Best medical insurance option for me?

[hk blues]

10 hours ago, JJReyes said:

Suggest you consider self-insurance.  Set aside the premium amount every month in a separate account.  Establish a professional relationship with a doctor you like.  They all have networks and will recommend specialists as needed.  A few visits for minor issues at the doctor's clinic is one way to establish the relationship.  Don't forget presents for his staff during Christmas.  You will get priority treatment thereafter.  

I don't take such a structured approach but the end result is the same. I save whatever I save in my banks in a mix of easy access and less easy access accounts and that money is then available for whatever It's needed for.  I'm not sure what benefit there is from isolating medical expenses from any other - if you aren't disciplined enough to manage your cash then you'll not leave the 'special fund' untouched anyway. 

However we do it I do agree with the principle of self-insuring (a term which amuses me as it's really  just a euphemism for not insuring) as premiums become unfavorable just when you are likely to start needing the insurance. I know this is a contentious issue with some but each to their own I say.

As for doctors- again, I haven't found the need to smooch up to any but perhaps as a foreigner living in a city where there are not all that many I get that preferential treatment anyway - I get that feeling. I will admit this relationship building stuff just doesn't turn me on and I genuinely don't ever feel I have had to thus far - again, being a foreigner here almost seems to build in some sense of preference. Just my feeling  - YMMV.

[JJReyes]

8 hours ago, hk blues said:

I will admit this relationship building stuff just doesn't turn me on and I genuinely don't ever feel I have had to thus far.

My commentary is based on Philippine culture, which has a strong sense of community and requires expressions of appreciation through gift giving.  Other countries emphasize rugged individualism and every man for himself.  That's fine especially if you intend to live within that country all your life.  Luckily, part of the Philippine culture and hospitality is high tolerance for foreign visitors who don't understand and make no effort to understand.  You will never notice that you have given offense except when crossing a threshold level. 

[Possum]

3 hours ago, JJReyes said:

Luckily, part of the Philippine culture and hospitality is high tolerance for foreign visitors who don't understand and make no effort to understand.  You will never notice that you have given offense except when crossing a threshold level. 

I find the culture in the Philippines very similar to that which I grew up with in the USA. I grew up in the southern part of the USA but I think the principles I grew up with are universal. Treat folks with respect, be polite and have a sense of humor. Tolerance of other cultures in the USA is now in short supply, thankfully the Philippines is different and puts up with us expats, most of the time with a smile.

[JJReyes]

I just read an online story about four foreigners who disrespected the Philippine flag.  The details are sketchy, but this is an example of crossing that threshold tolerance level.  The four were arrested.  More likely they will be deported.

[Freebie]

18 minutes ago, JJReyes said:

I just read an online story about four foreigners who disrespected the Philippine flag.  The details are sketchy, but this is an example of crossing that threshold tolerance level.  The four were arrested.  More likely they will be deported.

3 pakistanis and a romanian.

[JJReyes]

2 minutes ago, Freebie said:

3 pakistanis and a romanian.

What were these men thinking?  To get back to topic, hopefully the four have medical insurance in case a patriotic police officer (or another convict in jail) decides to teach them about respecting the Philippine flag.

[badlknee]

Thanks to all of you for your comments and information.   It appears at this point that I cannot afford insurance for a 77 year old other than a travel policy with emergency medical coverage. 

[RBM]

11 minutes ago, badlknee said:

Thanks to all of you for your comments and information.   It appears at this point that I cannot afford insurance for a 77 year old other than a travel policy with emergency medical coverage. 

Have you had a look at Phil Health

[mountainside]

2 hours ago, badlknee said:

It appears at this point that I cannot afford insurance for a 77 year old other than a travel policy with emergency medical coverage.

Got a quote recently for Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection LuxuryCare -- emergency medical and medevac insurance -- 11+ month coverage -- $648 for self and spouse.  I'll likely buy the policy.  And we'll re-enroll in PhilHealth when we get to the Phils.

[hk blues]

4 hours ago, RBM said:

Have you had a look at Phil Health

Agreed - whilst not providing a great level of cover it does provide a basic level and, importantly, a degree of security against being totally scammed. The premium isn't excessive either.