- What are the best single trip travel insurance plans?
- What exactly is single trip travel insurance?
- The cost of single trip travel insurance
- What does single trip travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of single trip travel insurance
- Why take out single trip travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right single trip Travel Insurance
- Does my current insurance policy cover single trip travel insurance?
- FAQ
single trip travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Single trip insurance covers one specific journey abroad for medical emergencies, cancellations, and other travel mishaps.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe from the Philippines typically costs between ₱2,000 and ₱5,000.
3. Coverage: It covers medical care and lost baggage but often excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: PhilHealth, HMOs, and credit cards offer very limited or no international medical and travel coverage.
5. Tips: Check if the policy meets Schengen visa requirements and has high medical limits for expensive countries.
6. Other useful info: Many insurers now include COVID-19 medical coverage, but always verify the policy details before purchasing.
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 single trip travel insurance.
What are the best single trip travel insurance plans?
Here is a selection of the best single trip travel insurance plans available for residents of the Philippines in 2025. These policies are among the top choices for their high coverage limits, low deductibles, and straightforward conditions.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | ₱5.5M | ₱0 |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | ₱5.5M | ₱0 |
|
| Tourist Card | ₱2.75M | ₱2,750 |
|
| World Travel | ₱3.3M | ₱5,500 |
|
| Globe Partner | ₱1.65M | ₱0 |
|
| Globe Traveller | ₱2.75M | ₱0 |
|
- Comprehensive worldwide medical coverage.
- Medical teleconsultation included.
- Immediate certificate issuance.
- 24/7 English support line.
- 24/7 multilingual assistance.
- Free mobile medical app.
- Direct medical payments to hospitals.
- No deductible on claims.
- Fast digital claims.
- Adventure sports coverage.
- Support for emergency travel changes.
- Flexible cancellation terms.
- Political evacuation benefits.
- COVID-19 and quarantine covered.
- Passport loss assistance.
- Includes emergency interpreter services.
- No age-based premium increase.
- Quick email claim processing.
- Coverage for many pre-existing conditions.
- Simple online enrolment.
- Long stay eligibility (up to 12 months).
- Baggage and personal liability protection.
- Multilingual document support.
- Policy renewal options online.
The best single trip travel insurance depends on your unique situation. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the right plan and subscribe securely online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is single trip travel insurance?
Single trip travel insurance is a policy that offers protection for Filipino travelers during one specific journey from departure until return.
It covers risks such as medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and accidents for the duration of a single trip, whether domestic or international.
This insurance is ideal for those who do not travel regularly and need coverage only for a particular journey, with benefits ending once you arrive back in the Philippines.
Single trip travel insurance is sometimes confused with annual multi-trip plans, but it covers only one trip per policy.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out single trip travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in the Philippines:
- For visa applications that mandate travel insurance, like for Europe.
- When visiting countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- Your local PhilHealth or HMO plan has limited overseas coverage.
- If your trip involves expensive, non-refundable flights and hotel bookings.
- When participating in adventure activities such as diving or skiing.
- If you travel with children or elderly dependents abroad.
- For one-off trips when you do not travel frequently.
The cost of single trip travel insurance
On average, single trip travel insurance costs between 2% and 5% of the total price of your trip.
| Trip | Trip cost (PHP) | Indicative price per person (PHP) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week holiday in Thailand | ₱35,000 | ₱700 to ₱1,750 |
| 2 weeks in Japan | ₱80,000 | ₱1,600 to ₱4,000 |
| 3 weeks tour in France and Italy | ₱150,000 | ₱3,000 to ₱6,500 |
| 1 month travel in the United States | ₱250,000 | ₱5,000 to ₱12,500 |
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 single trip travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer trips raise the total premium.
- destination: travel to countries with high medical costs, such as the United States or Japan, increases the price.
- traveler’s age: higher age groups often pay more, especially above 60 years old.
- level of coverage: higher medical limits, lower deductibles, or add-ons like baggage and trip cancellation increase the cost.
- activities covered: policies that include risky sports, adventure, or winter activities cost more.
- pre-existing conditions: covering existing health conditions typically leads to higher premiums.
What does single trip travel insurance cover?
Single trip travel insurance is intended for one journey, from departure to return, offering protection specific to the travel period.
It is best suited for occasional travelers who want peace of mind while abroad.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid costs if urgent events force you to cancel before departure. | We recommend a minimum cover of ₱100k and a deductible below ₱2k. Pre-existing illness, work obligations, and visa denial are often excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Pays for meals and lodging during flight or transport delays above the policy’s threshold. | At least ₱10k after 6 hours' delay, no deductible preferred. Delays under 6 hours or without airline documentation are not covered. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Covers the loss, theft, or damage of checked luggage and personal items during your journey. | Choose cover of ₱50k+ and deductible under ₱2k. Unattended luggage, and electronics over policy limits are usually excluded. |
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays for hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions and medical care abroad. | We advise a ₱1.5M minimum and low deductible, ideally ₱2k or less. Chronic illnesses, routine checkups, and some sports injuries are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Provides transport to the Philippines if medically necessary. | Minimum ₱2M, best if unlimited, with no deductible. Voluntary repatriation and medical refusal can be excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Offers reimbursement if you need urgent dental treatment during the trip. | ₱20k minimum, deductible up to ₱1k is reasonable. Cosmetic care and routine dental visits are excluded. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Covers essentials if checked luggage is delayed on arrival at your destination. | Minimum ₱5k after 12 hours’ delay, no deductible. Return trip delays and lack of receipts are not covered. |
| 🧑 Personal accident | Pays a lump sum for accidental death or permanent disability abroad. | At least ₱500k cover, with no deductible. High-risk sports, war, or illegal acts are not included. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers compensation if you accidentally injure someone or damage property in another country. | ₱1M minimum is recommended, and deductible no more than ₱5k. Damage to close family, pets, or rented items is excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Reimburses legal expenses if you face legal trouble in another country. | ₱100k for legal fees and ₱500k bail. Alcohol use, criminal acts, or intentional wrongdoing are not covered. |
Pre-existing illness, work obligations, and visa denial are often excluded.
Delays under 6 hours or without airline documentation are not covered.
Unattended luggage, and electronics over policy limits are usually excluded.
Chronic illnesses, routine checkups, and some sports injuries are excluded.
Voluntary repatriation and medical refusal can be excluded.
Cosmetic care and routine dental visits are excluded.
Return trip delays and lack of receipts are not covered.
High-risk sports, war, or illegal acts are not included.
Damage to close family, pets, or rented items is excluded.
Alcohol use, criminal acts, or intentional wrongdoing are not covered.
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 single trip travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of single trip travel insurance
To make your single trip travel insurance valid during your journey from the Philippines, specific conditions must be satisfied.
- Purchase before departure: you must buy the insurance before leaving the Philippines, not once already abroad.
- Residency requirement: you must be a legal resident of the Philippines at the time of purchase.
- Trip definition: your policy only covers one continuous outbound and return journey, not multiple trips or open-ended travel.
- Exact travel dates: you must declare the correct start and end dates of your trip, with coverage ending upon return.
- Duration compliance: your journey must not exceed the maximum duration allowed by your policy, usually between 45 and 180 days.
- Destination limitations: coverage may not apply to travel in countries under government travel warnings or official advisories.
- Purpose of travel: non-leisure or prohibited activities such as migration or permanent relocation may not be covered.
- Incident reporting: you must notify the insurer promptly of accidents, medical events, or eligible claims during the trip.
Watch out!
A common mistake is buying single trip insurance just before flying. To be covered for trip cancellation, you must purchase your policy soon after booking your trip. This protects your non-refundable costs if an emergency, like sudden illness, forces you to cancel before you even leave.
Why take out single trip travel insurance?
When traveling abroad, unexpected accidents or illnesses can quickly become very expensive and difficult to manage without adequate insurance coverage.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to ₱5,000,000 per trip or 100%, depending on limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Often covered 100% if medically necessary and urgent |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to ₱5,000,000 or 100%, depending on plan |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100%, subject to plan maximum and deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial reimbursement, commonly with sublimit or cap |
- Europe: ₱15,000 to ₱20,000
- North America: ₱25,000 to ₱35,000
- Asia: ₱8,000 to ₱12,000
- Europe: ₱800,000 to ₱1,200,000
- North America: ₱1,000,000 to ₱2,000,000
- Asia: ₱400,000 to ₱600,000
- Europe: ₱500,000 to ₱1,000,000
- North America: ₱1,000,000 to ₱1,500,000
- Asia: ₱200,000 to ₱350,000
- Europe: ₱12,000 to ₱18,000
- North America: ₱18,000 to ₱25,000
- Asia: ₱6,000 to ₱10,000
- Europe: ₱20,000 to ₱30,000
- North America: ₱30,000 to ₱35,000
- Asia: ₱12,000 to ₱18,000
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.
Besides medical emergencies, single trip travel insurance can also cover trip cancellation, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability, travel interruption, and 24/7 emergency assistance. These protections can be especially useful if your trip is disrupted or you encounter other risks abroad.
Good to know
Don't let a medical emergency ruin your vacation and your finances. A single trip policy covers huge hospital bills that your local health insurance can't. Insurers like Chapka can even handle direct billing with hospitals, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
How to Choose the Right single trip Travel Insurance
Not all single trip travel insurance policies provide the same protection: coverage limits, deductibles, and conditions can vary significantly. It is important to compare the main criteria to find the plan that best suits your needs and travel plans.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Reimbursement limits | Low medical limits may not cover the true cost of serious emergencies abroad | Choose plans with at least ₱2,000,000 medical cover outside the Philippines. Prioritize higher limits for USA or Europe. |
| 📉 Deductible | The amount you pay before the insurer reimburses you for a claim | Opt for policies with low or zero medical deductibles to reduce out-of-pocket costs in case of illness or accident. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Time limits and restrictions affect eligibility for claims | Purchase your policy immediately after booking to access full cancellation or interruption protection from day one. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Premiums and coverage restrictions may apply for seniors or children | Check if your age group is fully covered and whether pre-existing condition exclusions or age-based limits apply for claims. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some policies restrict duration or exclude cover for extended stays | Select a policy that covers your full trip duration from departure until return to the Philippines, especially for longer stays. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Policy scope and exclusions may differ between regions or specific countries | Verify destination coverage and ensure your plan is valid for all countries on your itinerary, including transit stops. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Bank cards or health plans may already provide limited cover | Read your credit card or HMO policies and avoid paying twice for the same coverage if another plan already provides some benefits. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | High-risk activities like diving, skiing or trekking may be excluded | Inform your insurer if planning adventure sports and add the required coverage options to avoid claims being denied. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Enables fast comparison, easy purchase and digital policy management | Use comparison websites, then buy online for instant confirmation, secure payment, and immediate access to documents and proof. |
Does my current insurance policy cover single trip travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card plans or the public health system, can offer you single trip travel insurance, but unfortunately, these are often insufficient for travelers. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Single trip travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (PhilHealth) | Almost Never | Emergency medical in select partner countries, max ₱100,000 per claim. No repatriation or wider travel protection. Does not cover trip cancellation, baggage loss, delays, or personal liability, which are essential for travel. | Travel insurance covers medical up to ₱5,000,000, includes repatriation, travel delays, baggage loss, and liability throughout your specific trip abroad. |
| Private health insurance (Maxicare, Medicard) | Almost Never | Emergency care in network hospitals abroad with add-on, ceiling ₱500,000 - ₱1,000,000. Excludes trip cancellation, lost baggage, travel delays, or activities not linked to medical need or covered networks. | Travel insurance offers up to ₱5,000,000, with cancellation, baggage, delay, and 24/7 help not available in private health plans. |
| Classic credit card (BPI Classic, Metrobank Classic) | Never | Rarely any travel coverage, some cards have ₱100,000 for emergency medical, no repatriation, low claim limits. No trip interruption, lost ticket refund, baggage guarantees, or real-time emergency assistance for trip abroad. | Travel insurance pays medical bills up to ₱5,000,000 and covers baggage, delays, and trip cancellation for each single trip, none of which cards match. |
| Premium credit card (BPI Amore Platinum, BDO Elite Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Some include emergency medical (₱500,000), trip accident or baggage delay. Upper limits and benefits lower than required. No full repatriation, personal accident, liability protection, nor expenses for trip cancellation. | Travel insurance provides up to ₱5,000,000 for medical, covers trip cancellation, repatriation, liability, and lost baggage for the entire single journey. |
Does not cover trip cancellation, baggage loss, delays, or personal liability, which are essential for travel.
Excludes trip cancellation, lost baggage, travel delays, or activities not linked to medical need or covered networks.
No trip interruption, lost ticket refund, baggage guarantees, or real-time emergency assistance for trip abroad.
No full repatriation, personal accident, liability protection, nor expenses for trip cancellation.
Expert advice
Your bank card or local health insurance often excludes trip interruptions due to a relative’s illness or death. Read your policy's fine print carefully to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is mandatory for entry into some countries, such as Schengen Area nations, which require proof of insurance for visa applications. For most destinations, it is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. For example, even a minor medical emergency during a holiday in Japan or the United States can result in expenses far greater than the cost of insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
It is best to purchase single trip travel insurance as soon as your travel arrangements are confirmed or as soon as you book your flights and accommodation. Buying early ensures you are protected against unexpected cancellations and medical emergencies that might occur before you leave or during your trip, and some coverage begins only after the policy is in effect.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
First, compare multiple options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best policy for your needs. Next, carefully check all guarantees and exclusions specific to single trip travel insurance, including medical limits and cancellation terms. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. Upon payment, you will receive your certificate by email, which may be required during immigration or for visa processing.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase single trip travel insurance even after booking your trips, but before your departure date. However, some benefits, like trip cancellation coverage, may only apply if you buy the insurance shortly after booking. For full protection, it is always recommended to buy insurance as soon as possible.
How do I make a claim on single trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance hotline or claim portal as soon as the incident occurs. Provide your policy details, receipts, and other supporting documents such as medical reports or police reports. The insurer will process your claim, and you will receive reimbursement according to the terms of your policy.
Are adventure sports covered by single trip travel insurance?
Coverage for adventure sports and similar activities is not included in all single trip policies. Check your policy details or look for plans that offer specific riders for sports such as skiing, diving, or trekking. If you plan to participate in these activities, select a policy that clearly covers them to avoid claim denials.
Does single trip travel insurance cover COVID-19 related issues?
Most current single trip travel insurance plans now include COVID-19 related medical coverage and quarantine expenses. Some also cover trip interruption or cancellation due to a positive COVID-19 test. Always confirm these details in your policy wording to ensure you have adequate protection for pandemic risks.
Is single trip travel insurance mandatory?
Single trip travel insurance is mandatory for entry into some countries, such as Schengen Area nations, which require proof of insurance for visa applications. For most destinations, it is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. For example, even a minor medical emergency during a holiday in Japan or the United States can result in expenses far greater than the cost of insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase single trip travel insurance?
It is best to purchase single trip travel insurance as soon as your travel arrangements are confirmed or as soon as you book your flights and accommodation. Buying early ensures you are protected against unexpected cancellations and medical emergencies that might occur before you leave or during your trip, and some coverage begins only after the policy is in effect.
How do I purchase single trip travel insurance?
First, compare multiple options using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best policy for your needs. Next, carefully check all guarantees and exclusions specific to single trip travel insurance, including medical limits and cancellation terms. Purchase your chosen policy securely online. Upon payment, you will receive your certificate by email, which may be required during immigration or for visa processing.
Can I purchase single trip travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase single trip travel insurance even after booking your trips, but before your departure date. However, some benefits, like trip cancellation coverage, may only apply if you buy the insurance shortly after booking. For full protection, it is always recommended to buy insurance as soon as possible.
How do I make a claim on single trip travel insurance?
To make a claim, contact your insurer’s emergency assistance hotline or claim portal as soon as the incident occurs. Provide your policy details, receipts, and other supporting documents such as medical reports or police reports. The insurer will process your claim, and you will receive reimbursement according to the terms of your policy.
Are adventure sports covered by single trip travel insurance?
Coverage for adventure sports and similar activities is not included in all single trip policies. Check your policy details or look for plans that offer specific riders for sports such as skiing, diving, or trekking. If you plan to participate in these activities, select a policy that clearly covers them to avoid claim denials.
Does single trip travel insurance cover COVID-19 related issues?
Most current single trip travel insurance plans now include COVID-19 related medical coverage and quarantine expenses. Some also cover trip interruption or cancellation due to a positive COVID-19 test. Always confirm these details in your policy wording to ensure you have adequate protection for pandemic risks.
