Fly off to the Philippines

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TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE PHILIPPINES

If hiking through emerald forests, swimming in pristine water under year-round sun, or sharing in a rich multi-ethnic culture interests you, then look no further than the Philippines. Scroll on down for our handy guide on visas, getting around and the must-see spots in this nation of more that 7600 islands. Zoom's Philippines travel insurance has you covered for any unexpected holiday hurdles. Cover includes medical expenses should you fall sick or become injured, as well as cover for trip cancellation, lost luggage, family emergencies and more! What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!

PHILIPPINES QUICK GUIDE

Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is host to earthquakes, typhoons, and some of the most incredible natural landscapes on the planet. With rich exchanges with Asian, European and Middle Eastern communities, it is also home to a diverse range of historical sites and cultural experiences.

Go on, zoom to the Philippines and find out for yourself!

No matter which kind of Philippines experience you're planning, Zoom can cover your trip with a range of plans.  You can minimise your costs with Medical Only cover, or choose to buy Comprehensive Travel Insurance for extra protection to cover things like travel delays and cancellation. Compare Zoom's Travel Insurance plans online today.

 

VISAS FOR THE PHILIPPINES

Australians and Kiwis staying in the Philippines for less than 30 days generally don't need a visa, but the Bureau of Immigration generally requires proof of onward travel (usually in the form of a return ticket). If you're staying longer, be sure to arrange a visa before you arrive. 

Visa requirements can change quickly. For up-to-date information, contact your nearest Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines, or check with the Philippines Bureau of Immigration

ON ARRIVAL

No matter where in the Philippines you're going, there is a budget flight, bus or ferry that will get you there, with most flights routing through Manila or Cebu.

If you're on a budget, make sure you get a white taxi which runs on the meter. If a driver is asking for a fixed price upfront, it's probably more than a metered trip.

GETTING AROUND

First, the bad news. Roads are poorly developed or maintained - less than a quarter of the roads are paved - and drivers often adopt a more frenetic pace that you may be used to. Always adopt a defensive driving style if you're hiring a car, and consider hire vehicle excess insurance. 

Buses are cheap, and often slow, indirect and cramped. The bigger bus companies which target tourists have newer and more comfortable (read: air-conditioned) vehicles. But they go almost anywhere, and are a great way to see the diversity of the Philippines.

Catch a jeepney! What's a jeepney? It's a modified American army jeep left behind after the Second World War. These are the primary form of transport in many cities, with their routes written on the side, and start at around eight pesos for an intratown trip. 

With thousands of islands, a great way to get around is via ferry. From the proper ferries (100s-plus passengers), to big bangkas (50) and bangkas (up to 10), they will get you to places that are otherwise inaccessible. They have something of a poor safety record, so for longer journeys, a budget flight is recommended.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Tourist season in the Philippines is the dry season, from November to April. The temperature can be unbearable to visitors during March and April - rarely dipping below 35*C, so consider November to February if you want to beat the heat. The wet season - May to October - has fewer people but also a lot more rain, including typhoons around July and August!

WHERE TO GO

Be warned - with more than 7000 islands, you'd spend over 20 years trying to visit each Filipino island for just one day. A good idea for first-timers is to stick to one or two cities, and have day trips to close-by islands.

The capital, Manila, features a number of pre-colonial, colonial and revolutionary landmarks, including Fort Santiago, a 16th-century citadel, and the San Miguel heritage district. Also stop by Yuchengo Museum, with a wing dedicated to revolutionary hero, Jose Rizal, or for the more bizzare, see notorious former First Lady Imelda Marcos' shoe collection in the Marikina Shoe Museum.

South of Manila, southern Luzon has great natural experiences, such as whale shark snorkelling areas and Mount Mayon Volcano, but also fun man-made ones, including the Enchanted Kingdom and Sky Ranch theme parks.

Check out Cebu for incredible dive sites, such as the reef at Langilan, or look for unique cultural sites, such as the Basilica del Santo Niño - a Catholic church founded in the 1560s after a sighting of Jesus - or the Taoist Temple

Love wildlife? Go to Loboc for its famous Tarsier Sanctuary, home to one the cutest/weirdest primates on Earth. 

MUST KNOW TIPS

Cash is king - unless you're planning a luxury vacation, you'll find that backpackers hostels, street food, etc are all cash only. Some towns don't have ATMs, so always have a secret stash packed away in case you find yourself in a digital black hole (hint: you will).

Don't overplan and definitely don't plan to arrive on time. Not only is this unlikely with traffic being what it is, it is also kind of rude when visiting people's homes! A good rule of thumb is to be there 15 minutes later than invited.

ZOOMING ELSEWHERE?

Are you planning to zoom somewhere else on your holidays? Whether your next stop is Nepal or you're calling on Cambodia we've got plenty of helpful advice on other popular travel destinations to check out. What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!
 

COMPARE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INSURANCE

COMPARE PLANS

(Benefits are per adult) Expand to see benefits & limits in detail
Medical Only Standard Comprehensive MOST POPULAR
MEDICAL Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
24/7 Emergency Assistance Services Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
24 Hour emergency medical assistance services, access to trained medical advisers, medical evacuation, hospital expense guarantees, ambulance fees, messages to family, and funeral arrangements.
Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses^ Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Overseas medical treatment if you are injured or become sick overseas, including hospital stays, surgery, prescription drugs, and doctor visits.
Includes Dental Expenses (per person) $500 $500 $500
Cover for emergency dental treatment for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth.
Additional Expenses - $10,000 $50,000
Cover for additional travel expenses if you cannot travel because of an injury or sickness (whilst overseas)
Includes Family Emergency - Yes Yes
Cover for additional travel expenses such as your return flight to Australia if a relative of either you, or travelling companion requires hospitalisation or dies unexpectedly. (no excess applies)
Includes Resumption of Journey - $3,000 $3,000
Reimbursement for the cost of airfares for you to return to the place where your journey was interrupted in the event of a relatives death or hospitalisation, following serious injury or illness. (no excess applies)
Includes Emergency Companion Cover - Yes Yes
Additional accommodation and travel expenses you incur to remain with your travelling companion. (no excess applies)
Hospital Cash Allowance^^ - $2,500 $5,000
An allowance of $50 per day if you are hospitalised for more than 48 continuous hours whilst overseas.
Accidental Death - - $25,000
A benefit payable if you die because of, and within 12 months, of an accidental bodily injury sustained during your journey. (no excess applies)
Permanent Disability^^ - - $25,000
A lump sum benefit if you suffer a total permanent disability as result of an accidental injury during your trip. (no excess applies)
Loss of Income^^ - - $10,400
Weekly benefit payable if you become disabled within 30 days of an injury you sustained during your journey, and you are unable to work more than 30 days after returning to Australia. (no excess applies)
CANCELLATION - $25,000 Unlimited
Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits - $25,000 Unlimited
Cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses that you cannot recover when your trip is cancelled or cut short due to unexpected events such as illness, injuries, accidents, strikes and natural disasters.
Alternative Transport Expenses - - $5,000
Reasonable travel expenses incurred to reach special events such as weddings, funerals, conferences and sporting events on time following transport delays beyond your control. (no excess applies)
Travel Delay Expenses - - $2,000
Cover for reasonable meal and accommodation expenses if your journey is disrupted for more than 6 hours due to circumstances beyond your control. (no excess applies)
LUGGAGE - $7,500 $7,500
Luggage & Personal Effects - $7,500 $7,500
Repair or replacement cost of any personal effects that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your journey. This includes items such as cameras, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses^^ - - $250
Cover to purchase essential personal items following your luggage and personal effects being delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your carrier for more than 12 hours. (no excess applies)
Travel Documents & Transaction Cards^^ - $2,000 $5,000
Replacement cost of lost or stolen travel documents including passports and credit cards. This includes costs incurred due to fraudulent activity on your credit card not already covered by the financial institution.
Theft of Cash^^ - - $250
Cover for cash, bank notes, currency notes, postal orders or money orders stolen from you during your journey.
PERSONAL LIABILITY $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $5,000,000
Personal Liability $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $5,000,000
Cover for legal liability including legal expenses for bodily injuries or damage to property of other persons as a result of a claim made against you.

Medical Only

Show Benefits
  • MEDICAL Unlimited
  • Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance^ Unlimited
  • 24 Hour emergency medical assistance services, access to trained medical advisers, medical evacuation, hospital expense guarantees, ambulance fees, messages to family, and funeral arrangements.
  • Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses^ Unlimited
  • Overseas medical treatment if you are injured or become sick overseas, including hospital stays, surgery, prescription drugs, and doctor visits.
  • Includes Dental Expenses (per person) $500
  • Cover for emergency dental treatment for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth.
  • Additional Expenses -
  • Cover for additional travel expenses if you cannot travel because of an injury or sickness (whilst overseas)
  • Includes Family Emergency -
  • Cover for additional travel expenses such as your return flight to Australia if a relative of either you, or travelling companion requires hospitalisation or dies unexpectedly. (no excess applies)
  • Includes Resumption of Journey -
  • Reimbursement for the cost of airfares for you to return to the place where your journey was interrupted in the event of a relatives death or hospitalisation, following serious injury or illness. (no excess applies)
  • Includes Emergency Companion Cover -
  • Additional accommodation and travel expenses you incur to remain with your travelling companion. (no excess applies)
  • Hospital Cash Allowance^^ -
  • An allowance of $50 per day if you are hospitalised for more than 48 continuous hours whilst overseas.
  • Accidental Death -
  • A benefit payable if you die because of, and within 12 months, of an accidental bodily injury sustained during your journey. (no excess applies)
  • Permanent Disability^^ -
  • A lump sum benefit if you suffer a total permanent disability as result of an accidental injury during your trip. (no excess applies)
  • Loss of Income^^ -
  • Weekly benefit payable if you become disabled within 30 days of an injury you sustained during your journey, and you are unable to work more than 30 days after returning to Australia. (no excess applies)
  • CANCELLATION Unlimited
  • Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits Unlimited
  • Cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses that you cannot recover when your trip is cancelled or cut short due to unexpected events such as illness, injuries, accidents, strikes and natural disasters.
  • Alternative Transport Expenses -
  • Reasonable travel expenses incurred to reach special events such as weddings, funerals, conferences and sporting events on time following transport delays beyond your control. (no excess applies)
  • Travel Delay Expenses -
  • Cover for reasonable meal and accommodation expenses if your journey is disrupted for more than 6 hours due to circumstances beyond your control. (no excess applies)
  • LUGGAGE -
  • Luggage & Personal Effects -
  • Repair or replacement cost of any personal effects that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your journey. This includes items such as cameras, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
  • Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses^^ -
  • Cover to purchase essential personal items following your luggage and personal effects being delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your carrier for more than 12 hours. (no excess applies)
  • Travel Documents & Transaction Cards^^ -
  • Replacement cost of lost or stolen travel documents including passports and credit cards. This includes costs incurred due to fraudulent activity on your credit card not already covered by the financial institution.
  • Theft of Cash^^ -
  • Cover for cash, bank notes, currency notes, postal orders or money orders stolen from you during your journey.
  • ANCILLARY $2,500,000
  • Personal Liability $2,500,000
  • Cover for legal liability including legal expenses for bodily injuries or damage to property of other persons as a result of a claim made against you.
  • Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess Optional
  • Cover for the excess payable on your rental car's insurance in the event of accidental damage or theft during the car rental period.
  • Note: Benefit limits shown are per adult traveller. For accompanying dependants, the policy benefits are shared with the adult traveller.

    ^^ There is no cover for these benefits while travelling in Australia.

    Sub-limits apply to some sections. Please refer to the section titled Cover Benefits In Detail of this PDS for more information.

Standard

Show Benefits
  • MEDICAL Unlimited
  • Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance^ Unlimited
  • 24 Hour emergency medical assistance services, access to trained medical advisers, medical evacuation, hospital expense guarantees, ambulance fees, messages to family, and funeral arrangements.
  • Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses^ Unlimited
  • Overseas medical treatment if you are injured or become sick overseas, including hospital stays, surgery, prescription drugs, and doctor visits.
  • Includes Dental Expenses (per person) $500
  • Cover for emergency dental treatment for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth.
  • Additional Expenses $30,000
  • Cover for additional travel expenses if you cannot travel because of an injury or sickness (whilst overseas)
  • Includes Family Emergency Yes
  • Cover for additional travel expenses such as your return flight to Australia if a relative of either you, or travelling companion requires hospitalisation or dies unexpectedly. (no excess applies)
  • Includes Resumption of Journey $3,000
  • Reimbursement for the cost of airfares for you to return to the place where your journey was interrupted in the event of a relatives death or hospitalisation, following serious injury or illness. (no excess applies)
  • Includes Emergency Companion Cover Yes
  • Additional accommodation and travel expenses you incur to remain with your travelling companion. (no excess applies)
  • Hospital Cash Allowance^^ $2,500
  • An allowance of $50 per day if you are hospitalised for more than 48 continuous hours whilst overseas.
  • Accidental Death -
  • A benefit payable if you die because of, and within 12 months, of an accidental bodily injury sustained during your journey. (no excess applies)
  • Permanent Disability^^ -
  • A lump sum benefit if you suffer a total permanent disability as result of an accidental injury during your trip. (no excess applies)
  • Loss of Income^^ -
  • Weekly benefit payable if you become disabled within 30 days of an injury you sustained during your journey, and you are unable to work more than 30 days after returning to Australia. (no excess applies)
  • CANCELLATION Unlimited
  • Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits Unlimited
  • Cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses that you cannot recover when your trip is cancelled or cut short due to unexpected events such as illness, injuries, accidents, strikes and natural disasters.
  • Alternative Transport Expenses -
  • Reasonable travel expenses incurred to reach special events such as weddings, funerals, conferences and sporting events on time following transport delays beyond your control. (no excess applies)
  • Travel Delay Expenses -
  • Cover for reasonable meal and accommodation expenses if your journey is disrupted for more than 6 hours due to circumstances beyond your control. (no excess applies)
  • LUGGAGE $5,000
  • Luggage & Personal Effects $5,000
  • Repair or replacement cost of any personal effects that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your journey. This includes items such as cameras, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
  • Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses^^ -
  • Cover to purchase essential personal items following your luggage and personal effects being delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your carrier for more than 12 hours. (no excess applies)
  • Travel Documents & Transaction Cards^^ $2,000
  • Replacement cost of lost or stolen travel documents including passports and credit cards. This includes costs incurred due to fraudulent activity on your credit card not already covered by the financial institution.
  • Theft of Cash^^ -
  • Cover for cash, bank notes, currency notes, postal orders or money orders stolen from you during your journey.
  • ANCILLARY $2,500,000
  • Personal Liability $2,500,000
  • Cover for legal liability including legal expenses for bodily injuries or damage to property of other persons as a result of a claim made against you.
  • Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess Optional
  • Cover for the excess payable on your rental car's insurance in the event of accidental damage or theft during the car rental period.
  • Note: Benefit limits shown are per adult traveller. For accompanying dependants, the policy benefits are shared with the adult traveller.

    ^^ There is no cover for these benefits while travelling in Australia.

    Sub-limits apply to some sections. Please refer to the section titled Cover Benefits In Detail of this PDS for more information.

Comprehensive

Show Benefits
  • MEDICAL Unlimited
  • Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance^ Unlimited
  • 24 Hour emergency medical assistance services, access to trained medical advisers, medical evacuation, hospital expense guarantees, ambulance fees, messages to family, and funeral arrangements.
  • Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses^ Unlimited
  • Overseas medical treatment if you are injured or become sick overseas, including hospital stays, surgery, prescription drugs, and doctor visits.
  • Includes Dental Expenses (per person) $500
  • Cover for emergency dental treatment for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth.
  • Additional Expenses $50,000
  • Cover for additional travel expenses if you cannot travel because of an injury or sickness (whilst overseas)
  • Includes Family Emergency Yes
  • Cover for additional travel expenses such as your return flight to Australia if a relative of either you, or travelling companion requires hospitalisation or dies unexpectedly. (no excess applies)
  • Includes Resumption of Journey $3,000
  • Reimbursement for the cost of airfares for you to return to the place where your journey was interrupted in the event of a relatives death or hospitalisation, following serious injury or illness. (no excess applies)
  • Includes Emergency Companion Cover Yes
  • Additional accommodation and travel expenses you incur to remain with your travelling companion. (no excess applies)
  • Hospital Cash Allowance^^ $5,000
  • An allowance of $50 per day if you are hospitalised for more than 48 continuous hours whilst overseas.
  • Accidental Death $25,000
  • A benefit payable if you die because of, and within 12 months, of an accidental bodily injury sustained during your journey. (no excess applies)
  • Permanent Disability^^ $25,000
  • A lump sum benefit if you suffer a total permanent disability as result of an accidental injury during your trip. (no excess applies)
  • Loss of Income^^ $10,400
  • Weekly benefit payable if you become disabled within 30 days of an injury you sustained during your journey, and you are unable to work more than 30 days after returning to Australia. (no excess applies)
  • CANCELLATION Unlimited
  • Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits Unlimited
  • Cover for cancellation fees and prepaid travel expenses that you cannot recover when your trip is cancelled or cut short due to unexpected events such as illness, injuries, accidents, strikes and natural disasters.
  • Alternative Transport Expenses $5,000
  • Reasonable travel expenses incurred to reach special events such as weddings, funerals, conferences and sporting events on time following transport delays beyond your control. (no excess applies)
  • Travel Delay Expenses $2,000
  • Cover for reasonable meal and accommodation expenses if your journey is disrupted for more than 6 hours due to circumstances beyond your control. (no excess applies)
  • LUGGAGE $7,500
  • Luggage & Personal Effects $7,500
  • Repair or replacement cost of any personal effects that are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your journey. This includes items such as cameras, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.
  • Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses^^ $250
  • Cover to purchase essential personal items following your luggage and personal effects being delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your carrier for more than 12 hours. (no excess applies)
  • Travel Documents & Transaction Cards^^ $5,000
  • Replacement cost of lost or stolen travel documents including passports and credit cards. This includes costs incurred due to fraudulent activity on your credit card not already covered by the financial institution.
  • Theft of Cash^^ $250
  • Cover for cash, bank notes, currency notes, postal orders or money orders stolen from you during your journey.
  • ANCILLARY $5,000,000
  • Personal Liability $5,000,000
  • Cover for legal liability including legal expenses for bodily injuries or damage to property of other persons as a result of a claim made against you.
  • Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess Optional
  • Cover for the excess payable on your rental car's insurance in the event of accidental damage or theft during the car rental period.
  • Note: Benefit limits shown are per adult traveller. For accompanying dependants, the policy benefits are shared with the adult traveller.

    ^^ There is no cover for these benefits while travelling in Australia.

    Sub-limits apply to some sections. Please refer to the section titled Cover Benefits In Detail of this PDS for more information.

Note: Benefit limits shown are per adult traveller. For accompanying dependants, the policy benefits are shared with the adult traveller.

^^ There is no cover for these benefits while travelling in Australia.

Sub-limits apply to some sections. Please refer to PDS for more information.

WHY BUY WITH ZOOM

Medical cover

medical cover

Relax knowing that your hospital expenses are covered with Zoom's unlimited medical coverage. Zoom to top notch cover!

travel delays

Travel delays

Setbacks on your sojourn are never much fun. Cover your Philippines travel disruptions in a flash with Zoom travel cover. We keep things zippy!

luggage cover

LUGGAGE COVER

Your stuff is precious and we get that. Take off on your adventure in the Philippines knowing your luggage is protected with Zoom.

Family emergencies

Family emergencies

Had to rush home or cancel your trip due to a family emergency? We'll cover your non-refundable deposits so you can focus on the rest.

kids go free

kids go free

Family holiday to South-East Asia? Save your pesos with all dependants under 19 included under your policy at no additional cost.

Car Hire Excess

rental car excess

Driving in the Philippines? Our rental vehicle excess add-on is a must for roadtripping travellers.

easy claims

easy claims

We've done away with lengthy forms and have kept our claims process simple. We guarantee to assess fully documented claims in a flash.

Car Hire Excess

Peace Of Mind

Zoom to Zen. You can sit back and relax on your holiday knowing that you’re covered by award winning travel insurance.

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQs

Got some curly questions in regards to your Phillipines travel insurance cover?
Be in the the know before you go with answers to the most common queries below.

  • Am I covered medically while holidaying in the Philippines?
  • Yes, all our policies cover for unlimited medical coverage. Zoom provides cover for your overseas medical expenses including hospital stays, surgery, doctor visits, emergency evacuation and repatriation home if required. We can provide written guarantees of payment of reasonable expenses directly with your hospital in emergency situations. Phew!

  • What happens if I need medical assistance in the Philippines?
  • Have complete peace of mind on your adventure to the Philipines. Zoom provides immediate support through our emergency assistance provider, First Assistance. Help is just a phone call away any time of day 365 days a year. This includes access to medical advisors, medical transfers and emergency evacuation if required. We also assist with passing on messages to family and returning unsupervised dependants back to Australia.

  • How do alcohol and drugs affect my cover?
  •  When it comes to alcohol we advise you to drink in moderation. One lambanog too many could see you jeopardizing your cover. Please note that we may exclude any claims where excessive drugs or alcohol have been involved.

  • I have high value items; how much can I insure them for?
  • If you have an expensive item that you just can’t leave behind you can insure it separately for up to $5,000. Please note that high value item cover is only available under our comprehensive plan.

  • Am I covered for pickpocketing in the Philippines?
  • Yes, you’re covered for muggings, provided of course you were acting with reasonable care (i.e. did not leave your belongings unattended). If you’re the victim of a pickpocket, you’d be covered for loss, theft and damage to your luggage and personal effects. If you are robbed, it’s important that you get a police report and contact us as soon as possible.

  • What age limits apply to Zoom travel insurance policies?
  • You must be under the age of 85 to buy a policy with Zoom. Those under 79 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 365 days. Those aged between 80-85 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 184 days only. You must also be under the age of 69 to purchase our add-on ski or adventure packs.

  • Can I reduce my excess with Zoom products?
  • Yes you can reduce the standard excess of $200 by paying a excess reduction fee within the payment process. 

  • What is a dependant?
  • This means your dependant children or grandchildren under the age of 19 at the date of policy issue who are travelling with you.