15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Philippines
Last updated on Nov 18, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in the Philippines is generally considered to be lower than that of the United States. Emergency services are available, but they may not be as reliable or as well-equipped as those in the US. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or contact the local emergency services.
How are healthcare services Philippines?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Philippines, they replied:
"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 living in Philippines.
What are medical services in Philippines like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Philippines, they replied:
"The healthcare system in the Philippines is largely privatized, with a mix of public and private hospitals and clinics providing medical services. The quality of care varies depending on the facility, but generally, the medical services available in the Philippines are of a high standard. The country has a wide range of specialists and medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, who are able to provide a range of treatments and services. The cost of medical services in the Philippines is generally lower than in other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking medical care," said one expat.
"Competent doctors. Took an appointment a week in advance for an MRI that was needed immediately," remarked one expat in Cebu.
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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Philippines?
"We do not have health insurance, except for PhilHealth through my husband's work. It pays for hospital stays, but there are a lot of out-of-pocket costs. However, these are not high - we are fortunate in that we have not needed any kind of major medical treatments. Something like advanced-stage cancer would have to be handled in Manila and would cost us in the realm of USD 5000 - 10,000, I'd estimate. Primary health care, like bandaging of wounds, bronchitis, and the like is free to all comers," wrote an expat living in Bontoc.
"There are a lot of health insurance choices on offer and it is highly recommended to go on one of them. To be without cash and medical insurance may become a death warrant for the "Unprepared"," said an expat in Angeles City.
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What are emergency services like in Philippines?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Philippines wrote:
"In the Philippines, emergency services are available to provide medical assistance, firefighting, and rescue operations. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency hotline number, 911, or contact the local emergency services. The Philippine Red Cross also provides emergency medical services and can be contacted through their hotline number, 143," wrote one expat.
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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"We go to Baguio City, where there is a wealth of choices, public, private, and medical school hospitals. My husband had surgery in Baguio City and received great care, both from the doctors and the nurses and other care providers," remarked one expat in Bontoc.
"Local hospitals in Germany are very efficient! The hospitals and medical centers in The Philippines are all average," remarked one expat living in Angeles City.
Are common prescription medications available in Philippines?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in the Philippines. Many pharmacies in the country carry a wide range of medications, including those for common illnesses such as colds, flu, and allergies. In addition, many pharmacies also carry medications for more serious conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Some pharmacies also offer specialized medications for specific conditions, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS. In general, most medications are available in both generic and brand name forms," wrote an expat living in Philippines.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Philippines?
"Medical care in the Philippines is generally considered to be of a good standard. The country has well-qualified medical professionals, a range of public and private hospitals, and access to the latest medical treatments and technologies. Many public hospitals offer free or low-cost medical care for those unable to afford expensive private health care. The government also offers subsidised health insurance for poor and disadvantaged individuals. While the quality of medical care varies from place to place, overall, medical facilities and services in the Philippines are generally considered to be of a high standard," mentioned one expat in Philippines.
As a foreigner living in Philippines, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in the Philippines have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is considered to be of a good standard. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free or heavily subsidized for those who cannot afford private healthcare. The public healthcare system is also supplemented by a network of private hospitals and clinics, which offer a higher standard of care," commented one expat who moved to Philippines.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Philippines if they have access to public healthcare in Philippines. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"A guard at the entrance of every public place makes sure your temperature is taken and you write down your contact info ior possible contact tracing," remarked one expat living in Cebu.
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in the Philippines. Many hospitals and clinics have been overwhelmed with the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. The government has implemented various measures to help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system, such as providing additional funding for medical facilities and increasing the number of medical personnel. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system is still struggling to cope with the demands of the pandemic. Additionally, the cost of medical care has risen significantly, making it difficult for many people to access the care they need," said one expat living in Philippines.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Philippines?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Philippines about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"Look for a good midwife. If you go to the hospital, expect that they will always give a c section and you will pay a lot of money as a foreigner," wrote a person living in Davao.
"Make sure you have all your paperwork together especially if you and the mother are not married. We had to take a special trip to the courthouse so that the child could have my name. You will want to do that before you leave the hospital. If you are married, it's not really an issue," explained one expat living in Calamba, Laguna.
Are healthcare services good in Philippines?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Philippines. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in the Philippines are widely available and generally of a high quality. The country has both private and public hospital systems, with public hospitals providing cheaper services. Most medical practitioners are foreign-trained and specialized medical services are widely available, including obstetrics, surgery, cardiology, and neurology. Additionally, many of the public hospitals have a wide network of rural health centers for access to basic healthcare services in the countryside. The Philippines is also a leader in telemedicine, with several hospitals and clinics utilizing video conferencing and other modern technologies to bring medical services to remote areas," said one expat in Philippines.
"There are many decent hospitals all over Philippines, with their staff trained to work in other countries. Fortunately so far I have not required much care," wrote a person living in Cebu City.
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.
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- How are healthcare services in Philippines?
- What are medical services in Philippines like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Philippines?
- What are emergency services like in Philippines?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Philippines?
- How are local medical facilities in Philippines?
- As a foreigner living in Philippines, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?