15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Philippines

"Depending where you live or want to live, there are great hospitals. Such as the ACE hospital system which is jayhco certified. Not sure if the spelling. They are up to date and modern hospital. You can actually invest in this hospital system like in the United States and get great service. ," said one expat.

"The healthcare system in the Philippines is largely privatized, with a mix of public and private hospitals and clinics providing medical services. The quality of care varies depending on the facility, but generally, the medical services available in the Philippines are of a high standard. The country has a wide range of specialists and medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, who are able to provide a range of treatments and services. The cost of medical services in the Philippines is generally lower than in other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking medical care," wrote one expat.

"Competent doctors. Took an appointment a week in advance for an MRI that was needed immediately," commented one expat who moved to Cebu.

"Healthcare and health insurance in the Philippines can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, basic health insurance plans are more affordable than comprehensive plans, but they may not cover all medical expenses. Out-of-pocket costs for medical services can also be high, especially for those without health insurance. Additionally, the cost of prescription drugs can be expensive, and many people in the Philippines are unable to afford them," said one expat.

"I have not had to use my insurance here because the cost of care has been so inexpensive. I had to get an MRI which cost me less than 200 USD," remarked one expat in Angeles City.

"We do not have health insurance, except for PhilHealth through my husband's work. It pays for hospital stays, but there are a lot of out-of-pocket costs. However, these are not high - we are fortunate in that we have not needed any kind of major medical treatments. Something like advanced-stage cancer would have to be handled in Manila and would cost us in the realm of USD 5000 - 10,000, I'd estimate. Primary health care, like bandaging of wounds, bronchitis, and the like is free to all comers," remarked one expat living in Bontoc.

"Cebu city health care is very affordable. Good, top doctors compared to the U.S. When you are hospitalized and you ring for a nurse for help, you immediately get help - not one nurse but sometimes 3. We have a good experience in Cebu," said one expat living in Cebu.

"There are a lot of health insurance choices on offer and it is highly recommended to go on one of them. To be without cash and medical insurance may become a death warrant for the "Unprepared"," mentioned one expat in Angeles City.

"Angeles Medical Center was about 5km from where we lived. Most of the staff are unfriendly! My son broke his arm and I was infuriated by the awful way we were treated. As expected, it was expensive as we had to stay for a week, but the room was very clean and the food was good. We, however, got the needed medication," commented one expat who moved to Angeles City.

"Emergency/outpatient care is available 24/7. I seldom have to wait much for care. For an emergency requiring any sort of high-tech equipment, we would have to be transported to Baguio City, a six-hour drive. However, the human, professional care here is very high quality," said one expat.

"Manila is the capital city of the Philippines and is often considered the best place to access specialist healthcare. Many of the top hospitals in the Philippines can be found in Manila, such as the Philippine General Hospital and the Makati Medical Center. Quezon City and Cebu City are also major cities which boast some of the best selection of medical specialists in the country. Other smaller cities such as Bacolod City and Iloilo City have similarly comprehensive medical facilities. Areas such as Baguio and Tagaytay in the north, Mactan Island and Cebu Province in the Visayas, and Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao also provide top-notch healthcare services," commented one expat living in Philippines.

"Prescriptions are easy to fill. I can obtain the needed medications from my physician and from local drug stores. The cost is much less than what I would pay in the U.S," remarked one expat living in Angeles City.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in the Philippines. Many pharmacies in the country carry a wide range of medications, including those for common illnesses such as colds, flu, and allergies. In addition, many pharmacies also carry medications for more serious conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Some pharmacies also offer specialized medications for specific conditions, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS. In general, most medications are available in both generic and brand name forms," said one expat living in Philippines.

"Common prescription drugs are available in a number of chemists, but cheaper is generics small stores, but these do not stock everything but the most common, but are located everywhere. Mercury Drug is country wide, and have the largest stocks, but their prices are higher," mentioned one expat in Philippines.

"Common medication is available in the many pharmacies dotted around the city. Prescriptions for antibiotics are needed, but not for asthma inhalers etc. Medication is much cheaper than in Germany," commented one expat who moved to Angeles City, Philippines.

"Medical care in the Philippines is generally considered to be of a good standard. The country has well-qualified medical professionals, a range of public and private hospitals, and access to the latest medical treatments and technologies. Many public hospitals offer free or low-cost medical care for those unable to afford expensive private health care. The government also offers subsidised health insurance for poor and disadvantaged individuals. While the quality of medical care varies from place to place, overall, medical facilities and services in the Philippines are generally considered to be of a high standard," said one expat living in Philippines.

"There is a public hospital nearby and also a private hospital. Emergency services in the private hospital are good - Not in the public hospital. Quality of care in the Public Hospital is not recommendable for Westerners. In the Private hospital it is reliable and good," mentioned one expat in Manila.

"There are many Govt. and private hospitals dotted around the city and offer reasonably good facilities. Unfortunately, due to the xenophobia of most of the nurses, one has to put up with their ignorance and nastiness," commented one expat who moved to Angeles City, Philippines.

"Yes, foreigners living in the Philippines have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is considered to be of a good standard. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free or heavily subsidized for those who cannot afford private healthcare. The public healthcare system is also supplemented by a network of private hospitals and clinics, which offer a higher standard of care," said one expat living in Philippines.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in the Philippines. Many hospitals and clinics have been overwhelmed with the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. The government has implemented various measures to help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system, such as providing additional funding for medical facilities and increasing the number of medical personnel. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system is still struggling to cope with the demands of the pandemic. Additionally, the cost of medical care has risen significantly, making it difficult for many people to access the care they need," remarked one expat living in Philippines.

"A guard at the entrance of every public place makes sure your temperature is taken and you write down your contact info ior possible contact tracing," said one expat living in Cebu.