Travel insurance for island hopping
Ann doesn't sell insurance, but she always recommends strong cover. Island trips mean boats, remote beaches and water sports, and good hospitals can be a boat ride away. Here's what to know, and what your policy should include.
Why strong cover matters more here
Good hospitals are in the cities
Cebu City and Manila have well-equipped private hospitals. On smaller islands, clinics can be basic, and serious cases are often moved to a bigger hospital by boat, road or air.
You may have to pay first
Hospitals and doctors can ask for payment before treating you, sometimes in cash. Insurance with a 24/7 assistance line can guarantee payment for you.
Costs add up fast
The UK government warns intensive care can cost more than £1,000 a day. Patients also pay for transfers between hospitals.
Ambulances are limited
Outside the cities, ambulance services are not widely available. Getting you to the right hospital is part of what good cover pays for.
Cover every traveller should have
Cheap policies often leave out the things that matter most on an island trip. Check yours includes these.
- Emergency medical treatmentA high limit. Hospital stays, surgery and medicines add up quickly.
- Medical evacuation and repatriationMoving you to a better hospital, or home, if you need it. The single most important item.
- 24/7 emergency assistance lineA real person who can guarantee payment to the hospital and arrange transport.
- Trip delay and missed connectionsBoats are cancelled in rough weather. Cover for extra nights and missed flights helps.
- Your activitiesSnorkelling, diving, boat trips and scooters are often excluded unless you add them.
- Personal liabilityIf you accidentally injure someone or damage property.
- Bags, phones and camerasCheck the single-item limit if you travel with expensive gear.
- Pre-existing medical conditionsDeclare them, or a claim for anything related can be refused.
Check the small print
- Divers: cover is usually limited to a set depth, often 30 metres, and to dives within your certification. Pick the right level when you buy, or consider specialist dive insurance.
- Scooters and motorbikes: many policies only pay out if you hold a valid licence for that bike and wear a helmet.
- Boat trips and island hopping: usually covered, but check any "water sports" or "adventure" exclusions.
- Declare everything when you buy. Activities usually can't be added after the policy starts.
What to do
- Save your policy number and the insurer's 24/7 assistance number in your phone before you fly.
- Call your insurer as soon as you're referred to a hospital. They can guarantee payment.
- Keep every receipt and medical report for your claim.
- Carry some cash. Not every clinic takes cards.
- Tell Ann about any medical needs when you book, so she can plan around them.
Emergency numbers in the Philippines
✔ Last checked 14 October 2026
Sources: UK government travel advice (health), US State Department country information, World Nomads (diving cover). This page is general guidance, not insurance advice. Always read your own policy.