Health Insurance, Pre-existing Conditions, Cost, and Games

[OnMyWay]

10 minutes ago, Jack Peterson said:

 Fine way to talk about your fellow members here 

An old fart joking around with other old farts is usually accepted with a chuckle.  Which reminds me, I wonder how oldutot is doing?  He has not posted in a long long time.

[Mike J]

3 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

I would say they do tend to be slightly younger than the old farts on this forum, which may make the decision easier.

 

3 hours ago, Jack Peterson said:

 Fine way to talk about your fellow members here 

Agree, I prefer to be called a "senior fart" myself.  

[Jollygoodfellow]

On 5/26/2023 at 1:27 PM, KenM said:

It’s my understanding that Philhealth is next to useless for foreigners

But you will find you have to have it as part of your insurance anyway or so was my research at one time. 

[OnMyWay]

1 hour ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

But you will find you have to have it as part of your insurance anyway or so was my research at one time. 

Not required for Pacific Cross.  Maybe others.

[Jollygoodfellow]

33 minutes ago, OnMyWay said:

Not required for Pacific Cross.  Maybe others.

Was where I looked but who knows? Also no good for me as you cant get Philhealth on a tourist visa. 

[MikeB]

We had inpatient coverage only since dr office visits are so cheap. You may want to consider that since it brings costs down a little. I saw it as being for catastrophic medical events, not common stuff. Just felt more comfortable having it than not.

[JJReyes]

During our 4 months plus visit to the Philippines, we needed to consult doctors either at Makati Medical Center or St. Luke's in BGC on pain issues.  Family and friends cautioned us getting an appointment could take weeks if requesting for a specialist.  My wife handled it.  She would call the gatekeeper (secretary or medical assistant) and explain the following:

1.  We are foreigners, balikbayans who may eventually retire in the Philippines (future business?).

2.  We won't ask for the senior discount or any other discounts.

3.  No plans to request reimburse from our insurance company, therefore no paperwork required.

4.  Payment is cash.

5.  And (drums roll), we don't need a receipt.

The response - Are you available tomorrow afternoon?

It turned out I had bone spurs on my lower vertebrae and my wife had a pinched nerve.  The medical doctors, tests, x-rays, physical therapists, prescriptions, etc. totaled less than $1,000.  This amount included add-ons such as skin cancer check by a dermatologist and bone density check.  Cash is king.

 

 

[RBM]

On 5/26/2023 at 1:27 PM, KenM said:

It’s my understanding that Philhealth is next to useless for foreigners now that everything major is excluded. Thanks, Ken

Here is a rainy day read, perhaps give another aspect on Phil Health.

https://www.marriedafilipina.com/2021/02/my-pi-cancer-adventure-part-1/

[jimeve]

1 hour ago, RBM said:

Here is a rainy day read, perhaps give another aspect on Phil Health.

https://www.marriedafilipina.com/2021/02/my-pi-cancer-adventure-part-1/

That's where I had my Cancer spots removed. Tru Dermotologie . Three spots on my chest surgically removed. They found some more on my face and back.

BTW, they do not give Phil Health discounts.

[JJReyes]

Our medical insurance includes Medicare A, Medicare B, and Aetna that pays for what is not covered under Medicare.  Aetna reimburses 80% of emergency care while overseas since this is not covered by Medicare.  The charges for use of medical services in Spain, Mexico and Philippines were low.  I did not bother to file the paperwork.  If we relocated to the Philippines, my wife and I would give up Medicare B and Aetna because the total annual premiums are above $6,500.  This amount would be set aside in a separate account to cover medical costs.  In addition, I have an end-of-life directive prepared by a lawyer such as, "Do Not Resuscitate" under certain circumstances.