Siargao Island, PhilippinesHealth Care in Siargao Island
Summary: Dive into healthcare resources for expats and digital nomads in Siargao Island: identify leading healthcare providers, hospitals, and medical centers for optimal care.
Siargao Island, located in the Philippines, has a healthcare system that consists of both public and private facilities. The public healthcare system, known as PhilHealth, is available to both locals and foreigners, while private hospitals and clinics cater to those who prefer more specialized care.
Philippines's Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in the Philippines is called PhilHealth, which provides basic medical services to both locals and foreigners. Public hospitals in Siargao Island are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgeries, as they may lack the necessary equipment and expertise. Public hospitals in Siargao Island can be crowded and have long waiting times. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in the Philippines. However, expats primarily use private hospitals for their healthcare needs. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they typically have better facilities and more specialized staff than public hospitals.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Siargao Island
Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Siargao Island include:
- Siargao Island District Hospital (public) - located in Dapa
- Del Carmen Medicare Community Hospital (public) - located in Del Carmen
- Siargao Medical Center (private) - located in General Luna
For more specialized medical care and surgeries, expats in Siargao Island may need to travel to larger cities such as Surigao City or Cebu City, which are approximately 3-4 hours away by ferry and car.
Emergency Services in Siargao Island
Ambulance services are available in Siargao Island, but they may not be as reliable or prompt as those in larger cities. To call for an ambulance, dial 911 or the local emergency number. Delays in ambulance response times can occur, especially in remote areas of the island.
Health Insurance Companies in Siargao Island
Popular private health insurance companies in Siargao Island include Blue Cross, Philam Life, and Maxicare. Expats and digital nomads typically use these local insurance providers or opt for specialized expat health insurance providers. It is important to note that expat health insurance providers may offer more comprehensive coverage and cater specifically to the needs of foreigners living in the Philippines.
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.
Additional Information:
