Philippines Health Insurance For Long-Term Visitors
If you’re visiting the Philippines for an extended period, you may want to consider securing an international health insurance plan. Securing international health insurance before your trip to the Philippines can help you access the country’s best hospitals with English-speaking doctors.
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Healthcare in major cities such as Manila is excellent by international standards. Less can be said about healthcare in rural areas, however, which is why it’s wise to get yourself insured medically.
Are you planning a long-term visit to the Philippines? If you are, you’re in luck! This Pacific Prime article will give you an overview of the healthcare system in the Philippines, and how to secure international healthcare coverage when you visit the country.
An Overview of the Healthcare System in the Philippines
There’s a mix of both public and private healthcare systems in the Philippines. However, the healthcare system heavily relies on private providers, as about 30% of the population utilizes the private healthcare system as their source of treatment. About 60% of the hospitals are privately owned, too.
However, the Filipino government offers its citizens universal healthcare via the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth, which is funded by government subsidies at the local and national levels.
Along with emergency and urgent care, PhilHealth subsidizes inpatient health care and non-emergency surgeries. However, it does not cover all medical treatments and costs.
Above all else, you are only qualified for PhilHealth if you’re a citizen of the Philippines or if you’re an expat who’s employed and living in the country. Thus, you cannot obtain universal healthcare via PhilHealth if you are a long-term visitor.
Pros and Cons of Public Healthcare in the Philippines
Before deciding how to secure an international insurance plan in the Philippines, you should thoroughly examine the pros and cons of public and private healthcare in the country.
Public hospitals in the Philippines offer a good standard of healthcare at a lower price. However, they may not have equipment and facilities that are as modern and cutting-edge as private hospitals.
Here’s a deeper look at the pros and cons of public healthcare in the Philippines.
Pros of Public Healthcare in the Philippines
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- Cheaper treatment – You’ll find much lower prices for your hospital visits, including medication and tests in the Philippines, compared to European and North American nations.
- English-speaking medical staff – Most doctors who work in public hospitals in the Philippines generally have an excellent command of English, so communication is not an issue.
- Lower costs – Public healthcare in the Philippines is an excellent option for those who are looking for high-standard treatments on a budget, compared to private hospitals where you’ll have to pay a fortune
Cons of Public Healthcare in the Phillippines
- Technology issues – Some hospitals, especially in rural areas, are not as well-equipped with advanced medical tools and technology.
- Staffing issues – This is the case with most regional hospitals, as there are problems related to understaffing, and some healthcare professionals prefer to pursue their careers in hospitals in larger major cities.
- Low medical supplies in rural areas—Medical institutions in rural areas are often equipped with a limited budget, so stocking supplies can be challenging.
- Limited Capacity – Similarly to other countries, public hospitals in the Philippines often have a limited capacity, as several patients are looking to get treated each day, resulting in longer waiting times
- Lower Facility Standards – The quality of public healthcare facilities in the Philippines is typically below that of private healthcare facilities, which could be troublesome should you need more advanced or specialized treatments
Pros and Cons of Private Healthcare in the Philippines
Private healthcare in the Philippines, on the other hand, offers high treatment standards, but it comes at a premium compared to public healthcare.
Private hospitals in the Philippines offer a wide range of medical services, such as preventative medicine, diagnostic testing, primary care, specialist consultations, surgical procedures, and specialized areas of medical care, such as dermatology, ophthalmology, and neurology.
With that in mind, let’s dive a little deeper into the pros and cons of private healthcare in the Philippines.
Pros of Private Healthcare in the Philippines
- Better quality of care – Private hospitals in the Philippines are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology with modern facilities, along with well-trained and experienced medical staff, so you can expect a premium, personalized service with quick recovery
- Faster access to medical services—Compared to public hospitals, you can expect easy appointments with the doctor and shorter wait times, which can prove vital in life-or-death situations.
- Access to advanced treatment – Private hospitals provide access to the latest treatments and therapies, as well as cutting-edge equipment and medication which may not be yet available in public hospitals
- Great hospitality – Private healthcare facilities in the Philippines offer a larger and more comfortable environment for patients, such as private rooms with comfortable beds and other luxury amenities for a higher level of comfort.
- High-quality facilities—Private healthcare facilities in the Philippines are generally very modern, with luxury amenities and state-of-the-art facilities, elevating overall quality in the process.
Cons of Private Healthcare in the Philippines
- Higher price tag – Generally, services in private hospitals in the Philippines are more expensive compared to public hospitals. Although healthcare standards in private hospitals are higher, it’s advisable to assess your budget before making your decision.
- Limited network – Private hospitals usually have limited forms of insurance, as some insurers acknowledge certain hospitals. Thus, we advise you to check whether or not the particular private hospital acknowledges certain insurers.
- Inequality – While this may not directly affect long-term visitors, the costs of private healthcare are more often than not a burden for those on low incomes who may not be able to afford certain types of treatments
Public or Private Health Insurance: Which Should You Choose?
Just like healthcare, there are both private and public health insurance in the Philippines. Private health insurance offers more flexibility, whereas public health insurance, or PhilHealth, offers universal healthcare but only for Filipino citizens and expats who live and work in the country.
Now, let’s examine what to expect from public and private health insurance in the Philippines.
Public Health Insurance
PhilHealth administers public health insurance in the Philippines. While it can only be applied to Filipino citizens and expats who have lived and worked in the country for six months or more, it is still worth learning all the information.
The most economical option for health insurance in the Philippines, PhilHealth’s network consists of both public and private facilities. Coverage includes, but is not limited to:
- Inpatient and outpatient services
- Surgery
- Catastrophic coverage
- Maternity benefits
- Additional services such as lab tests and medication
Private Health Insurance
On the other hand, private health insurance gives insured access to private healthcare networks and offers more flexibility than public health insurance.
In the Philippines, premiums are fully paid by the insured, and immediate family members can also be on the plan but may come at an additional cost. Private insurers offer several benefits and features, and their facilities will meet high international standards.
Some benefits of private health insurance include:
- Inpatient and outpatient services
- Surgical assistance and hospitalization
- Money assistance for loss of income due to illness or accidents
- Additional services such as lab tests and medication
Above all else, securing international health insurance might be the best option for you if you’re planning to visit long-term. An international plan will give you coverage wherever you are. If you decide to leave for another country, you will still be medically insured in your new country.
Things to Look Out For When Securing International Health Insurance
“But how do I get health insurance before I travel to the Philippines?” you may ask. Our recommendation is to contact a broker so they can present you with various policies from several providers, allowing you to compare and choose the one that matches your needs.
Then, you will need to consider the following factors before choosing a plan:
Cost
Always compare the costs between various insurance providers so you can select the one that provides adequate coverage at an affordable price. Be sure to check for any hidden fees, deductibles, and co-payments.
Coverage
Make sure the policy provides a comprehensive plan that covers emergency medical care, hospital stays, outpatient services, and prescriptions. Do note that some policies may not cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s wise to read the policy thoroughly.
Reputation
Research the reputation of the health insurance provider by going through customer reviews and ratings. This will help ensure that the chosen provider is reputable, reliable, and has a solid track record of dependable service.
Additional Services
Be sure to look out for a policy that covers additional services such as ambulance services, hospital admission assurance, and evacuation services.
Get Insured Internationally with Pacific Prime
Since PhilHealth is only applicable to Filipino citizens and expats working and living in the country, the ideal choice for long-term visitors here is to secure an international health insurance plan, and we can help you do just that.
With more than 20 years of experience as a world-renowned international health insurance broker, Pacific Prime and our team of experts specialize in crafting international health insurance plans tailored meticulously to the unique needs and budgets of each client.
So, if you’re planning to obtain an international health insurance plan before your upcoming trip to the Philippines, Pacific Prime is here to help. We offer expertise, impartiality, and service-mindedness to assist you in securing the most appropriate coverage for your requirements.
If you have any further inquiries, do not hesitate to contact us.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our other articles here:
What is the Cost of Insurance in the Philippines for Expats
IMG Philippines Insurance: Coverage for Expats
Frequently Asked Questions
Is healthcare expensive in the Philippines?
Healthcare in the Philippines is not exactly cheap. An average hospital stay could set you back at P2,500 a night for private hospitals, while ICU stays could cost P30,000 a night. It’s important to note that these do not include doctors’ fees, laboratory fees, medicine, and other incidental costs.
How much is a doctor’s visit in the Philippines?
Consultation fees of general practitioners range from P300 to P500 in public hospitals. It’s more expensive if you’re going to see a physician in a private hospital with fees ranging from P700 to P1000. Most health insurance plans include consultations with medical doctors for free.
Can a foreigner get health insurance in the Philippines?
Absolutely. Foreigners residing in the Philippines can apply for private health insurance through a broker or directly with an insurance provider.
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
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