Health Insurance Options for Expats -- Filipino Edition

Let’s talk about health insurance options for expats in the Philippines.

Moving to the Philippines—whether for work, retirement, or adventure—means getting acquainted with sunshine, friendly people, and, among other things, the local healthcare system. One of the first questions many expats ask is: “Do I need health insurance here?”

The short answer: yes, it’s a smart choice. Quality care exists, but costs can add up quickly if you’re uninsured.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the main health insurance options available to expats in the Philippines, what they cover, and how to choose the right plan for your needs.

Why Health Insurance Matters in the Philippines

The Philippines has a mixed healthcare system:

• Public hospitals offer low-cost services but can be crowded.
• Private hospitals have high standards and English-speaking staff, but also higher prices.
• Emergency care and specialized treatment can be expensive without insurance.

Having health coverage gives you: ✔ Access to private facilities ✔ Lower out-of-pocket costs for treatment and surgery ✔ Peace of mind, especially during long stays

Even if you’re young and healthy, expatriate health insurance can be a lifesaver — literally and financially.

1. PhilHealth — The National Health Insurance

PhilHealth is the government health insurance program in the Philippines. It provides basic coverage for:

• Hospital stays
• Specific procedures
• Maternity and newborn care
• Outpatient care (in select cases)

Key Points

• Mandatory for Filipino citizens and many residents.
• Expats can join if they have appropriate visas (e.g., work visas) and contribute monthly premiums.
• Coverage is limited compared to private insurance — good for subsidized care, not comprehensive protection.

PhilHealth is a good foundation, but many expats choose additional coverage for wider benefits.

2. Private Health Insurance in the Philippines

Private health plans offer broader coverage than PhilHealth. They vary widely in price, benefits, and requirements.

What Private Plans Typically Cover

• Inpatient hospital stays
• Surgical procedures
• Specialist consultations
• Diagnostic tests
• Maternity (in some plans)
• Dental and vision (optional riders)

Common Private Providers

Some international and local insurers operate in the Philippines. Examples include:

• Local plans tailored to residents
• International plans with global coverage
• Plans offered through employers

Private insurance is ideal if you want: ✔ Fast access to private hospitals ✔ Coverage for more treatments ✔ Lower out-of-pocket risk

3. International Expat Health Insurance

If you travel frequently or want coverage beyond the Philippines, international plans might be best.

Benefits

• Coverage across countries
• Access to worldwide medical networks
• Options for emergency evacuation
• Policies designed specifically for expats

These plans tend to be more expensive, but offer peace of mind for frequent travelers and long-term global lifestyles.

4. Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

If you’re working in the Philippines, your employer may offer health coverage as part of your benefits package.

Typical Inclusions

• PhilHealth contributions
• Private hospital coverage
• Annual physicals
• Sometimes dental, optical, or wellness perks

Always review your employer plan carefully:

• What’s covered?
• Any waiting periods?
• Co-pays or deductibles?

This can be one of the most cost-effective ways to get good coverage.

Choosing the Right Plan for You

When comparing plans, consider these factors: ✔ Your Health Needs

• Do you have ongoing conditions?
• Are you planning a family or expecting a baby?
• Will you need routine dental or vision care? ✔ Budget
• Premiums vs. out-of-pocket costs
• Deductibles and co-pays ✔ Travel and Stay Plans
• Will you stay in the Philippines permanently?
• Do you travel often or return home regularly? ✔ Hospital and Doctor Access
• Which hospitals or clinics do you want to use?
• Does the plan include your preferred providers?

Here’s a comparison table of popular health insurance options for expats in the Philippines, including typical cost estimates and coverage characteristics — based on commonly cited plan examples and market pricing as of 2025.

Plan Type	Example Provider / Plan	Typical Monthly Cost	Coverage Area	Notes
Government (Basic)	PhilHealth	₱300-₱1,500/month (~$6-$30)	Philippines	Basic hospital/ inpatient coverage; limited benefits and reimbursements; often mandatory if employed/resident.
Local Private HMO	Maxicare / Intellicare / AXA PH (local HMO)	₱3,000-₱8,000/month (~$55-$145)	Philippines	Good access to private hospitals; limited or no international coverage; often employer-linked options.
International Budget Plan	NOW Health SimpleCare	₱1,900-₱4,000/month ($32-$68)	Worldwide (excl. some countries)	Lower cost global expat plan; basic inpatient + evacuation.
International Mid-Tier Plan	Cigna Silver / IMG Silver / AXA International	₱5,350-₱14,850+/month ($90–$250+)	Worldwide	Broader coverage including outpatient, diagnostics, emergencies, some options for maternity.
International Higher Coverage	William Russell Silver / Platinum, Cigna Gold/Platinum	₱11,900-₱29,700+/month ($200–$500+)	Worldwide	Higher annual limits, outpatient + specialist + maternity + evacuation; better global portability.
Premium Global Plan	GeoBlue Xplorer Premier or VUMI VIP plans	₱23,800-₱41,600+/month ($400–$700+)	Worldwide	Top-tier offering with extensive benefits, including U.S. care options.

What These Categories Mean

• PhilHealth: Basic national health insurance with minimal cost and limited coverage. Good as a foundation but not usually sufficient alone for comprehensive care.
• Local HMO Plans: Typically provide cashless access to Philippine private hospitals and services; plans vary widely and often require staying in the Philippines.
• International Plans: Designed with expat mobility in mind, these offer worldwide care, higher limits, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and better benefits for major illness and specialist services.

Estimated Annual Costs (Typical Ranges)

• PhilHealth Only: ~₱3,000–₱18,000/year ($60–$350) depending on enrollment category.
• Local Private HMO: ~₱36,000–₱96,000/year ($650–$1,750).
• International Expat Plans:
  • Lower tier: ~$380–$820/year (many budget international plans).
  • Mid-tier: ~$1,080–$3,000/year depending on benefits.
  • Higher tier/premium: $3,000+ / year for top coverage.

Tips for Comparing Plans

• Coverage Limits: Higher annual benefit limits mean less risk of out-of-pocket bills for major treatment.
• Area of Coverage: Some plans restrict benefits to the Philippines or Asia; others include global care (important if you travel often).
• Outpatient vs. Inpatient: Basic plans often focus on hospital stays; mid- and high-tier plans include outpatient care, specialists, and preventive services.
• Deductibles & Co-pays: Plans with lower premiums often have higher deductibles — make sure you understand how much you pay before coverage starts.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Many insurers have waiting periods or exclusions for existing conditions.

Tips for Expats

• ✔ Start early: Don’t wait until you need care — buy insurance proactively.
• ✔ Read policy details: Look for exclusions, waiting periods, and benefit limits.
• ✔ Ask about riders: Add dental, maternity, or evacuation coverage if needed.
• ✔ Keep records: Maintain copies of premiums, claims, and receipts.

Final Thought

Health insurance isn’t just paperwork—it’s protection for your peace of mind. Whether you rely on PhilHealth, choose a local private plan, or go with international coverage, having a solid health insurance strategy is one of the smartest moves you can make as an expat in the Philippines.

Health Insurance Evaluation Checklist for Expats in the Philippines

1. Eligibility & Residency

• ☐ Policy accepts foreign nationals
• ☐ No requirement for permanent residency (unless you have it)
• ☐ Accepts your visa type (tourist, SRRV, work visa, etc.)
• ☐ Coverage valid for long-term stays

2. Coverage Area

• ☐ Philippines only
• ☐ Asia-wide coverage
• ☐ Worldwide (excluding U.S.)
• ☐ Worldwide (including U.S.)
• ☐ Coverage applies during short trips abroad

Tip: If you travel even occasionally, local-only plans may be too limiting.

3. Inpatient Coverage (Critical)

• ☐ Hospital room & board
• ☐ Surgery & anesthesia
• ☐ ICU & emergency care
• ☐ Cancer treatment
• ☐ Dialysis / major long-term treatments
• ☐ Annual coverage limit clearly stated

4. Outpatient & Routine Care

• ☐ Doctor consultations
• ☐ Specialist visits
• ☐ Diagnostic tests (labs, X-ray, MRI, CT)
• ☐ Prescription medications
• ☐ Physical therapy / rehab

Many cheaper plans exclude outpatient care — check carefully.

5. Emergency & Evacuation

• ☐ Emergency room visits covered
• ☐ Air ambulance / medical evacuation
• ☐ Repatriation to home country
• ☐ Natural disaster evacuation coverage

Extremely important in island and rural areas.

6. Pre-Existing Conditions

• ☐ Are pre-existing conditions covered?
• ☐ Waiting period length (if any): _______
• ☐ Permanent exclusions clearly listed
• ☐ Disclosure requirements understood

7. Maternity & Family (If Applicable)

• ☐ Maternity coverage included or optional
• ☐ Waiting period for maternity
• ☐ Newborn coverage
• ☐ Dependent / spouse coverage

8. Dental & Vision

• ☐ Dental emergency coverage
• ☐ Routine dental (cleanings, fillings)
• ☐ Vision exams
• ☐ Glasses / contact allowance

9. Hospital & Doctor Access

• ☐ Recognized by major private hospitals
• ☐ Cashless / direct billing available
• ☐ Hospital network list provided
• ☐ Easy claims process if reimbursement-based

10. Costs & Payments

• ☐ Monthly or annual premium: _______
• ☐ Deductible amount: _______
• ☐ Co-pay percentage: _______
• ☐ Out-of-pocket maximum
• ☐ Premium increase rules by age

11. Claims & Support

• ☐ 24/7 customer support
• ☐ English-speaking support staff
• ☐ Online claims portal
• ☐ Average claims processing time

12. Policy Exclusions (Read Carefully)

• ☐ Chronic illnesses
• ☐ Mental health
• ☐ Sports / adventure activities
• ☐ Alcohol-related incidents
• ☐ Motorcycle accidents (very common exclusion)
• ☐ War, riots, civil unrest

13. Flexibility & Portability

• ☐ Can be renewed yearly
• ☐ Coverage continues if you move countries
• ☐ Easy to upgrade or downgrade plan
• ☐ Policy survives employer changes (if applicable)

14. Compliance & Reputation

• ☐ Licensed insurer
• ☐ Clear policy wording
• ☐ Transparent exclusions
• ☐ Strong reputation among expats
• ☐ No history of widespread claim denials

Final Check

• ☐ Covers worst-case scenarios, not just routine care
• ☐ Affordable even if premiums increase
• ☐ Fits your lifestyle (travel, motorbike use, location)
• ☐ You understand what is not covered

Pro Tip for Expats in the Philippines

Many expats use a layered approach:

• PhilHealth for basic subsidies
• Local HMO for routine care
• International plan for catastrophic coverage and evacuation

It’s often cheaper—and safer—than relying on one policy alone.

Thinking of Moving to the Philippines? Get Reliable Guidance

If you can walk for hours, stay hydrated, remain documented, and not draw attention—you’re doing it right. Online communities are helpful for general questions. For anything important, you still need accurate, professional, and updated information. E636 Expat Services helps foreigners with:

• Residency and long term visas
• Bank account opening
• Health insurance guidance
• Real estate assistance
• Business setup
• Retirement planning
• A smooth and secure transition into life in the Philippines

If you want to move with confidence instead of relying on random comments online, we can guide you every step of the way.

Book a consultation with E636 and start your journey the right way.

Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash