What are the biggest risks to retirees in the Philippines

Retirement in the Philippines can be an extremely rewarding experience. But what the risks to foreigners looking to live in the Philippines fulltime for retirement?

[@davidcrisp5368]

Wife was on holiday scheduled 6 month stay. One week before return to the states, fell off a non-moving motorcycle. Went to hospital they stabilize left arm thinking just a fracture. Got back to California and had proper set of x-ray's, shoulder separation. $50,000.00 surgery and six months of physical therapy. Thankful to be fully covered by health insurance.

[@mattwilkie]

As we get older I think we put more emphasis on the healthcare as we break more easily.

[@willydear4906]

To be honest most of your videos are just ok but this one was very good. You make several good points so my hat's off to you.

[@way-outretirement4880]

Great advice Matt! My filipina wife of 41 years and I are retiring to Catanduanes at the end of July. It will be my first time back in 40 years and I am getting excited! At the same time, I am paying attention to what you and other expats are saying so that I can enjoy my retirement without problem. Thanks again!

[@julewestcott6715]

That is called false pride. You are right, who cares what people think. Never raise your voice to a Filipino especially in front of his friends. I found a woman my age (59) I just didn't want to raise kids, I just want to enjoy my retirement. I will never invest here or go in business with someone. I am here to enjoy life, I don't care to make extra money.

[@DataLinkNow]

Oh, so you will be fine as long as you are a quite and polite outlander? Hey, watch the video in GenSan of the former priest and pizza shop owner dragged from his establishment and held for ransom. Check it out, he was not raising his voice, until they dragged him from the dinner table. So bear attacks man, do we blame the man?

[@thousandyoung]

That's what you get for living in a Third World Shithole. Try Haiti LMAO.

[@acajudi100]

Jule Westcott Smart man.

[@acajudi100]

Jule Westcott Smart man.

[@tycoatco6175]

North of Manila is better but a little bit more expensive,but no kidnaping and people are more educated easier to live with if your friends looking for a wife Ilocanas up north are the best , the only problem is they don.t work at bars , try FB ..

[@johnwalker9315]

Great advice Matt! Important video to watch!

[@tomjones9934]

Very informative as ever Matt, no BS and straight to the important points. Interesting to hear you suggest the ex pat friends thing, good for sanity reasons mainly I guess.

[@mattwilkie]

+tom jones there are many small things that can be frustrating so having someone else who understands is always helpful. Also good for a bit of venting.

[@dave8204]

Wise words as always Matt,I lead a very simple lifestyle and pretty much the only hassles I have to deal with are those of friends or relatives.People tell me I'm lucky,I'm not ,it took a conscious decision a few years back and quite a lot of hard work to get where I am today,not least getting away from the materialistic thing.All I want from retirement is a quiet life,Arlene wants a dog,that's the list in its entirety,anything else is a bonus. I won't retire until I can fund it properly but "enough" is good enough for me.If I was prepared to wing it as many seem to do I could catch the next plane out but that's not for me,I know where I want to go and I'm not going to stuff it up by being impatient.

[@robertlee-nq6mg]

Matt, please continue these series of phillipines videos. It's informative as well as entertaining. Thank you!

[@KaiEkdahl]

Retire, never work again, just enjoy, It doesnt work like that. You get tired of the beach, watching women and drinking beer. I did too. I ended up starting a small bussines, pple working for me, money coming in. Wife happy too. 14 years now here. Dont get angry over the lokals behavior, You cant change an entire country. just observe mind your own family and chill out.

[@mattwilkie]

Being occupied is the important thing as a lot of the time it isn't about the money but finding things you enjoy doing.

[@daveforgot127]

You got to have a life. My mom who is 95 still walks to the store every other day and she writes countless notes to herself, but it gives her a life and something to do. In the Phillpines I plan to bring my filipina wife back with our 2 young kids. We will tend to them, play games, hopefully make a couple friends and play horse shoes or some other cheap game for adults. Go to the market and go on the internet to study something. And yes go out once in a while to to the beach.

[@markledesma3251]

Kai Ekdahl i have a farm and a sari sari store, it keeps me busy.

[@texasinthephilippines]

I thought we couldn't start a business there as a foreigner unless we had a minimum of two hundred thousand.

[@antonv.]

indeed, that is so very true, "normally, those who laugh loudest at others are most afraid of getting themselves analyzed"

[@fernandosoren3068]

instablaster...

[@RobsdrivingschoolAu]

Great video Matt and yes all what you say is spot on thanks again.

[@walterbrown664]

Great video Matt. Great tips. Thank you.

[@aaron6058]

Very honest and authentic. Thank you very much!

[@jerrycooper1428]

As fellow Brit! you offer so much information, combined with good quality common sense, which is sadly lacking in the world today. I doff my hat to you Sir! I have subscribed to your channel and may I wish you prosperous years ahead! Good for you!

[@mattwilkie]

Thanks for that appreciate the comment :)

[@2balikbayans-simplelivingn868]

Agree with you. Go to the Philippines to retire. Don't get into business arrangements as they are minefields. Great post!

[@mariosdiakos5512]

another great video , thanks .

[@buceando]

Great video

[@thalia88beachbabe]

I agree with you, that privately run hospitals here in the Philippines are a cash cow. While public or government owned/runned hospitals are ill-equipped and under staff. If you'll take a risk to go in a public hospital make sure you know someone who works there..preferably someone who been working there for a long period.

[@phatboied]

Thanks keep putting stuff out there

[@nickdejesu]

The first thing you should do no matter where you move to ....is to learn the local language and use it to communicate with local people. Don't isolate yourself from the local cultures by falling back on lifestyles and norms from your previous culture. When in Rome do as the Romans, when in the Philippines, do as the filipinos.

[@connieberry9317]

Very informative ---Good stuff ! Thanks for the Info.

[@ItsAboutTime]

Nicely said. Thanks for sharing and giving some ideas to people for people who thinking about it. You have shared a lot great info and that could help a lot of people with a head ache, heart ache and $

[@ochreland2002]

Good advice Matt, like what you say and it all makes good sense. Thanks for all the tips. I would however like to know more about accessing health care there ( PhilHealth) cost etc. Keep up the great work Matt.

[@markledesma3251]

ochreland2002 philhealth is 600 pesos per quarter

[@rogersmith3909]

Thank you so much for the info.

[@mattwilkie]

Welcome.

[@edwardsmcintyre9014]

Always spot on thanks awesome advice

[@stylinstu]

love your sensibilities. very quickly to the point

[@escursionisuburbane6107]

A friend of mine who was married to a Filipina sold his big house for nearly half a million euros and lived a rather cushy life in the Philippines for a few years but, eventually he came down with cancer and they had to return to Italy to treat his cancer and they had to stay in an hotel for months. The Italian friend of mine is now dead and his wife, his son and his daughter are now looking for work in Italy. They are back after 15 years and, evidently, out of money. What this tells me is that, even if you move to the Philippines with big cash in your bank account, you may easily run out of it unless you figure out a very smart way of investing and growing your money. I have been thinking about moving to the Philippines myself but I have a lot of concerns.... Thanks for posting

[@mattwilkie]

Medical eats away at anyone's funds rapidly if not covered with good insurance. Problem is many people overlook healthcare completely even though it's one of the highest risks.

[@escursionisuburbane6107]

Indeed. Although I did all kinds of vaccination I still got sick while on vacation in the Philippines. I can imagine living there long-term....

[@derektolliday7694]

Good point Matt, lack of budget is a very big concern for a lot of expats .

[@mariajanetrosellosa6499]

Don't spend to much money stay simple living and be observant.

[@texasinthephilippines]

Good advice. New sub here hello from Houston Texas.

[@elementalview1]

another nice video. I paid a visit to my old hometown and I got bored in 7 days. The next time, I brought my 2 teenage boys (their first time) and the fun was watching them discover another culture. But beyond that, it gets pretty stale quickly. Like anywhere else in the world, the key is to go in with one or more projects in mind, whether it's artistic, humanitarian, exploration, blogging, etc. Then there is a reason for being there. Even if you intend to become a resident. There's a reason why most photos coming out of the Philippines (esp of the certain generations, maybe not the millennials) are of beer-bellied guys sitting around a table drinking Red Horse and Tanduay. There's not much else to do!

[@mattwilkie]

Agree does get a bit boring, even here in Spain I am thinking about getting a motorbike as its cheap and cheerful to cover a lot of ground. Really need to keep busy with things, my father retired recently and been extremely busy with photography. Been out to New Zealand, Bavaria, Spain and loads of places in the UK. But I do think its worth expats forming up some none beer related things to do. There is plenty of stuff out there yet sometimes Filipinos are a bit funny about expats being part of their group. Here in Spain doesn't seem to be the issue there.

[@scottpull12]

I like the positive tone of this video. Also, the fact we're all human, make mistakes, and it's ok.

[@sverre371]

Great video Matt, as always.... rare wise brit ;-)

[@PaddyFilly]

Good point there about medical insurance. I’m a Filipina working and living abroad, never married and no kids (not to mention financially independent). I usually spend my vacation in other countries and feels confident because I have medical insurance coverage globally. I tried using it in the Philippines but it was limited to a few hospitals in Manila and I live in Davao. I feel like a foreigner in my own country everytime I go home which is a bad thing so to speak.

[@markledesma3251]

echo foxtrot it took me sometime to lose my philippine accent but i will always be a filipino. i was making good money but i was not happy so one day i quit, packed my bags and moved back to my home country. some americans think all asians are boat people!

[@wheturangi]

Good video, Matt. Health is a huge issue, also having someone to rely on. I'm going to retire to a nice quiet town and just enjoy life. I doubt that I will have a lot of stuff, as I am trying to live a minimalist life now. I agree that having a bad partner and investments are not good things, the drama of telenovelas. I do like your suggestion of having ex-pat friends. I had some where I was and even when they were annoying they were useful to hang out with for a short time.

[@mattwilkie]

+Whetu Rangi i have some friends that are good and bad. All a bit unique but all have reasons to be connected to each other. nothing wrong with a quiet life but even then having friends doesnt mean they need to be on your doorstep

[@wheturangi]

True. You need someone to relate to, to let off some steam and shot the breeze with. You don't have to have them around to hold your hand to cross the road, but it is nice to have someone who can share the experience of being a stranger in a strange land.

[@bobbruce4135]

Great advice. Limit one's exposure and keep your real base in your homeland. Think like a tourist on a retirement budget and don't be ashamed to say "no". It's especially important to see how a woman reacts to that word. Don't be delusional in "hope" and "feelings".

[@markledesma3251]

Bob Bruce it took me awhile to say no but being firm is good as it sets boundaries.

[@mattguzda853]

what is life without close friends? I loved Austin Texas when I moved there but ill tell ya, I'd be there today I loved it so much but I'm here in cold assed new Jersey USA simply because my family and friends are here. if I can't deeply relate to another person what is there to life? I'm sure I could get on with ppl all across the globe but can u really replace a 40 yr relation? cheers and enjoy

[@phatboied]

Excellent perspectives

[@Untamedlove]

I Lived in the Philippines in 1980s when there was only a Handful of Foreigners in Cebu and even less in Mindanao. The More Foreigners start living in a Country the High the Cost of living goes up. I live in Mexico Now and its Still very Cheap to Live here but in some Areas the Cost of living has gone way Up. I notice a Big Change in the Philippines as far as the type of Guys Traveling there. It use to be Older guys who had a Home in the West and sold their home and Moved to Philippines with no need to Worry about income but I see guys who can not even live off of $800 usd a month. The Risks comes along with the type of Guys who go live in the Philippines.

[@connoroleary591]

Good video and sound advice.

[@videograffy]

you make perfect sense sir thankyou.

[@mattwilkie]

You're welcome Mike.

[@mrslcom]

So true. Retiring in the Philippines involves a unique set of criteria and challenges. You need to have some familiarity and understanding of its culture and its people. It's a very different world, both good and bad.

[@pauljoyce7631]

In addition to my comments below, one of the main advantages of owning a smaller property in the expat homeland would of course be the ongoing investment to provide future security for the spouse and family escpecially if the expat is older. This in addition to the monthly income generated from the renting out.

[@bgdomingo]

best alternative is to rent.

[@thousandyoung]

And when War/Chaos breaks loose they'll kick you in a Blink.

[@markledesma3251]

Bong D correct, you can leave anytime you want

[@mattguzda853]

and u seem like a good "bloke" Matt. enjoy your retirment

[@warrenwantoobe1267]

Good Solid Advice!

[@BarakTheWonderer]

Nicely done. Thank you.

[@jeffcromwell1337]

nice video matt. i have a questions for you. can you obtain medical insurance in the phillipines? if so , approx how much would the coverage cost.

[@mattwilkie]

+Jeff Cromwell talking with blue cross at the minute see if they will do a video with us.

[@letstalk417]

You are absolutely right.

[@yoshikotsushima224]

I'm a local from the Philippines and I'm planning to retire in the Philippines.

[@stevedom1]

agreed health is number one! Then what are the facilities like there, electric going off? water supply poor? typhoon danger, earthquake danger? terrorist danger? please let m e know ! thanks.

[@EnglishmaninMalta]

Interesting what yours saying......lots of guys go out there never been in business in there life , and locals temp them with hair brain schemes, that are going to fail, .heard lots about bad partners, made me think, what happens if you die ( expat I mean ) in Philippines , what happens to the body and funeral arrangements, if you don't have money....interesting ???

[@mattwilkie]

+steve tarros worst culprits for bad business ideas are other foreigners. I know of an expats body that sat in a funeral parlor due to debt. May even still be there now.

[@themusiccritic902]

sorry if i asked you this before,but can i live on $800 a month. it is just me and i do not smoke or drink and love to cook for my self.thank you for your time

[@mattwilkie]

Yes, I would recommend checking out healthcare as that can be expensive. But depending on lifestyle the rest is doable.

[@markjames4610]

YOUR SO CORRECT MATTY NO RISKS NO HASSLE ENJOY REGARDS JAMESEY

[@unicornphantasm]

excellent advice!

[@lindabrown0]

Mike Philippines of My Philippine Journey has just had a heart attack and no medical insurance...........Very precarious position to be in...........

[@mattwilkie]

+linda brown i have mentioned it before. Serious risk of losing everything.

[@emitasvacationtravel3955]

well,everyone has a reason for what they experience,but its good to meet or to be wth the rght person

[@nellspop1]

thanks Matt, great info again. quite interesting suggestions. do you have any thoughts on medical insurance for a retired ex pat? thanks again

[@mattwilkie]

Going to look into it this week as ideally I would prefer a company that could be "sued" if they didn't do what they promise. Which means looking at companies that have liabilities in the US / UK. Rather than locally where fighting in the court could become difficult. But I know there are some good companies out there.

[@nellspop1]

thank you

[@OurPhilippineLife]

Hi Matt, interesting video! I guess I'm just lucky - but asawa ko and I have been happily married for 10 years now, with a 4-year old little girl. We do plan on getting Maxi-Care health insurance there; I think everyone has to be properly prepared financially before retiring there, because you don't want to be stranded in any country without money or income. Having family ties in the islands can be a blessing or a curse - depending on the family. What you said about people pulling guns on someone is really scary - but like you said, you just have to be aware of your surroundings and be careful. Thanks!

[@mattwilkie]

Cheers for the comment, I am happily married with minimal issues I just know others who have had some real problems. Some self inflicted, some bad luck or meeting the wrong people.

[@rrrrricogu]

Hello OPL. Why have you chosen Maxi-Care as a health insurance provider? Do you have it now? If you can chime in too Matt. Thanks!

[@daveforgot127]

That is the real issue is being probably prepared. Its hard to know because we can't tell the future. For example I might live on my SS for $1100 and have a nest egg of $250,000. That all sounds but what happens if my nest egg crashes and SS gets cut with a dollar devaluation. These are things people don't think about because they consider it impossible but if Rome fell, American can fall too. I am not sure how to approach that possibility even if its considered some what remote. I'd rather me poor in my home country. I realize I am bless more than a lot of people with my plans but you can't forget stuff happens.

[@taffythegreat1986]

Hi thereCan you keep getting dengi every time you're stung by the dengi fly, or do you get amused after the first attack

[@mattwilkie]

Once you've got it you've got it. Its permanent.

[@ofeliaaquino5093]

Lea

[@daveforgot127]

Do you know anything about a spouse collecting surviving benefits should her older american husband die first? I am getting a lot of conflicting information when when I research the matter on the SS official website site.

[@elecitagraeme2786]

It's all about how you represent yourself.!!

[@pauljoyce7631]

Great information Matt. As a spin off from this I am interested to hear what you can advise the prospective early or scheduled retirement expats on the following. "Should I buy or rent property if I move the the Philippines and marry a filipina" I see all of these stories about expats trying to start businesses like you mention here and failing. Then there is the worst and most obvious case senario of buying with a property filipina and then losing it all because of her percentage ownership and nationality status. I my view it makes sense to sell up if you own a reasonable size property in your home land. Then buy a smaller one and put it on lease. Then you would produce savings from the sale plus an income from the rent in addition to the pension incomes. This would allow a retired expat to rent a very nice property in the Philippines whilst remaining financially solvent without the risks. Could you make a video on this particular subject Matt? Regards

[@bobbruce4135]

I would agree with you not to buy property there. Have a rent a modest property base back home and use the net rent for your rent in Philippines. You get Schedule E depreciation and such so you can offset some of the income tax (US code). I would also discourage marriage, can't see how it helps a man almost anywhere, unless someone is truly family oriented.

[@willp9226]

Rent and don't start a business. Cultural beliefs regarding westerners and their money, even if you don't have a lot, are misplaced.

[@rafaelcamilo4887]

Very smart advise

[@phatboied]

Great stuff

[@karmafrog1]

Great video.

[@leehollebon3228]

One question is it easier for a English guy like myself who one day wants to retire & live permanently in Thailand or the Philippines 🇵🇭 what country is easier to retire to Thailand 🇹🇭 or the Philippines 🇵🇭?

[@mattwilkie]

Both countries have a high expat population but I can't say much about Thailand as I have yet to visit and look into their legalities around immigration. The biggest hurdle I have heard though is language in Thailand as nobody has mentioned anything else wrong with retiring or living there.

[@mariettaakehurst5732]

It's true, medication treatment in the Philippines hospital is making money. even ordinary Filipino poor people died helplessly, that is the true facts in the Philippines. Health Insurance is does not help at the end of the day and treatment you almost paid for all the treatment. I cannot understand the Health Insurance in the Philippines, they only pay little, it make me sick actually. I do hope President Duterte new DOH Secretary will do something about this challenges.

[@DavidStanleymusic]

is there a season for dengue fever?

[@stevedom1]

oh yes & what price a used car say 5 years old suzuki viaz equivelent?

[@stewartbone4236]

Wise words.

[@victoriahao9960]

True that is the real issue !

[@iamhudsdent2759]

Matt Wilkie said, regarding budget: "The absolute minimum is 500." 500 what??? That was a serious communication error, given that cost of living is probably the biggest concern.

[@mattwilkie]

$500

[@bernardjones6358]

Myself life is good living here in the Philippines, my philipino wife of 20 years and I moved to Cebu almost a year ago now. There are adjustments to be made.....this isn't America it's their country and YOU have to assimilate. My only pet peeve is parking, everybody parks just anywhere with no recourse but me I park there and I end up with a ticket. Why me?

[@UlilangMatapang]

Thank you so much.

[@shagwellington]

Good to know, especially regarding hospitals and insurance. Nobody else talks about these. Cash cows just like in the U.S. These points are all good. Nobody talks about Pinay girls running you over with a car. Isolation, etc.

[@kenmorrison9667]

Also never give money down on land without a attorney ,seen that once with a man I know,he lost his money because it was government land.

[@kidpoker1000]

details , whats the cost of insurance there... different from here????

[@stevedom1]

excellent video, more or less the same in thailand where i am - but they are really making it clear they do not want long stay foreigners unless they are rich, plus cannot work here, plus no annual pension increase here, plus language barrier, i do speak some spanish thoufg so maybe better in phillies!? (20 years in thai with lady & house (twice)!

[@billybeedamned2456]

Solid advice but I question a $500/month income. I spent 5 years there from '84-'89 as a US Navy, had an income of $1400/month. I wouldn't dream of living there today with less than $3000/month and a paid-for house. I never did like to live on fish heads.

[@mattwilkie]

That's why i call it the minimum literally you could survive on it but wouldn't be comfortable (for most)

[@billybeedamned2456]

Perhaps you can post a video on how to apply for Public Assistance in the Philippines? I imagine it's easy, bop off down to the local office, fill out a few forms, and shortly, the bloody dole will come rolling in.

[@rodneybrown1924]

Billy Beedamn$2000 a month and you can live like a king. you can have good health insurance for 34000php a year. if you come here thinking simple and retire. get a new Yamaha motorcycle and just enjoy life on the beach.

[@roysheaks1261]

Rodney Brown What a person can live on in the Philippines varies widely, by choice of lifestyle.

[@kithurasmith9517]

rodney brown what philippines unsurance is 34000 a year? thanks

[@vancemccolm6309]

It seems to me that the implication is health care, education, and swindling doesn't occur in the homeland.

[@fitguy6288]

Words of wisdom

[@garylafferty1762]

American Medicare is no good Philippines however should supplement insurance be kept up in states? That can be 1200 $ a year to supplement Medicare. You can all so buy Philippines state run for hospital care only to help pay bill.

[@mattwilkie]

Thanks for that an I agree, I have private insurance in Spain that covers me for the Philippines. But you need to read the fine print relating to what is covered as overseas many of the policies have limited funds and locations they are valid.

[@DataLinkNow]

In my experience, many times there are different prices, or lack of discounts for expats, you can steam all you want but it is true. If you don't believe me go and try to purchase a car or other big ticket item, you will understand. You will always be an outlander with the benefits of your place of birth, this is true, ask around.

[@mattwilkie]

Oh I know, its why its often better to get someone locally to go and do it for you. Just saves time and money.

[@alanthornton6520]

wait for 10yrs for free operations in uk .now with nhs.so just same as in philippines pay to live

[@willp9226]

Once you've had Dengue are you immune to it, or can you get it again?

[@mattwilkie]

allegedly you can only catch it once.

[@halamanggamot841]

No, you can get it more than once, but it becomes less likely to catch it again once you had it.

[@stephenaccomando8427]

.....wise words. Thanks.

[@garygonder64]

How much does health insurance cost in the Philippines and where do you buy it

[@mattwilkie]

Google BlueCross insurance for full medical insurance (company changed name recently to something else but will direct you to their site to get a quote).. Cheap (but doesn't cover a lot) is Philhealth.

[@evangelineschoo2483]

Hey you dont need marry a filipina here in philippines , if you chose to retired in our country to make sure that you are not in risk of anything just go to PRA office , its a government agency design only for foreigner so they can get protected , just like foreigner who decide to stay or live in philippines , What is PRA, PHILIPPINES RETIREMENT AUTHORITY, this is the law in our country thats protect you or avoid you to deport back to your country and you can in and out from our country as you want , and keep your residency in your own country also , so any moment that you decide to go home and dont want come to back in philippines , of course this government agency will ask you for payment , but its that cost you so much money,,

[@strong4865]

Spot on

[@thomascherney7873]

How is what you are saying any different then living in any other country around the world?

[@mattwilkie]

Percentages, as the number of people I know who have died in the Philippines is currently at 42.

[@thomascherney7873]

@@mattwilkie what is the average age of these deaths?

[@kevanmcnay3079]

you say 500 is minimum , do you mean Pounds , Dollars or Euros ? .....also , do you think the Pound to Peso exchange rate will ever get back to the heights of 80 or 90 ...I've been doing my maths ( note the spelling Americans !) and even 75 would make a huge difference to me ......Cheers

[@mattwilkie]

+Kevan Mcnay 500 Dollars as an absolute minimum. There is flexibility but even so its still not what i would recommend.

[@kevanmcnay3079]

Cheers..Given housing costs will be negated by either Renting out a UK property or buying outright , how much per month would you say a couple plus one child going to a decent school would need ....... I'm hoping 40,000 or less ....

[@LaMataMatt]

Similar costings, I find out kids cost about P15k - P20k for private school and medical bills.

[@LaMataMatt]

Yep hospital prices vary considerably but we where the same. As we prepared P50k in cash with P500k in emergency funds. People say about the birthing clinics etc. but if something goes wrong you want to make sure your in a hospital that can save your kids and wife regardless of cost.

[@kevanmcnay3079]

+MrMaximeBilly hi , my wife is from S Leyte , and it's there we will settle , as I say rent / owning a property is covered ....school fees is the mystery ....fortunately or unfortunately we both get colds with AC so that's not on the things to own ....I'll buy the biggest fan in the country instead ! ...I'll aware of unforseen and there will be an emergency fund ....my wife reckons 30k will be enough , I'm not so sure , 40 to 45 is affordable for me ....mind you the pound /peso rate going back to the 90 odd it was when I first went there would be a big help ......thanks for the advice guys

[@steampunk888]

What medical insurance do you recommend?

[@voltnmx225]

SteamPunk there is not medical insure

[@timsbitsca]

Thanks Matt.

[@mattwilkie]

+Noel Sowerby welcome mate.

[@bonzotalonzo9072]

Good vid Matt ! I once heard a expat say that good common sense is the key to survival but when you're in the Philippines exercise great common sense. The problem for many is they don't have it to begin with in there native land and once they make the big move nothing really changes either. Do you have birdies in your house or is that your puter ?

[@mattwilkie]

To the right of me is an open patio door with birds about 30ft up flying around the roof tops. The common sense factor your right, its often why you may roll your eyes after advising someone about something and they go against it. Coming back to you with what went wrong.

[@lmajc494]

i think the bird sounds is actually Matts cell phone notification

[@macoyq3469]

Wondering what's your thought of some expats married to Filipinas having (or forcing) their kids enter Philippine showbiz or beauty pageants and these kids turned successful in their careers. Filipino=Australian celebrities Anne Curtis & James Reid are earning millions from their movies/TV/endorsements are supporting their Australian fathers who are now living a lush lives in Philippines while their Filipino moms live/working out of the country. Then, there's this UK guy who is the father of Bailey May, the newest heartthrob in local showbiz, it looks its his Brit father who babysit the kid while his Filipino mom stays in UK and working.

[@mattwilkie]

Its not an industry I support, as i don't watch TV myself at all. To force children into an industry that is purely fake I could never support. Money isn't everything.

[@daveforgot127]

You are right. You got to budget for extras, depreciation's, trips, trips back to the home country, emergencies, gifts, being sick. People are stupid and don't plan. I like your comment about talking to expats even if you don't like them. lol That would be me.

[@orangestoneface]

global warming and storms from it may be a problem soon, overheating will do what , will crops fail then what, the hungry attack or.....and economy can crash also from non heat reasons.

[@Backwardsit1]

What province do you live in Matt?

[@mattwilkie]

+backwardsit in Spain Alicante in RP we are on Cebu island

[@lolodixon1212]

does retirement social security cover medical in the Philippines?

[@mattwilkie]

+Lorri Dixon simply no.

[@eddenoy321]

NO NO and NO. Which is a tragedy and should be re-thought out someday.

[@markjames4610]

matty no messing about no1 is health insurance no2 rent everythink no commitments no3 any messing about or shit of a women shes sacked no matter how pretty she is ETC ETC ETC !!! I've been stung before in England lol lol that's why I love your vlogs so true pal so so true it took a lot to recover from my devoice but I was only 32 thank god I'm now 53 lol so I did learn don't let whats in your trousers rule your brain !!!!cheers matty great vlog as always keep em coming

[@mattwilkie]

Cheers Mark, yep agree its about taking care of yourself. It's not being selfish but simply looking after your future.