How to Navigate the Health System in Philippines

The healthcare system in Philippines is composed of both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and is funded by the government. It provides access to basic healthcare services for citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Philippines, but it is not widely used by them. People generally recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. A public hospital in Philippines is typically clean and well-maintained, with a wide range of services available.

The private healthcare system in Philippines is composed of a variety of hospitals and clinics, with varying levels of quality and cost. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more likely to have English-speaking staff and the latest medical technology. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. A private hospital in Philippines is typically clean and well-maintained, with a wide range of services available.

Philippines's top hospitals include Makati Medical Center (private, located in Makati City), St. Luke's Medical Center (private, located in Quezon City), Philippine General Hospital (public, located in Manila), and Asian Hospital and Medical Center (private, located in Muntinlupa City). Makati Medical Center specializes in cardiology, while St. Luke's Medical Center specializes in oncology.

The most popular private health insurers in Philippines are Maxicare, Intellicare, and Cocolife. These companies provide a range of health insurance plans, including coverage for hospitalization, outpatient care, and preventive care. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, as they are more likely to have English-speaking staff and the latest medical technology.

Insider Tips from Expats in Philippines: How to Navigate the Health System

"Competent doctors. Took an appointment a week in advance for an MRI that was needed immediately," commented one expat living in Cebu, Philippines.

"Health care in Philippines is reasonable but like any other country Medical professions are starting to gouge," mentioned one expat living in Philippines.

"Healthcare is good and less expensive than in the US. I can buy my Prevastatin over the counter without a prescription," said an expat in Philippines.

"They are building a new american standard hospital about 10 km from me. So it will be great to have here. I am a member of that system," remarked one expat in Philippines.

"Public health care is minimal. Private is more expensive but covers a lot more and is needed in the Philippines," said one expat living in Philippines.

"If you can afford it, get health insurance, but the rates are higher the older you are, and if your over 60 they go through the roof, that's if they will insure you. Be aware that many doctors here, who will charge you in excess of the regular charge as a "skin tax" as we are perceived to be able to afford it. Also hospitals will add on extra's not necessary, ie, they always insist on a drip, but it only contains saline solution. Extras like artificial limbs are difficult to have maintained here, its only in Manila or Cebu where there are facilities to have these repaired or replaced, but the quality and expertise is poorer, usually using 2nd hand appliances from abroad. In Manila there is a private house where European standards are maintained, but it is the most expensive you will encounter," commented one expat living in Philippines.

"I live in a rural area of the Philippines, and I have found the provincial and municipal hospitals to be of excellent quality for all my ordinary health care needs," mentioned one expat living in Philippines.

"It's very important to have cash ready, or to be on one of the many local medical insurances available. Without money, you are doomed," said an expat in Philippines.

"Depending where you live or want to live, there are great hospitals. Such as the ACE hospital system which is jayhco certified. Not sure if the spelling. They are up to date and modern hospital. You can actually invest in this hospital system like in the United States and get great service. ," remarked one member living in Philippines.

"Healthcare services in the Philippines are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in the Philippines typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of a higher quality. However, some expats may choose to use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private healthcare," said one expat living in Philippines.

"I just spent 5 days in the Bacolod Riverside Hospital. I woke up in the middle of the night with an excruciating pain in my ankle, it felt like someone hit it with a hammer. The next morning it was double in size swollen up. I had previously seen this doctor in Bacolod an went to him to see what was up. He looked at it and immediately had me go to the ER and had me admitted. I spent days there to find out I had Peripheral Arterial Disease. I saw five specialist during my stay and was very impressed by them. The total cost was approximately $3,400.00 and they got my leg back to normal," commented one expat who moved to Philippines.