The healthcare system in Puerto Princesa City, is a mix of public and private providers. The public healthcare system, known as PhilHealth, is widely used by both locals and foreigners, while private healthcare is often sought for more specialized care.
Philippines’s Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in the Philippines is managed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, commonly known as PhilHealth. This system is used by both locals and foreigners, including expats and digital nomads. While public hospitals in Puerto Princesa City, such as the Ospital ng Palawan, are capable of handling serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, many people recommend private hospitals for these situations due to their more advanced facilities and shorter waiting times. The experience at a public hospital can vary, but generally, they are crowded and have longer waiting times compared to private hospitals. Expats primarily use private hospitals, although they are allowed to use the public healthcare system.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Puerto Princesa City
There are several hospitals and clinics in Puerto Princesa City that are recommended for expats. These include:
- Adventist Hospital Palawan – a private hospital located along Malvar Street.
- Ospital ng Palawan – a public hospital located along Malvar Street that specializes in general healthcare.
- Palawan Medical City – a private hospital located along North National Highway that offers specialized medical care.
Emergency Services in Puerto Princesa City
There are ambulance services available in Puerto Princesa City. In case of an emergency, you can call the local emergency hotline, 117. The response time of the ambulance service can vary depending on the location and traffic conditions, but generally, they are able to respond quickly.
Health Insurance Companies in Puerto Princesa City
There are several popular private health insurance companies in Puerto Princesa City. These include Philam Life, Sun Life Financial, and AXA Philippines. These companies offer a range of health insurance products that cater to different needs and budgets. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies for their health insurance needs, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.