Philippines
16 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Philippines
Last updated on Dec 19, 2022
Summary: Expats and global nomads in Philippines share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Philippines, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
How are healthcare services Philippines?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Philippines, they replied:
"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 another expat.
"It's very important to have cash ready, or to be on one of the many local medical insurances available. Without money, you are doomed," remarked another expat in Angeles City.
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"I have had surgery in Philippines 5 times in the past 12 years and the services arefine, but demanding on others, as per Asian hospitals where a friend or family member sleeps in your hospital room to assist the patient 24 hours a day," remarked another expat in Tacloban.
"The area in which you choose to live should offer access to good medical facilities, utilities, fresh food and groceries and other basic needs. You can always drive to the beach, though from the beach, if you are very ill you may not make the drive to the necessary healthcare. Priorities," remarked another expat living in Silang.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Philippines?
"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," mentioned another expat living in Angeles City.
"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"," said an expat in Angeles City.
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Expat Health Insurance in PhilippinesWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What are emergency services like in Philippines?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Philippines wrote:
"I am within 5km of many good hospitals. The main ones I seek service from are Angeles University Foundation Hospital and Clark Medical Center. The care I have received from both places has been great. I believe that both are private," remarked another expat living 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," said one expat living in Angeles City.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"I have not yet had to travel away from Angeles City to obtain any required medical service," commented one expat living in Angeles City, Philippines.
"Local hospitals in Germany are very efficient! The hospitals and medical centers in The Philippines are all average," added another expat.
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Are common prescription medications available 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," added another expat.
"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.
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"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 living in Angeles City, 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," added another expat.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked members about local medical facilities in Philippines, they wrote...
"I protect myself with Vit D3 50,000IU weekly & Zinc 15 mg and oral stem cells (daily). No need to seek help," added another expat.
"I have been for medical checkups in the past year. The hospitals are very strict with enforcing masks / face shields / hands washing etc etc prior to entering the buildings and the protective gear must be worn all the time you are inside the medical facility," commented one expat who moved to Tacloban.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Philippines?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Philippines about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"Find best doctor within 30 kilometer area; get her recommendation of best hospital," said another expat in Olongapo.
"Make sure you have all your paperwork together especially if you and the mother are not married. We had to take a special trip to the courthouse so that the child could have my name. You will want to do that before you leave the hospital. If you are married, it's not really an issue," remarked another in Calamba, Laguna.
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Are healthcare services good in Philippines?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Philippines. They wrote:
"Yes. My regular physician is US trained and services most of the expats I know. His referrals for special services have been spot on. Medical costs here are exceptionally low compared to costs in the US and I have not yet needed to use my US health insurance," said another person in Angeles City.
"There are many decent hospitals all over Philippines, with their staff trained to work in other countries. Fortunately so far I have not required much care," remarked another expat in Cebu City.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Philippines?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Philippines?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Philippines?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Philippines accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Philippines like?
- Is the cost of living in Philippines high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Philippines?
- What are healthcare services like in Philippines?
- Is the cost of living in Philippines high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Philippines?
- What is the weather like in Philippines?
- Are there good restaurants in Philippines?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Philippines?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Philippines?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Philippines?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Philippines?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Philippines?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
