Insurance that saves!
You remember my post: Sick - but no savings!? One of my readers, who left a comment, David S., asked me to publish more details:
These are just and only some average details, I experienced myself in Davao City. I am not allowed to mention hospital names or doctors. Charges in Cebu or Manila are different then in provincial areas. That’s why I would appreciate additional informations from readers living in different parts of the Philippines. But believe me: getting sick in the Philippines and being hospitalized is not such cheap as you might think. Depends how big your savings are you might think so. But many times the patient has been sent home again, because the land title’s value wasn’t enough. And being hospitalized as foreigner or alien or ex pat unfortunately let “go prizes up” (or unnecessary treatments or health check ups. I have been in a hospital twice here in Davao City and got a lot of very negative experiences. If my wife wouldn’t have take care of everything I would have been charged thousands of Pesos for nothing. Yes, for nothing…
Just to give you some ideas:
- One of my friends has been hospitalized because of “mild stroke” - 3 days = 35,000 PHP.
- I was hospitalized because of “simple collaps” - 2 days = 16,500 PHP.
- A friend of mine got an accident and broke his right hand = 34,000 PHP (because a very complicated fracture).
- A very good friend got cancer. Even several operations and chemotherapies (one “chemo” has been charged with 9,000 PHP) didn’t help. When she passed away, her in-laws have been confronted with bills reaching the huge amount of 800,000 PHP.
- For a single doctor consultation I pay in a multitest center in Davao City 250 PHP, while in a nearby located hospital the bill shows 500 PHP.
- For an ECG you can be charged between 1,000 and 2,500 PHP.
- A lungs xray can cost you between 800 and 2,700 PHP.
I must say: also in the Philippines you have the chance to be protected by good health insurance coverage. Take your time and look around and check the proposals individually prepared for you.
Having a good insurance protection really helps you saves. You can be sure, my family and I found a very good one… .
And, besides this: enroll to PhilHealth. You are also welcome as an ex pat. PhilHealth covers even only 20% percent of your bills.
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Hi Klaus - Honestly, those charges are very cheap. Three days in the hospital for just P35,000? In the States, 3 days in the hospital would cost you $50,000 or more! I also have to say that I find the medical care available here both inexpensive and also very good.
Hi Bob, as I said, you pay a lot more in Cebu or Manila. And of course, also in Europe like in the States you have to pay such amounts you mentioned in your comment. But I met a lot of foreigners, who didn’t have enough savings to pay -as you said - these “inexpensive” charges. Not to mention most all filipinos we know. To be honest: this huge amount of 800,000 I mention in my post, would be also a burden for me and my family. That’s why we looked for a good health insurance (with additional savings) - the same as we got in Germany. Anyway, thanks for stopping by…
Hi Klaus,interesting article,i have previously,slightly researched this matter for my own future needs. I am sure that many forget the importance of health cover.It may be worth a mention for those who do not know,you have to pay for your medical care out of your own pocket before you can leave the hospital,then reclaim the costs from your insurer,which will take time.Phil health is a 1st step,but as you say it only covers 20% of your medical costs.I presume that a 80/20 health policy would be sufficient to reclaim the other 80%.One question i do have,Blue Cross offer health policies for 1) local ward 2) semi private 3)private,i am unsure of the meaning, semi private in the Philippines,maybe you can clarify.Regards Chas.
Hi Chas, thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate your concern. Meanwhile I received a lot of emails because of this post. I am glad -maybe- to help other people. I am planning to put more write ups about it in near future. Regarding your question: It has something to do with room accommodation in a hospital. I am sure I wouldn’t choose a six-bed-room w/o aircon….
Hi Klaus,thanks,i look forward to further write ups on this subject.Maybe a list of private medical insurers in Phils would be useful for price comparison.Blue Cross is the only one that i am aware of in Phils.
Hi Chas, sure, also a good idea. And read our Guest Blog. A very interesting and informative post is waiting for us…
Thank you for following up on this topic Klaus. I really appreciate the information. Last year I went to the emrgency room here in the states. I was only there for a few hours. My bill came to the peso equivalent of Php 60,000. Part of my expenses were covered by insurance. The information you provided really puts things into perspective. I see why many expats suggest just putting aside an emergency fund of 50,000–100,999 Php and skipping insurance altogether.
I do have a few more questions for you Klaus:
Can you prepay for emergencies at specific hospitals? What I mean is make a deposit with the hiospital so you will not be turned away in case of emergency. Also, do hospitals accept credit cards?
Thanks again for the excellent research.
Healthcare and healthcare coverage is becoming an major concern in the US. Even those that have insurance see the rates go up every year and the coverage lessen. That’s why you see the presidential candidates debating this issue, it is concerning to everyone.
My brother’s wife had their children in a Manila hospital and the cost for the services were probably 1/10 of what they would have been here. I have had dental work done for my wife and it was a fraction of the same cost here. Now while the quality of service can be debated, I feel the cost is very reasonable there. I’m sure it will continue to go up, just as it will here.
I’m interested in learning more about PhilHealth. Thanks for the article.
Hi David S., thanks for stopping by and thanks for your very good comment. Yeah, I also did it wrong before, I put aside an emergency fund just somewhere in the house, then I learned to put this amount on an investment account, where I could earn huge interests - by the way, more higher then with any bank savings account, while paying a monthly premium (i.e. 5,000 Pesos) for a coverage in case of critical illnesses). A deposit with a hospital is not really the right way to my opinion. I am also not sure yet, if hospitals in the Philippines will agree with it. I am still researching and will let you and all other readers know as soon as possible. Sure, some hospitals are accepting credit cards. But why not find a good offer with investment account and a coverage for critical illnesses? We got this even in Europe. I am surprised that many expats are talking about the cheap hospital and doctor fees. of course, they might be. But to be honest, I like to use my savings for other things…
Hi Randy C., thanks for your comment. Yeah, healthcare and its coverage is becoming a major concern everywhere. The problem are indeed increasing premiums and lesser coverages. I am really not allowed to talk about pro and cons of several companies here in the Philippines, but you can be sure, that my wife and I researched many years, before we joined an insurance company, that really saves. I must also confess, that one only can join this company after staying in the Philippines for a minimum of two years as well as being an expat with a permanent visa stay. You are right Randy, the quality of service can be debated also. And even the costs are still reasonable, they will surely go up. And as I said before: I like to use my savings for other (and enjoyable) things.
Hello Klaus
i was recently in mindanao and had some dental work done at a small village,To be honest i spent 125 dollars total in philippines compared to here in the usa the estimate i got was 3,000 dollars,I cant say enough good things about the price differance.I was treated very good at the hospital and dentist office.All i can say is i love Philippines,
p.s I finally found paradise,,,,thanks
Hi Ron, that’s good to know. Also for me it’s a paradise, that’s why me and my family decided to stay here for good. Of course, I agree with you regarding your dental work. No question, that it is cheaper then in the U.S. or in Europe. To be honest, with my write ups I am talking about “critical illnesses, bad accidents and all this terrible stuff”. Therefore we need health protection, as we got also in our home countries. Why not in the Philippines - even everything seems to be (or is!) cheaper? ANyway, I thank you for stopping by. It’s good know people, who found their paradise here…
Hi Frank Fealey, thanks for stopping by and contacting me by an e-mail. I will email you back as soon as possible. Have a good day…
Hi Nicholas, thanks for your email. Unfortunately I got it as SPAM. I only can restore the last portion, that you plan to settle down in Davao and you thank me for the interesting article. Please feel free to contact me again or just leave a comment here after the blog. THANKS.
Hi klaus . I have just come out of hospital after a serious ear op. hence ihave not replied to you.This operation came right out of the blue . Which omly confirms you never know what life has in store for you medically. Betterbe safe and sure and carry some decent medical in surance. I have UK and Aussie mates in Davao that when they need an op or something serious medical wise they get on the plane and fly back to their country of origin for attention.Bit strange to me.
Hi Frank, sad to hear this. I wish and pray you are feeling better now. Yeah, that’s what I am always saying: we don’t know what life has in store… - It’s also very strange for me to hear from people flying back to their home country, especially if you also have to pay all costs out of your own pocket. I got some German mates, who can’t even get their medicine paid any more by the German insurance company because their life’s middle point is (of course) on the Philippines. Understandable, I think. Thanks a lot for your comment - I got already a lot of emails of same thinking readers… . Frank - get well soon, okay - AND A HAPPY EASTER for you and your family…