Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommend all students to obtain proper overseas travel insurance before coming to the Philippines.

While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for enrollment at 3D ACADEMY, it is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself during your stay abroad. Getting sick or injured in a foreign country is stressful enough—and without insurance, the financial and emotional burden can increase significantly.

In this article, we’ll explain why travel insurance is highly recommended, what kind of coverage is needed, and how it connects with the medical support system at our school.

1. Medical Costs in the Philippines Can Be High

Many students are surprised to learn that medical services in the Philippines, especially in private hospitals, can be quite expensive. Even a basic visit to the emergency room may cost several thousand pesos (equivalent to around 50–100 USD), and that’s before medications, lab tests, or follow-up care are added.

Here are a few examples of common medical costs:

• Basic consultation at a private clinic: ₱800–₱1,500

• Emergency room visit: ₱3,000–₱10,000

• Hospital admission (1 night): ₱10,000–₱20,000+

• Laboratory tests or X-rays: ₱2,000–₱5,000

• Antibiotics or prescription medication: ₱500–₱3,000

If you don’t have insurance, you’ll be expected to pay these costs upfront, and in many cases, treatment may be delayed until payment is confirmed.

2. Cashless Medical Treatment Is Only Possible with Proper Travel Insurance

At 3D ACADEMY, we’ve built a strong partnership with local doctors and hospitals that support cashless treatment—but this system only works if you have a qualifying travel insurance policy.

When a student is covered under an eligible insurance plan, we can:

• Arrange on-campus consultations with the school’s visiting doctor

• Contact partner clinics and hospitals that accept direct billing

• Help you avoid paying out-of-pocket during medical emergencies

This cashless service is an enormous benefit. You simply show your insurance details to our staff, and we’ll help coordinate the rest. No need to worry about bringing large amounts of cash or dealing with insurance claims on your own while you’re not feeling well.

3. Why Credit Card Insurance May Not Be Enough

A common misconception among students is that “my credit card has insurance, so I’m already covered.” However, there are several important limitations to be aware of:

• Credit card insurance usually has low coverage limits, and may not be accepted for serious illnesses or hospital visits.

• Most credit card insurance policies require you to pay first, then claim reimbursement later. This means you would need to cover possibly large expenses out of your own pocket in the moment.

• Credit card insurance rarely includes cashless medical treatment, especially in countries like the Philippines where direct billing systems are limited.

• Some policies only activate if you purchased your flight using that specific credit card.

In short, relying on credit card insurance alone can leave you exposed to financial and procedural difficulties, especially during emergencies.

4. What Kind of Insurance Should I Get?

We recommend purchasing dedicated overseas travel insurance before your trip. Here are the features to look for:

✅ Covers both outpatient and inpatient treatment
✅ Includes emergency services (ambulance, ER)
✅ Allows cashless treatment / direct billing
✅ Covers prescription medications
✅ Includes COVID-related care (if possible)
✅ Provides support in English or Japanese

Several Japanese insurance providers offer affordable study-abroad plans specifically for short- or long-term stays in the Philippines. Our Japanese staff can also help review your policy or assist with choosing one that works well with local clinics.

5. Medical Support System at 3D ACADEMY

One of the reasons students feel safe at 3D ACADEMY is because of our strong medical support infrastructure. Here’s how it works:

Daily On-Campus Medical Visits

We have a licensed doctor who visits our school every weekday (Monday–Friday). Students can receive consultations for common health issues such as:

• Fever

• Sore throat or cough

• Skin rashes or insect bites

• Digestive issues or stomach pain

• Menstrual problems

• Fatigue or stress-related symptoms

The best part? If you have proper travel insurance, these consultations can often be covered without payment.

Hospital Accompaniment in Emergency Cases

For more serious issues that require tests, imaging, or hospitalization, our staff will accompany you to a nearby hospital, helping with:

• Transportation and check-in

• Communication with medical staff

• Translation and paperwork

• Insurance claim coordination

Having someone by your side who speaks your language and knows the local system makes a huge difference when you’re feeling sick or overwhelmed.

6. Multilingual Support Staff Available Every Day

Our team includes:

• 4–5 full-time Japanese staff, who can help you navigate medical issues, insurance claims, and emotional support.

• 2 Chinese-speaking staff, available for students from China, Taiwan, or other Mandarin-speaking regions.

• 2 Arabic-speaking staff, ready to assist students from the Middle East or North Africa.

This multicultural support network ensures that students from many regions feel heard, safe, and respected during medical situations. Communication is never a barrier when you’re under the weather.

7. Real Student Experiences

“I caught a cold in my second week and was worried it might be something serious. The Japanese staff helped me see the school doctor right away. I didn’t have to pay anything because of my insurance. It was fast and easy!”
— Haruka, Japan

“I needed to go to a hospital for a stomach issue. One of the staff came with me and even stayed until I finished. The whole thing was cashless. I’m so glad I had insurance.”
— Youssef, UAE

“When I had a minor infection, the doctor came to campus and gave me antibiotics. The staff helped me get it covered by insurance, and I felt completely safe.”
— Li, China

These testimonials show just how valuable the support system and insurance coverage are for students living far from home.

8. Summary: Protect Yourself Before You Go

Let’s summarize why travel insurance is essential for your stay at 3D ACADEMY:

Final Advice

While we hope you’ll stay happy and healthy throughout your time in the Philippines, unexpected illnesses can happen. Travel insurance gives you the freedom to focus on your studies and enjoy your experience, knowing that you’re protected no matter what.

Please arrange your insurance before departure, and bring both a digital and printed copy of your policy. If you’re unsure whether your insurance is compatible with local medical systems, feel free to reach out to our team—we’re here to help!