dubai to Paris for a holiday, it is recommended that you don’t buy a standard travel insurance plan from a Manila-based company. The policy might require your journey to start and end in the Philippines.

Also Read: Travel insurance explained: Medical emergencies, flight delays, and lost baggage

3. Health Condition: The pre-existing illness check

When asking what the eligibility criteria are for buying a travel insurance policy, your medical background plays a major role. You don't usually need a medical check-up to buy travel insurance, but you do need to be fit to travel at the time of purchase.

If you are currently in the hospital, recovering from a major surgery, or travelling specifically to seek medical treatment abroad, you might not qualify for standard travel protection. You see, insurance is designed to cover unexpected, sudden accidents and not ongoing medical treatments or planned surgeries.

Also Read: Falling ill while travelling? Here's how travel insurance will come to your rescue

4. Purchase timing: When are you buying the plan?

Timing is everything when buying insurance, especially travel-related insurance. You can buy travel insurance months in advance, which is actually highly recommended to protect your trip from sudden cancellations. However, the hard deadline is your departure time.

Once your plane takes off from the airport, you are no longer eligible to buy a standard local policy. If you try to buy a policy while sitting in a hotel room because you suddenly realised you forgot to get one, the system might let you pay. Still, any future claims will be rejected.

Also Read: Traveller's blueprint: How and when travel insurance pays for emergencies

5. Destination restrictions: Where are you heading?

The fact is, your choice of destination can affect your eligibility. Insurance companies usually maintain a list of restricted countries. These are places experiencing active wars, extreme political instability, or severe health crises. If you are travelling to a country under a strict travel ban or high-level warning from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), local providers will refuse to issue a policy for that specific trip.

Also Read: Travel insurance requirements by country: Where it's mandatory in 2026

Bottom line

Buying travel insurance doesn't have to be complicated. For the vast majority of Pinoy travellers, qualifying is as simple as being a Philippine resident, being under 65, and buying the plan a few days before heading to the airport. Only by understanding these simple eligibility rules can you ensure your hard-earned money goes toward protection that works when you need it most. Stay safe and happy travels!

Also Read: What does travel insurance actually cover in the Philippines?

FAQs

Q1. Can I buy a single policy for my entire group?
Ans. Yes, many insurance companies offer "Group Travel Insurance" plans. However, every member of the barkada must still meet the individual eligibility criteria (such as age limits and residency) for the policy to protect them properly.

Q2. What happens if I make a mistake on my birth date while buying a policy online?
Ans. In case you realise you made a mistake, it is best to contact your insurance provider immediately and have it rectified. Incorrect personal details can cause major issues or delay claims if your documented age does not match your policy profile during an emergency.

Q3. If my flight gets delayed, can I claim cash at the airport?
Ans. Usually, no. If your flight is delayed for a covered reason (like severe weather or airline technical issues) for more than a set number of consecutive hours, you can claim for necessary expenses like meals or a basic hotel stay. To get your money back later, you must secure an official written statement from the airline's ground staff at the airport and keep all your receipts for food or lodging.

Also Read: Travel insurance FAQs for 2026: Everything travellers most commonly ask