How To Plan For An Unexpected Medical Emergency

[bang4dabuck]

Penny wise dollar foolish I guess they are. So ATM which I don't have, peso account which I don't have. How much should I keep in there ? That will all it will be used for, that account/ATM. I'm thinking Cebu Doc and Chung Hua will take CC but I will check. The doctors do they take a good show of faith ? I should be able to have the payment in full in about a week if needed.

[roddavis]

I can report for Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu. I had surgery a couple months back and was unprepared for the surgery/expense. I was in the hospital for 5 days. The total cost @P175000.

They won't let you leave the hospital until the bill is paid. Since we were not prepared for the total amount(money to be transferred from States). They do take credit cards or cash. Since I didn't have enough on departure, we signed a promissory note to be paid in 2 weeks and they held onto our debit card from the States. So, if no medical insurance, they will require a deposit up front @1/3 estimated cost. (Dr, Surgeon, Room, Specialist are all separate charges.) It takes about 6 hours to check out of the hospitals because of all the separate charges! Of course billing not computerized! Most expenses were relatively cheap, the medications/solutions were much cheaper if you have SO purchase from Pharmacy across the street.

So for future, will get some health insurance for the unexpected. Although you may still pay immediately, then get reimbursed later. With insurance, deposit not required, and if balance not totally paid, they may forgo a promissory note.

[Clermont]

Health insurance is still a little hazy for me, my wife and I are in our mid 60's and I've been told we are too old for medical insurance, is this true?

[Mark Berkowitz]

19 minutes ago, Clermont said:

Health insurance is still a little hazy for me, my wife and I are in our mid 60's and I've been told we are too old for medical insurance, is this true?

I'm in the same boat. My Filipina wife checked for me and sadly, it's true.

[Clermont]

Thanks Mark, if you can't pay, do they put you down like an old horse or what, do you know ?

[Jack Peterson]

1 minute ago, Clermont said:

Thanks Mark, if you can't pay, do they put you down like an old horse or what, do you know ?

As long as someone PAYS. It's all about Money 

[Mark Berkowitz]

1 minute ago, Clermont said:

Thanks Mark, if you can't pay, do they put you down like an old horse or what, do you know ?

I don't really know... but I've been to more funerals over here in the Philippines than I'm accustomed to attending back home.

[Clermont]

Yeah my wife said I have to buy a new suit to take over with me, now I know why, not for me I hope.

[Mark Berkowitz]

Just now, Clermont said:

Yeah my wife said I have to buy a new suit to take over with me, now I know why, not for me I hope.

Well, I certainly hope that it's not for me. 

 

[Mark Berkowitz]

If I ever need anything expensive, such as open-heart surgery, my only plan is contingent on being well enough to take a very long flight back home, where I have health insurance.