- The best domestic travel insurance plans
- What is domestic travel insurance?
- The price of domestic travel insurance
- What domestic travel insurance covers
- The conditions of domestic travel insurance
- Why take out domestic travel insurance?
- How can I choose the right domestic travel insurance?
- Domestic Travel Coverage in Your Existing Insurance Policies
- FAQ
domestic travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Domestic travel insurance protects you financially against travel risks like medical emergencies and cancellations within the Philippines.
2. Price: A one-week domestic trip insurance in the Philippines typically costs between ₱400 and ₱800.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: PhilHealth, HMOs, and bank cards offer limited coverage, often excluding trip cancellation or medical evacuation.
5. Tips: For remote islands, prioritize high medical evacuation limits; for typhoon season, ensure weather-related cancellation coverage.
6. Other useful info: Healthcare quality varies greatly; ensure your policy covers transport to major hospitals from remote provincial areas.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the Philippines, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best domestic travel insurance.
The best domestic travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best domestic travel insurance plans available for residents of the Philippines in 2025.
These options stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and easy-to-understand terms, offering reassurance for travel within the country.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | ₱150,000 | ₱500 | Direct billing at key hospitals.24/7 claims helpline.Fast online enrollment.Flexible refund for trip interruption. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | ₱150,000 | ₱500 | Mobile access to medical support.Guaranteed payment to clinics.Absolutely no age restriction.Adventure activities covered. |
| Tourist Card | ₱75,000 | ₱1,000 | Pre-trip cancellation included.Household member coverage.WhatsApp emergency support.Same-day medical assistance. |
| World Travel | ₱100,000 | ₱1,500 | Family policies available.Covers inter-island ferry delay.Pre-travel consultation.COVID-19 treatment included. |
| Globe Partner | ₱80,000 | ₱800 | Low price for couples.Extended hospital list.Personal accident included.Paperless claims submission. |
| Globe Traveller | ₱100,000 | ₱800 | Covers up to six months.Stable pricing for seniors.Multilingual customer care.Visa assistance for local travel. |
The best domestic travel insurance may change depending on your needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat is domestic travel insurance?
Domestic travel insurance is an insurance policy that protects Filipino travelers against unexpected events and costs during trips within the Philippines.
It provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or delayed baggage, and accidents while traveling between cities or regions.
This type of insurance is specific to journeys inside the country, making it useful even when your regular health plan is limited outside your home area.
Domestic travel insurance is sometimes confused with international coverage, but it applies only to trips within Philippine borders.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out domestic travel insurance is especially recommended for travel within the Philippines:
- When visiting remote islands or provinces with limited medical facilities.
- For trips involving adventure sports like diving, surfing, or hiking.
- When traveling during the typhoon season from June to November.
- If you pre-booked expensive or non-refundable flights and accommodation.
- For trips with multiple inter-island flights or ferry connections.
- If your HMO has limited coverage outside your home region.
- When traveling with valuable gadgets like cameras or laptops.
The price of domestic travel insurance
On average, domestic travel insurance in the Philippines costs between 1% and 3% of your total trip cost.
| Trip | Trip cost (PHP) | Indicative price per person (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-day weekend in Baguio | ₱8,000 | ₱80 to ₱240 |
| 5-day business trip in Cebu | ₱15,000 | ₱150 to ₱450 |
| 7-day vacation in Palawan | ₱25,000 | ₱250 to ₱750 |
| 10-day multi-city tour of Luzon | ₱40,000 | ₱400 to ₱1,200 |
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 domestic travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer your stay, the higher the overall insurance cost.
- destination: travel to remote locations or islands increases the price due to evacuation and medical access risks.
- traveler’s age: older travelers might pay more, especially for enhanced medical coverage.
- level of coverage: basic plans are cheaper but offer less protection than comprehensive or premium options.
- included activities: policies covering adventure sports, scuba diving, or hiking may be more expensive.
- pre-existing health conditions: special coverage for chronic illnesses can raise premiums.
What domestic travel insurance covers
Domestic travel insurance protects travelers during trips within the Philippines.
It provides financial security for unforeseen events that may happen away from your home or province.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🛑 Trip cancellation | Refund of prepaid travel costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure. | Aim for at least ₱10K cover, avoid deductibles above ₱500. Cancellation for change of mind, weather, or personal choice is typically excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. | Minimum ₱15K cover recommended, with total deductible below ₱500. Loss of electronics, jewelry, or unattended bags is commonly excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Fixed compensation for long delays of flights, ferries, or buses. | Look for ₱2K+ after 4 hours delay, no deductible preferred. Common exclusions: delays under 4h, no proof, or delays by weather/airline strike. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Covers medical treatment for illness or injury while traveling away from home. | Minimum ₱100K cover, max deductible ₱1,000. Routine care, pre-existing conditions, dental or cosmetic treatment are often excluded. |
| 🚐 Emergency evacuation | Key guarantee. Costs to transport you to the nearest suitable hospital in case of serious illness or accident. | At least ₱40K advised, with evacuation arranged by insurer. Non-emergency transfers and personal refusals are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for urgent dental treatment during the trip. | Minimum ₱3K for dental emergencies, low or no deductible. Excludes planned or cosmetic dental services and orthodontic expenses. |
| 🧍♀️ Personal accident | Compensation for accidental death or permanent disability during the trip. | ₱100K plus, with zero deductible. High-risk activities, alcohol or reckless actions are usually not covered. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability within PH | Covers legal costs if you injure someone or damage property during your trip. | ₱100K recommended, max deductible ₱2,000. Damage to family, rental items, or intentional acts are excluded. |
| 💵 Cash advance/emergency funds | Emergency financial aid if you lose cash or cards on your trip. | Look for at least ₱5K support, no deductible. Non-emergency claims and cash replacement are not included. |
| 📞 Travel assistance services | 24/7 helpline for emergencies, medical referral, or travel information. | Insist on global 24/7 access as standard, no cost to you. Assistance for routine queries and non-urgent matters is not included. |
Cancellation for change of mind, weather, or personal choice is typically excluded.
Loss of electronics, jewelry, or unattended bags is commonly excluded.
Common exclusions: delays under 4h, no proof, or delays by weather/airline strike.
Routine care, pre-existing conditions, dental or cosmetic treatment are often excluded.
Non-emergency transfers and personal refusals are excluded.
Excludes planned or cosmetic dental services and orthodontic expenses.
High-risk activities, alcohol or reckless actions are usually not covered.
Damage to family, rental items, or intentional acts are excluded.
Non-emergency claims and cash replacement are not included.
Assistance for routine queries and non-urgent matters is not included.
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.
It is important to compare different domestic travel insurance plans and benefits on HelloSafe to select the offer best suited to your needs.
The conditions of domestic travel insurance
To be protected by your domestic travel insurance during trips in the Philippines, certain conditions must be met.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of the Philippines at the time of application.
- Advance purchase: you must buy the insurance before your trip begins and before you leave your home province or city.
- Trip declaration: you must declare accurate travel dates, destinations, and all travelers covered by the policy.
- Trip purpose: your trip must be for leisure, business, or family, not for long-term relocation or permanent work.
- Minimum distance: your travel must be at least 50 kilometers away from your primary residence, depending on the insurer’s rules.
- Duration limits: coverage usually applies only to trips lasting up to 30 or 60 days, as specified in the policy.
- Incident reporting: you must report any covered incident or emergency to the insurer immediately or within the set notification period.
- Proof requirements: in case of a claim, you must submit official documents, receipts, or certificates as evidence.
Watch out!
A common mistake is buying insurance too late. You can't get a policy after a typhoon is announced and expect coverage for cancellations. To be protected, you must purchase your insurance *before* the disruptive event, like a storm, becomes a known risk. Plan ahead for your local trips!
Why take out domestic travel insurance?
Even when traveling within the Philippines, accidents and sudden illnesses can lead to medical bills and emergency expenses that are difficult to anticipate.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in the Philippines:
| Type of treatment | Average cost in Metro Manila | Average cost in Provincial Areas | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) | ₱3,500 to ₱5,000 | ₱2,000 to ₱3,500 | Up to 100%, depending on plan limit |
| Medical repatriation within Philippines | ₱25,000 to ₱50,000 | ₱30,000 to ₱60,000 | Up to 100%, if medically necessary |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization | ₱80,000 to ₱150,000 | ₱50,000 to ₱100,000 | Up to the policy maximum benefit |
| Stitches after a fall | ₱2,500 to ₱4,000 | ₱1,500 to ₱2,500 | Up to 100%, after applying any deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction | ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 | ₱1,800 to ₱3,000 | Partial reimbursement, often capped per claim |
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.
Beyond medical expense coverage, domestic travel insurance may include other useful guarantees: personal accident, trip delay or cancellation, lost or stolen luggage, liability coverage, and 24/7 travel assistance. These can help safeguard your journey from frequent disruptions in the Philippines.
Good to know
Exploring the Philippines is amazing, but emergencies happen. Imagine needing an evacuation from a remote island. With a plan from providers like Chapka, you get 24/7 assistance and medical coverage, ensuring you're never alone, no matter how far you roam.
How can I choose the right domestic travel insurance?
Coverage features can differ significantly between domestic travel insurance plans in the Philippines. Limits, deductibles, and benefits vary by policy, making it essential to compare based on your travel needs and destination within the country.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Different plans offer various maximum payouts for claims. | Always check the policy’s medical and accident ceiling, especially for travel to remote provinces. |
| 📉 Deductible | The amount deducted from each claim may affect your out-of-pocket costs. | Review the deductible for each guarantee before purchase. High deductibles can make cheap plans costly. |
| 🕒 Trip duration | Coverage periods often have minimum and maximum limits. | Confirm your whole trip is covered, including extended stays, to avoid coverage gaps. |
| 🗺️ Geographic area | Benefits may be limited to certain regions or islands in the Philippines. | Make sure the policy includes all your destinations and routes, especially if island hopping. |
| 🧑🦳 Traveller’s age | Premiums and eligibility often change with age. | Seniors should select insurers without upper age limits and ask about coverage for pre-existing conditions. |
| 👪 Traveller profile | Families, solo travelers, and groups have different risks and requirements. | Families may find better value in group plans that cover children and adults under one policy. |
| 🚗 Planned activities | Many policies exclude accidents during risky activities like trekking, diving or extreme sports. | If you’ll do adventure sports, declare them when applying to get valid emergency and accident coverage. |
| 🏥 Existing health coverage | Local HMO or private health insurance may not work outside your usual provider network. | Ask your HMO or insurer which hospitals are included in each region. Supplement if your plan is limited. |
| 👩💻 Online subscription | Fast, hassle-free sign-up and immediate access to documents. | Prefer plans allowing online purchase and instant document delivery for quick protection anywhere. |
Domestic Travel Coverage in Your Existing Insurance Policies
It is understandable to question if your current insurance, like credit card insurance or public health cover, can provide you with domestic travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often inadequate. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Domestic travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (PhilHealth) | Almost Never | Emergency medical care for accredited facilities only, limits up to ₱30,000. No trip cancellation, baggage, or evacuation coverage is provided. | Travel insurance covers up to ₱200,000 for medical, with trip cancellation, baggage, liability, and evacuation fully included. |
| Private health insurance (Maxicare, Medicard) | Almost Never | Medical emergencies in network only, up to ₱100,000. No coverage for lost baggage, trip disruption, evacuation, or delays. | Travel insurance pays up to ₱200,000 for broader risks, including trip issues and personal accident, not covered by health plans. |
| Classic credit card (BPI Gold, BDO Gold) | Never | Accident cover, basic medical, maximum ₱75,000–₱100,000. No cancellation, no baggage loss, no evacuation, no cash assistance. | Travel insurance provides up to ₱200,000 for full medical needs, plus trip, evacuation, delay, and liability—none included on cards. |
| Premium credit card (BDO Elite, Metrobank Platinum) | Limited coverage | Personal accident, optional medical emergency, up to ₱200,000. No trip interruption, minimal baggage, or flight delay cover. | Travel insurance insures up to ₱200,000 with cancellation, delays, baggage, and evacuation—comprehensive for frequent PH travelers. |
No trip cancellation, baggage, or evacuation coverage is provided.
No coverage for lost baggage, trip disruption, evacuation, or delays.
No cancellation, no baggage loss, no evacuation, no cash assistance.
No trip interruption, minimal baggage, or flight delay cover.
Expert advice
Heads up, Pinoy travelers! Bank cards and HMOs often don't cover trip interruptions for a relative's illness or death. Always check your policy's fine print to avoid surprises. For peace of mind, it's always safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is domestic travel insurance mandatory?
Domestic travel insurance is not legally required for most trips within the Philippines. However, some tour operators or adventure activities (such as organized hiking or diving excursions) may require travelers to have insurance. Even when not mandatory, it is highly recommended, especially for trips to remote islands or during typhoon season, where medical access is limited and travel disruptions are common.
When is it recommended to purchase domestic travel insurance?
It is best to buy domestic travel insurance soon after you have finalized trip plans, such as booking transportation or accommodations. Early purchase ensures that you are covered for trip cancellation and medical emergencies from the moment your journey begins. This is especially important during periods of bad weather or high travel demand in the Philippines.
How do I purchase domestic travel insurance?
Start by comparing policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the most suitable and affordable coverage. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, focusing on benefits tailored to domestic travel. Complete your purchase securely online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should save for your trip.
Can I purchase domestic travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can still buy domestic travel insurance after booking your trip or even shortly before your departure. However, certain benefits like trip cancellation or interruption will only apply to events occurring after your policy takes effect. To maximize your coverage, it’s wise to secure insurance as early as possible.
How do I make a claim on domestic travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible after an incident, using their 24/7 hotline or website. Submit the required forms and supporting documents, such as receipts and your policy certificate. After assessment, your insurance provider will inform you of your claim status and arrange payment as applicable.
Does domestic travel insurance cover weather-related disruptions?
Most domestic policies in the Philippines now include coverage for delays or cancellations caused by typhoons and other natural disasters. Review your policy in advance to make sure it offers adequate compensation and additional benefits, particularly if you are traveling during the rainy or typhoon season.
Can domestic travel insurance be used alongside HMO or PhilHealth coverage?
Yes, domestic travel insurance typically complements—rather than replaces—PhilHealth or HMO benefits. While your HMO or PhilHealth may have limited network coverage or low caps for healthcare in other provinces, travel insurance fills gaps with emergency medical, evacuation, and travel disruption benefits tailored for journeys across the Philippines.
Is domestic travel insurance mandatory?
Domestic travel insurance is not legally required for most trips within the Philippines. However, some tour operators or adventure activities (such as organized hiking or diving excursions) may require travelers to have insurance. Even when not mandatory, it is highly recommended, especially for trips to remote islands or during typhoon season, where medical access is limited and travel disruptions are common.
When is it recommended to purchase domestic travel insurance?
It is best to buy domestic travel insurance soon after you have finalized trip plans, such as booking transportation or accommodations. Early purchase ensures that you are covered for trip cancellation and medical emergencies from the moment your journey begins. This is especially important during periods of bad weather or high travel demand in the Philippines.
How do I purchase domestic travel insurance?
Start by comparing policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the most suitable and affordable coverage. Carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, focusing on benefits tailored to domestic travel. Complete your purchase securely online. You will then receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should save for your trip.
Can I purchase domestic travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can still buy domestic travel insurance after booking your trip or even shortly before your departure. However, certain benefits like trip cancellation or interruption will only apply to events occurring after your policy takes effect. To maximize your coverage, it’s wise to secure insurance as early as possible.
How do I make a claim on domestic travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible after an incident, using their 24/7 hotline or website. Submit the required forms and supporting documents, such as receipts and your policy certificate. After assessment, your insurance provider will inform you of your claim status and arrange payment as applicable.
Does domestic travel insurance cover weather-related disruptions?
Most domestic policies in the Philippines now include coverage for delays or cancellations caused by typhoons and other natural disasters. Review your policy in advance to make sure it offers adequate compensation and additional benefits, particularly if you are traveling during the rainy or typhoon season.
Can domestic travel insurance be used alongside HMO or PhilHealth coverage?
Yes, domestic travel insurance typically complements—rather than replaces—PhilHealth or HMO benefits. While your HMO or PhilHealth may have limited network coverage or low caps for healthcare in other provinces, travel insurance fills gaps with emergency medical, evacuation, and travel disruption benefits tailored for journeys across the Philippines.
