HOW MUCH DOES A DOCTOR AND HOSPITAL COST IN THE PHILIPPINES AND HOW DO YOU FIND ONE?

How do you find a doctor in a foreign country like the Philippines? What are the costs of doctors, medical procedures, and hospitals compared to the USA hospital costs? I will show some costs and cost comparisons with public vs private hospitals in Cebu City, the Philippines.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

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[@daviddarden1915]

Wow, this is so needed and much appreciated information. I think Filipinos nurses and Doctors are very capable. Having had experiences in North Carolina Hospital with Filipina nurses. They are very serious and professional at their jobs. Plus Filipinos treat many around the world as nurses and Doctors. So great to know a general price range in the Philippines on procedure cost. Most Americans are very lucky that their budget is able to handle private hospital cost there in the Philippines, thanks for the information now it is time to share this video.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks David. It is always a learning experience for me to research this stuff and I like to pass it along.

[@daviddarden1915]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 We really appreciate you helping us formulate great decisions from your advice, thank you..

[@redranger518]

If you are a US natural born citizen you can't work as a RN in Philippines, you can't even sit for the nurses licensure exam even if you graduate from college there, you must be a Philippines citizen to take test, seems like this is unfair and Philippines should reciprocate.

[@jsully4064]

@@redranger518 That is the law in the Philippines that a foreigner can not not work any job that a Filipino can do

[@davidblair9078]

Hi Rod. I have used the services of Chong Hua Hospital (out-patient) during my visits to the Philippines....prescription refill, bad cold, bed bug bites, bad sunburn (not all at the same time). On one occasion, I had an appointment at 8:00 AM. I arrive early and there was a room full of patients in the waiting room and hallway. I completed all the paper work and talked with the receptionist while waiting. I thought it was kinda funny when the receptionist wanted to sell me some snacks on her desk. I did purchase a few snacks and passed it around to the kids who were waiting also. So, after two hours waiting I decided to check out other doctor's offices to see if I could get some help, but before I left the receptionist ask for my cell number and she would call me on any update of doctor's arrival. So, I was waiting in a different doctor's office when about 10:30, I got this call from the other doctor's receptionist saying the doctor is in and will see you now. So, I excused myself from the second doctor's office (doctor was not at his office yet) and went back to the first doctor's office. Now, I don't know why...with all those other people waiting before me, I was called to go into his office. I even asked the receptionist...what about all these other people who has been waiting ahead of me, she just told me to go in. The doctor's office was very small and it reeked of cigarette smoke...now, I'm coughing big time. Anyway, he gave me 9 prescriptions! lol I paid the 650p for the office visit, went to the pharmacy and only asked for the antibiotic. david in Ohio

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL. That is a funny but not uncommon story I think David. Philippine time or ...... I have waited a number of times and once was brought right in also, maybe the senior privilege.

[@BpGregor]

I have had two occasions where I used the General or public hospital in Baguio. I paid only a registration fee of ₱20 (at that time about 50 UScents) both times. I received prescriptions which I had filled at Watson's Drugstore. What surprised me was that the prescription was returned to me. One was stamped with complete, which means no refills, I discovered. The other had two refills available and I could take the prescription to any pharmacy I would choose. I also had two outpatient cataract surgeries in Baguio at the Pines Hospital. The cost was about $2000 each. I was quoted $5000 each at a US hospital. I had one special lens due to an astigmatism. The doctor was a lady who is used by the USVA for veterans with eye problems connected with a service disability. I had to have pre-surgery physicals, which included blood test, urine test and chest X-ray for cost of ₱880 (about $21) and consultation with a separate doctor for ₱1500 (about $37). I had one orthopaedic consultation which cost ₱300 (about $7). The rate at the time was 42 pesos (or pisos) to 1 USD. Please note that senior discounts are for Filipino citizens only. Sometimes a doctor may be kind and grant the discount to non-Filipino citizens, but don't count on getting a discount. The government of the Philippines "refunds" the discount to the provider. This is not like the US where any senior person, citizen or no, can avail themselves of discounts at various place and for many services, including groceries. I once was required to remove myself from a seat on the bus for seniors and PWD (I am both), because I did not have a PWD or a senior citizen card issued by the government of the Philippines.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing your experience Kenneth. There are very qualified doctors here and definitely much cheaper. It pays to shop for the better doctors also.

[@kbird529]

Great vlog - very informative Rod - Thanks !

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks kbird.

[@waynewalker3064]

Thanks again Rod, i appreciate the effort you put into researching and sharing with us.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Wayne. It was a learning process for me also.

[@darrylgilbert2587]

Thankyou this is what I have been looking for good work

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Darryl and good luck.

[@oscarc5391]

Rod this is your best video describing the cost of Medical services here in the Philippines I uploaded it to my Facebook page so my friends back home can see that there is good quality inexpensive medical services here compared to the United States .and yes I've been going to mayyo clinic for my medical and dental care very state of the art equipment and care there

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thank you very much Oscar. MAAYO has some of the best equipment in town I think but a medical center and not for hospital stays.

[@KennyInSubic]

Thanks for posting!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching and commenting Carlos.

[@aicsusa]

Thank you that is some excellent information.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks AICS USA.

[@cadizwilmo9687]

Thanks for this great information!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Leo.

[@redranger518]

Had an Aussie buddy working in Cebu area about 10 years ago, he got bit by a moray ell. The local hospitals couldn't get the infection under control, he finally had to go back to Australia and they were able to save his thumb and two fingers, he told me that if he went back home his injury would of been treated with the correct antibiotics, he also lost a little bit of his hand as well. He eventually returned to Cebu and went back to work.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Interesting Red Ranger. Facilities are very limited here once you get out of the big cities and even then one needs to seek out the better doctors and hospitals, like many places.

[@keithjetski3060]

Great info with the cost sheets! I had a tooth filled once there in Danao with cleaning and it was less than $20. I always wondered how much various other medical costs were.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Keith. It is always a learning experience for me also.

[@harveyseno2790]

As a Cebu local Rod, I enjoy 80,000 php health insurance coverage at yearly premium of 5000 php. Which include free cleaning for dental and discount for any other dental procedure. All local hospitals within Cebu are covered. You can also avail of this Rod, research CFI cooperative. Ask Chong Hua's HMO office to solidify my claim.

[@harveyseno2790]

Because of this was able to undergo surgery with minimal cost.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for the info Harvey. Many insurance companies don't cover people over 65 but I will check it out for sure.

[@harveyseno2790]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 it does! but u need to get an ECG and blood tests! if you pass, u get coverage!

[@dennisb7930]

Great info Rod I was thinking of going to phils for a bone graph and 4 teeth implants I hear medical ins.from U.S. are working now with the phil. Hospitals I will have to look into this.Thanks Rod

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Dennis. Some US insurance companies work with overseas hospitals. They save money and you save money. Blue Cross had an 800 number for that purpose.

[@davidbates7429]

If you have to go to the hospital- in patient- bring another person to stay with you to get food and your medicine. They tell you what you need, including IV solution and you go get it. Also anyone who has chronic pain it is very hard to find a doctor. You have to go to a pain doctor by referral only, I know about this, only 2 in Cebu City, and they are more strict than in the US. Drop me a PM if you fall into the chronic pain category.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for the info David. My email is [e-mail]. PM in KZbin were discontinued many months ago.

[@davidbates7429]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 My email for your records is [e-mail]. Glad to help anyone I can.

[@mesoridazine]

Philippines has a law excluding non Pilipino doctors but born, gaduated Medicine in Philippines, trained in USA and board certified in USA with Phulippines license excluded from practicing Medicine in Philippines due to recent law restricting practice of Medicine to Filipino only. Is there really shortage of doctors in Philippines versus excluding Philipphinrs born, trained in Philippines and USA MD but not Filipinos ?

[@manuelcamomot5152]

Good info

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Manuel. I learned a lot doing the research.

[@shiningknight5298]

Thank you for all you do, it was very helpful. Could you please do a vlog on dental. Im looking for implants. and procedures ...ty so much

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks. I have a playlist for Medical and Dental. Implants have lots of variables but I will try to do another video soon.

[@superfly8158]

i found aloe vera to be great for cuts sunburns and skin infections.best of all its free.grows everywhere

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks super fly. Aloe vera is a great plant.

[@reginao2342]

Hi Rod, In 2019 I needed cataract surgery on my right eye, and went to an opthalmologist at Cebu Doctor's Hospital, that had operated on my mother-in-law's eyes in the distant past. I ended up getting a multi-focal Toric lens put in, and the outcome was not very satisfactory. Blessedly I ended up finding Dr. Yong Larazabal's eye clinic, and received wonderful care. He is the Head of all the Doctors Hospitals in Cebu. I ended up needing Lasik refractive surgery at his private laser clinic, The Centre for Sight inside the hospital to correct the strong astigmatism in that same eye, and three months later am seeing much better. I would highly recommend Dr. Larazabal to anyone who needed eye care of any kind.He is a highly competent doctor, and very hard working and compassionate. Btw, his clinic is the one shown in this video at the beginning of your filming.

[@reginao2342]

A clinic visit for him is 500 pesos. He has an extensive optical pharmacy there too. Lasik Surgery is at his private Laser center, comes with varied costs.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Regina. I am glad you had a good final outcome. I know of a couple who had lasik in the USA. The lady paid the higher price that included further corrections if needed while the husband went with the lower price that didn't include corrections after the initial surgery. He had to pay more in the end to have additional corrections done. I have considered lasik but I hear just enough about bad experiences to scare me away.

[@reginao2342]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 To clarify better, It wasn't done as an elective measure, but to correct some issues that the previous doctor had been unsuccessful doing in the positioning of the lens during my cataract surgery. The lasik done in that eye was the only way to correct it, and to gain clarity in that eye. Sorry for the confusion.

[@TimRWhite]

For those retired US Military that will be on TriCare Select Overseas, here is the provider search link. www.tricare-overseas.com/beneficiaries/philippines/philippine-provider-search

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Timothy.

[@maranatha721]

About 20 months ago while travelling with my Fiance in a Jeepney to San Fernando SM I was stung a couple times inside the Jeepney by a mosquito I thought nothing of it but next day I started to feel very lethargic and couldn't understand why. She told me to get it checked out at the gov hospital which was next door to our home, they took a blood test and told me I had Dengue fever and needed to be hospitalised, I spend 3 days in that hospital it was a big open room with I think about 14 beds and no curtains for privacy, I can't complain they took well care of me and even supplied meals. I notified my travel insurance and expected a big bill, but my fiance took the bill to different gov offices and even to the Lord mayors office in Mexico who reduced it, and to my surprise it was less then the insurance cover charge of $200 Australian

[@maranatha721]

I actually paid the bill the day after I left the hospital, so this maybe different wherever you may live in the Philippines but all the same it's a good idea to let your Filipino partner handle it and find out how to reduce your bill.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing your experience Maranatha and good advice about letting a Filipino friend get involved.

[@garrylafferty100]

My Filipina brother was 8 day in private hospital all testing doctor fee x ray Ultra sound ,oxygen, medicine with Philhealth it turn out TB we fear lung cancer spitting up a lot of blood the total was about 700 $ every thing we could not get in to national hospital no beds this was fall of 2019

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing Gary. My gf was in a private hospital in 2014 for several weeks for "potassium deficiency". Stayed the whole time on a cot in the hallway as not beds available in rooms. She fully paid here bill last year.

[@gibbs2799]

Big price difference yes but try to sue if something goes wrong in Philippines. They also mark up prices for foreigners.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Yes, the cost of liability insurance for docs, hospitals, and medical equipment manufacturers is a factor in the high cost of medical care in the US. I have not been charged a higher rate in 4+ years here and several trips to different doctors.

[@justice929]

Executive check up at $150 is still cheap. I will get soon. Afterall , health is wealth.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I think most of the hospitals have similar programs also Ronald.

[@michaelcrews2229]

Hey sir me again I have another question I was looking at the prices for major medical care some are tens of thousands of dollars the most we can get from the atm in Cayagan de oro is 50 thousand pesos a day how are you suppose to pay such a large amount when the banks won't give access to your own money

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good question Michael. I think most hospitals take credit cards otherwise it is good to have some cash hidden away for emergencies.

[@johnlacey3857]

Michael Crews Just as a point of reference... 50k pesos is $1k USD; any western bank I’ve dealt with has an ATM withdrawal limit much lower than this.

[@thelogician1934]

New Zealand doctor once told me about infection that does not heal caused by flea bite, to use toilet cleaner to soak it as it is strong disinfectant.

[@thelogician1934]

Diluted, of course.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Interesting David. The antibacterial cream I have is doing a great job also.

[@glammav14344]

That wound on your leg looks mean! What was your diagnosis? I used to work for a Dermatologist here in the US. Be careful with any wound that gets infected like that. They should send a sample to the lab. It could be mRSA . It can go into your blood stream/can be deadly! Don’t ignore next time.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

That is the 2nd time I had that type of infection. The 1st time it started in Los Angeles before I flew here. Doctor cut it open and it healed. 2nd time, antibotics and massaging it did the trick thanks to the doc who didn't want to cut.

[@anthonykeller5120]

In the US I’m used to going to the same General Practioner (GP) doctor for years (not so much since ObamaCare - they keep quitting medicine altogether). How does one get the same kind of service in the PI?

[@harveyseno2790]

Doctors in Cebu are all connected in and out of the city hospitals. There are places for clinics and a list of doctors in the reception.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Anthony. There are a few clinics and medical centers around depending on the city or town. Just ask around, walk in and ask the receptionist, or check online.

[@garrylafferty100]

Obama care better than nothing it not Philhealth

[@jsully4064]

Sorry have to go before I read all the comments. Is it true that foreigners can only be seen in Private hospitals as Public hospitals are for 'pinoys' only?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Not true Jim. One Pinoy told me public hospitals is where they go to die, but that is an exaggeration, I am sure.

[@Dam_Big_Dawg]

I’m no doctor but resembles a MRSA. I had something like that but luckily I was in the states at the time and had 1st world treatment. Best of luck.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Dave. It is almost completely healed now. 2 antibiotics for 7 days and antibiotic cream 2x/day. 4 years ago a similar infection was cut out by a surgeon. This one said there was a chance of a secondary infection with cutting and his treatment worked. Ingrown hair or insect bite could have caused it.

[@stateofmind4341]

I work as a nurse many years and also think it's mrsa which can potentially get in your blood

[@roofpizza1250]

I got loads of stories but here's a quick one. It hurt when I peed while in Pattaya. Doc gave me a shot and some pills. I figured if anyone would know what was going on it would be a local doctor. Knocked it down maybe 70% but obv that aint enough. Went back home to Toronto and a dedicated clinic. The random pills they gave me even before the tests were in kicked ass. It was free in Canada but maybe 1000 baht in Thailand.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that roof pizza. Someone told me that a doctor told them that many of the girls have STDs and don't know it.

[@justice929]

I got a Pneumonia vaccine at the VA hospital Las Vegas Nevada. Wonder if Philippines has vaccine?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

There is pneumonia vaccine available here Ronald. Shingles vaccine is more difficult to find but available at the medical offices at Robinson's Cybergate and Galleria I think.

[@justice929]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 The VA hospital in the US gave me Shingles vaccine and Hep B vaccines before I came back to Philippines. And yes, I was surprised at how many Filipinos work at the VA hospital in Las Vegas. as doctors and nurses. I had to go back to the US to get Green light Laser treatment on my enlarged prostrate. The doctors at Cebu Doctors Hospital has recently got Green light Laser machine but doctor who does the procedure has very little experience and doctors are sent to the US to train. But my doctor at the VA was an elderly doctor with a ton of experience there's millions of old vets.

[@mesoridazine]

@@justice929 Its free in USA VA and less paperwork.

[@johnminichielli8957]

I've heard in other blogs that if you were in an accident and unconscious when entering the hospital, they would not treat you without upfront payment. Some suggested having a Philhealth card on you would make sure they admitted you. I know when I was traveling in Africa if you couldn't pay you were put out to die. Is it the same there?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

You are expected to make a deposit of 10-20,000 pesos before admittance John. Even Filipinos may not be admitted without some payment or collateral, depending on the hospital.

[@axelrose0910]

im experiment. i have a microchips inplanted in my head and earphone inplanted in my ears and microchips in my eyes. is this appear or see in xray?.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL! I am sure it does Dixon.

[@michaelcrews2229]

Hey sir regarding phil health do you know how much the z package costs I think that is the best one I think foreigns don't qualify I want to get it for my wife

[@wtf6694]

they do qualify

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

PhilHealth is about 17,000 pesos/year, $340 USD, for foreigners and does not include the major medical Z package. It is much less, maybe 200 pesos/month for Filipinos I think. There is a new "universal" health care system coming into play soon to cover all Filipinos so I don't know if that will affect PhilHealth or become part of it.

[@stevehansen6552]

Do the hospitals and doctors take credit cards?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I think most hospitals take credit cards Steve. I have never asked the doctors as the fee was so low.

[@justice929]

Cebu doc is a very good hospital.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Ronald. I have been there a couple of times for minor items.

[@thefozzybear]

Doesn't medical insurance cover the costs of visiting a doctor?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Doctor visits are very inexpensive here 300-800 pesos. PhilHealth is primarily for hospitalization.

[@thefozzybear]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 In Canada our health care covers doctor visits as well as hospitalization (why we pay lots of taxes) but prescription drugs are covered by separate insurance often if you work you get this insurance from your employer.

[@bonzotalonzo9072]

Try rubbing some goose grease on the wound.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL. I have been chasing a goose around until the owner stopped me so back to using the ointment that seems to be working well.

[@roofpizza1250]

I've seen a GP in Thailand (Pattaya) and the Philippines (Manila) and wasn't impressed with either. I've also seen ophthalmologists in Thailand and the Philippines (Angeles) and was impressed with the Thai one at the Rutnin eye clinic in BKK, not so much the Filipino one. 500 Pisos a visit sounds about right.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that roof pizza.

[@vegascon9860]

Chong Hua is sub-standard. Filthy rooms and doctors have no professional ”Bedside Manner”. One doctor accepted a personal phone call laughing with the other party while I was in agnozing pain. ”Two thumbs down”......

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. I and many of my friends have only had good experiences there. I have had bad experiences with US doctors misdiagnosing me and family members. Medical mistakes in the USA are the 3rd highest cause of death so there is some risk everywhere.

[@boognow6728]

If you have not had yourself checked for diabetes you should.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks BOOGNOW. I have great control on my blood sugar with almost no sugar and low carb diet. I will be doing a video about it soon.

[@boognow6728]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 I'm diabetic had a sore just above my ankle that was oozing out this orange looking stuff it burnt my skin like battery acid and hurt like hell after 3 weeks of antibiotics it stopped but left a big scab which had to be removed at a cost of 3200 pesos plus 2000 in antibiotics so 5200 pesos out of the pocket.

[@jaggynettles8382]

Please get to the point of the video and stop wasting time

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Jaggy Nettles.