Before today’s global uncertainties changed the way people travel across borders, Filipinos were already traveling more than ever, taking advantage of more opportunities to fly for work, family visits, and leisure, both locally and abroad. However, despite the growing number of travelers, many still went on trips without protection against the risks that can come with every journey.
In response to this growing need, Palawan Group of Companies introduced its latest travel insurance offering, which aimed to expand access to basic protection.
Speaking at a media roundtable, Palawan Group president and CEO Carlo M. Castro underscored the company’s long-standing goal of providing “serbisyo para sa Pilipino,” adding that its financial services are guided by “tunay na malasakit” as it expands beyond remittances and digital payments into insurance products.
“Today, more Filipinos travel than ever before. Some travel for work, others to reunite with family, and many to explore new opportunities and experiences. While travel brings excitement and possibilities, it also comes with uncertainties—from delayed flights and lost baggage to unexpected medical situations. This is where protection becomes just as important as convenience,” he continued.
To address this concern, the financial services provider teamed up with Allied Bankers Insurance Corporation to introduce Protektodo Travel Insurance, aiming to offer an accessible and low-cost option for both domestic and international travelers. Its coverage is designed to be simple and easy to understand, especially for first-time insurance buyers.
Palawan Group sales and marketing manager Meijhen Maulanin-Santos said domestic travel protection starts as low as P39 for solo travelers and P99 for family coverage, with options extending to longer trips and expanded benefits. Coverage can include personal accidents, medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and emergency assistance.
She added that the goal is to make protection more practical and understandable for ordinary Filipinos.
“Palawan Protektodo, at its core, is about making financial protection simple, accessible, and affordable,” Maulanin-Santos stated.
She also noted that coverage can reach up to P825,500 for basic plans and up to P1.5 million for expanded options, depending on the package chosen.
Miss Universe-Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo shared her own travel experiences, including incidents involving damaged and lost luggage while abroad. She said such experiences highlighted the importance of preparation beyond itinerary planning.
“No matter how much you plan, there are things you can’t control. It’s important to be prepared so you can still enjoy the trip,” Manalo said, adding that travel insurance provides peace of mind in unpredictable situations.
The beauty queen, whose travel has increased following her pageant win, described balancing carefully planned personal trips with more spontaneous work-related travel. She also emphasized affordability, noting that protection can cost as little as P35, saying travelers “might as well cover all your bases.”
Palawan executives said the product will be available through its 3,500 branches nationwide, as well as via the Palawan Pay app and e-commerce platforms such as Lazada and Shopee. Claims, meanwhile, may be filed at branches within 30 days of an incident.
Castro also stressed that the initiative is part of a broader push for financial inclusion, while acknowledging that awareness of travel insurance remains limited among Filipino travelers.
Still, he expressed optimism that growing travel demand, especially among younger Filipinos, will help normalize the idea of protection as part of trip planning, not an optional add-on.
