How do we get Philippine Health Insurance for foreigners, ex-pats, and retirees?

Getting Philippine Health Insurance for foreigners is easy if you qualify. 

Did you know, Philippine Health Insurance for foreigners is available to U.S. citizens, their dependents, their spouses, residents, retired foreigners, holders of Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), and granted permanent residents can qualify for Philippine Health Insurance called PhilHealth? This change in the law is significant for people who want to live or retire in the Philippines.

To introduce universal health coverage in the Philippines, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, called PhilHealth, was founded in 1995. It is a tax-exempt Philippine government-owned and operated company (GOCC) and is associated with the Department of Health.

Philippine Health Insurance for foreigners.

“Its stated objective is, according to the organization, to” ensure a sustainable national health insurance policy for all. In 2010, 86 percent of the population reported having achieved “universal” coverage.

This social insurance program provides a way for wealthy citizens to help pay for the lower-income families’ health care and subsidize those unable to afford medical care. Thus, to help support low-income families, both local and national governments distribute and budget funds.

HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is a great, safe, and popular destination for overseas and retired travelers, and adequate health insurance is simple to find. The country’s healthcare is good by international standards, and government reforms in the past two decades are pushing more so the country gets closer to universal healthcare. Foreigners may qualify for this coverage, which might be a great reason to consider the Philippines for a long-term visit or permanent relocation.

HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN PHILIPPINES

The Philippines has a mixture of both public and private medical systems. The Philippine government offers affordable public health insurance through Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth) to most of its people.

However, there are no formal set of deductibles or payments with PhilHealth. As a result, healthcare providers still bill patients for the amount owed from what their insurance doesn’t cover. Most often, people need to pay their bills before they leave the facility. So, a health savings account is an account you should have. Start it with $5000 to be prepared for an unplanned hospital stay. If $5,000 is hard to find, then know the hospitals will not let you leave without paying.

Health Management Organizations (HMOs) can have different options for people or companies looking to have self-financed or private plans. They act as brokers between the insurance companies and end-user and sometimes partner directly with healthcare providers to provide affordable rates.

International Health Insurance Plans for the Philippines.

When I last looked for an international health insurance plan, it would cost $1,100 per person; I have a family of three. Therefore, I chose the Philhealth option, and I am saving money for a large hospital bill if I need it. I would have to borrow money if I had to.

The Philippine government is making progress towards universal healthcare. In short, everyone is covered on a plan for most any type of medical procedure. Philippine health insurance is a government program run and funded through taxes and subsidies, and contributions from employers and employees.

Philhealth for foreigners. 

Foreigners don’t need to have health insurance when you arrive. You will not have a penalty, but health insurance is highly recommended for all ex-pats. Unforeseen medical emergencies can happen anywhere at any time. Most foreigners have access to several affordable programs and options under PhilHealth, the national plan. Private health insurance, for those who want to have it, coverage is also widely available.

There are private and Public health insurance available for foreigners.

Private insurance

Private health insurance gives insured access to private healthcare networks but offers a bit more flexibility than HMOs. Private insurance is usually purchased by self-employed or freelance workers or companies that provide private options to their employees in the Philippines. The insured party fully pays premiums and costs. Immediate family members can also qualify for a plan, but this is an additional cost. Private insurers offer many benefits and features that are worth checking out. Their private facilities will probably meet high international standards.

Benefits likely include:

• inpatient/outpatient services
• hospitalization and surgical
• cash paid for loss of income due to the accident/illness
• other types of services include laboratory tests and medications prescribed.

Public insurance, PhilHealth

PhilHealth, the National Philippine Health program, provides many plan options, depending on your personal factors like income received and current age. It was founded in 1995 to provide universal coverage at affordable rates to the Philippine people. You can apply and pay for membership through periodic premiums or pay one lump sum for a lifetime health membership. 

The PhilHealth health network consists of both private and public facilities. Coverage is administered by PhilHealth, which includes comprehensive and medical benefits like:

• inpatient/outpatient services.
• Surgery.
• Catastrophic coverage.
• Maternity benefits.
• And other medical services such as laboratory tests, x-rays, and medication.

Temporary Insurance

Some tourists or ex-pats may like to choose temporary travel insurance that covers emergencies and medical care and necessities. Depending on your specific medical situation and how long you plan to stay in the Philippines, this hybrid type of insurances might be the best option for you.

HOW much do medical and health insurance cost in the Philippines?  

The insurer, Coverage          –           Cost per year

Phil Health, General Member Plan (Public)       ₱2,400-3,600($72 USD)

Medicard, (Private)                      ₱3,600($72 USD)

Prudential Ph., Health Protect Plus (Private)    ₱3,300 – 5,000($100 US)

SUN, Healthier Life Plan (Private)            ₱9,900($198 USD)

BENEFIT OF HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES

PhilHealth and its beneficiaries have access to a very comprehensive package of services, including inpatient care, catastrophic coverage, ambulatory surgeries, deliveries, and outpatient treatment for malaria and tuberculosis. 

Inpatient care includes room and board, medicines, diagnostic and other services, professional fees, and operating room services under the “all case rate” payment scheme. The case rate amount will depend upon the final diagnosis, and each diagnosis has a corresponding fixed amount or package.

Outpatient benefits include day surgeries, radiotherapy, dialysis, outpatient blood transfusion, TB-DOTS, malaria treatment, HIV/AIDS treatment, animal bite treatment, cataract operations, and vasectomy and tubal ligation.

How do I sign up for PhilHealth medical insurance plan?

To sign up for PhilHealth, do the following:

• Visit the PhilHealth Express outlet or local office.
• Complete the registration forms.
• Turn in your completed registration form.
• After you are approved, your Member Data Record and ID card(s) will arrive in the mail in a few weeks.
• Pay your premium contribution (your monthly costs) with your PhilHealth ID number to ensure no lapse in coverage. 

If you chose to get private health insurance, you should check with your specific provider about enrollment details.

Here are some of the reputable insurance companies you may want to consider:

• PhilHealth
• Medicare
• Philippine Prudential
• SunLife
• Maxicare
• Caritas Health Shield

WHAT IS PHILIPPINE MICRO HEALTH INSURANCE?

Micro health insurance is tailored to low-income households or individuals. Microinsurance premiums and costs cannot go beyond seven percent of the current daily minimum wage. Yet, their benefits can cover up to 500 times the daily minimum wage. For example, if the daily minimum wage is ₱600 (USD $12), premiums cannot cost more than ₱42 ($0.84 USD), while its coverage can go as high as ₱300,000 ($6,000 USD).

Micro-insurance comes in several forms to cover a range of risks. These include health and property risks, such as livestock or cattle insurance, death insurance, crop insurance, and natural disaster insurance.

Philippine Health Insurance for foreigners Summary.

Health or medical insurance, just like any other risk financial product you wish to have. Thus, it requires research and “Risk Factors” decision making. It is wise to calculate which option is best suited for your needs and your budget.

In summary, the Philippine healthcare system has high quality and care standards. Filipino medical staff are college trained. The harsh reality is that unexpected illnesses and emergencies can strike at any time. Hospitalization costs are always a concern, especially when paying out of pocket is your only option by not choosing a plan. Fortunately for Filipinos, PhilHealth is a great plan and provides healthcare benefits to all registered members. As a member of PhilHealth, you and your family are entitled to health and hospitalization coverage.

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~Staff