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Travel insurance isn’t just for canceled trips. It also covers medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip delays, and more—helping you avoid unexpected expenses while traveling. Whether you need emergency medical care abroad or reimbursement for a delayed flight, having the right coverage can make all the difference. Here’s what you should know before your next trip.
Travel is back in full swing, and so are the unexpected mishaps—flight delays, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations. While traveling is an exciting experience, it also comes with risks that can disrupt plans and lead to unexpected expenses.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, over 113,000 Filipinos traveled overseas in 2022, and that number is expected to rise significantly in 2024. Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism reported 5.45 million foreign visitors to the Philippines in 2023, highlighting a strong rebound in international travel.
But with more people traveling, the chances of encountering travel-related issues also increase. In fact, global insurance data shows that up to 30% of travelers file an insurance claim, with the most common reasons being:
Medical emergencies abroad – From sudden illnesses to accidents, medical treatment overseas can be costly, especially without coverage. Some hospitals require upfront payment, which can be overwhelming for travelers.
Baggage delays or losses - Airlines mishandle thousands of bags daily. If your luggage gets lost or delayed, travel insurance can help cover the cost of essentials while you wait.
Trip cancellations or disruptions - Unexpected events like illness, death of a family member, etc., can force you to cancel or cut short your trip. Travel insurance can help you recover non-refundable expenses.
Many Filipinos still see travel insurance as optional, but as more people explore international destinations, having coverage is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. Some countries even require proof of travel insurance before entry.
With unpredictable events like flight disruptions, medical emergencies, and baggage mishaps, having a reliable safety net ensures that your travel experience remains stress-free.
Now that we know why travel insurance is essential, let’s dive into what it actually covers.
Whether it’s your first time traveling abroad or your 10th visit to a favorite destination, unexpected issues—flight delays, lost luggage, or sudden illness—can quickly turn a dream trip into a stressful (and expensive) nightmare. That’s where travel insurance comes in as your safety net.
At Oona Insurance, we believe understanding your coverage is just as important as booking your flights and accommodations. Let’s break down the key protections travel insurance provides and how they save you time, money, and stress.
Picture this: You catch the flu in Tokyo or sprain your ankle while hiking in New Zealand. Medical care abroad isn’t cheap—and your HMO or PhilHealth likely won’t cover international hospital bills.
Hospitalization, doctor’s fees, and emergency treatment
24/7 medical assistance for coordination and referrals
Emergency medical evacuation or repatriation, if necessary
Tip: Even a simple check-up abroad could cost thousands. Travel insurance can be the difference between a manageable inconvenience and a financial nightmare.
Few things are worse than arriving in another country without your clothes, chargers, or essentials.
With the right travel insurance, you can get:
Reimbursement for lost or stolen baggage
Allowances for delayed baggage (often after 6+ hours)
Coverage for travel documents and passports
“When my luggage was delayed in Singapore, Oona reimbursed me for the essentials I had to buy right away. Super helpful!” – Bea, frequent traveler from Cebu
Life is unpredictable, and so are last-minute cancellations. Whether it’s a sudden illness, or family emergency, travel insurance helps recover non-refundable costs.
What’s covered:
Trip cancellations due to covered reasons (illness, natural disasters, etc.)
Trip interruptions if you need to cut your travel short
Delays that incur extra costs
Best for:
Travelers with non-refundable bookings
Peak season travelers when rebooking can be difficult and expensive
In addition to medical emergencies, many travel insurance policies include a personal accident benefit, which offers financial compensation in case of accidental injury or death while traveling. Travel insurance isn’t just for your luggage — it protects you too.
What this includes:
Lump-sum payment for disability or accidental death
Coverage for accidents on public transportation, tours, or excursions
This is particularly ideal for:
Senior travelers
Adventurers who enjoy diving, skiing, hiking, etc. (make sure your plan includes high-risk activities)
Tip: Oona’s single-trip and annual plans are customizable so you can include extra coverage for things like skiing, scuba diving, or trekking.
In serious cases, travel insurance ensures that you're not stranded in a foreign country without proper medical support.
Your policy may include:
Emergency medical evacuation to the nearest hospital with proper care
Repatriation to the Philippines for ongoing treatment or in case of death
These events are rare, but without coverage, the costs can reach ₱500,000 or more which is why this benefit is a must..
Sometimes the problems aren’t life-threatening — just annoying. Good travel insurance like Oona also helps ease the burden of common hassles like:
Flight delays or rebooking fees
Missed connections
Accommodation cost due to delays
With Oona Travel Insurance, the claims process is simple, with 100% digital submission and dedicated support—so you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
While travel insurance is a powerful safety net, it doesn’t cover everything—and knowing what’s excluded is just as important as knowing what’s included.
Skipping the fine print? Not a great idea. Unexpected claims can be denied if they fall under common exclusions that many travelers aren’t aware of. Here’s what most travel insurance plans won’t cover—and what you can do about it.
Traveling against medical advice
Feeling sick before your trip? If your doctor advised you not to travel and you go anyway, your insurance won’t cover medical expenses if you fall ill during your trip.
What You Can Do: Always consult your doctor before traveling, especially if you have underlying conditions or recent surgeries.
Pre-existing medical conditions (unless declared and covered)
Most standard travel insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or past surgeries, unless you’ve declared them and purchased additional coverage.
What You Can Do: If you have a pre-existing condition, check if your insurer offers add-on coverage to protect you in case of complications abroad.
High-risk activities (unless added as a rider)
Thinking about skydiving in Dubai, scuba diving in Palawan, or skiing in Japan? Standard travel insurance may not cover injuries from high-risk activities unless you add an adventure sports rider.
Commonly Excluded Activities:
🚫 Skydiving, bungee jumping, paragliding
🚫 Scuba diving beyond depth limits
🚫 Skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering
🚫 Racing or professional sports
What You Can Do: If you’re planning an adventure-filled trip, choose a travel insurance plan that includes extreme sports coverage.
Claims related to intoxication, illegal activities, or negligence
Had one too many drinks before that scooter crash in Bali? Travel insurance won’t cover medical expenses if intoxication played a role in your accident.
Likewise, if you’re caught in illegal activities, such as drug-related offenses or visa violations, your policy won’t protect you.
What You Can Do: Drink responsibly and follow local laws—insurance is meant for the unexpected, not avoidable risks.
Travel to countries with active conflict or warnings
If you’re visiting a country with an active war, civil unrest, or government-issued travel advisory, your insurance may not apply—especially if the risks were known before booking.
Examples of Commonly Excluded Destinations:
🚫 Countries with ongoing war or political instability
🚫 Regions affected by severe natural disasters
🚫 Locations under travel bans or high-risk warnings
What You Can Do: Check government travel advisories before booking your trip. If you must travel to a high-risk area, some insurers offer special coverage for war zones or crisis evacuations.
Non-Refundable Expenses for Uncovered Reasons
Travel insurance covers trip cancellations, but only for valid reasons like sudden illness, or emergencies. It won’t cover:
🚫 Changing your mind about the trip
🚫 Missing a flight because you overslept
🚫 Canceling due to work obligations
What You Can Do: If you need maximum flexibility, look for "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) insurance, which allows cancellations for personal reasons but at a higher cost.
No two travel insurance plans are the same. Before you fly, review your Policy Schedule or contact Oona’s support team to clarify what’s covered and what’s not so you can travel with confidence.
At Oona, we go beyond just ticking boxes. Our travel insurance products are:
Affordable: Plans start as low as ₱299
Flexible: Coverage from 1 day to 90 days (or annual for frequent flyers)
Fast: Get covered in minutes, 100% online
Supportive: 24/7 emergency hotline, multilingual help, and fast claims processing
Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or for business, we’ve got a plan that fits.
Case 1: Lost Luggage in Bangkok
Carla flew to Bangkok for a conference, only to find her luggage was sent to another country. Thanks to Oona’s baggage delay coverage, she got reimbursed for essentials like clothes and toiletries.
Case 2: Cancelled Trip to Japan
Miguel had to cancel his trip due to a death in the family. With Oona’s cancellation protection, he recovered most of his prepaid flight and hotel expenses.
Case 3: Emergency Care in Seoul
Daniel got food poisoning on a street food tour in Seoul. His Oona travel insurance covered the ER visit, medication, and even his taxi to the hospital.
Feature |
Single-Trip Insurance |
Annual (Multi-Trip) Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Coverage Period |
One trip only |
Multiple trips within 12 months |
Medical Emergencies |
✅ |
✅ |
Baggage Loss & Delay |
✅ |
✅ |
Trip Cancellation |
✅ |
✅ |
High-Risk Activity Coverage |
Optional |
Optional |
Travel Frequency |
1–2 trips/year |
3+ trips/year |
Ideal For |
Vacationers, occasional trips |
Business travelers, frequent flyers |
Best time to buy?
Right after you book your trip. This way, your cancellation protection starts immediately, and you won’t forget later.
Tip: Don’t wait until the day before departure. Some coverages (like trip cancellation) are only
Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys but also one of its biggest uncertainties. From medical emergencies to flight delays, lost luggage to missed connections, travel insurance is your financial safety net abroad.
At Oona Insurance, we make it easy to get the right plan based on your destination, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you’re flying once a year or once a month, we offer flexible, affordable options to ensure you’re protected every step of the way.
