Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Cebu, Philippines

"Cebu offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, and hospital services. Primary care services include family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Specialty care services include cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Hospital services include emergency care, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology. Additionally, Cebu has a number of private and public hospitals, clinics, and health centers that provide quality healthcare services. These facilities are staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals who are dedicated to providing quality care to their patients," wrote one expat.

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

"Cebu offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals. The public hospitals provide basic medical care and are generally more affordable than private hospitals. Private hospitals offer more advanced medical services and treatments, such as specialized surgeries and treatments for chronic illnesses. Additionally, there are a number of clinics and medical centers in Cebu that provide general medical care and treatments. Many of these clinics and medical centers also offer specialized services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy," commented one expat who moved to Cebu.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Cebu can be expensive, depending on the type of care and coverage needed. Private healthcare facilities tend to be more expensive than public ones, and health insurance plans can vary in cost depending on the type of coverage and the provider. Generally, health insurance plans in Cebu are more expensive than in other parts of the Philippines, due to the higher cost of living in the area," remarked one expat living in Cebu.

"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," said one expat living in Cebu.

"In Cebu, emergency services are provided by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The PNP is responsible for responding to emergency calls for police assistance, while the BFP is responsible for responding to fire and medical emergencies. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or contact the nearest hospital," said one expat.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Cebu. People in Cebu can access a wide range of medical specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, oncologists, and orthopedic surgeons. For highly specialized medical care, people in Cebu can go to the Cebu Doctors' University Hospital, the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, or the Chong Hua Hospital. These hospitals offer advanced medical treatments and have highly trained specialists who can provide the best care for their patients," commented one expat who moved to Cebu.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Cebu. Most pharmacies in the area carry a wide variety of medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and other medications used to treat common illnesses. Many pharmacies also offer generic versions of brand-name medications, which can be more affordable for those on a budget. Additionally, some pharmacies offer online ordering and delivery services, making it easier for customers to get the medications they need," commented one expat who moved to Cebu.

"Medical care in Cebu is generally of a high standard. The city has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Many of the hospitals offer a range of services, including emergency care, general medical care, and specialist care. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores in the city, providing access to a wide range of medications and medical supplies. Overall, medical care in Cebu is of a high quality and is easily accessible to those living in the city," remarked one expat living in Cebu.

"Yes, foreigners living in Cebu have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Cebu is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and residents of the Philippines. However, foreigners may be required to pay a fee for certain services. The public healthcare system in Cebu includes hospitals, clinics, and health centers, which provide a range of services including primary care, emergency care, and specialist care," said an expat in Cebu.

"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 Cebu. Many hospitals and clinics have had to reduce their services due to the lack of resources and personnel. The government has implemented strict protocols to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients, such as mandatory temperature checks and the use of face masks. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the influx of patients seeking medical attention. Long queues are common outside hospitals and clinics, and many people have had to wait for hours before being seen. The government has also implemented a “no-walk-in” policy, which requires patients to make an appointment before visiting a healthcare facility. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Cebu has been able to provide quality care to those in need," wrote one expat.