Cebu, Philippines
Health Care in Cebu
Summary: Learn about the health system in Cebu: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Cebu.
The healthcare system in Cebu is a mix of public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and is used by both locals and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Cebu for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. At a public hospital in Cebu, you can expect to find a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized care. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in the Philippines. However, many expats prefer to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they tend to have more modern facilities and better customer service. Private hospitals in Cebu are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals, and offer a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized care.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Cebu
There are several recommended clinics and hospitals in Cebu for expats. These include Chong Hua Hospital, a private hospital located in Cebu City; Cebu Doctors' University Hospital, a private hospital located in Mandaue City; and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, a public hospital located in Cebu City. Chong Hua Hospital specializes in cardiology, while Cebu Doctors' University Hospital specializes in orthopedics. Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center is a general hospital that offers a wide range of services. In the event of an emergency, expats in Cebu typically go to the nearest hospital, which may be a public or private hospital.
Emergency Services in Cebu
There are ambulance services in Cebu, and you can call for an ambulance by dialing 911. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there may be delays due to traffic or other factors.
Health Insurance Companies in Cebu
The most popular private health insurers in Cebu are Maxicare, Intellicare, and PhilCare. Maxicare and Intellicare offer a wide range of health insurance plans, while PhilCare specializes in health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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