Health Insurance in the Philippines for Foreign Retirees
Foreign retirees in the Philippines can access both public and private health insurance options. Those with an SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa) are eligible for PhilHealth, the national healthcare system, while many also choose international private health insurance for broader coverage and better access to care.
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Private medical insurance is especially important for retirees who want to receive treatment at top private hospitals or need coverage while traveling. It ensures you are protected beyond the limitations of local public healthcare and offers peace of mind throughout your retirement in the Philippines.
Keep reading to understand how to maximize your medical coverage as a retiree in the Philippines!
Pacific Prime is ready to explain the public and private health insurance options for retiring abroad in the Philippines. We’ll explain who qualifies for PhilHealth and why you would want private medical insurance in the Philippines, too. We’ll also offer some helpful tips for securing private plans as a senior.
Want more fun information about retiring in the Philippines? Secure your health insurance plan and then check out the Best Beaches in the Philippines.
Health Insurance Plans for Retirees in the Philippines
Retirees from other countries who live in the Philippines are eligible for SRRVisas (Special Resident Retiree’s Visas) and PhilHealth coverage. Certain SRRVs also require private insurance accepted in the Philippines.
All retirees have the option to supplement PhilHealth with a robust private international medical insurance plan.
Retirees should be aware that the Philippines does not have the same medical services and technologies as the United States or other wealthier countries. Many clinics are located in rural areas, and there are limited options for medical care and services.
Having an international private medical insurance plan can provide coverage for medical care received outside of the Philippines. International Insurance can include or exclude the United States.
Having private international medical insurance means you would have access to private medical clinics in the Philippines and have health insurance when you travel.
Only heading to the Philippines for travel? Check out the best travel insurance in the Philippines in this Pacific Prime blog post.
PhilHealth Coverage for Foreign Retirees
Foreign retirees in the Philippines are eligible for benefits through PHILHEALTH with the SRRVISA options. Subsidized medical services are only available in the Philippines. Retirees who travel or who need more advanced care than the Philippines can offer need private health insurance, too.
When Is Private Insurance Mandatory for Retirees?
Retirees with the SRRV Human Touch are required to have a health insurance policy accepted in the Philippines. This type of visa is for retirees aged 50 & over who need medical care due to ailing health.
Lifetime Renewals for International Coverage
Pacific Prime offers international health insurance plans in the Philippines with lifetime renewal benefits. That means as long as you begin your policy before the maximum applicant age, you’ll be able to renew the policy automatically after signing up.
Changes in your health, diagnoses, and age won’t impact your eligibility for renewal!
Age Limits for New International Insurance Policies
The maximum age to apply for a new international private health insurance policy varies by insurance company. If you have concerns about finding a plan for someone of your age, don’t hesitate to contact an insurance expert for free guidance.
Understanding SRR Visas for Retirees
Special Resident Retiree’s Visas (SSRVs) are available for foreigners who would like to retire in the Philippines. These non-immigrant visas allow foreign nationals to make the Philippines their investment destination or second home and offer benefits.
The SRRV Options Include:
- SRRV Smile for active and healthy retirees who maintain a required SSR Visa deposit of at least USD $ 20,000 in a PRA Accredited Bank.
- SRRV Classic allows an active and healthy retiree and older to use their deposit to purchase a condominium or long-term lease for a house and lot. The value of the property must be at least USD $50,000. Special accommodations are available for retirees who receive a pension.
- SRRV Human Touch is for ailing retirees aged 50 and older who need medical care. This visa requires a monthly retirement pension of at least USD $1,500, a deposit of at least USD $10,000, and a health insurance policy accepted in the Philippines.
- SRRV Courtesy is for former Filipinos and foreign nationals who are retired officers of international organizations aged 50 and above. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) must recognize the international organization to be eligible. The visa deposit is USD $1,500.
- SRRV Expanded Courtesy allows retirees and their dependents certain benefits. The applicant must be a foreign national who is retired from the Armed Forces of countries with ties to the Philippine Government.
This visa requires a minimum monthly pension of USD $1,000. The applicant may bring up to two dependents with a minimum deposit of USD $1,500. Additional dependents require an additional deposit of USD $15,000 each.
SRR Visa Eligibility and Requirements
- The principal applicant must be a foreign national or former Filipino citizen.
- The principal applicant must be at least 50 years old.
- A dependent spouse must be legally married to the principal retiree applicant.
- Dependent children of the retiree must be legitimate or legally adopted by the principal retiree applicant.
- Dependent children must also be unmarried and 21 years old or younger.
Basic Application Requirements for SSR Visas in the Philippines:
- Valid Passport and valid or updated Temporary Visitor’s Pass
- Complete the PRA Application
- Medical Clearance
- Police Clearance from your country of origin
- Pictures of the applicant according to guidelines
- SRR Visa deposit
- Applicable fees
- Marriage and birth certificates for dependents
- Any and all other documentation required by SRRV option
Benefits of the SRRV Program
Retirees with a Special Resident Retiree Visa are eligible for benefits in the Philippines. Benefits range from tax breaks in the Philippines to discounts and free assistance. The Philippines makes an effort to be very retirement-friendly for foreign nationals.
Here is a more comprehensive list of benefits that SSR Visa holders are eligible for:
- Indefinite stay so you can remain a resident for as long as you desire
- Multiple entry and exit privileges so you can come and go as you need or like
- Exemption from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration ACR-I Card
- Exemption from customs duties and taxes for a one-time importation of your personal effects and household goods (Up to a value of USD $7,000)
- Exemption from taxes on pensions and annuities
- Exemption from Travel Tax if you have left the Philippines within the last year
- Exemption from Student Visa or Study Permit requirements
- PRA Newsletter subscription for free
- PRA-accredited merchant partner discount privileges
- Assistance with transactions with other government agencies
- PhilHealth benefits and privileges
Why Use a Broker for Retirement Health Insurance
There’s no good reason to skip the benefits of using a broker to secure your international health insurance for retirement. An international insurance broker, like Pacific Prime, offers all of the advice and support you need at no cost to you.
Using a broker, you’ll be able to ask for personalized recommendations, find and compare plans online, and have a third party eager to help make your life easier. Pacific Prime also offers a dedicated claims support team for their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does US Medicare work in the Philippines?
US Medicare only covers medical expenses within the United States and its territories. If you retire outside of the United States or its territories to the Philippines, you will need to find alternative medical insurance coverage.
Can American Citizens get health insurance in the Philippines?
American citizens living in the Philippines for one year or longer can get private international medical insurance. Travel insurance is available for Americans who will be in the Philippines for one year or less. Legal residents in the Philippines are eligible for publicly subsidized coverage.
How much does health insurance cost in the Philippines?
Basic international medical insurance coverage is available for less than USD $100 per month. More comprehensive private coverage varies by insurance company, plan, and customizable coverage selections, but insurance in the Philippines is more affordable than in the United States.
Can you use Blue Cross Insurance in the Philippines?
Domestic US Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans cannot be used in the Philippines. There is international health insurance available for US residents through GeoBlue, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield with an extensive worldwide direct billing network.
Conclusion
Use an insurance broker today to secure an international health insurance policy to supplement any PhilHealth benefits you’ll receive by retiring in the Philippines. The right private policy will offer lifetime renewal and medical care coverage in more places than PhilHealth alone.
Need some help using Pacific Prime’s online quote generator? No problem! Watch this tutorial here, or contact an expert today online or by calling 1-800-868-1451.
Explore more information about senior expat health insurance in the Philippines in this blog post.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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