- The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
- What is comprehensive travel insurance?
- The price of comprehensive travel insurance
- What does comprehensive travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
- Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
- How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover comprehensive travel insurance?
- FAQ
comprehensive travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Comprehensive travel insurance covers major risks like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage for complete travel protection.
2. Price: For a one-week Europe trip, expect to pay between ₱3,000 and ₱6,000 for comprehensive insurance.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical care, repatriation, and cancellations, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and local HMOs or PhilHealth offer very limited or no overseas travel and medical coverage.
5. Tips: Always check medical coverage limits, policy exclusions, and if the insurer is required for your destination's visa.
6. Other useful info: Many countries, especially in the Schengen Area, require proof of travel insurance for visa applications from the PH.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the Philippines, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best comprehensive travel insurance.
The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best comprehensive travel insurance plans available for residents of the Philippines in 2025.
These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and flexible terms, ensuring broad protection for any international journey.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | ₱11M | ₱2,800 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | ₱11M | ₱2,800 |
|
| Tourist Card | ₱5.5M | ₱5,500 (₱11,000 for USA/Canada) |
|
| World Travel | ₱8.2M (USA/Canada), ₱4.1M (others) | ₱4,125 per claim |
|
| Globe Partner | ₱4.1M | ₱3,300 |
|
| Globe Traveller | ₱6.6M | ₱3,300 |
|
- Annual renewal option.
- Online claims from abroad.
- 24/7 English support.
- Direct billing for hospital treatment.
- Mobile app for emergencies.
- 24/7 multilingual hotline.
- Adventure sports included.
- No maximum age.
- Pre-existing condition coverage.
- Easy cancellation refund.
- Dental and optics included.
- Flexible for extended stays.
- Quarantine hotel expense.
- Political evacuation.
- Passport/document help.
- Psychological support included.
- Simple online sign-up.
- Competitive pricing.
- Age-based discounts.
- Coverage for digital work gear.
- Trips up to 12 months.
- Premium stability over age 60.
- Letter for visa proof.
- Multilingual support team.
The best comprehensive travel insurance will depend on your individual travel needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that matches your needs best and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is comprehensive travel insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a multi-risk policy that covers a wide range of incidents that may occur before or during a trip.
It typically includes medical expenses abroad, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, emergency evacuation, and 24/7 assistance.
This type of insurance is designed to offer broad protection in a single contract for Filipino travelers, regardless of the destination or length of stay.
Comprehensive insurance goes beyond basic coverage by combining several key benefits in one policy, often with higher limits and extra options.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out comprehensive travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in the Philippines:
- when traveling outside ASEAN, where PhilHealth coverage is limited
- if visiting countries with high healthcare costs like the USA or Europe
- for expensive trips with non-refundable flights and hotel bookings
- if you have a pre-existing condition or are a senior traveler
- when applying for a visa that requires mandatory travel insurance
- if traveling with children or elderly family members for emergencies
- for trips involving adventure sports like diving or mountain climbing
The price of comprehensive travel insurance
On average, comprehensive travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (PHP) | Indicative price per person (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week tour in Japan | ₱60,000 | ₱1,800 to ₱3,600 |
| 2 weeks in Italy and France | ₱130,000 | ₱3,900 to ₱7,800 |
| 1 month family holiday in the USA | ₱200,000 | ₱6,000 to ₱12,000 |
| 3 months study program in Australia | ₱300,000 | ₱9,000 to ₱18,000 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your comprehensive travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: insurance is more expensive for longer trips.
- destination: countries with high healthcare costs, such as the United States or Western Europe, usually result in higher premiums.
- traveler’s age: older travelers are generally charged more, especially when higher medical limits are selected.
- level of coverage: policies with higher maximum limits, more benefits, or lower deductibles cost more than basic options.
- included coverage: extra benefits like baggage, trip cancellation, sports, or cover for pre-existing medical conditions increase the price.
What does comprehensive travel insurance cover?
Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to offer full coverage at every stage of your journey: before departure, during travel and while abroad.
It protects your health, belongings, legal rights and finances against the most common travel-related risks.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Reimbursement of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel before departure for a covered reason. | We recommend a minimum limit of ₱75,000 per person and a maximum deductible of ₱2,000. Illnesses not declared in advance, visa refusals and travel bans are normally excluded. |
| 🚫 Missed departure | Covers extra transport or expenses if you miss your transport due to a covered delay or event. | Go for at least ₱10,000 and a deductible below ₱1,000. Not covered: your own fault, insufficient transfer time or lack of proof. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Fixed compensation if your flight, boat or train leaves late for more than a specified period. | Choose policies that pay out at least ₱3,000 for 6+ hour delays, with no deductible. Shorter delays and delays caused by strikes are usually excluded. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Provides compensation if your checked luggage is lost, stolen or damaged during the trip. | Aim for ₱50,000 minimum coverage and deductible not exceeding ₱1,000. Unattended bags, high-value electronics and baggage forgotten at hotels are excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage delay | Pays for essential items if your luggage is delayed by over 24 hours. | Look for coverage from ₱5,000 per claim with no or minimal deductible. Delays less than 24 hours, and items without receipts, are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency hospitalisation, treatments or outpatient care overseas. | Never accept less than ₱2M coverage, and deductible should be under ₱3,000. Routine care, pre-existing conditions and cosmetic procedures are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers return to the Philippines if your medical condition requires evacuation. | Uncapped cover or at least ₱5M advised, no deductible if possible. Refusal to return, mild illness and voluntary early returns are not reimbursed. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for unexpected dental pain or injury treatment during your trip. | At least ₱10,000 is recommended. Deductibles above ₱500 should be avoided. Routine or aesthetic dental procedures are excluded. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while travelling. | Go for a limit from ₱1.5M and deductible below ₱5,000. Intentional damage, injuries to family, and work-related incidents are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Refunds lawyer fees and legal costs following an incident, accident or dispute overseas. | Minimum ₱100,000 legal costs cover, look for bail advances up to ₱500,000. Excluded: drunk driving, fines, or criminal acts. |
Illnesses not declared in advance, visa refusals and travel bans are normally excluded.
Not covered: your own fault, insufficient transfer time or lack of proof.
Shorter delays and delays caused by strikes are usually excluded.
Unattended bags, high-value electronics and baggage forgotten at hotels are excluded.
Delays less than 24 hours, and items without receipts, are not covered.
Routine care, pre-existing conditions and cosmetic procedures are excluded.
Refusal to return, mild illness and voluntary early returns are not reimbursed.
Routine or aesthetic dental procedures are excluded.
Intentional damage, injuries to family, and work-related incidents are not covered.
Excluded: drunk driving, fines, or criminal acts.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the comprehensive travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
To activate your comprehensive travel insurance and make your benefits valid, several key conditions must be met. These may differ across policies, but the following are the most common in the Philippines:
- Timing of purchase: you must buy your comprehensive policy before leaving the Philippines, ideally right after booking your trip.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of the Philippines at the time of policy application.
- Trip length compliance: your trip must not exceed the maximum allowed by the chosen plan, such as 90 or 180 days.
- Ongoing travel restriction: you cannot already be abroad when you purchase the insurance.
- Incident reporting: you must notify your insurer as soon as an event occurs, such as illness, accident or baggage loss.
- Supporting documents: to claim, you must provide proof or certificates, like police reports or medical receipts.
- Destination restrictions: travel to countries or regions under travel warnings from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs is not covered.
- Payment of premium: full payment of your premium is required before policy activation and departure.
Watch out!
A major misunderstanding is buying insurance last-minute. Comprehensive policies offer trip cancellation coverage from the moment you purchase them. For full protection, especially for non-refundable bookings, buy your insurance right after you book your flights and hotels, not just before you fly.
Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
Medical emergencies and unexpected incidents while abroad can result in high expenses, making financial protection essential for every traveler.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to ₱10,000,000 or 100%, depending on plan |
| Medical repatriation |
| Usually 100%, subject to policy limits |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to ₱10,000,000 or actual cost |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Generally 100%, less any deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial or full coverage depending on policy |
- Europe: ₱15,000
- North America: ₱25,000
- Asia: ₱8,000
- Europe: ₱800,000
- North America: ₱1,200,000
- Asia: ₱400,000
- Europe: ₱500,000
- North America: ₱1,500,000
- Asia: ₱200,000
- Europe: ₱12,000
- North America: ₱20,000
- Asia: ₱6,000
- Europe: ₱20,000
- North America: ₱35,000
- Asia: ₱12,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Comprehensive travel insurance can also provide important protection for trip cancellation, interruption, lost or delayed luggage, civil liability abroad, repatriation assistance, and services like teleconsultation or emergency fund advances.
Good to know
Your local HMO or credit card insurance offers minimal protection abroad. An unexpected hospital bill can cost millions. Comprehensive insurance is your financial safety net, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Travel worry-free with 24/7 assistance, a key feature of providers like Chapka.
How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
Not all comprehensive travel insurance plans offer the same value. Coverage limits, reimbursement terms, and policy conditions can differ greatly. It is important to review and compare the most relevant criteria so the protection matches your personal and travel needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💸 Reimbursement limits | Medical costs abroad can be very high and limits vary between insurers. | Select a plan with at least ₱2,000,000 coverage for trips beyond Southeast Asia or if visiting the US or Europe. |
| 📉 Deductible | The deductible is what you pay for each claim before reimbursement starts. | Favour policies with a low or zero deductible especially for expensive medical and hospital care abroad. |
| 📄 Policy conditions | Specific requirements or exclusions can affect eligibility for certain guarantees. | Read all policy terms carefully and confirm when coverage begins and ends for each guarantee. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Different risk profiles for solo, family, senior, or business travelers change coverage needs. | Choose family or group coverage for better value if traveling with others and tailor for business if needed. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Age limits or higher premiums may apply above certain ages, especially for medical cover. | Check senior provisions and exclusions and verify pre-existing condition rules if you are over age 60. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Insurance period often has maximum and minimum lengths and can limit claims for long trips. | Ensure your policy covers your entire stay including any layovers or potential extensions to avoid uninsured periods. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Coverage depends on the countries and regions included or excluded by the plan. | Verify that all destinations are covered especially if your trip has multiple countries or includes the USA or Europe. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Some benefits may overlap with HMOs, credit cards, or other insurance products. | Review existing policies so you do not duplicate coverage and to fill any gaps only with your comprehensive plan. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Some policies exclude adventure sports, trekking, or business equipment. | Declare all activities and extras so you are sure your coverage applies if you need treatment or a claim is filed. |
Do my current insurance policies cover comprehensive travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurance, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, can offer you comprehensive travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Comprehensive travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (PhilHealth) | Never | Emergency medical, limited overseas care. Maximum: ₱100,000 per event. No repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage, liability, or travel delay are covered at all. | Travel insurance covers up to ₱10,000,000 for medical, evacuation, cancellation, baggage, liability, and delays. |
| Private health insurance (Maxicare, Medicard) | Almost Never | Emergency hospitalization in approved hospitals abroad. Maximum: ₱200,000 to ₱300,000. No trip cancellation, baggage, personal liability, or emergency evacuation coverage. | Travel insurance reimburses up to ₱15,000,000 and includes trip cancellation, delays, and high-value emergencies. |
| Classic credit card (BDO Classic, BPI Blue Mastercard) | Almost Never | Limited travel accident and emergency medical. Typical maximum: ₱200,000. No full medical, baggage loss, trip delay, evacuation, or liability coverage. | Travel insurance pays up to ₱10,000,000 with far broader coverage, even for costly or complex emergencies abroad. |
| Premium credit card (BPI Amore Platinum, Metrobank World Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Medical expenses up to ₱500,000, trip cancellation up to ₱25,000, baggage loss up to ₱25,000. No personal liability, broad cancellation, full evacuation, or delays. | Travel insurance reimburses as much as ₱15,000,000 for medical, repatriation, high value belongings, and liabilities. |
No repatriation, trip cancellation, baggage, liability, or travel delay are covered at all.
No trip cancellation, baggage, personal liability, or emergency evacuation coverage.
No full medical, baggage loss, trip delay, evacuation, or liability coverage.
No personal liability, broad cancellation, full evacuation, or delays.
Expert advice
Your bank card or local health insurance often won't cover trip interruptions due to a relative's illness or death. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for entry into some countries, such as Schengen states and Australia, especially if applying for certain types of visas. While not required for every destination, it is strongly recommended for all international trips. For example, without insurance, a medical emergency in the United States could cost hundreds of thousands of pesos, which can be financially devastating.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to purchase comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip—ideally at the time of your first travel payment. This ensures coverage for trip cancellation or disruption before departure and secures the best possible protection at the lowest rates. Purchasing early also guarantees no gaps in coverage if an unexpected event arises.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare available comprehensive travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s comparison platform to find the best deal for your needs. Next, check the guarantees, exclusions, and fine print, especially for benefits and limits specific to comprehensive policies. Complete your purchase online through the chosen insurer, then receive your digital certificate instantly by email.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking your trip, even up to the day before your departure. However, some benefits such as trip cancellation coverage may only start from the date of purchase, so buying early is advisable to maximize your protection.
How do I make a claim under a comprehensive travel insurance policy?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s assistance hotline immediately and follow their instructions for required documents. You will typically need to submit forms, receipts, and proof of incident. It’s helpful to keep electronic copies of travel bookings and medical bills for faster processing.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Some comprehensive policies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but you need to declare these conditions when buying your policy. Coverage is often subject to medical screening or an extra premium, so review policy terms carefully to ensure your needs are met before purchase.
Is comprehensive travel insurance necessary for domestic trips within the Philippines?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not mandatory for domestic travel in the Philippines but is recommended, especially for trips to remote islands or high-risk activities. It can cover medical evacuation, accommodation during travel delays, or lost baggage, providing added peace of mind for all types of domestic journeys.
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for entry into some countries, such as Schengen states and Australia, especially if applying for certain types of visas. While not required for every destination, it is strongly recommended for all international trips. For example, without insurance, a medical emergency in the United States could cost hundreds of thousands of pesos, which can be financially devastating.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to purchase comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your trip—ideally at the time of your first travel payment. This ensures coverage for trip cancellation or disruption before departure and secures the best possible protection at the lowest rates. Purchasing early also guarantees no gaps in coverage if an unexpected event arises.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare available comprehensive travel insurance options using HelloSafe’s comparison platform to find the best deal for your needs. Next, check the guarantees, exclusions, and fine print, especially for benefits and limits specific to comprehensive policies. Complete your purchase online through the chosen insurer, then receive your digital certificate instantly by email.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking your trip, even up to the day before your departure. However, some benefits such as trip cancellation coverage may only start from the date of purchase, so buying early is advisable to maximize your protection.
How do I make a claim under a comprehensive travel insurance policy?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s assistance hotline immediately and follow their instructions for required documents. You will typically need to submit forms, receipts, and proof of incident. It’s helpful to keep electronic copies of travel bookings and medical bills for faster processing.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Some comprehensive policies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but you need to declare these conditions when buying your policy. Coverage is often subject to medical screening or an extra premium, so review policy terms carefully to ensure your needs are met before purchase.
Is comprehensive travel insurance necessary for domestic trips within the Philippines?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not mandatory for domestic travel in the Philippines but is recommended, especially for trips to remote islands or high-risk activities. It can cover medical evacuation, accommodation during travel delays, or lost baggage, providing added peace of mind for all types of domestic journeys.
