Medical Insurance for Philippines Expats [PhilHealth, Private Insurance, Medicare]

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[@chaipink5763]

We retired early and after a lot of research and meetings with agents, we settled for Pacific Cross but only got coverage for serious illnesses that should cover hospital stays and everything related to it in addition to emergencies. It only has annual 1.5 million coverage. I find this pretty small considering everything medical is quite expensive now but thank God we don’t have any serious health issues. For our non serious health concerns, we got Maxicare for an annual cost of 5k pesos only. Best deal as it comes with unlimited lab diagnostics and doctor visits. Works well for us.

[@chingllac]

Hi how much is your premium with that benefit? If u don't mind because I'm also looking for a health insurance

[@marianeil6630]

@@chingllac depends on your age!! and the Health insurance in the Philippines is yearly only, renewable, the older you are more expensive. Well, Also, maxicare has prepaid card, you could buy this online in the Philippines, yearly only. Be sure to read the fine print. Good for one year.

[@marianeil6630]

1.5 million is Philippine pesos.

[@chaipink5763]

@@chingllac about 150k pesos because I had preexisting health condition (diabetes) which they didn’t cover in the 1st year but gave me coverage in the second year since I didn’t have any issues related to it in year 1. However, for this preexisting to be covered in year 2, my premium increase to 150k but at least it is now covered. Sorry, can’t remember how much in year 1, rough estimate is around 100k only.

[@marianeil6630]

@chaipink5763 who your agent in Pacific Cross?

[@bathala721]

it's true that healthcare is inexpensive in the Philippines and there are many excellent Filipino doctors. Hospitals are not lagging behind with the latest medical devices. But I would still like to have an option of getting treated in the US for delicate procedures. Keeping Medicare premiums current gives us the coverages. There are penalties when getting back to Medicare after being dormant. Thank you, Sir!

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I agree!

[@Hary1470]

You are an intelligent person. You explain things well. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@faronray5765]

Thanks for the information. I have to agree with a lot of what you pointed out. I live in the Philippines and when I turned 65, it seemed premiums went up big time and keep going up as you age. Existing medical issues also add up and trying to see if you are covered by the wordage of the policy is very tough. I decided to have PhilHealth and to self insure.

[@wolfel1954]

I help my Aunt to get Pacific Cross as she was retiring in the Phils. This was 2 yrs ago. She was paying $300 per month which is still cheaper. Pacific Cross was formerly Blue Cross Blue Shield.

[@marianeil6630]

Very expensive, she should shop around every year, get Philhealth too and Travel insurance before moving to Philippines. Apply for Senior citizen card.

[@FoundingYouTuber-2005]

Excellent presentation. Liked, subscribed, and rang that bell.

[@gilberturesti338]

68 year old relatively in good health. living here for five years. Had two medical hospital stays each costing average 70 thousand pesos. Philip health covered a small part for me and a larger part for my wife. Personally if you had a major health issue the est. average cost 150 to 250 thousand pesos. Still relatively smaller than the USA. Personally having a medical savings of 5 to 10 thousand dollars would cover most major medical costs.

[@roberthertel5565]

I was under the impression that Medicare didn't provide coverage outside of the US at all but good to hear some of the 'Advantage Medicare' plans do providing one maintains a US address, I will look into that. Thanks for the video !!! take care sir !

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

I just signed up but only covers first 6 months there, and emergency only. They also give me $120 a moyn toward cost of part B. Its a HMO though,

[@roberthertel5565]

@@Matthew-gz4oh thanks for that info ! I heard good things about a local private insurance called Pacific coast and will look into that one as well. doesn't sound as if the Medicine advantage plan will work for me. Thanks again 👍

[@marianeil6630]

@@roberthertel5565depends on your age

[@roberthertel5565]

@@marianeil6630 I'm 62 now so not even qualified for Medicare yet 😁. Never hurts to make plans now though, I expect to live in the Philippines when I turn 65, hopefully a little sooner actually but we'll see, thanks for your replies.

[@marianeil6630]

@@roberthertel5565 Get travel health insurance from US based company, before going out of US. Unless, every 6 mos. going back to US and have US address, you could enroll in Medicare. Also, check your birthday, some people retire at 62. Better start opening an account in SSS on line, and go to their field office, for more questions. Telephone inquiries is very hard to reach them. Good luck.

[@chaipink5763]

Just an addendum to my earlier comment. My hubby got hospitalized last month for kidney stones. He stayed overnight for observation and diagnostic tests. He didn’t have any procedures done to remove the stones. We’re waiting to see if it can be resolved by medication. We went to one of the best hospitals in Cebu. Our final bill was 29k But with senior discount and our Pacific Cross insurance, our out of pocket was only 1,180 pesos($23 approx)! PhilHealth which he also could have used for more discount didn’t kick in since it was just an overnight stay. That total 1,180 does not include medications. Medications totaled around 5k but included some of his maintenance meds already. Im pretty impressed.

[@chingllac]

oh wow I am impressed

[@m.c.dcastillo7524]

We are retired in 2019 at the age of 54. We purchased GROUP insurance through our family business which was roughly $300 a year per person. The downside is the yearly maximum of $2000 or Php100,000. We also have Phil Health. When we had Covid19 in 2021 my hospitalization of 10 days was fully covered by private insurance and Phil Health. However, my husband's hospitalization of 26 days (severe Covid19) was over 1 Million or $20,000 after private insurance yearly maximum and Phil Health. I am going to inquire about Pacific Cross Insurance. I was told that our private group insurance - my premium will jump up this year when I turn 60.

[@JunRoss-pp3mv]

Wait till you're in your 70's, hardly anyone will cover you. There's a few but the cost is triple or quadriple with very limited coverage.

[@yannickbouhier9951]

thank you very much , because i do not understand the philippines system

[@jackblack5833]

This was another informative and important presentation. Thanks!

[@herbwitt7710]

Thanks Grandpa for the great info.😊

[@decenars]

Hi thanks for sharing watching from Los Angeles California

[@altriplett9099]

I’m told Philippine and dual citizenship entitles one to buy the two top tiers of Philhealth, provided they enroll prior to reaching age 60… Since my wife is a dual citizenship holder, and 20 years my junior, I plan on putting enough aside avail the top tier Philhealth coverage levels. In the meantime, since we are splitting time between America, and Pinas, I plan on buying repatriation insurance, and, possibly, enrolling us in Kaiser ( Cebu) …

[@marianeil6630]

Kaiser stop the senior insurance as of Nov. 2023. I don’t know in Cebu.i went to their main office in Makati. They put down their platform on line for senior.

[@marianeil6630]

Just buy travel insurance from US before flying from U.S. based company more choices and renewable, prices are very competitive.

[@jefferystrong6852]

Philhealth would be a good idea if you spend a lot of time in the provinces. At least you will be admitted with a upfront without a cash deposit. BTW, my GF's father to pay 5,000 pesos out of pocket for a cat scan as Philhealth didn't cover it.

[@jenshohlbein6985]

This issue is very good t know. But ank you very much for this information

[@rafaelg4566]

Thanks for the good information.

[@martw5306]

uhc medicare advantage will reinmburse ifit was emergency but you have to pay upfront

[@gszabo5978]

Medicare is not available in the Philippines. Supplemental insurance may or may not cover you depending on the plan. Locally there is a plan with Maxicare for those under 65 that you can pay an annual fee and covers both tests and hospital stays. Doctors depend on the doctor if they participate with maxicare. Those over 65 can still get maxicare for 15,000 pesos but it covers tests and labwork. Not doctors or hospital stays. St Luke’s in bgc may bill your insurance company overseas. But it’s not defínete.

[@ryanjones7543]

No advantage plan pays in the Philippines either.

[@gszabo5978]

@@ryanjones7543 There are a few but you have to really look to find one and it will be expensive.

[@mikevaldez4895]

it tuff, I have talked to insurance agents in Philippines. and the insurance really sucks one thing I noticed some insurance will not cover you over the age of 60. and accident insurance is a joke cover up to 200k peso " average surgery for arm surgery due to a motorcycle accident is around 300k peso "it cheaper to fly to California for routine visit with a PCP and get your meds for 6 months. than to stuck in a small towns government hospital 😢" have emergency cash to go back home.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

That is why I do not call that insurance. It's more like a subsidy.

[@marianeil6630]

I think the best is Travel Insurance going to Philippines, but be sure you have good credit cards without foreign transactions, notify them before travelling, like banking, debit card, Also, Philippines currency, always, change your US to Philippines pesos, open Philippines bank account right away. PhilHealth only for inpatient admission. Not outpatient.

[@marianeil6630]

Philippines still a cash country. Be sure to bring Philippines pesos.

[@marianeil6630]

Buy travel insurance while in US. More cheaper, again it depends on your age.

[@marianeil6630]

Be sure covid19 is included. Be sure your prescription is enough while traveling

[@raycortez7374]

Hi, Grandpa. This is Ray I just got back from the province and am in the Condos next to the mall of asia I will be returning back to the US on the 14th of this month, I would like to meet up for lunch before I return, if you are sill here and is not to far from your location.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Sorry, I'm back in the US now but thanks for the invitation. Maybe next time. Thanks for checking with me.

[@user-di3wo4vs7s]

After watching your Channel a few years ago I checked into Humana…and yes with an advantage plan they will cover 80% after I pay 20%. Here is my plan.. I would like your opinion.. I am retired and just acquired Philippine Citizenship.. I like yourself will be traveling back to US 60/40 40/60 depending on situation at the time. I intend getting PhilHealth which will do 2 important things .. 1. Get me in to the Hospital. 2. Pay my 20% and Humana will cover the difference when I submit my claim back in the US.. I’m 73 and have to major health problems.. To me that’s cost effective and I’ll feel more secure if anything major arises worth my health. Your program has always been very informative and you explain things where it’s very easy to understand. Thank you again.

[@gailmaplesden7380]

To my knowledge Medicare is not available in the philippines. I know several groups like the long term OFWs that paid into the system but would like to go home and retire. Others are military personnel who have retired in the philippines and would like to use their Medicare through the veterans administration. Many Americans who retire overseas would like to be able to use this as they are paying for it from their pension.

[@gerrelldrawhorn8975]

Military Veterans and diplomats use TriCare. I don't know If they can use that outside the US and US territories.

[@horstguenterstahr7728]

The Filipina's parents wouldn't get any pesos from me just because their daughter is with me, that's the Filipina's private matter. in a relationship. it can be compared with Germany. each lives and works for itself. If the Filipina's family wants money, then they have to go to work themselves. The daughter is an independent person for life.

[@peddyplaylist01]

Your wife will be mad at you even if she did not tell you.

[@retagbugr367]

Thanks!

[@bhinbayoucity5691]

What if someone were to move to retire in the PH at 70 or later (maybe 73 or 74)? Would that person still be able to avail of either PhilHealth or Maxicare? If so, what would the annual premiums be?

[@ryanjones7543]

You'd be out a lot. It wouldn't make business sense for someone to insure end of life people. How old are you now? Do you still have a chance to put a couple million usd back before then?

[@gszabo5978]

Do not know Philhealth cost but Maxicare is 15,000. Maxicare is only for lab work and other tests.

[@peterfischer7084]

Are there insurance companies offering low premiums but high deductibles? E.g. that you have to pay the first $5000 per year out of your pocket?

[@glendasagendorf2355]

Yup. Pacific cross. Premium is $2,500/year. The second year the preexisting conditions are covered. Total coverage per year is $2 Mil/year

[@johncarlson6472]

Hi VG. I like the modernity of Makati and have seen "curb-cuts" for wheelchairs. It' be great if a vlogger interviewed a Physical Therapist in Makati/BGC and asked them if a Foreigner/Expat who's disabled, but is in good health, has and good income and uses a wheelchair to get around could get by there?

[@arnold1973]

health system in the phils is so bad. even medical insurance is capped. this is one of the factors to consider if youre planning to retire in the Phils beside security, stress, red tape, poor govt services. think twice.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

I would say think 4 times. 🙂

[@angelocalima6338]

I guess the problem local insurance ( Philippines ) they wont provide a "private insurance" over 65 years old ; is this correct , Please kindly correct me . Thank you .

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Try another insurance company and let me know. I believe they do but at a higher premium due to higher risk when you're old.

[@Synfulz]

I have Pacific Cross plan.

[@jetPower1960]

How’s the cost?

[@Synfulz]

@NatJet2007 I have a premium pesos plan. It is for my wife and I and it is about $1800 annual.

[@craigjordan7835]

Do insurance agents have to be licensed/registered in the Philippines?

[@brianmcintyre8563]

If I spend half a year in thailand and half a year in the philipines will I be coverd in the Philipines.

[@stephenr2195]

You did a video a few years back about investing in hospitals, have you had any more experiences with that system?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

No.

[@glennhartwick7528]

I'm a 55 year old American Married to a 31 year old Filipina, she has PhilHealth thru her Govt Job. Can I get coverage this way or do I need to enroll myself? I live in Naval, Biliran and it's too far to see Manila VA Clinic!

[@chaipink5763]

My hubby, an American citizen, got his PhilHealth once he got his temporary residency ACR card. I believe this agency has branch all over the country. You should have one there.

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

I am getting a new medicare advantage that starts August 1. Mine is through Humana and only covers my first 6 months out of the country, and only covers emergencies, but isn't that what we wnat? Thank you

[@gszabo5978]

You want the complete coverage no matter where you are for all medical care related expenses not just emergencies. Regrettably there are very few if any of those available.

[@chunpak1811]

But can these private insurances replace Medicare? What will be their premium when I' 90 years old? I don't want to go back to America for catastrophic illness but I'm afraid the premium for these insurances will be prohibitively high when I'm really old

[@ryanjones7543]

Extremely high. Save a couple million and invest in a dividend fund.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Different policies have different premiums. You must shop around and inquire about that.

[@Neal_only1]

My plan is having original madicare because that is required to have Tricare sos international as a US Military retiree. There is no better care than that for the price. I must by law apply for madicare at 65. 1.5 years away from now. If i were in the states madicare would be my primary care and Tricare and VA would become secondary. But since i will be overseas and medicare will not cover me, i am allowed to keep my Tricare as primary

[@Neal_only1]

Additionally i can always get care on Guam at no charge at the Naval Hospital, also i have an account st up for initial acceptance to a hospital as self insurance

[@Neal_only1]

Great point Grandpa Danny about checking directly with intended hospital of use.

[@mjroberts3728]

Hello po, ask ko lang sayo po kung pwede maka travel pinas ngayon walang vaccine kc may sasama sa amin friend ng asawa ko walang vaccine po. Thank You for sa reply

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

The last I know is that you are required to present a negative test if you are not vaccinated. And that could be done overseas or in the Philippines although they recommend that you do it overseas within 3 days of your departure. I don't know if that requirement has now been eliminated.

[@mjroberts3728]

@@vloggergrandpa2707 Thank You Po Sir for answering, I like your vlog very informative. Thank you so much Po Sir, God bless you more and your family.

[@nomadicgrandpaws2259]

Advice your friend to get vaccinated. Most resorts will require that card still. In Addition, the Philippine government’s policies is not set in stone. He/she might be quarantined for 2 weeks. That freedom and individual rights goes out the window as soon as you leave the US. Personally, I will not travel with the unvaccinated because your movement will get restricted.

[@beaulong]

Medicare in the phillipines isn't a thing right?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Original Medicare is nothing in the Philippines. But Medicare advantage (plan C) could provide coverage on emergency treatment but you will be required to pay first then file a claim in the US. Not all plans are the same. You have to read and study what you're being offered by insurance companies.

[@Osaka1946]

Grandpa, recently i had Gallstone surgery in Mactan Hospital. I am 77 retired. Can I file Medicare Plan A, B and D? Is there Agency who can help me? Thank you

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Call the US Embassy to see if there is an office there were you can apply. Be prepared to pay a higher premium for being out of Medicare for a long time.

[@smileyuy5634]

I m Filam.. Philippines for me is good only for visits, but to stay and retire there, not a good idea for seniors, Healthcare not organized, corruption is sickening.. Sorry it's only my opinion..

[@joedelemos2635]

How much you pay for Humana?

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

Nothing! Of course I have to pay about $170 for Part B of medicare. That is required whether you have Supplemental or Advantage.

[@joedelemos2635]

I’m only 63 and in two yrs my Medicare will kick in, what is your advice on getting a supplemental insurance? I really don’t know what to do. I’ll appreciate it a lot if you can give me advice… thanks

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

I just signed up for Humana in Jacksonville and no cost, and they reimburse me $120 a month to offset part of cost of B. They only cover first 6 months away, and emergency only.

[@marianeil6630]

@@Matthew-gz4ohthat is good , if you will go back to US and has US address.

[@vloggergrandpa2707]

@@joedelemos2635 please check my Channel on Medicare. It's too complicated to discuss here. Thank you.

[@chevymalave7406]

"PromoSM" 😜