Not long ago, I wrote a piece about how I felt it was important to consider bringing your parents or other elderly people to the Philippines so that you could provide care for them here. I argued that better care could be provided here for a fraction of the cost that you’d pay in the USA, and even with the smaller cost, the person being cared for could enjoy a higher quality of life. On of our regular readers here, Ron LaFleur e-mailed me last week to tell me that USA Today had run a front page story on a similar subject to what I had previously written about.
USA Today’s focus was on Senior Citizens from the USA going to Mexico to live out their remaining years in retirement facilities there in Mexico. I read the article with great interest, because it did dovetail nicely with what I had written. Actually, even with the various benefits offered by Mexico, which were spelled out in the article, I feel that the Philippines has even more to offer! Let’s look at a few things that I found particularly interesting in the article.
Firstly, the article in question has a video accompaniment, which is quite interesting. One elderly lady from Texas tells her story of her life in a Mexican nursing home. Her sons from the USA have even followed her down to Mexico and have been living in Mexico for over 5 years! Imagine, this is almost the reverse of the situation that I was suggesting, where the child would migrate to the Philippines, then when the parent is in need of care, he or she would move to the Philippines where their child is living. This lady said that she is paying about 1/3 of the costs for her care compared to what her friends in the States has to pay, and she felt that what she was getting was better! Another man featured in the video said that there was only way that he could describe what he gets in Mexico – “Quality of life.”
This caught my eye:
An estimated 40,000 to 80,000 American retirees already live in Mexico, many of them in enclaves like San Miguel de Allende or the Chapala area, says David Warner, a University of Texas public affairs professor who has studied the phenomenon. There are no reliable data on how many are living in nursing homes, but at least five such facilities are on Lake Chapala alone.
I don’t know for certain what the number is, but I have been told that a total of about 40,000 American live in the Philippines. Hmm… it seems that it could be double that number of American retirees who live in Mexico. And, from what I read, it would seem that this is a number which is growing and expected to continue growing! I believe that the Philippines can offer at least as good of amenities as Mexico gives to retirees, and probably better. Imagine the benefits to the Philippine economy if they could attract in thousands of retirees who need quality care to live out their days. It can be a benefit for the Philippines, and also for the retiree.
How about this:
Residents such as Richard Slater say they are happy in Mexico. Slater came to Lake Chapala four years ago and now lives in his own cottage at the Casa de Ancianos, surrounded by purple bougainvillea and pomegranate trees.
He has plenty of room for his two dogs and has a little patio that he shares with three other American residents. He gets 24-hour nursing care and three meals a day, cooked in a homey kitchen and served in a sun-washed dining room. His cottage has a living room, bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom and a walk-in closet.
For this Slater pays $550 a month, less than one-tenth of the going rate back home in Las Vegas. For another $140 a year, he gets full medical coverage from the Mexican government, including all his medicine and insulin for diabetes.
“This would all cost me a fortune in the United States,” said Slater, a 65-year-old retired headwaiter.
My goodness – this sounds almost like the way I am living! Imagine the benefits of an elderly person who is sickly living in a sunny place where he actually feels a will to live!
The article goes on to tell that foreigners who move to Mexico can enroll in Mexico’s Social Security medical program, which basically covers all of their medical needs. They can have surgery, get their medicines and everything needed all free of charge, or for a very small cost. This sounds similar to how we foreigners can enroll in PhilHealth here in the Philippines, except that the benefits are not nearly as good as what Mexico seems to be offering.
This business is becoming so lucrative, that some American companies are starting to move south of the border and opening medical care facilities in Mexico in addition to their US offerings.
I believe that is “medical outsourcing” is the wave of the future. With so many people of “baby boom” age becoming ready for retirement, moving to other countries where they can live more cheaply and still receive good care is something that will be critically important. The Philippines needs to plan for this, put a plan to work and attract these people. In addition to being good for the foreign retirees, it will help the Philippines in several ways. Pumping money in the economy is the most obvious help. But, right now Filipino nurses and doctors are exiting the country at an alarming rate to earn better money abroad. With things like Medical and Retirement tourism in place, it could be an avenue that would allow more of these professionals to remain in the Philippines where they can benefit their countrymen, benefit foreigners who decide to make this their home, and also earn a better living.
I hear you, Bob, and I agree with everything you've said. Except… we got to start taking care of our elderly right there at NAIA. Improve the experience there and probably, we can have a bid on that market.
Hi Bob,
My wife and I each have been hospitalized in the USA (child birth, back surgery). In each case we had Filipina nurses. I think medical tourism is an industry that the Philippines should dominate. The nurses train using American textbooks. They speak American English. The cost of treatment is a fraction of what it is in the US.
This link is to a story CBS show 60 minutes had on medical tourism. On the same page is a video about the Bumrungrad hospital in Thailand and the Apollo in India. Bumrungrad treats 400,000 international patients per year! It is the world leading facility in medical tourism. It doesn't make sense to me that the Philippines' St. Luke's Hospital in Quezon City doesn't make it a goal to beat these guys. Stl Luke's is a great hospital. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/21/60minut…
Hi Bob,
I read this very same article on the plane back to NY and wondered if it would be doable in the Philippines. I think that Mexico's advantage is it's next door as opposed to flying half way around the world to the Philippines. It is certainly something to think about…
Such programs have some built-in obstacles that have to be overcome. 😕
The focus will have to be on those who are still willing and able to travel, which means those who don't need elder care yet (but may in the not so distant future).
Getting their adult childing involved would help, too, but . . . .
Then, the idea of the expense to move to the Phils. (and, perhaps, back to the USA later on) for folks on fixed incomes could make the Mexico retirement scene a bit more appealing. 🙁
We may need to wait for the cost of living in those retirement enclaves in Mexico to come closer to that of where they came from. 😛
Turn "childing" into "children" please! 🙄
Hi Angie – Yes indeed. Not only NAIA, but all tourist infrastructure needs to be brought to world class standards for medical tourism to be a consideration.
Hi Kevin K – I am at a location right now where the internet access is not so speedy (to say the least), and am unable to watch that 60 Minutes video. I read the story, though, and we are thinking along the same lines. St. Lukes is already a world class hospital, they should be competing in this business already, no doubt. I think that other areas outside Manila are even more promising, because seniors can enjoy a peaceful environment, clean air, etc.
Hi Tina – I think that the distance is some concern, but not the full thing. After all, people are going to Thailand and India for health care right now, and these places are as far as the Philippines – India is further. This is a market that the Philippines could dominate if they make the effort, and make the investment. The small amounts of medical tourism I see now, however, are being offered at rates almost equal to the USA. Why do that when you can get it for 1/3 the price in Thailand?
We may be looking at two distinct markets here:
1) medical tourism (going for a medical treatment with no intent of staying there permanently. This is probably the better target since issues about a permanent move are not considered.)
2) long-term residency or long-term elder care (another possibility but much more complex issues need to be resolved first, as per Paul's #4 post.)
Hi Paul – I know one friend who brought his father here from the States. The father was bedridden, unable to even walk. He was in his 90's, and made the trip fine, with assistance, of course.
Hi Angie – I would agree with you on that. I think that it is something that the Philippines can do, though.
One big item where the philippines is way ahead is safety. In mexico you had better stick to the beaten path, stray alittle off of that and you'll discover you ain't in Kansas anymore !
Had a diving friend of mine years ago who was diving the baja penisula. He and his pals had parked the truck just over a hill from the beach, could'nt see it. just as they were packing the gear to leave a few mexicans approached them with a bottle of booze….tehy drank a littel while talking to em…my pal was thinkin man these guys are all right…what he did not realize was their truck was being stripped to virtually the frame. These nice guys were stalling em so their compadres could make off with everything butt the frame ! Engine, tires , body was almost GONE ! Not to say this one incident proves mexico is unsafe but I know many many people who have been victimized there.
Hi brian – thanks for sharing that story! I feel that something like that could happen in the Philippines too, though. It's not too likely, but it could happen. Honestly, I find most Filipinos friendly and helpful if you need assistance.
Hi Bob,
I meant the article in USA Today on senior living in Mexico.
Re medical tourism, the Philippines can compete in that arena for sure because we have doctors and dentists who have trained abroad and gone back and are now practicing there. I, myself, do this. When I go on vacation there, I have my annual medical and dental checkup done because I find the service is much better and personal. My doctor and dentist are both US trained. I assure you, they do a much better job than the ones I go to here in NY. I keep our medical insurance for emergencies only.
Kevin/Bob,
The Bumrungrad hospital in Thailand is the one I commented about somewhere on this blog but couldn't remember the name. Kevin, glad you found the link so I can revisit the story. Something that may not be in effect yet is Blue Cross insurance paying for Americans to fly from America to receive treatments at that hospital….it's that cost effective, and that high quality. I think I learned of the hospital on an NPR radio program. I have no interest in Blue Cross, but I think the mere fact that they are contemplating coverage is a commentary on the quality of the hospital, not to mention the cost basis. The Philippines could develop this industry even more fully for reasons described by Bob and others commenting. However, as Bob compared and contrasted Thailand's and the Philippine's tourism industries, the same could be done for medical tourism. The upshot is that the Philippines doesn't need to create the model….they can simply study Thailand and take advantage of the well trained nurses in the Philippines. I suspect a bunch of Filipino doctors, trained and practicing in the USA or other well paying countries, could be enticed back to their homeland once the cash starts flowing. Then the question must be: Why can't America take care of it's own people? I did see the movie Sicko and I'm sure if the Philippines were a major destination for affordable health care, Michael Moore would be running around the PI with his camera crew with a few Americans in tow who can't afford medical care in the USA.
Well, let's see… If one or more of the businessmen billionaires in the Philippines would turn one of the islands into a "rejuvenating" paradise, it would really be a good idea. I can see where we could lure these medical tourists to detour to the Philippines instead.
In this island he should,
– build a hospital to world class standards;
– build a resort nearby for after-hospital recuperation as well as R&R;
– team up with the gov't so an airstrip is constructed on the island.
I think this is a good start for the medical tourism industry. This could jumpstart the long-term medical care, elderly care industry also as this could piggyback off the success of the shot-term medical tourism business.
Now where are the tycoons who keep building malls? Enough of malls. As I've read on this blog somewhere, the people are at the malls for the aircon. The money is on medical tourism.
Hi Tina – Yes, I understood that you had read the USA Today article about nursing homes and such. Sorry, I leaped ahead and was also adding in the short term medical tourism with that too.
Hi Jon – You and I need to get together and talk! It seems like we really think along the same lines! The things you are saying here are right in line with my thinking. I have heard that major health insurance companies in the USA are now even paying airfare to India and Thailand in many cases. And, the Philippines has at least two major advantages in this area compared to Thailand or India – the first is language, and the second is religion. People from the USA and many other countries will be much more comfortable if the medical staff can speak with them in English. I am sure doctors in these other countries can speak English, but how about nurses and orderlies? I doubt it. When it comes to religion, especially at a time when going for medical care, I think that most people from the States will be more comfortable going to a country where the religion is more familiar to them.
Hi Angie – I never tire of reading your comments – always insightful! By the way, I hope they put air conditioning in those hospitals too! 😆
I don't know. It used to be Philippine Heart Center was 'state of the art' but as time went on and the 'latest technology' was no longer updated or properly repaired, the level of care they could give dropped. Will this happen to St. Luke's? A cash cow like a plastic surgery clinic… how long will the quality and technology be maintained? I hate to be a skeptic, but if the mindset of hotel owners is to invest big-time and then do very little maintainace or improvement for years, often until it falls apart, why would the hospital owners be any different? It takes more than well trained nurses and doctors. They have to have a physical environment that will enable them to do the best they can, this includes equipment, technonlgy, supplies and sanitary standards.
Looking at the way hotels and other tourism sectors are done in Thailand, I would feel much more confident going there for anything major. They appear to be aware that everyone in the industry has a part in making sure the whole system stays afloat.
Hi AmericanLola – I feel like the care here is quite good. I know that you have had some mixed feelings from experience, and have said that regarding my treatment when I had a stroke in 2001. I must admit, though, I am very positive or should I say "bullish" when it comes to Philippine Health Care. Of course, as you've pointed out in the past, what it all comes down to is money. If you have it, you can be treated here for almost any ailment. Without it, you might die in the hospital, waiting for treatment.
Bob you had a stroke in while in Phil? Have you fully recovered from it?
Hi Jae – Yes, I had a stroke in November 2001. When I left the hospital they told me that I will probably never walk again, and may not be able to talk much. Thankfully, I was determined, and I did make a full recovery. 🙂
"Yes, I had a stroke in November 2001. When I left the hospital they told me that I will probably never walk again, and may not be able to talk much. Thankfully, I was determined, and I did make a full recovery"
– Hi Bob, 'if there's a will, there's a way' as saying goes..I hope that your story will inspire the others. ..God Bless you and your family.
That's incredible. Good for you.
There are very capable US trained cardiologist with the latest top of the line equipment in Davao. I recently has a stess echocardiogram done at Alexian Brothers at the fraction of what it cost in the US. Some US Drs wont even order it because of the "cost management" limitations set by insurances even if it is the standard of care.
Yep! agree with your "it all comes down to money" Bob. if we could persuade Donald Trump to shift his focus for a Luxurios Medical Pavilion for tourist in PI everybody would easily opt for Phil than Thailand & India.
Or how about starting our very own Phil Business Mogul thinking about Medical Tourism? Lucio Tan are you reading this?
Bob,
As much as I love the the Philippines and especially Davao City, I agree with Tina. For Nursing/Rest Homes, Mexico is closer, easier for family to visit and knowledge of Mexico to most americans.
About medical resorts, to keep nurses and doctors the rate of pay would have to me increased to compete to working abroad.
Bob,
The language advantage is pretty obvious, but I hadn't considered religion….though I think you make a good point. BTW, did you get my email asking about electric rates in terms of kw/hour? It had to do with the cost effectiveness of photovoltaics. It really comes down to conservation measures in the household and the unit cost per kw/hour. If I need to check out a discussion already in the archives just point me in the right direction. Thanks. Yeah, I notice we have a lot of similar ideas and preferences….and then along comes that news channel thread 😉 (no need to beat that dead horse any more!!)
Hi marygrace – thank you for your nice comment.
Hi Jae – Thanks!
Hi Bobby – I like the Alexian Brother's Clinic. I have been there a number of times, and I use several doctors there regularly. They have an excellent facility.
Hi Jersey-RN – Yep! Money makes the world go 'round.
Hi Bruce – Certainly Mexico has the advantage of closeness and also familiarity for Americans. The Philippines has a huge advantage in the language, though. And, yes, I have mentioned many times that by doing this, the doctors and nurses here could earn more money, and thus more of them could stay and work here.
Hi Jon – I have that e-mail, just been soooo busy, haven't been able to get back to you. I'll do it today, though. Sorry for the delay.