15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Philippines

"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 one expat living in Angeles City.

"If you can afford it, get health insurance, but the rates are higher the older you are, and if your over 60 they go through the roof, that's if they will insure you. Be aware that many doctors here, who will charge you in excess of the regular charge as a "skin tax" as we are perceived to be able to afford it. Also hospitals will add on extra's not necessary, ie, they always insist on a drip, but it only contains saline solution. Extras like artificial limbs are difficult to have maintained here, its only in Manila or Cebu where there are facilities to have these repaired or replaced, but the quality and expertise is poorer, usually using 2nd hand appliances from abroad. In Manila there is a private house where European standards are maintained, but it is the most expensive you will encounter," said one expat living in Philippines.

"I just spent 5 days in the Bacolod Riverside Hospital. I woke up in the middle of the night with an excruciating pain in my ankle, it felt like someone hit it with a hammer. The next morning it was double in size swollen up. I had previously seen this doctor in Bacolod an went to him to see what was up. He looked at it and immediately had me go to the ER and had me admitted. I spent days there to find out I had Peripheral Arterial Disease. I saw five specialist during my stay and was very impressed by them. The total cost was approximately $3,400.00 and they got my leg back to normal," mentioned one expat in Philippines.

"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," remarked one expat living in Philippines.

"Competent doctors. Took an appointment a week in advance for an MRI that was needed immediately," 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"," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Philippines.

"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," 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.

"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.

"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 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," remarked one expat living in Angeles City.

"In the Philippines, emergency services are available to provide medical assistance, firefighting, and rescue operations. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency hotline number, 911, or contact the local emergency services. The Philippine Red Cross also provides emergency medical services and can be contacted through their hotline number, 143," said one expat living in Philippines.

"I have not yet had to travel away from Angeles City to obtain any required medical service," wrote an expat living in Angeles City.

"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," said an expat in Philippines.

"This would normally be in private hospitals in Manila, where charges are double from the local hospitals. Some of these hospitals are American style, but have astronomic bills to match. Again their practice is to load the bill. The doctors always try to refer other doctors to see you, again all this is chargeable to you. Payment upfront is required -- even when you are involved in an accident, sent to the ER and incoherent. They will wait for your family to arrive with cash or a credit card regardless of your condition. ," commented one expat living in Philippines.

"Local hospitals in Germany are very efficient! The hospitals and medical centers in The Philippines are all average," wrote one 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," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Philippines.

"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.

"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," remarked one expat in Manila.

"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," remarked one expat living in 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 an expat 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," mentioned one expat 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," commented one expat who moved to Cebu, Philippines.