Photo © Getty Images / xavierarnau

Travel insurance for the Philippines

Jump in the jeepney and journey through the beauty, culture, and adventure that awaits in the Philippines

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

At a glance:

  • Travel insurance for the Philippines may help protect against unexpected costs like medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost luggage.
  • World Nomads covers common issues including hospital expenses, trip delays, stolen belongings, and more than 220 activities like scuba diving or hiking. Terms and conditions apply, and relevant level of sports & activities cover is required.
  • We offer from Standard or Explorer plans. Consider your travel needs and compare coverage options before you get a quote.
  • Medical emergencies, like diving accidents or food poisoning, can be costly—travel insurance may help cover hospital visits and even repatriation.
  • The Philippines is prone to typhoons and volcanic activity. Travel insurance may help if your trip is delayed or cancelled due to natural disasters.
  • Pickpocketing and lost bags happen—travel insurance may reimburse you for stolen items or essentials while you wait for delayed luggage.
  • Best time to visit is December to May; consider travel insurance before visiting the Philippines.

Planning a trip to the Philippines? Whether you're exploring the pristine beaches of Palawan, scuba diving in Cebu, or navigating the buzz of Manila, it's smart to be prepared.

While the Philippines offers unforgettable experiences, it’s important to protect your trip against unexpected mishaps like medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost belongings (only covered if lost by the carrier). Travel insurance for the Philippines may offer cover for those unexpected events that may occur while you're abroad.

What’s covered

Our travel insurance plans may offer cover, up to policy limits, for a range of benefits including:

World Nomads offers two types of travel insurance plan, Standard and Explorer. Each plan provides different levels of cover so it’s important to choose the plan that best suits your travel plans and the level of cover you need. When you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs. 

Make sure you select the right travel insurance plan for your needs. Each of our plans offer different benefits, limits and sub-limits, so it’s best to compare them to see which one suits the type of trip you’re planning. If you’re not sure about something or have any questions, contact us.

Do I need travel insurance for the Philippines? 

A trip to the Philippines can bring all sorts of unexpected surprises. Nobody wants to think about things like cancelled tripsdelayed baggage and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If you fall and get hurt while hiking Mount Talinis there, you may then wish you had travel insurance for the Philippines. 

Travel insurance for activities in the Philippines

Your adventures in the Philippines may take you scuba diving in Cebu, island-hopping in Palawan, surfing in Siargao, or hiking (higher level activity coverage required if hiking beyond 2,000 metres in elevation) through Banaue's rice terraces. World Nomads covers over 220 adventure activities and sports for Aussies visiting the Philippines - including hikingscuba diving (if unqualified, must be with a professional, qualified and licensed guide or operator. Otherwise, appropriate qualification required), kayaking and rafting, backpacking and sailing through remote islands. Terms and conditions apply; relevant level of sports & activities cover is required.

Thinking about riding around the Philippines on a scooter or a motorbike?

Check out our FAQ - Am I covered by travel insurance if I'm riding a motorbike or scooter? - in the Help Centre for more information.

Travel Cover for 220+ Adventure Activities

Snow
Water
Air
Land
Sports
Experiences
  • Scuba diving
  • Mountain biking
  • Surfing
  • Bungee jumping
  • Skiing
Blue activities are automatically included in both the Standard and Explorer plans. All activities listed in orange will need to be added to your policy at the time of purchase. The list is intended as a guide only and there are restrictions on what you can and cannot do, so read the PDS or contact us. For a more detailed list click here

Travel insurance benefits for medical emergencies in the Philippines

Scuba diving is a favourite pastime in the Philippines and while accidents are rare, sometimes unexpected things happen. If you get decompression sickness while diving the reefs in the province of Negros Orientalemergency medical coverage may reimburse you for your medical expenses. It could also come in handy if you get food poisoning or get injured in a car accident while in the Philippines. 

If you have a medical emergency after you’ve left your home country, you must call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team before seeking medical attention. They can help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. You’ll need to call and report your emergency as soon as it happens, or as soon as you’re able. If you are unable to call, have someone call on your behalf. Also remember to save all paperwork and receipts. 

If your attending physician and the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team thinks it’s best for you to travel back to Australia for treatment, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for the Philippines may cover the costs to get you home. 

Travel insurance benefits for trip cancellations or delays

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters like typhoons and volcanic eruptions. If your trip is cancelled or delayed due to covered events like, travel insurance for the Philippines may reimburse non-refundable costs like tours or hotels. Keep receipts and documentation to support any claims you need to make.


Travel insurance for trip interruptions

If you’re already in the Philippines and must return home, travel insurance may help cover unused bookings. To claim, retain all receipts and medical or official documents proving the reason for your early return.


Travel insurance for stolen or damaged baggage

With over 7,000 islands to explore, stolen luggage can be a frustrating start to your trip. Travel insurance may reimburse essentials like swimsuits or clothing if your bag is stolen or delayed. Terms and conditions apply. Cover depends on your policy limits and item depreciation. Always keep baggage tags, airline reports, and purchase receipts.


Travel insurance for theft and petty crime in the Philippines

Pickpocketing can happen, especially in busy tourist areas or public transport. Avoid carrying valuables openly, use hotel safes, and stay alert in crowds. Travel insurance for the Philippines may cover stolen items, but a police report is essential for your claim. Always document the incident and keep copies if you intend to make a claim.


Traveller tip: The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, from December to May, when the weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor adventures.

Need more info?

Before you travel to the Philippines, you should check out the Smartraveller website for any travel alerts or visit our Help Centre to get the answers you need.

Before you take off, do some pre-trip reading such as:

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). You should read your PDS in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital lickety-split

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for Australian residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Contact the team