Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Philippines?

When planning a move to the Philippines as an expat or digital nomad, one of the most critical considerations is healthcare. The Philippines does not have a mandatory health insurance requirement for entry into the country. However, it is highly advisable to have health insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen medical expenses. The country offers a public healthcare system, PhilHealth, but coverage for foreigners is limited until they become official residents. Therefore, securing private health insurance is essential to ensure you have access to quality healthcare services from the moment you arrive, especially during the period before you can qualify for residency or enroll in the public healthcare system.

Does Expat Health Insurance Meet the Requirements?

While the Philippines does not enforce a strict health insurance requirement for residency, expat health insurance is generally designed to meet the needs of foreigners living abroad. These plans often provide comprehensive coverage that can be tailored to the specific requirements of the country you are moving to. For expats in the Philippines, it is crucial to ensure that the health insurance plan you choose offers adequate coverage for the healthcare services you might need, including hospitalization, outpatient services, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. It is also wise to check if the insurance provider has a good network of hospitals and clinics in the Philippines to ensure accessibility and quality care.

Which local health insurers offer this type of insurance?

In the Philippines, there are several local health insurance companies that offer plans suitable for expats and digital nomads. Some of the well-known insurers include Maxicare, Pacific Cross, and Intellicare. These companies provide a range of products from basic to comprehensive plans, catering to different needs and budgets. They have established networks with hospitals and clinics across the country, ensuring that policyholders have access to medical services when needed. It is important to compare the plans offered by these insurers, considering factors such as coverage limits, exclusions, premiums, and customer service, to find the best fit for your healthcare needs.

Advice from Expats in Philippines about Health Insurance

Experienced expats in the Philippines often emphasize the importance of obtaining a health insurance plan that offers coverage for both minor and major medical issues. They recommend choosing a plan with a high coverage limit to avoid substantial out-of-pocket expenses, especially since medical costs can escalate quickly in the event of serious illness or injury. Additionally, expats advise looking for plans that include direct billing arrangements, which simplify the payment process for medical services. It's also beneficial to select a plan that provides coverage for medical evacuation, as this can be crucial if you require specialized treatment that is not available locally. Lastly, expats suggest reading the fine print carefully to understand the terms and conditions, waiting periods, and any exclusions that may apply to your policy.

Expats Talk about Health Insurance 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 one expat who moved to Bontoc, Philippines.

"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 when asked about moving to 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," stated one expat who made the move to Philippines.

"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," remarked one expat in Philippines.

"I just explained my experience to the above question at Riverside Hospital in Bacolod. I spent 5 days there saw 5 specialists and the cost was $3,400 and they took care of my problem. I am American and on Medicare. If I have a serious problem I will go back to the states and use the Medicare. I also plan on enrolling in Philhealth after I get my ACR card," said one expat living in Philippines.