Aside from having one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world, the Philippines also has a long tradition of its diaspora returning home. Balikbayans, Filipinos living abroad who come home even temporarily, especially for Christmas, make for many warm and joyous reunions.

The ease of modern international travel creates the illusion that we are still living near friends and family. The reality of all those kilometers in between makes most overseas Filipinos forget that things are different in their old homeland.

Without precautions, such as travel medical coverage, your homecoming can be spent nursing more than a hangover.

Seasonal Diseases

Every nation has its share of seasonal diseases. Respiratory health issues are common in the Philippines at this time, especially the spread of flu and flu-like symptoms and allergies in crowded urban areas like Metro Manila. As many Filipinos do not have a habit of taking vaccines and other precautions for these diseases, the risk of an average Balikbayan contracting an illness while out can be high.

While many Philippine seasonal diseases can be handled with a day or two in bed, hydration, and over-the-counter medicine, others require extensive medical attention, such as cholera, dengue, and gastroenteritis, making travel medical coverage necessary.

Seasonal Events

This does not refer to mall sales or the Ayala Triangle Lightshow, but to events common to the Philippine Christmas season that make travel insurance necessary.

There are traffic jams, of course, with Philippine authorities reporting around 400,000 vehicles on the main Metro Manila highway of EDSA alone. While an inconvenience most times, the increased number of vehicles can lead to higher chances of road accidents.

Even if you can avoid road incidents, you most likely won’t get past the seemingly endless celebrations. Filipino parties often feature a menu that would make any doctor alarmed, and during Christmas, you will probably attend several. This could lead to increased chances of diet-related issues like high blood pressure and blood sugar problems.

Alcohol is also common in Filipino celebrations, flowing freely during the season and often compared to Germany’s Oktoberfest. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dangers that include the abovementioned health issues as well as physical injuries, such as slips and falls. We would also remind you to never drive when under the influence of alcohol.

It’s also common in the Philippines at this time for households to have a supply of pyrotechnics. While many of these can be small and safe, like the local watusi, a good number of families prefer loud ones. Injuries related to firecrackers are common between Christmas and the New Year, and you can be a statistic even if you’re not the one throwing something called Goodbye Philippines due to the sometimes indiscriminate nature of their dispersal.

The Season Itself

Most Filipinos end up in northern latitude countries, like the mainland United States, Canada, and Europe. While we humans, especially Filipinos, are very adaptable creatures, living in a different climate from the one you’re used to can be challenging.

The changes in temperatures alone make for many issues. Even for Filipinos who grew up here, spending months and years in a colder climate country can make them susceptible to heatstroke and other temperature-related health issues even during the relatively cold Philippine Christmas season, where the thermometer can still be in the low-30s (Celsius).

As a tropical country, the Philippines experiences rain even during the Amihan, or Northeast Monsoon. While casual rainfall is never an issue, a combination of climate change and corruption-degraded infrastructure can lead to flash floods, leaving the average Balikbayan vulnerable to diseases such as leptospirosis or mold-related infections.

Coming Home Safe

The realities of global travel and the unique situations Balikbayans and the guests they bring along can be challenging due to rising medical costs and public hospital ERs getting more than their fair share of cases at this time.

Having travel insurance can help ease the burden of seasonal medical issues or accidents while in the Philippines. Many clinics and hospitals in highly urbanized areas like the Metros accept common healthcare providers, allowing you to easily access the required medical care when and where you or your loved ones need it.

To better prepare for your Philippine Christmas celebrations, make sure to consult your Reliable Insurance Brokers for the best travel medical coverage that fits your needs. Gain the peace of mind and confidence you and your loved ones need, so all you have to worry about in this season is how to fit all those celebrations and food in your itinerary.

Contact Information for Inquiries and Support

If you have any questions or need assistance with your insurance, feel free to reach out to us:

• Call: +63 2 8631 9285 to 86
• Mobile: +63 917 138 5120
• Email: info@reliable-insurance.ph
• Messenger: m.me/reliable.insurancebrokersph

Sources

• Makati Medical Center (2019, October 15), Ber Month Blues: 8 Common Illnesses to Avoid During the Cold Season
• GMA News Online, (2025, November 27), 5 most common holiday health concerns and how to avoid them
• UPakWeShip (2025, November), 7 Things To Consider When Moving To A Different Climate
• Center for Disease Control (No Date), Traveler’s Health: Philippines