15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare 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 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 one expat living in Angeles City.

"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," mentioned one expat 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 who moved to Philippines.

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

"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," mentioned one expat in Philippines.

"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"," remarked one expat in Angeles City.

"Healthcare and health insurance in the Philippines can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, basic health insurance plans are more affordable than comprehensive plans, but they may not cover all medical expenses. Out-of-pocket costs for medical services can also be high, especially for those without health insurance. Additionally, the cost of prescription drugs can be expensive, and many people in the Philippines are unable to afford them," remarked one expat living in Philippines.

"I have not had to use my insurance here because the cost of care has been so inexpensive. I had to get an MRI which cost me less than 200 USD," said one expat living in Angeles City.

"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," mentioned one expat in Bontoc.

"Cebu city health care is very affordable. Good, top doctors compared to the U.S. When you are hospitalized and you ring for a nurse for help, you immediately get help - not one nurse but sometimes 3. We have a good experience in Cebu," commented one expat who moved to Cebu, Philippines.

"Emergency/outpatient care is available 24/7. I seldom have to wait much for care. For an emergency requiring any sort of high-tech equipment, we would have to be transported to Baguio City, a six-hour drive. However, the human, professional care here is very high quality," said an expat in Bontoc.

"This would normally be in private hospitals in Manila, where charges are double from the local hospitals. Some of these hospitals are American style, but have astronomic bills to match. Again their practice is to load the bill. The doctors always try to refer other doctors to see you, again all this is chargeable to you. Payment upfront is required -- even when you are involved in an accident, sent to the ER and incoherent. They will wait for your family to arrive with cash or a credit card regardless of your condition. ," said an expat in Philippines.

"I have not yet had to travel away from Angeles City to obtain any required medical service," commented one expat living in Angeles City, Philippines.

"Prescriptions are easy to fill. I can obtain the needed medications from my physician and from local drug stores. The cost is much less than what I would pay in the U.S," remarked one expat living in Angeles City.

"Until recently, pharmacies have been willing to sell prescription drugs without prescriptions, but the government is trying to end this practice and educate people about the importance of getting prescriptions. They are also trying to curb overuse of antibiotics, and these are now difficult to get without persuading a doctor you need a prescription. My husband spends USD 40-50 per month for four blood pressure medications, including Amlodepine and Simvastatin. One consequence of the low cost of medications may be some tendency to over-prescribe," said one expat living in Bontoc.

"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," mentioned one expat in Philippines.

"Common medication is available in the many pharmacies dotted around the city. Prescriptions for antibiotics are needed, but not for asthma inhalers etc. Medication is much cheaper than in Germany," commented one expat who moved to Angeles City, Philippines.

"There are many Govt. and private hospitals dotted around the city and offer reasonably good facilities. Unfortunately, due to the xenophobia of most of the nurses, one has to put up with their ignorance and nastiness," said an expat in Angeles City.

"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," wrote an expat living in Philippines.

"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," commented one expat living in Cebu, Philippines.

"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," wrote one expat.