Health Care in El Nido

The healthcare system in El Nido is a mix of public and private providers. The public healthcare system, known as PhilHealth, is widely used by locals, while private healthcare is often preferred by foreigners and expats.

Philippines's Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in the Philippines is managed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, commonly known as PhilHealth. This system is used by both locals and foreigners, including expats and digital nomads. However, for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, it is often recommended to use private hospitals due to their higher standard of care and facilities. Public hospitals in El Nido are generally well-staffed and capable of handling common illnesses and minor injuries, but may lack the resources for more complex treatments. On the other hand, private hospitals in El Nido offer a higher standard of care, with modern facilities and English-speaking staff. Expats and digital nomads primarily use these private hospitals, especially for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in El Nido

El Nido is a small town and does not have many hospitals. However, there are several clinics that provide medical services. These include:

• El Nido Municipal Health Office - a public health clinic located in the town proper.
• Leonides S. Virata Memorial Hospital - a private hospital located in Taytay, approximately 1 hour away by car.
• Coron District Hospital - a public hospital located in Coron, approximately 4 hours away by boat.

In case of serious medical emergencies, expats often travel to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, which is approximately 5 hours away by car. The city has several private hospitals, including Adventist Hospital Palawan and Palawan Medical City.

Emergency Services in El Nido

El Nido has a local emergency response team that can be contacted through the local government unit. However, due to the town's remote location, there can sometimes be delays in response times. In case of serious emergencies, it is often faster to arrange private transportation to the nearest hospital.

Health Insurance Companies in El Nido

There are several private health insurance companies that operate in the Philippines, including Philam Life, Sun Life, and Manulife. These companies offer a range of health insurance products that are popular among locals. However, expats and digital nomads often prefer to use international health insurance providers that offer coverage in multiple countries. These international providers typically offer more comprehensive coverage, including medical evacuation, which can be important for those living in remote areas like El Nido.