Brits Living in the Philippines – do you need travel insurance or will PhilHealth or local insurance do?
Whether you are in the Philippines as a retiree or you are lavishing in the luxury of a WFH lifestyle, you need to make sure that you have the right insurance should you encounter health problems while abroad. We take a look at the differences between PhilHealth, local private plans, and longstay travel insurance.
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What is Philhealth?
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is a Government owned health insurance provider. It provides cover to people living in the Philippines – automatically if you are employed, or voluntarily if you are not. If you are living in the country for more than six months Philhealth is a legal requirement – but don’t let that fool you into thinking you shouldn’t get longstay travel insurance! Here is why:
Philhealth does not cover the full costs of medical treatment, you will need to make sure you have adequate funds should you need it.
The availability of medical care varies throughout the country so you cannot guarantee that the treatment you receive will be to the standard you would expect from the UK, and it does not grant access to treatment at private hospitals.
Philhealth does not cover repatriation to Singapore (the nearest place for treating serious medical conditions) or the UK.
Philhealth is limited to health-related issues in the Philippines, not a wider area or any other aspect of travel should something go wrong.
Read more information about living in the Philippines at gov.uk
What about local private plans in the Philippines?
While you are living for an extended period in the Philippines you could choose to have a private health insurance plan from a local provider. This may get you access to higher standards of care at a private hospital but it will also have limits, exclusions, and may require large out-of-pocket payments before reimbursing claims.
How does longstay travel insurance compare?
Having longstay travel insurance comes with a number of benefits, not only for ensuring you are looked after in the event of injury or illness, but also for when things go wrong on your trip, and to top it off – it provides cover should you wish to visit other places too!
Covers cost of medical treatment
Comes with 24/7 multilingual helpline
Covers cost of mountain/air rescue
Includes repatriation to the UK
Available for pre-existing conditions
Provides help if your passport or belongings are lost or stolen
Covers costs incurred from cancelled flights or bookings
There for you if personal circumstances mean that you are no longer able to travel
Is valid worldwide – great if you want to travel to other Southeast Asian countries
In fact longstay travel insurance is a product that compliments PhilHeath!
It is there to provide cover and peace of mind, especially for existing health conditions and unforeseen circumstances beyond falling ill or being injured.
Get The Travel Insurance You Need For The Philippines – No Fuss Guaranteed!
We offer dependable insurance for British citizens living in the Philippines, including those with pre-existing medical conditions, and older travellers.
Our policies are designed to give you the peace of mind that if the worst happens, you won’t have to pay large medical bills, while being covered for many other losses, too. Plus we can cover you if your trip has already started!
