Healthcare in The Philippines (Insurance, Prices, Hospitals)

[@TheSavvyExpat]

There's so much we could talk about in regards to the healthcare here. Comment down below any other aspects you'd like me to cover.

[@waterheaterservices]

Last year we lost a 22 year old cousin of my adopted daughter in a public hospital in Valencia, last week we lost a one day old cousin. The lack of aggressive medical action is appalling.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

@@waterheaterservices Sorry to hear that Jim. That's crazy. Mindinao doesn't have any good hospitals?

[@brad5534]

@@waterheaterservices This is where the term 'Golden Hour' comes into play. The first hour is so important in an emergency.

[@josephmariealba8483]

For context, as a FIlipino who avails of both private and public sector health services, I would like to say that the public sector services offered at public hospitals are quite adequate, and public doctors are highly skilled. Often, the best surgeons and specialists who have private clinics and private sector services, also perform medical services at public hospitals.

[@VegasNegus]

A very well done video. I notice you didn't cover Pacific Cross, which also has a wide base of coverage in SE Asia.

[@jerrynam]

A great topic covered today as this is a great cause of concern for the Expats. Thank you Evan.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Yup long overdue vid!

[@IAmCraaiigg]

Self-insured means that you have financial reserves to cover medical expenses. Most expenses are reasonable in PI, and doing this is a reasonable plan for most situations. You need to be able to prove ability to pay to receive services and to pay off your bill to be discharged. You can carry a medical pre-paid card which proves to hospitals that you can cover expenses to the limit on the card. $1k USD may be enough for most things, and $5k will be better. However, some procedures are costly. I read that a Coronary Bypass is $18k, and Serious Stroke is $36k. Travel insurance is cheaper than most private insurance, and should cover these expenses. But travel insurance is a reimbursement program so you will need to be able to pay these upfront. Your budget and medical history will dictate what you do to prepare for such emergencies. Most expats will say you should connect with a good primary doctor, any specialists you anticipate needing. I would also try to connect with the billing department at your choice hospital to see what they would accept for payment for services, or proof of insurance. Carrying a balance at a PI bank or other arrangement may be sufficient. I would add that if you are in Manila or Cebu look up the ambulance services, and which hospitals they will take you to. Ambulances are just taxi services, and many do not have the equipment nor staff to provide life saving interventions while in transit. Their sirens do not part traffic so they are not great. But it's the best you have access to in an emergency. I also plan to have health screenings in Thailand as their health care system is much more robust that PI in general IMHO. Health insurance quotation site: www.pacificprime.com/compare-quotes/ PhilHealth info for foreigners: www.philhealth.gov.ph/news/2017/expands_coverage.html

[@toneloko930]

So thanks for speaking on this even though it’s a very in depth study when it comes to healthcare abroad. My retiree health insurance Tricare is accepted at several hospitals there but all of them require you pay cash or credit card up front and then it’s on you to request reimbursement through your insurance company. And of course I didn’t go to college for medical billing and coding. I say this because of how much paperwork and the correct form of paperwork that needs to be filed with the reimbursement. It usually can take 3-6 months to get reimbursed. I wish the Philippines healthcare and government was more will to do direct billing with each international insurance plan to help the foreign retiree there. I did however find one hospital in Clark that does direct billing, the medical city at Clark. This is driving my decision to live in pampanga area just because of this..and not to mention it’s a preferred provider hospital with my insurance company. I didn’t realize Phil health so expensive for foreigners. Glad I won’t be using it as it only covers like 20% of the hospital bill whereas in the states it’s the opposite…like the insurance covering 80%…either way I am glad I found a hospital otherwise I wouldn’t retire in the Philippines.

[@mhandle5679]

So are you saying that the Medical City at Clark accepts Tricare? And has direct billing for Tricare

[@toneloko930]

@@mhandle5679 yes they do. I have called them multiple times throughout the past year and spoken to other expats that are using the services. I will find out later this year.

[@whitestone2469]

Your videos have helped me reach over $180,000 in trading by age 23! Thanks The Savvy Expat. Keep the videos coming. 👍🏽

[@andrewblack4432]

Congrats ! I started right before covid when the recession hit. I held those stocks and made a killing. I bought dividend stocks and made a lot during covid.

[@favourazah1504]

I'm convinced that the big investors and analysts are trying to scare us to keep us poor and ignorant to the market.. because its steady doing good after all the jobless and market crash talks

[@jamesjude4988]

Congrats and wishing you the best .

[@grantstanley6039]

The one effective technique I use is staying in touch with a financial coach for guidance, it might sound basic or generic, but getting in touch with a financial adviser was how I was able to outperform the market during the pandemic and raise a profit of roughly $40k

[@whitestone2469]

@kim sun When I was 20 ,but you need a finance Pro if you don’t want to loose and if you want to be more successful.

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

I think some of the Phil-health costs for foreigners that is mentioned here is $360 annually not Monthly. FYI- Phil-health is on average a 25% off discount plan for Expats and Filipinos using Private Hospitals and not the same as medical insurance- However It does cover all costs in Public Hospitals I believe- Good Vid though- Keep up the good work!

[@ariefraiser140]

You are correct. For $360 monthly a person could purchase a global Healthcare plan that covers them almost everywhere in the world.

[@videos-jq7je]

i am not gonna pay 360 a month NO WAY. In my country the netherlands i pay 150 dollar a month, that is crazy much money, but i get half of it back from taxes office.

[@karmacanquints4222]

@@videos-jq7je that's Netherlands, different country ... If u r in PI better search cheaper, quality health insurance 🤷‍♀️

[@musicalarchi]

Great video and very informative! I’m saving this one.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

🙌

[@chiquivil132]

Thank you for another MUST Watch videos.. Always looking forward to the next one ..God Bless you too!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Glad you like them!

[@markgilchrist1448]

Please do a video on the best hospitals. Thanks, love your videos!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Will do Mark

[@MrShieldone]

Great content once again. Thanks. Hope to be there very soon

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thank you

[@Al-bc1zc]

Good information 👍🏻 would like to see best hospitals in Davao

[@ats89117]

The information provided here was super helpful. Thanks!

[@PhilippinesMyParadise]

Thank you very much for sharing your "Healthcare in The Philippines (Insurance, Prices, Hospitals" video! I will maintain and continue the support to your wonderful channel. Be safe! Best regards/Ned 👍👍

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Means a lot Ned. God bless.

[@PhilippinesMyParadise]

@@TheSavvyExpat Pagpapalain ka ng Diyos/Ned 👏👍👏

[@DrDlane]

There is also Pacific Cross and Pacific Care insurance plans. The important thing is to find one that pays the providers directly so you are not out of pocket and waiting months to years for reimbursement. You could be dead by the time you are done fighting for reimbursement.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Great point

[@edwardlawler9487]

Excellent point

[@danielpaterson660]

Hi Dr, does Pacific Cross and Pacific Care cover people from the U.K.?

[@edwardlawler9487]

@@danielpaterson660 of course they are an international

[@DrDlane]

@@danielpaterson660 I believe they cover most everyone but check their website to be certain they haven't made recent changes given all the craziness that's been going on lately.

[@pl.videodiary]

Thank you! Very informative with my planned retirement to the Phils.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Have fun

[@Happylife-hd7ky]

He is a very good guide and speaks facts and great information

[@tropicalbreeze7508]

This video is just what I needed. Thank you and keep up the great work. You are providing a great service. Take care

[@JaJa-xx2yd]

Good info. Definitely healthcare insurance is very important to have when abroad. Many expats don't think about it or consider it until it's to late. I am glad I have a global health insurance company. My monthly fee might be slightly higher than regular coverage in the US. But I don't have to worry if I am covered when outside of the USA.

[@menchsy4161]

Hello may i know how much you pay for your health insurance everymonth?

[@raffybbc]

Subbed! Good info! Will need it later when I retire. Salamat!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

🙌

[@Tim_281]

Great info! Thank you Savvy 😉

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Tim!

[@johnclark7973]

Thank you Evan for this very valuable medical insurance and hospital information! This sort of critical and yet hard to come by advice is what makes your Philippines channel unique and stand-out. Can you discuss the medical clinic situation, in the Philippines, for regular on-going care? Maybe discuss Pharmacies as well? Thank you, young man! 🙏👏

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Will do John. Thanks for watching man!

[@ghusaghusa2135]

Wish I could give you 100 thumbs up

[@rosarioarquero-martin3461]

As always, this is very informative. Thanks

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You bet

[@SeanD2937]

Thank you for your hard work about this topic.

[@Andy7887GBC]

Very good information ! THANK YOU

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

You’re on it again Evan! Great job presenting important information. Definitely things to consider

[@jessalvo6375]

You are the best! Pls. Keep up your good work.

[@TomBTerrific]

This is information all seniors need to know and give consideration based on your physical health and financial status. Nice job

[@stevenbaer9061]

Thank you very much for covering this topic, it is obviously something of critical importance so thanks again.

[@Grace_0408]

Very informative! Thank you 👍🏼

[@TheSavvyExpat]

You got it

[@rickmccarroll9993]

Love watching again my friend

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Always great to see you Rick!

[@fordbrackin6289]

Another great video! Thanks for your efforts!

[@FSharp357]

Coming through once again with invaluable and relevant information..thank you! We would definitely like to get a list of the best hospitals in the PH!

[@edwinkirkland8856]

Thank you i needed this my brother

[@kamalsud3379]

Excellent Video, great information. More detailed information on how to access these plans and their rating from best to last would be greatly appreciated

[@rodgerderr-fy3qm]

Thanks so much for this video.

[@ricknolte6846]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Very good information as always. Of course each individual case will be different, but these are good starting points.

[@crisqueliste1820]

Thank you. Great information.

[@clydesmith3437]

Yes please make a video of the best hospitals in the Philippines.

[@Jlarsson-JL]

This is great info really. I can totally swing the 3600 usd a year for the most expensive allegenz(sp) emergency plan. Then just go perdiem for day to day care. I saw somewhere you can set up a relationship with a local dr for primary and just walk in at 10.00 a visit.

[@rexeverything4578]

Check other vids on the Doctors University Hospital in Cebu. Several have said that they don't treat foreigners in Accident & Emergency or Outpatients....

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's downright crazy.

[@blyons123]

I went to the ER at Chong Hua Hospital Cebu, pronounced "Chung Wa" last year. They were friendly and helpful.

[@jamesclaire115]

Greetings: Thanks for a video that really tells the story about health care as it really is. I have done many medical missions in Marinduque Island Province. We did many clinic screenings for blood pressure, eye sight and blood sugar. You would not believe the high blood pressures and high blood sugars that we uncovered. We gave out reading glasses by the gross. Dental care is on about the same level. Blessings and please keep.up the honest and frequent videos.

[@mgoldberg777]

Great for covering this topic, very helpful. Can you do a video about the best hospital s, dental centers etc in Philippines? Take care

[@rexeverything4578]

Cool vid Evan.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Rex

[@lavomba90210]

Love it very informative 👍🏽

[@MC-bw5fc]

This info is a real gem. 🥳

[@TheSavvyExpat]

That's what I like to hear!

[@MC-bw5fc]

@@TheSavvyExpat you are most definitely very savvy and well-informed. I enjoy your format and the new host every now and then.. 🏌️

[@thomaseagles1026]

Well it gives u a lot to think about 🇨🇦👍

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Sure does Thomas

[@robingreen219]

Great info!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Thanks Robin

[@derekbassett9083]

I really like this vedio I will like to get more information because im coming to the Philippines to retire i will get back in touch with you. Thanks again for this vedio

[@itsjustmerayray4132]

I'll be retiring and moving to PI in about 3 yrs so this video came in handy, Thanks and it's very informative.

[@michaeltamares7974]

Don't do it.. just go Philippines as vacation home.. I own homes in vegas and California.. i use the best doctors.. I own a home in Philippines, but only go there a month or 2.. That is smarter

[@RayMorales-k5v]

@@michaeltamares7974 Good point. In your case, would travel insurance such as Allianz make more sense for short-term travel?

[@jesuspajarilla8265]

Like it and thanks for the information

[@sosodave4192]

another excellent video!

[@arisejeff]

Yessss!!! Thank you for this. I feel like you listened to my prior comment🥺 I'm also wondering if there's interest in a university/college video! Im looking to get my PHD in philippines

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Got your back! And Isabella is working on a video about the top four colleges in the Philippines. Stay tuned!

[@arisejeff]

@@TheSavvyExpat Letsss Goooooo Broooo!!!! Maybe we can meet up one of these days. I'm a Digital Nomad Clinical Therapist from California, would be interesting talks. Keep up the Kingsistency!!!

[@ranma9823]

Easily the top universities in the Philippines: University of the Philippines (and the UP system) University of Santo Tomas Ateneo de Manila De La Salle University Siliman University (this is in Visayas) And then there are some universities that are known to be good in specific fields: Mapua (engineering) San Beda University, University of San Carlos (law) ... I don't know all of them lol.

[@arisejeff]

@@ranma9823 Thanks, I'm looking to go for Psychology Doctorates. Looking at Ph Diliman

[@ranma9823]

@@arisejeff You're welcome. University of the Philippines, Diliman is a great choice.

[@TheNYCexpat]

Good video, I just made an updated version of my own. Was wondering since you're from The Philippines what's the reputation or opinions on pacific cross? I see they are one of the biggest local hmo, but how are they in terms of reliability and actually covering claims if you're familiar?

[@royborda]

Hey buddy, thank you for this video, very informative. I am planning my early retirement and would like to go back and stay in the Philippines for at least a year. You said pretty much what I need to know. Thank you.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Glad I can help Carlo! Wishing you the best with your retirement plans.

[@maclovioberumen1917]

Thank you , Sir.

[@mileskeller5244]

I loved the people in the Phillipines. The healthcarr system was the #1 problem I noticed other than lack of traffic signs, lights, etc..

[@walkingboss]

Excellent. As I will be living probably about half the year in the Philippines. I will be looking for health insurance that I can use in both countries, some of your information was very helpful. Some food for thought

[@scotttaylor79]

Can you address the health care and military retirees? Such areas like Tricare and medical care with the Veterans Administration. Thanks.

[@danielpaterson660]

Hi Savvy, as I’m moving from the U.K. this June I’m thinking Cigna or Allianz more premium insurance which is the one that takes your age into consideration. Could you please provide those links? Also, my partner who is a Filipino is going to be treated by PGH for her Stage 4 cancer thanks to Dr. Jorge Ignacio. Do you have any idea or experience about PGH and cancer patients? Thank you.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Hi Daniel I don't have much experience about PGH but hope all goes well with your partner's treatment. Here's the link to Allianz - www.allianzcare.com/en/international-expat-health-insurance/benefits-2.html?Burlingame+Interactive%2C+Inc.&CJEVENT=5439c242c34611ec808505420a180514&Commission+Junction You can also get a quote from Cigna here - www.cignaglobal.com/international-health-insurance-in-philippines

[@sfrealestatedealmaker6001]

@ Daniel Paterson You have to pay everything upfront then fight them for a long time to get reimbursed. No fun.

[@newtonlee10]

@@sfrealestatedealmaker6001 could you please let us know the ones that dont have to pay upfront? thanks...

[@gregmedbourn5347]

Thank you. .love this topic.. You said for expats it's around $340 a month.. But it's saids annual contribution.. Just trying to clarify ? Thanks again for this great topic. Greg

[@Anonymous-xq3cd]

Health insurance is very important. Last year out of the blue, I had appendicitis. The total hospital bill costed me around $4k USD. It showed me on the bill that if I didn’t had insurance, I would have paid $100k+ in hospital bills. Health insurance is a must. No matter how healthy you think you are, something like appendicitis can just happen randomly. Health insurance prevents you from incurring insane amount of medical and hospital bills when something happens.

[@garrydye2394]

100k? I think you got the foreginer tax applied.

[@nichole-life]

100k $? in China u only need pay 1k$ without insurance,if u have insurance u only need pay 100$ in China

[@thefatfilam]

I think you should include more local only options since many expat retirees might not travel as often to need or want global health insurance plans and with the quality of the private healthcare in the PI, most US expats will probably take a trip stateside to use their Medicare to take care of anything that couldn't actually be taken care of in the PI. You should mention HMOs and health insurance and the difference between the two. HMOs like Maxicare and Medicard typically cover most outpatient and preventative care by using up annual coverage limits. Health Insurance is more for long term and serious inpatient care that usually works via reimbursement after the insured intially pays. Also since alot of expat retirees are senior citizens... they should know many HMOs do not cover past the age of 65 and many insurance plans only cover those up to 75.

[@tikibarry2279]

Exactly! I'm 70, in good health.All of my "numbers" are in the normal/ good range. My HMO here in Florida is cheap,and effective. I would like to live in the Philippines, but it looks like it would be more expensive.

[@keemoe007]

Kaiser Permanente is also global and in the Philippines. It's called something like Kaiser International.

[@manilamartin1001]

Yup. Its here in makati

[@sharkinc1]

The alliance insurance for 60 years old was 109 thousand pesos. That's for a year? That seems cheap. Can you buy for a quarter? The price I'm seeing for instance is $500 -700 per month. Who should I use for visiting the Philippines for 3-6 months at a time. Fully insured. Any thoughts. Oh, I'm thinking about Pangalo Bohol, so Tagbilaran hospitals maybe and I have a couple conditions I would have to allow for up front to the carrier? Like previous ish stroke and AFib.

[@tomm.6265]

Evan what happen to Pacific Cross i heard they were one of the best insurance u could get and they pay directly to the doctors and Hospitals

[@TheSavvyExpat]

No kidding? Well I should've added that to the list. Thanks Tom

[@pcbondart]

the ALLIANZ plans . . . those prices are per year (???? as you stated . . . ) or per month? Assuming you stated that correctly, and I see what is on the screen too, how is this so cheap? Do you need other insurance along with this? Let me ask you this way, at 77 years old, is there a reasonable plan I could use in Philly that is around $200 a month? Any kind of travel health insurance, like VISITOR'S COVERAGE ? (company name)

[@Guilhermealmeida.]

Thank you for the video. I want to know more hospital in the Philippines, specially in Davao city.

[@dariusslade4953]

Good job!

[@mylenemorales8247]

Thank you for this very valuable information. Please send me the links to all 3 insurance! Thank you!!

[@arielsarino2823]

The information you gave regarding health insurance available in the Philippines was very thorough it seems. Thank you so much for providing ii in your vlog. I now have the opportunity to research it myself before going home to the Philippines again. Greetings from Florida!🏝🏖

[@PDXSteam-v1c]

Do you have info for those plan to retire in the Philippines, can we use the Medicare here in the US ? I’m taking prescriptions and it is mailed to my home.

[@alroberts193]

thanks for posting this different Health Insurance acceptable back in Php. I am retired now & hoping to move back to the Php from the U.S. to retire.

[@monachung6217]

I plan to retire in either Clark, Panpamga or Davao City when i turn 70 yrs old 3 yrs later. I am checking out the different insurance plans. Do you have any information on Pacific Rim? Do retirees still need to pay for PhilHealth if they opt for private insurance? The $300 per month premium is even higher than the avg monthly Medicare premium in the US.

[@GettinReal]

Filipino teachers had to do a medical on Monday in order to pass to teach. Monday was officially a public holiday and they had to pay from their own pocket.

[@bobbycoltrane7552]

Please make a video of the best hospitals in the Philippines. In the cities and rural areas.

[@frankkirkpatrick4452]

Please send me a link to the last insurance that you covered thank you

[@jerrylafever6549]

Yes. Please give me the list of hospitals and insurance company.

[@myamwaybiz5975]

This is great info. How does the Clark medical center compare in Pampanga? Is it a privately run hospital? And yes please…do a vid with list of best hospitals in Philippines.

[@radagast25a]

Thank you so much Evan. I am leaving the US for CEBU on the 12th of May. I have travel insurance, but NOT expat health coverage, and I know my BC/BS and Empire Plan from the US will not be taken there. Since I will be there are least 6 months, I will take a look at Allianz and maybe CIgna. Health care is something that worries me AND my partner for the time I'm there. Thank you again. Blessed be.

[@sfrealestatedealmaker6001]

If you get into anything major in the provinces you’ll die. No 911 emergency services. I lived in Manila got hospitalized and it cost me $25K USD. I came back home to the U.S. It wasn’t worth my life being there.

[@newtonlee10]

@@sfrealestatedealmaker6001 omg, sorry for your bad experience...did you get covered by insurance for that 25kUS?

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Pacific cross too

[@CADYMAN069]

Just subscribed to your channel and saw some of your videos. If you can would love if you can do more videos on health care insurance. I will be retiring in Taguig in another 2 years and will be 70 years old. I am finding thru my research that all the plans I looked at don't cover pre-exiting conditions. Since I do take medication for Hypertension, Diabetes, and Cholesterol what options do I have to get health insurance that would cover a person in my position. I am worried that the insurance won't cover anything if I need it because they may come back that my illness is related to one of my pre existing conditions

[@jonjaso4002]

Thank you Evan....AWESOME job. Also, I thought that an expat could get Philhealth and it was only like 350 for the year, not a month. Is that correct? Very good presentation.

[@guillermoignacio7755]

At 5:05 the heading describes annual contributions but he describes it as monthly (?)

[@raytigno9154]

Hi Evan. Thanks for this very informational presentation. Can you pls direct me to the Allianz website? I just want to be doubly prepared before retiring in the PI sometime this year. Thank you and mabuhay ka kaibigan.

[@Neal_only1]

Hello, i live in Las Piñas what are the best hospitals in the area and what can i learn about that platinum plan of i think you said alliance

[@carlcutts8535]

I've spoken to a government doctor there In Philippines. They are understaffed. Lack of medical equipment and drugs.

[@jocunningham]

Can you please cover health insurance for seniors? Most expats are seniors. thanks!

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Great idea

[@Conangreer]

Under the universal health law passed a couple years ago, seniors qualify for free PhilHealth. I’m not sure if it’s just for citizens but I’ve heard it both ways. Also, there’s a 20% discount at most all hospitals and pharmacies. Just need to register for senior ID. For insurance plans, Pacific Cross is the gold standard.

[@davidjames1684]

4:55 - You are missing some 0s in that chart and why list P 80,000 separately? Why not just combine it with PHP 10,000 to PHP 79,999 and make that line PHP 10,000 to PHP 80,000? At 5:03, you are saying per month but your chart states annually. Which is it?

[@johnfeldman3100]

Do you have any information on a company called WR Life? It pops up on my FaceBook feed at least once a week. Thanks

[@tomgerryinphilippines8817]

I'll be in mindanao and will need cardiac follow up as well as pacemaker. Davao is the nearest medical treatment facilities. Can you let me know which facility is the best for outpatient and inpatient if needed. I have blue cross/blue shield insurance which covers me in Philippines but I think there are forms for reimbursement

[@thomasrudy6132]

BARNEY FREAKIN FIFE! That was a good one!

[@shoja2009]

How come feed for Allianz is calculated annually not monthly like the rest?

[@DrDlane]

Good job Evan. But I think those $15K/17K plans are annual prices, not monthly.

[@TheSavvyExpat]

Oops my bad there. Thanks for the backup ;)

[@LD-li5zz]

What can you tell me about McKinley West and McKinley Hill? Thank you.

[@JesusSarmiento-u7q]

Need links for the cheapest health insurance in the Philippines for senior who has dual citizenship. Any suggestions will be helpful. Thanks.

[@Love_OPX]

Hi Evan. I'm a little confused. At 05:00 it states PhilHealth ANNUAL Contrubutions for Foreign and Dual Citizens, yet you comment that the prices listed are a monthly fee. Is that really correct?

[@michaeladams9250]

I already have aetna insurance does that mean I'm already covered if I go to the Philippines.

[@earicknewton2855]

I was wondering if you could tell me if a disabled person that is in a wheelchair would I be able to get 10 hours of personal care at my home if I was to move there and buy a house?

[@reallifewithkids6913]

I thought that the 17,000 pesos was the annual fee for PhilHealth. It is Monthly?