Which study abroad insurance should I choose?

Which study abroad insurance should I choose?

Short Answer: It depends on your country, but we strongly recommend getting study abroad insurance that includes medical, emergency, and personal liability coverage during your stay in the Philippines.

Why Do I Need Study Abroad Insurance?

Medical treatment in the Philippines can be surprisingly expensive, especially for foreign students using private hospitals or emergency care.

• A basic outpatient consultation can cost PHP 800–1,500

• Hospital stays can easily exceed PHP 3,000–10,000 per day

• Emergency surgery or transportation can cost even more

Without proper insurance, you may be forced to pay out-of-pocket, which can cause stress and financial strain—especially if you are far from home.

Furthermore, most public health insurance plans from your country don’t cover international treatment. Even if coverage exists, it may only apply to “emergencies” or may require full reimbursement procedures.

That’s why having a comprehensive study abroad insurance plan is not just recommended—it’s essential for peace of mind.

Does 3D ACADEMY Provide Insurance?

No, 3D ACADEMY does not include insurance in its tuition fees and does not directly provide it. However:

• We require or strongly advise all students to come with their own insurance

• In case of illness or accident, our Japanese, Korean, and Chinese-speaking staff will support you with:

  • Hospital recommendations

  • Transportation

  • Insurance claim documents

  • Translation and communication with medical staff

We will do our best to help—but you need your own insurance policy to receive reimbursement.

What Should the Insurance Cover?

A good study abroad insurance plan should include the following:

Make sure your policy covers the entire duration of your stay in the Philippines and that the territory is valid for “Asia” or “worldwide.”

Insurance Options for Japanese Students

If you are coming from Japan, you have many options:

• AIG損保 / AIU海外旅行保険 – popular among students

• ジェイアイ傷害火災保険（t@biho） – customizable online plans

• 損保ジャパン / 東京海上日動 – trusted providers with strong global networks

• クレジットカード付帯保険 – be careful: often valid only for 90 days and under strict conditions

Make sure the plan includes:

• 医療費補償（500万～1,000万円以上推奨）

• 損害賠償責任（事故などへの補償）

• 救援者費用・緊急移送

• 海外生活に特化した補償内容

Some Japanese students also join 大学生協や共済系保険, but be sure to check overseas coverage terms carefully.

For Korean Students

Popular options include:

• DB손해보험 유학생보험

• 삼성화재 해외유학보험

• 현대해상 or KB손해보험

Be sure the plan includes:

• Long-term stay (over 30–90 days)

• Coverage for medical bills in Philippine private hospitals

• Access to a Korean-speaking claim center or mobile app

Also check if your credit card includes insurance, and for how long.

For Students from Taiwan or China

Options include:

• Cathay Life（國泰） or Fubon Insurance（富邦） – with 留遊學險

• 中國人壽、台灣人壽 – check their 留學/海外險 plans

• Be sure your plan:

  • Covers COVID-19 treatment

  • Allows direct billing or quick reimbursement

  • Covers emergency return flights if needed

Ask your agent: “Does this cover medical expenses in the Philippines for students?”

For Students from Other Countries

If you’re from Europe, the U.S., Latin America, or Southeast Asia:

• Check with your national health system to see if international coverage is included

• If not, consider private global insurers such as:

  • World Nomads (student-friendly, flexible plans)

  • SafetyWing (monthly subscription, good for digital nomads and students)

  • IMG Global

  • AXA International / Allianz Travel

These providers usually offer:

• Online enrollment

• 24/7 assistance centers

• PDF certificates for visa use or school records

What Happens If I Get Sick?

At 3D ACADEMY, we take student health seriously.

A licensed medical doctor visits the school every weekday (Monday to Friday) to provide on-site consultations for students. This convenient service means:

• You don’t need to go to a clinic for basic medical concerns

• You can get quick attention for symptoms like fever, stomach issues, or minor injuries

• You can receive advice, prescriptions, and referrals if needed

If you have overseas insurance that supports cashless service, you can often receive treatment without paying upfront, as long as your provider is recognized.

Our staff will help:

• Contact the doctor on your behalf

• Assist with insurance claim procedures

• Communicate with the clinic or hospital if necessary

• Translate medical information if you’re not confident in English

If your condition requires more advanced treatment, we’ll help you access a partner hospital or clinic nearby, including major facilities such as Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, Chong Hua, or UCMed.

What Happens If I Get Sick Without Insurance?

If you don’t have insurance and require medical help:

• You’ll need to pay everything out of pocket

• Most clinics require cash or credit card payment up front

• Reimbursement is not possible unless you’re insured

• In serious cases, this could cost hundreds to thousands of US dollars

While healthcare quality in Cebu is generally good, the costs are real, especially in private hospitals like Chong Hua, UCMed, or Cebu Doctors’.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I buy insurance after I arrive?

A: Some international providers allow late enrollment, but most Japanese and Korean insurance must be purchased before departure. It’s safer to arrange it in advance.

Q: Do I need to bring proof?

A: Yes! Please bring a digital and printed copy of your insurance certificate, including your name, policy number, and contact info for emergency assistance.

Q: How long should the coverage last?

A: From the day you leave your home country until the day you return, including flights and possible delays.

✅ Summary: Steps to Choose the Right Insurance

Final Message

You’re about to embark on a life-changing journey in Cebu. Don’t let unexpected accidents, illness, or stress ruin it. With the right insurance:

• You’ll have peace of mind

• You’ll receive faster care if something goes wrong

• Your family will feel more comfortable and secure knowing you’re protected

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or an experienced explorer, study abroad insurance is one thing you should never skip.

If you’re still unsure, feel free to contact 3D ACADEMY staff before departure. We’re happy to help you make the right choice for a safe and successful stay.