Expats Are Shocked by the Cost of These 3 Medical Procedures in the Philippines!

[@islandhopper100]

reminds me of a simple truth: the single most important decision you make on a daily basis is what you put into your mouth.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Absolutely! What we eat can have such a big impact on our overall health and well-being. It’s definitely something to think about!

[@lesterager1005]

Thank you for taking your time to research all this information. Outstanding reporting. What the problem is when over 69 years old in Philippines, person can only have one company insurance us. Pacific cross. And the cost starts at 69000 peso year. Its very hard to get old and not be healthy. Very hard to get health insurance over 69 years old

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Yes, Many have age cut offs. Thanks for watching

[@timmydog1237]

Good morning Mr & Mrs Po The high cost and and not being able to find quality medical treatment in most parts of the country are just some of the reasons that I would never move there. Also, when you go to get your medicine,9 times out of 10 they will say sorry sir out of stock

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Thanks for watching

[@brewmeister2u]

the most thorough video on health care costs for expats in PH I’ve seen. Good Job.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Thanks you so much. That means a lot coming from you. Happy Holidays.

[@jones4334]

Great video Mike! The pricing structure of the different countries was good to know. Malaysia seemed to be the highest in Asia. Korean hospitals are really nice and very clean and very organized with Expats. And they have fluent speaking assistants to help communications with the doctors Have a nice day!

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Great Info Thanks and Thanks for watching

[@gowithin9451]

Superb information!!!

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Thank you and thanks for watching

[@bipolarpunt5721]

If I notice and decline in my health, Im returning to a secure healthcare system in Canada, and my travelling days are over. I dont want to risk having a significant health crisis followed by that big bill.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Probably the smartest thing to do. Plus the fact that many have a much more inclusive support system back in their own country. Thanks for watching

[@DavidAnderson-ev1be]

Like your channel, I keep my heathcare in Canada also , I can be away for two years before need be back for 6 months Canada

[@MichaelMCNeal-b1s]

@@bipolarpunt5721 that would be the exact thing to do. Stacy as an American traveling to Philippines if my health declines I will return back to the us where the healthcare system is 100% better. Can I will get the right care that I need not be charged outrageously for care. Like they do in the Philippines

[@losttravelingbackpacker3757]

If you’re an Expat in the Philippines, and you want to fly to Guam to get surgery because our Medicare Medicaid covers us there, can you Filipino girlfriend fly to Guam with you?

[@ourphilippinejourney]

No, Philippine passport holders need a visa to visit Guam for tourism or business purposes. Travelers must obtain a visa from a local embassy, consulate, or visa center before traveling. It does not matter if they are married to an American.Thanks for watching

[@BruceCinader]

Even though I don't think I will ever need that information because I live in the USA, I do have to thank you for all the time and research you did to present this information to many that do need to hear it.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Thanks Bruce and Thanks for watching

[@Slick_Rick_SF]

Sup Mike & Arlyn? Excellent information and really an eye opener on what you need to do when retiring in the Philippines. All the more reason to have medical insurance. Thank you for breaking it down for us.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Hiya Rick, Thanks for watching

[@dickeyspaz3222]

Good stuff Mike. I had a full body scan last year and only thing concerning was my coronary ct calcium score which was 299. Cardiologist says the score is high and ordered a nuclear stress test. Results came back good so he says no major blockage and blood flow is good. At this point just going to continue to monitor and take precautions to help keep score from rising. I requested a coronary catheterization to check for blockage but the doc said not justified at this time. I got a 2nd opinion with same recommendation. You just never know and I just dont want to end up having a bypass. Good luck with your procedures.

[@geoffbeckett6678]

@dickeyspaz3222 299? Are you sure right? A perfectly clear score is "0". Anything higher than that suggest high risk of future blockage or actual blockage. A 299 score would be highly alarming! If I were you, I'd look to get an angiogram where they actually go inside your heart with a fiber optical cable. Do your research now! Don't rely on a Doctor. Good luck to you.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Avoid the bypass if you can, its life altering. Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching

[@Zachb93]

Thanks for sharing

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Thanks for watching

[@Robmar40]

I had a heart attack and emergency 2X CABG 2 years ago in Las Vegas. The total cost was $325K. I only had to pay just over $3k copay with my Tricare Insurance.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Thank god for Tri Care. Hope your doing well. Thanks for watching

[@Robmar40]

@@ourphilippinejourney Thanks. Its been a slow recovery.

[@steboulrase]

This is great information. So if we are old, it is better to be not far from these hospitals because time save your life.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

In an emergency time is the most critical element.Thanks for watching

[@homesteader2839]

Mark Thornton's decision to cut back on meds and get TRT injections increased his stroke and heart attack risk significantly. Better to play it safe and keep risks low. Especially in the Philippines.

[@timmydog1237]

Glad to see that you are a board-certified cardiologist thanks for your medical opinion

[@homesteader2839]

@@timmydog1237 the results speak for itself with board certified cardiologist he had.

[@homesteader2839]

​@@timmydog1237 I'm glad you learned something.

[@delgrady8716]

Good luck with the stents. In case things go wrong, give my regards to Mark, will you ? I really miss him.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

lol...Thanks for watching

[@mikek8816]

I know someone who is paying 1100 a month for 1 medication and that is with prescription insurance through their union. Without insurance it would cost about 5500 a month.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Thats excessive. Is it some new Chemo Drug? Thanks for watching

[@bobanderson9021]

Had five stents(four on LAD) placed a little over one year ago and cost $274K - four nights ICU eight nights total in the hospital. Insurance paid for everything (Medicare/Tri care for life). I spend a lot of time in the Philippines and was lucky to have my heart attack in the US(Guam). Having to deal with all the stuff you talked about.. seems to be a bit much. Good luck with your upcoming procedure and continuing life style changes.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Best wishes, thanks for the info and thanks for watching

[@user-xv6rz9oq4y]

Im sure after watching your video there will be many people here that are wearing rose colored glasses will be taking them off.....Well done

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Thanks for watching

[@rogandbingofbingalahtravel3680]

Chong Hua is the only hospital in Cebu that has a Hepa filter system throughout the hospital. My surgeon explained this to me, which is why he insists on performing surgeries there. I would trust Chong Hua as much as St Lukes. I've been to both.

[@Robmar40]

There is a reason why St. Lukes is JCI accredited and Chong Hua is not.

[@rogandbingofbingalahtravel3680]

@Robmar40 finally, a response to any of my comments over the past 15 years that makes sense. Thanks!

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Its a great Hospital, but if was going to have a cardiac procedure I would want it done in a Joint Commission approved Hospital. That being said it does mean they dont. do great work. Thanks for watching

[@user-jf9vr6gb5t]

I had a friend that manufactured stents. Most of the innovative new products were shipped outside of the US and not approved in the US. When you have to get a lot of stents on one artery I think they call it a "Full Metal Jacket"? My stereotaxis ablation for frequent PVCs was only $130,000 for a few hours outpatient. What a business.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

That is an interesting detail. Thanks for watching.

[@bradprice3924]

Great info.

[@pechaybaguio]

I totally agree with you. I lived in Quezon City near St Luke's Hospital, not far away from Makati medical center and Asian Hospital. I have saved up about US$60-100,000 for emergency funds here. My mom passed away 3 years ago, from COVID-19, ESRD, and stroke and was confined in ICU for 3 weeks plus private nursing care costs. The total hospitalization cost was 2 million pesos. My father who passed away more than 10 years ago from kidney failure and stroke, cost us 3 million pesos. But he was in ICU for more than a month, about 6-7 weeks with private nursing care. I don't think that was expensive compared to the US hospitalization cost.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Great info, thanks for sharing.Thanks for watching

[@curtbrad233]

You forgot about the charge for the tissues (Kleenex), also if you wanted your bedsheets changed more than once a day, they charge, want more than 1 pillow, they charge ( you get to take home the pillow...lol). I just went in for 5 days in Bacolod City, (for a UTI that went really bad, and luckily I had a credit card with a large limit (I called it my hospital card), because of you didn't have a deposit ready you weren't getting meds. I had to pay before I could even get a tetanus shot (its was right there on their desk)...On my stay, they had an old guy looking at the tissues and felling how heavy the box was (everyday)...it was nuts. I did get great care though!!

[@OneJuanWon]

Self insure or have insurance - both have their merits, but at least have one of these options ready to go BEFORE relocating to the Philippines. Having neither is playing with your fate. And great remark about the hospitals. The medical facilities in smaller communities are like the infamous "Roach Motel". Once you check in, you probably won't check out. ☠

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Unfortunately that can be true Thanks for watching

[@ManWithNoName-t2d]

Got my full quarterly physical exam through Medical Arts at Chong hua hospital in Cebu. At 39, it was very routine for me. Called a few days in advance, was told the price, everything done the same day, paid cash. But God forbid I need any serious mexical/dental work done, I am getting while I am here in Florida or will wait until til I get back here or fly home as soon as possible.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Thanks for the info and thanks for watching

[@katolau]

well dang, those out-of-pocket rates are higher than my $5k cap with my US insurance...

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Yes they are, but if totally uninsured they are reasonable.Thanks for watching

[@oneinthepinkracing288]

Any areas you would suggest for someone looking to come to check on dental implants?

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Sorry i cant help with that. Thanks for watching

[@Cool_Breeze_Rockies]

1 million Pesos is a lot of trips to the ATM. And I will admit I feel a little guilty eating a Dominos double cheese pepperoni pizza while you talk about your procedure. Great stuff here, thanks for putting this out.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Hahahahaahah... Thanks for watching

[@SimpleMansJourney]

im 46 and just had a cabgx5 in july, having a blockage in my leg fixed coming in january. Ill make sure all is good before I ever prepare to stay in the philippines long term. My cabg and 4 days stay in the hospital in july cost 303k usd. luckily my insurance covered most all of it.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Great Info, Thanks for watching

[@eddenoy321]

Total hip replacement is an emergent condition ? It is a developing condition that you can live with until the joint fails and you begin to stumble or you can not tolerate the pain. It is only emergent if you had trauma that damaged the hip where the pain is too great. Most people know that their hip is wearing out years ahead of a THR operation . Few rush into it.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

Break a hip and its VERY EMERGENT. Thanks for watching

[@eddenoy321]

I think that is what I said before about 'trauma' or did you not read my comment ?

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

It sounds like your total cost (all in) after your upcoming procedures are done will be like $35k USD right?

[@ourphilippinejourney]

I think it will be closer to 30 but you might be correct.Thanks for watching

[@bradprice3924]

Phillipines heath insurance you recommend? Be there in 9 months. Just had a Stent put in.

[@ourphilippinejourney]

We self insure. If your a tourist the options for travel insurance is huge. If your going to be here longer you should google Michael Onstad. He is a highly recommend Expat insurance guy here in the PI and will be happy to make some suggestions I feel Sure. Thanks for watching

[@rogandbingofbingalahtravel3680]

Why do you self insure as opposed to having insurance?

[@bradprice3924]

Cebu recommends the hospital, please.

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

So the bottom line is these procedures in the P.I. at the best heart hospital here are for rich folks only or highly insured and rich...lol probably 1% of expats and the same percent of Filipinos could afford these medical costs

[@ourphilippinejourney]

That's a really insightful comment. Thanks for watching.

[@rickyusa1000]

Haven't watched the video yet, too busy staring at the nurse in the thumbnail 😆

[@Slick_Rick_SF]

Lol, RickyUSA1000, that sure is a nice view!