Travel insurance now required

[KC813]

45 minutes ago, Mike J said:

Okay - could not stand the challenge of finding something even though I have zero plans of traveling.

Requested a quote and received 93 "results".   29 of those say they will cover covid.  

Click the URL to show the results for the trip details I entered.    

My "trip" that I will NOT be taking, done for research only.  Age 71, destination Philippines, citizen USA, travel dates 4/4/22 to 4/25/22, no coverage for trip cancellation.  Note - none of these cover trip cancel due to covid.   Hope this helps.  

AGAIN - I am not recommending any of these and you would need to do the questionnaire for your age and trip details.!!!!! 

https://www.squaremouth.com/quotes/62C0-3CC9

Now, this is useful!  At least getting some results under US$100!

We will probably see a lot of price variance from country to country based on each country's insurance laws.

For some of us in the states, some Medicare Supplement plans include travel/medical coverage.

[BrettGC]

2 hours ago, scott h said:

I have no problem with the Phil requiring health insurance, other countries (Australia?) also require it I THINK.

Australia only requires it from nationals of countries without a reciprocal health care agreement.  All the countries that do have an agreement have a comprehensive socialised health-care system. 

Edited February 4, 2022 by BrettGC

[gabgab]

Filipina pea has once recommended Pacific Cross, a Philippines based insurer that covers foreigners as well. They do cover covid.

And once again: just listing options. Not affiliated, not recommending, not trusting filipina pea. 

Edited February 4, 2022 by jimdones

[Old55]

My father in law is in hospital again 3rd time the past year or so. This time it's mild covid he is 92 years old with a recent history of  respiratory issues.

Although mamma and papa have Philhealth the hospital refuses to treat him without paying cash in advance. I would guess this is typical for Foreigners as well?

During our visits we always have some cash on hand in addition to an ATM or CC to cover emergency's.

[Clermont]

Lets see what Monday's release brings, it possible could be different. 

[manofthecoldland]

Makes me wonder how they come up with these sort of policy ideas.

Looks like they don't use a 'think tank' to  consider either the short term practicalities nor the  long term effect it will have on their desire to revive the much needed economic boost that the tourism industry provides. 

Its not clear to me what their motivation and goal is here, since most hospitals don't allow entry and treatment without either a Philhealth card and/or cash up front, as stated in prior posts here. Seldom does flashing a policy get you inside.... although I could be wrong on that.

Perhaps Philhealth should offer the needed coverage for the inexpensive premium they think will be available to  tourists who  wish come to the PI.

Barring that, I fail to see how this will do anything other than discourage more people from visiting here until travel is made easier and less expensive.

[Gas]

48 minutes ago, manofthecoldland said:

Makes me wonder how they come up with these sort of policy ideas.

Copy/Paste 😁

Countries like Thailand require even more documents and the insurance cover is $50,000. 
 

 

[OnMyWay]

According to this article, around 48 countries required travel insurance before the pandemic, and now it is 60.

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/03/going-abroad-your-destination-may-require-travel-insurance.html

I had to buy travel insurance to visit NZ in 2015 and again in 2019.  Both times, I used it and made claims.  The first time it was only small claim for ~75, but the second time it was almost the same as my premium, which was around 179 USD.  The first trip was 202 USD.  Both trips were about 30 days.

With a family of 5, the risk of someone getting sick goes up a lot.  If you are going somewhere where you are not covered and costs are high, you should buy it.  I bought it for my U.S. trip in 2017 and it was $681 for fam of 5, 30 days.  You should not be without it in the U.S. as one illness or accident could wipe you out.

Philippines has relatively cheap medical care, but if you get bad Covid and are stuck in the hospital for a few weeks, the bill can get to 1 million pesos quickly.  Thus the requirement.

The Philippine policies will only be sold by Philippine companies, so I think the hospitals will work with the companies.  There is a lot more to it than just waiving a card.  The cards have a phone number on them, and you should print your policy and bring it with you on your trip.

[OnMyWay]

P.S.  Some airlines are including Covid insurance in the ticket price, so check yours.  I have been looking at flights MNL-US and I think JAL has it.  That will be only Covid, not full travel insurance.

Edit:  Link to JAL free coverage.  No sure of the amounts.

https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/jalcoronacover/index.html

Edited February 5, 2022 by OnMyWay

[jimeve]

5 hours ago, sonjack2847 said:

17K is correct as that is what Chris pays. As for srrv I have no idea.

 

I'm registered on my wife's phil account as a dependent before 2016, so it's free for me. She just pays 3,700 P for both of us