The Philippines Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

How does the healthcare system work in the Philippines?

What is the quality of healthcare in the Philippines?

• In 2013, the Philippines passed a Universal Healthcare Bill, which provides health insurance to all Filipino nationals, especially the poor.
• PhilHealth is the health insurance program that is part of the Department of Health. Their goal is to provide Health Insurance coverage and ensure affordable, acceptable, available and accessible healthcare services for all citizens of the Philippines.
• When looking for a hospital and clinic try to find one that is JCI-accredited. This is an international accreditation that guarantees quality on an international level.
• If you want to be treated, at the hospital (GP), dentist, midwife, maternity care or consulate, you will have to pay the bills yourself before (or after) the consultation. Most doctors have been trained at respected universities in the Philippines and at medical institutions in the US.
• Depending on the distance to the hospital, Philippine ambulances can be slow. Consider arranging your own transportation to your preferred hospital if possible.
• English is widely spoken in hospitals, making it easy for expats to understand medical care.
• A good international health insurance is highly recommended, as private healthcare costs can quickly add up. There are many pharmacies, some of which are open 24 hours a day in cities.
• The emergency number is 911, but ambulance services are not always reliable.

How does the public healthcare system work in the Philippines?

• Public healthcare in the Philippines is funded by the government and supported by PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation).
• This is a national healthcare system that provides affordable healthcare to residents, including foreigners with a work visa or permanent resident status.
• PhilHealth covers basic care, but not all costs, and the quality varies greatly between regions.
• So expatriates can join PhilHealth if they work or live permanently in the Philippines.
• Public hospitals often have long waiting times and limited resources, which is why many foreigners opt for private healthcare.

How does the private healthcare system work in the Philippines?

• The private healthcare sector in the Philippines offers modern and well-equipped hospitals and clinics, especially in urban areas. You also have faster access to specialists. Healthcare costs in private clinics can be high, but are still relatively reasonable compared to Western countries. A consultation can cost $30-$50, while hospitalization can cost thousands of dollars without insurance.
• It is therefore important to have good insurance if you want to use private healthcare.

How is the GP arranged in the Philippines?

• General practitioners often have offices in hospitals and work with consultation hours. It is more common to go directly to a specialist if something is wrong with your health. The specialists also often have walk-in consultations and an office in the hospital. Good quality healthcare is available in Metro Manila.
• Most medical practitioners in the Philippines come from respectable Universities in the Philippines and studied in U.S. medical schools.
• General practitioners can also be found in private clinics, where people can go for routine consultations or minor health problems.

How is the dentist arranged in the Philippines?

• There are different types of dentists and it is useful to arrange a reliable dentist. You can find these mainly in cities and referred by other expats.
• In general, dentists in private clinics follow international standards, and for a reasonable price. If you are unsure about a particular procedure, ask for a second opinion or a price quote from another provider.
• Public dental care is limited and often less accessible.
• Dental treatments are cheap compared to Western countries.

How is prenatal-, maternity- and pregnancy care arranged in the Philippines?

• Pregnancy and childbirth care varies depending on whether you use public or private care.
• Private hospitals offer excellent care for pregnant women, with modern facilities and English-speaking staff. The costs are also quite reasonable. For example, an ultrasound costs between 22 and 78 USD.
• Public care is available, but less convenient due to limited resources.
• Look for JCI-accredited midwives and maternity nurses. Childcare center: There are several childcare centers, due to the variety of agencies. You can easily find them online.
• Breastfeeding in public is accepted.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in the Philippines?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in the Philippines?

• The Philippines is a beautiful, and complex country in terms of safety.
• Major cities face petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams.
• Parts of Mindanao, Sulu, and the Zamboanga region are discouraged due to the presence of armed groups and incidents of kidnapping. Check travel advisories before traveling to these regions.
• Avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings, which can sometimes lead to violence.
• Cities such as Manila and Cebu have many nightlife options, but be alert for spiked drinks. Always keep an eye on your glass.
• Be careful with poisonous animals such as snakes and marine animals such as jellyfish.
• The Philippines is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. Make sure you are prepared and follow local warnings.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in the Philippines?

• Make sure you have the right vaccinations. Discuss your (temporary) emigration with a vaccination doctor well in advance of your travel date!
• Mosquito-borne diseases are common. It is recommended to protect yourself from mosquitoes and sleep under a mosquito net.
• Tap water is not drinkable. Use bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in the Philippines?

• Cities like Manila are known for their huge traffic jams, especially during rush hour (between 6 and 9 AM and 4 and 7 PM).
• Roads are sometimes poorly maintained, especially in rural areas. Unlit roads and potholes can be dangerous, especially at night.
• Always carry a phone with you in case of emergency.
• Traffic rules are not always strictly enforced, and accidents are common.
• Overtaking in dangerous places, driving without indicating, and ignoring traffic lights are common.
• Driving is on the right side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory, and motorcyclists must wear a helmet. The law against drunk driving is strict, but not always strictly enforced.
• Motorcycles and tricycles are popular, but less safe than cars.
• Jeepneys (iconic, colorful minivans) and buses are popular, but often overcrowded and not always safe.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in the Philippines?

• Is the trip to and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for the Philippines if you are going to live there for a while?

• Health insurance is not mandatory for expats in the Philippines, but is strongly recommended due to the high costs of private healthcare. Many employers offer PhilHealth or private insurance as part of the employment contract, but this is not sufficient for most expatriates.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

Does the Philippines set requirements to your (international) healthcare insurance in order to settle there?

• It is not required (yet) by law to have health insurance as an expat.
• In some circumstances expats can apply for Philhealth, the local health care system. However, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance with broader coverage.

Under what regional cover do the Philippines fall and are there other extra important points to consider when living and working?

• Type of coverage within the Philippines depends on the Insurance Company you are availing your health insurance from.
• Some areas that are considered dangerous, depending on current events at the time, might be excluded from coverage by your insurance company. Always make sure you are up-to-date with the coverage areas of your specific health insurance.

What should you pay attention to in regards to Health Insurance for a long stay in the Philippines?

• Check the Insurance pointers for long stay abroad and emigration to see:
  • Why specifically take out insurance when emigrating?
  • Is it smart to take out health insurance locally?
  • Your Health Insurance in your home country expires.
  • Becoming unfit for work and insurances for surviving relatives.
  • Country of destination and goal of emigration country.
  • Desired (extra) coverage.
  • What insurance is suitable when you are going to emigrate?
  • What differences exist between the different insurances in regards to content?
  • How do you use the Emigration service?
  • Which Dutch and international emigration,- expat and health insurances are there?

What should you pay attention to when taking out a home/household insurance in the Philippines

• Depending on where you live and what kind of home you have, you should consider finding an insurance that fits with your personal needs.
• Some housing arrangements include security measurements, like guards and gates. When these extra safety measurements are not available, the household insurance becomes more of a priority.
• The Philippines has local insurance companies that provide home insurances.
• Special expat/international insurance companies exist that offer home insurances for people living abroad.

What are the rules about personal liability within the Philippines?

• Purchasing a personal liability insurance is always a good idea and in some circumstances a necessity (for example, when buying a car).
• The Philippines has local insurance companies that provide personal liability insurance. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) offers this kind of insurance.
• Special expat/international insurance companies exist that offer personal liability insurances for people living abroad.

Is there a Social Security System in the Philippines and is it applicable to foreigners?

The Philippines has a Social Security System with several different types of social benefit programs. People pay a monthly fee for the Social Security System (SSS) and foreigners that are permanent residents can apply. 

The government of the Philippines provides the following benefit programs:

• Sickness benefit
  • The sickness benefit is a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member is unable to work due to sickness or injury.
• Maternity benefit
  • The maternity benefit is a daily cash allowance granted to a female member who was unable to work due to childbirth or miscarriage.
• Funeral benefit
  • It is a cash benefit given to whoever pays the burial expenses of the deceased member or pension.
• Disability benefit
  • The redesigned SSS Disability Benefit program adopts the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes and takes into account the medical management of illnesses and injuries and their corresponding impairment ratings.
• Retirement benefit
  • The retirement benefit is a cash benefit either in monthly pension or lump sum paid to a member who can no longer work due to old age.
• Death benefit
  • It is a cash benefit either in monthly pension or lump sum paid to the beneficiaries of a deceased member. The primary beneficiaries are the legitimate dependent spouse until the person remarries, and the member's dependent legitimate, legitimated, or legally adopted, and illegitimate children who are not yet 21 years old. In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the dependent parents shall be the secondary beneficiaries. In their absence, any other person designated by the member as beneficiary in the member's record.

How do you get Insurance for a rented or bought car in the Philippines?

• Compulsory third party liability (CTPL) insurance is mandatory for every car owner (not when hiring a car). This can be easily purchased at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
• CTPL costs a minimum of 560PHP annually and can cover up to PHP 100,000.
• Next to the CTPL insurance you might opt for extra insurance that covers theft or natural calamities. Extra insurance coverage costs around  PHP 12,000 to PHP 20,000 per year, depending on your car's type and value.
• Renting a car might prove to be difficult as most rental companies have set up a long list of regulations and requirements.

What should you pay attention to when driving around with a (rented) scooter or motorcycle in the Philippines?

• Renting a motor/scooter might prove to be difficult as most rental companies have set up a long list of regulations and requirements.
• Although popular in most South-East Asian countries, renting a scooter or motor is less popular in the Philippines and locating good rental companies can be difficult.
• Most insurance do not have coverage for personal liability in regards to vehicles and these have to be purchased separately. Make sure to verify this with your insurance company.
• Foreigners can drive in the Philippines for up to 90 days after their arrival provided that their license is in English.

How does Insurance for your (temporary) living space work in the Philippines?

• Depending on where you live and what kind of home you have, you should consider finding an Insurance that fits with your personal needs.
• Some housing arrangements include security measurements, like guards and gates. When these extra safety measurements are not in place, the household insurance becomes more of a priority.
• The Philippines has local insurance companies that provide household insurances.
• Special expat/international insurance companies exist that offer household insurances for people living abroad.