Health Care in Boracay Island
Summary: Explore healthcare options for expatriates and digital nomads in Boracay Island: uncover top-rated providers, hospitals, and medical facilities to meet your needs while living abroad in Boracay Island.
The healthcare system in Boracay Island is a mix of public and private providers. The public healthcare system is managed by the Department of Health (DOH), while private healthcare is provided by a variety of hospitals and clinics.
Philippines's Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in the Philippines is called PhilHealth, which is used by both locals and foreigners. However, for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, it is not typically recommended to use public hospitals in Boracay Island due to limited resources and facilities. The experience at a public hospital in Boracay Island can be quite different from what foreigners are used to, with crowded conditions and long wait times. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in the Philippines, but many prefer to use private hospitals. Private hospitals in Boracay Island offer more advanced facilities and services, and are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries. The experience at a private hospital in Boracay Island is more akin to what foreigners would expect, with modern facilities and English-speaking staff.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Boracay Island
- Boracay Island Hospital (Public) - Located in Balabag, Boracay Island
- St. Luke's Medical Center (Private) - Located in Bonifacio Global City, about an hour's flight from Boracay Island
- The Medical City (Private) - Located in Pasig City, about an hour's flight from Boracay Island
Emergency Services in Boracay Island
There are ambulance services in Boracay Island. In case of an emergency, you can call the local emergency number, which is 911. However, there can sometimes be delays due to the island's remote location and limited resources.
Health Insurance Companies in Boracay Island
Some of the most popular private health insurers in Boracay Island include Philam Life, Sun Life Financial, and AXA Philippines. These companies offer a range of health insurance products to suit different needs and budgets. However, many expats and digital nomads prefer to use specialized expat health insurance providers, which offer coverage that is more tailored to their unique needs and lifestyle. These providers typically offer global coverage, which is particularly useful for those who travel frequently or live in multiple countries.
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.