- The best short term travel insurance plans
- short term Travel Insurance Explained
- The price of short term travel insurance
- What does short term travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of short term travel insurance
- Why take out short term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right short term travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover short term travel insurance?
- FAQ
short term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Short-term travel insurance covers a single trip against risks like medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe typically costs between ₱2,000 and ₱5,000, depending on the coverage.
3. Coverage: It usually includes medical emergencies and trip cancellation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: PhilHealth and credit cards offer very limited travel coverage, with low medical caps and no cancellation.
5. Tips: Compare medical coverage limits to ensure they are adequate for your destination, especially for Europe or the USA.
6. Other useful info: Schengen visa applications require proof of insurance with at least €30,000 in medical coverage.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in the Philippines, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best short-term travel insurance.
The best short term travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best short term travel insurance plans available for residents of the Philippines in 2025. These choices offer strong medical limits, low deductibles and clear conditions for short stay travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | ₱11.2M | ₱0 | • 100 percent medical coverage worldwide. • No paperwork needed. • Immediate certificate delivery. • 24/7 English-speaking hotline. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | ₱11.2M | ₱0 | • Free medical app. • 24/7 multilingual support. • Upfront hospital payments. • Sports activities included. |
| Tourist Card | ₱5.6M | ₱2,800 | • Fast claim system. • Covers missed flights. • Baggage protection. • Flexible cancellation process. |
| World Travel | ₱2.8M | ₱2,800 | • COVID-19 included. • Quarantine expenses. • Passport loss support. • Political evacuation included. |
| Globe Partner | ₱2.8M | ₱2,800 | • Supports all ages. • Simple online application. • Short waiting period. • Pre-existing illness option. |
| Globe Traveller | ₱5.6M | ₱0 | • Up to 12 months allowed. • Personal accident cover. • Fast renewal option. • Multiple languages for support. |
• No paperwork needed.
• Immediate certificate delivery.
• 24/7 English-speaking hotline.
• 24/7 multilingual support.
• Upfront hospital payments.
• Sports activities included.
• Covers missed flights.
• Baggage protection.
• Flexible cancellation process.
• Quarantine expenses.
• Passport loss support.
• Political evacuation included.
• Simple online application.
• Short waiting period.
• Pre-existing illness option.
• Personal accident cover.
• Fast renewal option.
• Multiple languages for support.
The best short term travel insurance depends on your needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to choose the best plan and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareshort term Travel Insurance Explained
Short term travel insurance is temporary coverage designed to protect Filipino travelers for a single trip lasting from 1 day up to 90 days.
It provides financial protection against unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and travel delays during the covered journey.
This type of insurance is essential for tourists, business travelers, or anyone making a brief trip, and is only valid for the specific duration of that journey.
Short term travel insurance is sometimes confused with annual multi-trip cover, but it applies strictly to one trip only.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out short term travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in the Philippines:
- For visa applications to countries like the Schengen Area.
- When visiting places with high medical costs like the USA.
- If your local HMO or PhilHealth offers limited overseas coverage.
- To protect non-refundable bookings for flights, hotels, and tours.
- When participating in adventure sports not covered by standard policies.
- If you are an OFW on vacation to another country.
- For trips with vulnerable family members like children or seniors.
The price of short term travel insurance
On average, short term travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (PHP) | Indicative price per person (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days in Singapore | ₱32,000 | ₱700 to ₱1,600 |
| 10 days island tour in Thailand | ₱60,000 | ₱1,200 to ₱2,500 |
| 2 weeks family holiday in France | ₱130,000 | ₱3,000 to ₱6,500 |
| 1 month business trip to the USA | ₱180,000 | ₱4,500 to ₱9,000 |
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 short term travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: a longer trip increases the insurance cost.
- destination: coverage for destinations with high healthcare costs, such as the USA or Europe, leads to higher premiums.
- traveler’s age: older travelers may pay more due to increased health risks.
- level of coverage: choosing comprehensive plans, higher medical limits, or additional benefits will increase the price.
- special coverage: risky sports, adventure activities, baggage protection, or coverage for pre-existing conditions add to the cost.
What does short term travel insurance cover?
Short term travel insurance is designed to cover a single trip or vacation, usually up to three months. It offers limited duration protection, distinct from annual multi-trip or long-term plans.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🛑 Trip cancellation | Refunds your prepaid expenses if you must cancel before departure for covered reasons. | Choose at least ₱50,000 cover and avoid deductibles above ₱1,500. Work reasons, simply changing your mind, or visa denial are not covered. |
| 🛬 Missed departure | Pays extra transport if unforeseen events make you miss your original departure. | Aim for ₱5,000 minimum. No deductible should apply. Late arrival due to your own fault or lacking documentation is always excluded. |
| ✈️ Travel delay | Gives a fixed payout if your trip is delayed by several hours. | Look for ₱2,000+ after 4 hours delay. No deductible required. Delays under 4 hours, regular weather or strikes are usually excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Covers loss, theft or damage to your luggage during transport or at destination. | Choose no less than ₱30,000 baggage cover. Deductible should not exceed ₱1,000. Unattended baggage and valuables are often excluded. |
| 🎒 Baggage delay | Pays for essential purchases if your checked bag is delayed. | At least ₱3,000 after 24 hours is recommended. Deductibles are rare. Delays on return leg and proof lacking are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for emergency medical treatment and hospital bills abroad. | Minimum ₱1.5M advised, deductible should be at most ₱5,000. Routine care, pre-existing conditions and check-ups are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays to evacuate or bring you home in medical emergencies. | At least ₱2M is a must, ideally with no deductible. Traveller’s refusal, non-urgent transport and unrelated costs are usually excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for dentist treatment if you have a sudden, painful dental problem. | Look for ₱8,000 minimum. Deductible not over ₱1,000. Planned care, whitening and dental check-ups are excluded. |
| 👤 Personal liability abroad | Pays if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while travelling. | Opt for no less than ₱750,000 cover. Max ₱10,000 deductible. Deliberate acts, damage to family, and professional activities are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays legal fees if you need a lawyer due to accidents abroad. | At least ₱100,000 for legal fees. Deductible should be max ₱5,000. Criminal acts, alcohol-related and pre-existing cases are excluded. |
Work reasons, simply changing your mind, or visa denial are not covered.
Late arrival due to your own fault or lacking documentation is always excluded.
Delays under 4 hours, regular weather or strikes are usually excluded.
Unattended baggage and valuables are often excluded.
Delays on return leg and proof lacking are not covered.
Routine care, pre-existing conditions and check-ups are excluded.
Traveller’s refusal, non-urgent transport and unrelated costs are usually excluded.
Planned care, whitening and dental check-ups are excluded.
Deliberate acts, damage to family, and professional activities are not covered.
Criminal acts, alcohol-related and pre-existing cases are excluded.
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 short term travel insurance best suited to your needs and journey, easily compare plans on HelloSafe.
The conditions of short term travel insurance
To ensure your short term travel insurance is valid, certain requirements must be fulfilled. These are the main conditions for travelers from the Philippines:
- Timing of purchase: you must buy your short term policy before leaving the Philippines and before any incident or loss occurs.
- Residency: you must be a resident of the Philippines at the time of policy application.
- Trip duration: the insurance only covers the specified travel dates, usually up to 90 days or as defined in your policy.
- No ongoing travel: you must not already be abroad at the time you purchase the insurance; coverage starts for future trips only.
- Purpose of travel: the trip must be for tourism, business, or a similar temporary reason, not for long-term relocation.
- Notification requirement: you are required to notify your insurer as soon as possible after an accident, illness, or claim event.
- Document submission: you must provide supporting documents for any claim, such as receipts, medical reports, or police certificates.
- Destination restrictions: travel to countries with official advisories or under sanctions may be excluded from coverage.
Watch out!
Heads up, kabayan! A common mistake is assuming your short-term travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions like high blood or diabetes. Most standard plans don't. You must declare them and often need a special policy to be protected from related medical emergencies abroad. Always check the fine print.
Why take out short term travel insurance?
Unexpected events can happen even on a brief trip, making it important to prepare for high medical expenses abroad.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100%, up to the policy’s medical limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often covered 100% if urgent |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to the plan maximum, depending on limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Usually 100%, minus any deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Often partial, sometimes with a specific limit |
- 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.
Short term travel insurance can also protect you from other frequent risks, such as: trip cancellation, early return, baggage loss or delay, personal liability abroad, repatriation support, and 24/7 emergency services.
Good to know
Your local health insurance likely won't cover a ₱1,500,000 appendicitis bill in the US. Avoid massive debt from unexpected medical emergencies abroad. For a small fee, providers like Heymondo offer millions in coverage, ensuring your trip budget is for fun, not hospital bills.
How to choose the right short term travel insurance
Not all short term travel insurance plans provide the same level of protection: coverage limits, deductibles, and policy rules vary widely. Carefully comparing criteria ensures you get the right benefits for your trip’s risks and requirements.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Medical or trip claim limits impact potential out-of-pocket expenses during emergencies. | Choose policies with at least ₱1,800,000 medical cover for travel to Europe or the USA. |
| 📉 Deductible | You may pay a fixed amount per claim before insurance benefits start. | Prefer policies with a low or zero deductible so you pay less upfront if you claim. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some plans exclude claims due to late purchase or lack strict documentation rules. | Buy coverage as soon as you book your trip for full access to benefits like cancellation. |
| 👴 Traveller’s age | Age can affect premium cost and eligibility for some benefits. | Check age limits and if pre-existing conditions need special declarations or riders. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Short term plans only cover a set period, not extensions or open dates. | Match your policy to your full travel dates including return travel and potential delays. |
| 🌎 Geographic area | Coverage might be invalid or reduce for some countries or regions. | Review the policy’s destination list carefully to ensure every country on your route is protected. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Some credit cards or health plans offer partial travel protection already. | Compare current benefits with your plan and upgrade only what is missing or capped too low. |
| 🏄 Planned activities | Sporting, adventure or work-related trips may involve exclusions. | Request sport or high-risk activities coverage if you plan to participate in them abroad. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Faster sign-up and support, especially for last-minute travel. | Use comparison sites to find a suitable policy online and get immediate confirmation and documents. |
Do my current insurance policies cover short term travel insurance?
It is reasonable to consider if your public health insurance or credit card insurance can serve as a short term travel insurance, but unfortunately they are often insufficient for real travel requirements. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Short term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (PhilHealth) | Almost Never | Emergency treatment in select countries, benefits limited to ₱50,000–₱100,000. No repatriation, no baggage, no trip cancellation, no personal liability, valid only in few countries. | Travel insurance covers up to ₱5,000,000 for medical, plus cancellation, repatriation, baggage, and liability, which public health insurance never includes. |
| Private health insurance (Maxicare, Medicard) | Almost Never | Limited overseas emergency medical, only up to ₱200,000–₱500,000. No trip or baggage benefits, no repatriation, only network hospitals. | Travel insurance can reimburse up to ₱5,000,000 medical, plus trip cancellation, baggage loss, and evacuation, not offered by these plans. |
| Classic credit card (BPI Blue, Metrobank Classic) | Never | Rare basic medical, very low limits to ₱100,000. No repatriation, no baggage, no trip cancellation, no 24/7 assistance worldwide. | Travel insurance provides up to ₱5,000,000 medical, includes repatriation, all baggage, trip, and emergency services, none covered by classic cards. |
| Premium credit card (BPI Amore Platinum, BDO Elite Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Some medical up to ₱250,000–₱400,000, may include accident cover. Low coverage limits, excludes repatriation, no trip cancellation or personal liability cover. | Travel insurance protects up to ₱5,000,000 with full medical, evacuation, trip interruption, baggage, and liability, far exceeding any premium credit card benefits in the Philippines. |
No repatriation, no baggage, no trip cancellation, no personal liability, valid only in few countries.
No trip or baggage benefits, no repatriation, only network hospitals.
No repatriation, no baggage, no trip cancellation, no 24/7 assistance worldwide.
Low coverage limits, excludes repatriation, no trip cancellation or personal liability cover.
Expert advice
Your bank card or local health insurance often excludes trip interruptions due to a relative’s illness or death. Read the conditions carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is mandatory for entry into some countries, such as those in the Schengen Area and certain destinations in Asia and the Middle East. For most places, it is not required by law, but it remains highly recommended, especially for travelers going to countries with expensive healthcare. Even on a short trip to Japan or the United States, insurance can be essential in case of sudden illness or an accident, potentially saving you hundreds of thousands of pesos.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
It is best to purchase short term travel insurance as soon as your travel dates are confirmed or your flight tickets are booked. Buying early ensures that you are protected against cancellations or medical emergencies that may happen before and during your trip. Additionally, some benefits like trip cancellation only become effective if the insurance is active before any incident occurs, making timely purchase financially beneficial.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
To buy short term travel insurance, first, compare different policy options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best value for your needs. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, focusing on what is included for the short trip and any restrictions. After choosing the right coverage, you can purchase the policy online. Once you complete payment, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you may need to present when applying for a visa or at your destination.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase short term travel insurance after booking your trip, but ideally you should do so before your departure date. Most insurers require the policy to be active before your journey begins, and certain benefits, such as trip cancellation, are only available if the coverage was taken out before any incident occurred. Always check if there are any specific cut-off dates for purchase based on the insurer’s terms.
How do I make a claim on short term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurance company’s emergency assistance hotline as soon as possible and provide details about the incident. You will need to submit required documents, such as your policy certificate, receipts, medical records, or police reports, depending on the claim type. The insurer will review your submission, request any additional information if needed, and process the reimbursement. Most providers offer online claim portals for faster service.
Does short term travel insurance cover COVID-19 expenses?
Many short term travel insurance plans now include coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, quarantine costs, and sometimes trip disruption due to pandemic-related events. However, coverage may vary by insurer, so it is important to verify COVID-19 benefits and any exclusions before purchasing your insurance. Always make sure that your policy specifically mentions COVID-19 coverage if it is a concern for your trip.
Is baggage loss covered by short term travel insurance?
Most short term travel insurance policies include protection for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, often up to a specified maximum amount. This coverage typically reimburses you for essential items purchased while your luggage is missing, as well as the value of lost belongings. Check the sub-limits for valuables such as electronics, and remember that conditions and documentation requirements may apply.
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is mandatory for entry into some countries, such as those in the Schengen Area and certain destinations in Asia and the Middle East. For most places, it is not required by law, but it remains highly recommended, especially for travelers going to countries with expensive healthcare. Even on a short trip to Japan or the United States, insurance can be essential in case of sudden illness or an accident, potentially saving you hundreds of thousands of pesos.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
It is best to purchase short term travel insurance as soon as your travel dates are confirmed or your flight tickets are booked. Buying early ensures that you are protected against cancellations or medical emergencies that may happen before and during your trip. Additionally, some benefits like trip cancellation only become effective if the insurance is active before any incident occurs, making timely purchase financially beneficial.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
To buy short term travel insurance, first, compare different policy options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best value for your needs. Next, carefully check the guarantees and exclusions, focusing on what is included for the short trip and any restrictions. After choosing the right coverage, you can purchase the policy online. Once you complete payment, you will receive your insurance certificate by email, which you may need to present when applying for a visa or at your destination.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase short term travel insurance after booking your trip, but ideally you should do so before your departure date. Most insurers require the policy to be active before your journey begins, and certain benefits, such as trip cancellation, are only available if the coverage was taken out before any incident occurred. Always check if there are any specific cut-off dates for purchase based on the insurer’s terms.
How do I make a claim on short term travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurance company’s emergency assistance hotline as soon as possible and provide details about the incident. You will need to submit required documents, such as your policy certificate, receipts, medical records, or police reports, depending on the claim type. The insurer will review your submission, request any additional information if needed, and process the reimbursement. Most providers offer online claim portals for faster service.
Does short term travel insurance cover COVID-19 expenses?
Many short term travel insurance plans now include coverage for COVID-19 medical expenses, quarantine costs, and sometimes trip disruption due to pandemic-related events. However, coverage may vary by insurer, so it is important to verify COVID-19 benefits and any exclusions before purchasing your insurance. Always make sure that your policy specifically mentions COVID-19 coverage if it is a concern for your trip.
Is baggage loss covered by short term travel insurance?
Most short term travel insurance policies include protection for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, often up to a specified maximum amount. This coverage typically reimburses you for essential items purchased while your luggage is missing, as well as the value of lost belongings. Check the sub-limits for valuables such as electronics, and remember that conditions and documentation requirements may apply.
