Paul Sanchez
The Philippines offers free healthcare, known as PhilHealth, which is available to citizens, foreign workers, and retirees. PhilHealth is a government-owned corporation that provides universal coverage at affordable rates. The cost of health insurance in the Philippines depends on the type of insurance chosen and the status of the insured. For example, there are different rates for retirees and other foreign citizens. Private health insurance is also available and usually purchased by self-employed or freelance workers. International health insurance is another option, offering comprehensive cover to expats. This type of insurance provides access to hospitals worldwide and includes premium services not available with local plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the health insurance system in the Philippines | PhilHealth |
| Who is covered by PhilHealth? | Employed and self-employed residents and their dependants |
| Who else can join PhilHealth? | Unemployed persons can also join voluntarily |
| What does PhilHealth cover? | Emergency care, some inpatient services, hospitalisation costs, surgical assistance, laboratory tests, medication, catastrophic coverage, maternity benefits |
| What are the drawbacks of PhilHealth? | Long waiting periods for reimbursement of hospitalisation costs, staffing issues, lack of advanced medical technology in rural areas, long waiting times for patients |
| What is the cost of PhilHealth? | The annual premium contribution rate for foreign retirees is P15,000.00, while that of other foreign citizens is P17,000.00 |
| What is the alternative to PhilHealth? | Private health insurance, international health insurance |
| What are the benefits of private health insurance? | Better-equipped facilities, faster treatment, access to leading medical professionals, flexible plans, comprehensive cover for expats |
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What You'll Learn
- PhilHealth: the government's health insurance program
- Private health insurance: self-employed or freelance workers
- International health insurance: comprehensive cover for expats
- Temporary travel insurance: for tourists or short-term expats
- Health Management Organisation (HMO): employer-provided health insurance
PhilHealth: the government's health insurance program
PhilHealth, the national health insurance agency of the Philippines, is a government-owned corporation that provides affordable public health insurance to the country's citizens. The programme covers employed and self-employed residents, their dependants, and unemployed persons who join voluntarily.
The scheme subsidises a variety of treatments, including inpatient care, non-emergency surgeries, and emergency care. PhilHealth also offers a maternity care package, covering prenatal and postpartum periods. It is important to note that insured persons may be subject to waiting periods for reimbursement of hospitalisation costs.
The cost of PhilHealth depends on factors such as income and age, with different rates for retirees and other foreign citizens. The annual premium contribution rate for foreign retirees is P15,000.00, while that of other foreign citizens is P17,000.00. These contributions can be paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
The quality of healthcare in the Philippines is considered good, with well-trained medical staff. However, there is a strain on the system due to low staffing levels, and public healthcare facilities may not be as impressive as those in high-end US or European hospitals. Private healthcare services are well-established and tend to be better equipped, but are considered expensive by local standards.
For expatriates living in the Philippines, international health insurance is recommended to ensure comprehensive coverage and access to hospitals worldwide. It is important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of local and international insurance plans before making a decision.
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Private health insurance: self-employed or freelance workers
The Philippine health system, called PhilHealth, covers the country's employed and self-employed residents and their dependents. Unemployed persons can also join voluntarily. However, PhilHealth has some gaps in the medical services it provides. For example, it covers emergency and urgent care, but non-emergency surgeries are not offered.
Therefore, if you are a self-employed or freelance worker in the Philippines, you may want to consider purchasing a private health insurance plan. Private health insurance gives those insured access to private healthcare networks and offers more flexibility than HMOs. It also boosts treatment options, as there are more private hospitals than public hospitals in the Philippines.
There are several private health insurance providers in the Philippines, and you can compare their plans and prices to find the one that best suits your needs. Some popular providers include Medicard Health Check, Maxicare E-Ready, PhilCare ERVantage, Medicard RxER, Pacific Cross Select, and Manulife.
When choosing a private health insurance plan, it is important to consider the coverage offered and whether it includes the medical services you may need. For example, some plans may offer dental and vision coverage, while others may not. It is also important to consider the cost of the plan and whether you can afford the premiums.
In addition to private health insurance, you may also want to consider getting an HMO plan. HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization, and these are third-party companies that act as liaisons between the insured and healthcare providers. HMO plans can provide access to a range of medical services, such as check-ups, medicine, emergency room visits, and lab tests, for a low cost.
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International health insurance: comprehensive cover for expats
The Philippines offers a universal healthcare system through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), which expats can join. However, the quality of healthcare in the Philippines varies depending on location, with urban areas offering high-quality public healthcare and rural communities facing challenges with accessibility and quality of care.
Expats in the Philippines can also opt for international health insurance to access a wider range of healthcare services, including private hospitals, which offer superior facilities and healthcare professionals.
PhilHealth
PhilHealth is a government-run health insurance program that provides coverage for residents, including expats. It offers basic healthcare services at an affordable price, but it may not meet all medical needs, especially in remote areas. Expats employed in the Philippines are required to enrol in PhilHealth, with premiums deducted from their salaries.
International Health Insurance
International health insurance plans often provide higher benefit limits, broader coverage for conditions like cancer or pregnancy complications, and fewer restrictions compared to local plans. These plans can be purchased online or via phone from an international insurance company.
Some of the best international health insurance companies for expats in the Philippines include APRIL International, Pacific Cross, and William Russell. These companies offer comprehensive coverage, excellent customer service, and access to a wide range of healthcare providers.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance is another option for expats in the Philippines. It provides more extensive coverage and quicker access to high-quality care but at a higher cost. Private insurance can be purchased through a broker or directly from an insurance provider.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is also essential for expats, especially to cover medical costs and potential evacuation.
Recommendations
Before relocating to the Philippines, it is advisable to research the healthcare system and insurance options thoroughly. Expats should also consider their specific needs and budget when choosing an insurance plan. Consulting with a comparative marketplace or a broker can help expats find the most suitable insurance plan.
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Temporary travel insurance: for tourists or short-term expats
As a tourist or short-term expat, you may want to consider purchasing temporary travel insurance that covers medical care and assistance during your stay in the Philippines. This is especially important if your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted in the Philippines, as is the case for many travellers.
The cost of healthcare in the Philippines can be high, and having travel insurance ensures that you have access to good medical assistance and treatment. It is recommended that travellers visiting the Philippines purchase a minimum of $50,000 in Emergency Medical Coverage, which can provide coverage for Covid-19, unforeseen illnesses, injuries, and medical evacuation. The cost of travel insurance is typically proportional to the length of the trip and the age of the traveller, with older travellers facing higher costs.
You can buy travel insurance for the Philippines online, and it is recommended to do so before you arrive in the country. Leading global insurance providers like Cigna, NOW Health, AXA, and others offer comprehensive benefits and coverage options, with plans to fit every lifestyle and budget. Additionally, GeoBlue, a worldwide insurance provider, offers international health insurance, travel insurance, and group insurance for expats in the Philippines. Their Xplorer Premier plan is designed for expats on long-term trips to the Philippines, and you can choose between worldwide coverage with or without US coverage.
When choosing a travel insurance plan, it is important to consider your specific needs and compare the different options available to make an informed decision.
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Health Management Organisation (HMO): employer-provided health insurance
Health Management Organisation (HMO) is a type of health insurance in the Philippines that offers a network of doctors, hospitals, and medical care services. It is often provided as an employment benefit, with most employees being entitled to this as part of their benefits package. HMO plans can also be purchased by self-employed people at different price points.
HMO plans provide access to a network of accredited hospitals, clinics, medical centres, dental clinics, doctors, and specialists. They offer a range of services, including outpatient and inpatient care, emergency treatments, preventive care, and mental health support. HMO plans can also be used alongside PhilHealth plans, with PhilHealth covering 15-30% of the cost, and the HMO plan covering the rest.
When choosing an HMO plan, it is important to evaluate the covered benefits, network of providers, and customer support to ensure it meets your needs. The specific benefits and services covered by HMO plans can vary depending on the company and the package chosen. Some HMO plans include common-law and LGBT spouse coverage, maternity and labour cost reimbursement, and coverage for pre-existing conditions.
During the pandemic, many HMO companies provided medium to full financial coverage of hospital bills and teleconsultation services in place of face-to-face appointments. HMO plans can be a cost-efficient way for employers to provide quality healthcare benefits to their employees, enhancing their compensation and benefits package.
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Frequently asked questions
The Philippines' health system is called PhilHealth.
PhilHealth covers the country's employed and self-employed residents and their dependants. Unemployed persons can also join voluntarily. Foreign retirees and other foreign citizens can also benefit from PhilHealth by paying an annual premium.
PhilHealth covers most emergency care and some other inpatient services. It also provides a maternity care package, covering prenatal and postpartum periods.
International health insurance is an alternative for expats in the Philippines. Private health insurance is another option, usually bought by self-employed or freelance workers, or companies that provide private options to their employees.
To apply for PhilHealth, you can register your eligibility on the PhilHealth website. For international or private health insurance, you can compare plans and find a flexible package that suits your needs.
