Looking for American expats that travel between US and Philippines yearly in retirement.

[fototek1]

After 13 incredible years of traveling between the US and the Philippines—each trip lasting 3 to 4 weeks—my wife and I are gearing up for an exciting new chapter: early retirement! I'm 54, and she's 44, and we’re ready to spend six months a year exploring our favorite places.

As we prepare for this transition, we have a few important questions, and we’d love your insights:

1. Health Insurance: What health insurance do you use that covers you both in the US and the Philippines?
2. Global Coverage: Does it provide coverage for international travel as well?
3. Real Experiences: Have you had to use your insurance? What was that experience like?
4. Recommendations: Would you recommend your plan to others?
5. Costs: How much are you paying for your health insurance?

Your stories and recommendations could really help us make informed decisions as we take this leap. We appreciate any advice you can share!

[scott h]

35 minutes ago, fototek1 said:

Real Experiences: Have you had to use your insurance? What was that experience like?

I have Tri-care, military retiree insurance, if that applies to you, I will be glad to go into more detail.

But as to use, the way our system is set up with deductibles and co-pays, for day-to-day health stuff (prescription renewals, ingrown toenails, immunizations, periodic x-rays, stuff like that) We have found it more convenient and more inexpensive just to use a local doctor and pay cash. 

Thank goodness we have not had to use our insurance for major procedures thus far.

[earthdome]

We use a health care sharing membership. It is more like what health insurance was 50 years ago. This works well if you don't have any chronic health problems which has expensive ongoing care. Costs a great deal less than the cheapest ACA plans. You are responsible for paying the bills then they reimburse you. More paperwork, etc. than traditional insurance but a big savings on cost. This works anywhere. They pay 100% after your deductible which can be as little as $500. For a health problem which cost over $50,000 we only had to pay $250. They cut our deductible in half once we got a second opinion for treatment. Search for Sedera health membership.

Edited November 2 by earthdome

[fototek1]

19 hours ago, earthdome said:

We use a health care sharing membership. It is more like what health insurance was 50 years ago. This works well if you don't have any chronic health problems which has expensive ongoing care. Costs a great deal less than the cheapest ACA plans. You are responsible for paying the bills then they reimburse you. More paperwork, etc. than traditional insurance but a big savings on cost. This works anywhere. They pay 100% after your deductible which can be as little as $500. For a health problem which cost over $50,000 we only had to pay $250. They cut our deductible in half once we got a second opinion for treatment. Search for Sedera health membership.

Earthdome, This sounds like a great option. I will look into it. 

20 hours ago, scott h said:

I have Tri-care, military retiree insurance, if that applies to you, I will be glad to go into more detail.

But as to use, the way our system is set up with deductibles and co-pays, for day-to-day health stuff (prescription renewals, ingrown toenails, immunizations, periodic x-rays, stuff like t) We have found it more convenient and more inexpensive just to use a local doctor and pay cash. 

Thank goodness we have not had to use our insurance for major procedures thus far.

Scott, I appreciate the offer for more detail but unfortunately I do not have military insurance benefits.

[JJReyes]

• My wife and I are retired, and we spend 3 or 4 months a year in the Philippines.  We have Medicare A & B, and private supplementary insurance that includes worldwide emergency coverage at 80/20 split.  
• After 10 years of travel, we found out even the poorest countries offer excellent medical care, provided you or your medical insurance company are willing to pay.  And the cost is much, much lower than the United States.
• Just arrived in the Philippines.  We will see our local doctors for check-up during our visit.  Regular physician is about $20 and a specialist around $30 per visit.  The problem in the USA Medicare system is they use a "gatekeeper" system.  For appointments with a specialist, you go to your primary care doctor and use the so-called "network" referral.  Getting an appointment is likewise difficult and they will spend maybe 10 minutes or less with you.  
• In getting appointments, my wife explains that we are foreigners visiting, will be paying cash, no receipts required, no paperwork for insurance reimbursement, no need for the senior discount.  The doctors love it and more important, their office personnel have a no-hassle experience.  She also brings little presents for the staff like sweets.  

[GeoffH]

20 minutes ago, JJReyes said:

• The problem in the USA Medicare system is they use a "gatekeeper" system.  For appointments with a specialist, you go to your primary care doctor and use the so-called "network" referral.  Getting an appointment is likewise difficult and they will spend maybe 10 minutes or less with you. 

Australia uses basically the same 'gate keeper' system, you have to go see a General Practitioner and they can issue a referral certificate which you can then use to make an appointment to see a specialist.

So annoying...

[Joey G]

I have Medicare primary and BCBS secondary, and I never need a referral. It depends on your insurance. My BCBS also pays for medical in the Philippines.

I find it interesting that we like the lower cost medical care in the Philippines, but often complain that the medical practitioners (who don't flee the country) are underpaid.  

 

[OnMyWay]

1 hour ago, Joey G said:

I have Medicare primary and BCBS secondary

What type of policy is the BCBS?

[Joey G]

8 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

What type of policy is the BCBS?

Retired Federal (FERS)... kept the health insurance from wife and myself... one of my better ideas :)

[Possum]

14 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

What type of policy is the BCBS?

Likely, Blue Cross-Blue Shield