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," wrote one expat.

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

"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," said one expat living in 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 an expat in Bontoc.

"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," commented one expat living in Angeles City, Philippines.

"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," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Philippines.

"Local hospitals in Germany are very efficient! The hospitals and medical centers in The Philippines are all average," commented one expat living in Angeles City, 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. ," 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," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat 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.

"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," 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.

"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," commented one expat who moved to 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.

"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 living in Cebu, 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," wrote one expat.