Why Many Filipinos Still Avoid Insurance
June is Filipino Heritage Month in Manitoba. And just recently, we celebrated Philippine Independence Day — a time when many of us proudly wore barongs, danced tinikling, shared halo-halo, and waved the flag that reminds us of who we are and where we come from.
So, while we’re in this spirit of remembering and reflecting, let’s talk about something deeply Filipino — not just our food or festivals, but our habits and beliefs. Especially the ones we quietly carry with us, even after we move abroad.
As a licensed financial advisor here in Canada, I often sit down with fellow Filipinos who migrated here with big dreams, strong work ethics, and deep love for their families. We’ll be chatting about life, family, maybe even how cold it gets in Winnipeg and then I gently bring up insurance.
Suddenly, there’s a pause. A polite nod. A “Meron na ako sa work,” or “Di ko pa na-prioritize ‘yan.”
And I get it. I truly, deeply do.
Because I’m Filipino too. I spent more than half my life in the Philippines. I understand the hesitation. The discomfort. The fear. I’ve lived that life — where insurance felt like an extra burden, a luxury, or worse, a scam. But after spending years in financial services and living through real-life stories — both tragic and hopeful — I’ve come to learn that how we view insurance has to change if we want to build a stable future in our new home. as a financial advisor in Canada and someone with almost 2 decades of working in human resources, specifically in benefits and retirement administration, I also know this: If we don’t shift how we think about insurance, we may unintentionally leave our families financially unprotected.
Let me share what I’ve learned, not to scare or pressure, but to help us reflect.
When we immigrated, we packed more than just our luggage. We brought our values, beliefs, fears — and that includes how we think about money, risk, and protection.
In the Philippines, insurance penetration is still low — just 1.75% as of 2023, according to the Insurance Commission. Even in a country where sickness, calamity, and economic instability are common, many still see insurance as a “nice to have,” not a necessity.
That belief didn’t stay behind when we left. Many Filipino Canadians still carry that mindset — even if our reality here is very different.
Let’s unpack why.
“It’s too expensive.” Back home, families often prioritize food, medicine, and tuition over anything else. So, when we move abroad, that budgeting mindset sticks with us. Even in Canada, with higher income potential, we still feel the weight of monthly expenses — and insurance feels like one more thing we can't afford.
But here’s the truth: insurance in Canada can actually be affordable and flexible. There are options for every income level. And when you realize that a small monthly premium can protect your whole family from huge financial burdens… suddenly, it doesn’t feel like an expense anymore. It’s security.
“I already have coverage at work, that should be enough.” Employer benefits are great — until you leave that job, get laid off, or switch companies. Most group plans aren’t portable and they are often aren’t enough for long-term security. A personal policy means your protection is yours — no matter what happens at work.
“Maybe later. I’m healthy anyway.” This is the classic Mañana habit. We delay and delay until something happens. But that’s exactly when it’s too late. Insurance works best when you don’t need it yet. That’s when it’s cheapest. That’s when you have the most options.
“I don’t understand it.” Let’s be honest — insurance isn’t the easiest thing to learn. Back home, only 1 in 4 Filipinos is considered financially literate and that affects how we make decisions. If you don’t fully understand how insurance works, of course it feels intimidating. Or worse, suspicious. That’s why finding someone you trust — who gets your culture and your questions — is everything. It’s okay to ask the “simple” questions. That’s how we learn.
“Bahala na…” (Come what may). We Filipinos are known for our resilience. But sometimes, that turns into passivity. “Bahala na si Batman.” “I’ll just deal with it when it happens.” We all know this phrase, we’ve all said it. But “Bahala na” shouldn’t be our financial strategy.
Because when crisis hits, it’s our loved ones who suffer, not fate. Planning ahead doesn’t mean we’re pessimistic. It means we’re prepared.
“What if I get scammed?” Unfortunately, we’ve all heard stories. Many of us know someone back home who lost money in a failed insurance plan or got tricked by a fake agent. That kind of trauma sticks. But Canada’s insurance industry is heavily regulated. There are checks in place to protect you. Avoiding insurance entirely because of fear only keeps you exposed. It’s okay to be cautious, but don’t let fear keep you from asking the right questions and getting the protection you deserve. Work with licensed, trusted advisors — and ask all the questions you need.
“Planning for sickness or death is bad luck.” This one hit deep. Many of us avoid making wills, talking about illness, or even buying insurance because we think it will “invite” something bad.
Superstition is powerful. But reality doesn’t wait for belief and avoiding the topic doesn’t prevent anything from happening. Planning ahead is not a sign of pessimism — it’s a sign of wisdom. It’s a way to show your loved ones that you’re thinking of them, even for the worst-case scenarios.
What Needs to Change?
We brought our values, culture and habits with us when we moved, they’ve shaped us in beautiful ways. But if we want to truly build stability here in Canada, we also need to let go of the money mindsets that no longer serve us. We’re not in the Philippines anymore. We’re in a country with different systems, risks and responsibilities.
Insurance is not just about death or disaster. It’s about peace of mind, legacy and protecting the people you love — no matter what happens. If you’ve been putting off insurance, start small:
Talk to a licensed advisor who understands your cultural background.
Ask questions, even the ones you think are “too simple.”
Explore policies that fit your budget and stage in life.
Think of insurance as a plan, not just a product.
I’m not putting this article up to grow my sales. I’m here to remind you: as a fellow Filipino, as an immigrant and as someone who wants to see our community thrive, protecting yourself and your family should never be something you’re afraid or ashamed to do.
I know how strong we are. We sacrifice. We give. We endure. But let’s also protect. Let’s plan. Let’s invest in peace of mind. Because the best time to prepare… is before you need to.
Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to me by visiting our website – upsurgefinancial.ca if you have questions about getting started. No pressure, just a real convo.
About Cristina Evangelista Licup
Cristina is a licensed financial advisor and the heart behind Cup of Tyh. As a licensed Financial Advisor (and Mortgage Advisor) based in Winnipeg, she specializes in helping immigrants, first-time homeowners, young families and sandwich generation clients build financial plans that are grounded, honest, and practical. Her mission is to make financial literacy and protection feel warm, human, and doable—one conversation at a time.
DISCLAIMER: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal, financial, or professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be accurate and up to date, its completeness and reliability are not guaranteed. The views expressed are those of the author(s) as of the date of publication and may change without notice. No endorsement of any third parties, their advice, opinions, products, or services is given or implied by Cup of Tyh and/or Upsurge Financial Services Inc. or its affiliates.
