Have you seen some health cards that ask about smoking habits? It is quite odd but there is a reason behind it. Those who smoke cigarettes have a high risk of getting sick. So what is the best HMO for those who smoke until now?
AsianCare
The company offers some of the basic benefits you can see in most HMOs. With the particular concerns about lung health, you can expect to be covered with free consultation, lab tests and diagnostics, x-ray and even a referral to doctors related to your throat and nose.
Kaiser International
The emergency care of this HMO may be a good option for you. It will reimburse up to 80% of your expenses in case you will proceed to a hospital outside of its accredited network.
Oxygen, x-ray and other lab tests related to your case will also be covered.
Maxicare
The annual check up of Maxicare gives you x-ray screening services. This means that as a smoker, you can have a better chance of capturing whatever problems your lung may have.
As always, the check up with a doctor (pulmonologist) is covered by comprehensive plan types. In case of emergencies related to breathing problems, you can also use your plan to cover expenses.
Coverage: Starts from Php 150,000 depending on plan.
Medocare
The Elite Lite of Medocare provides benefits to plan holders when it comes to hospitalization and preventive health care. One of the things I like about this plan is there is a coverage range from 3 months to 65 years old.
Some types of cancers have an increased risk in the 60 years old and above range so this may be a good option for long time smokers.
Coverage: Php 150,000
What Should I Get?
Technically, smoking now also includes cigarettes, tobacco and even vapes. Consider an HMO that has benefits for diseases related to using these products. If you have an existing cough, lung problems or breathing concerns, they may fall under pre-existing conditions.
Remember that most HMOs will not cover them but some will if you meet the requirements.
Coverage
Bear in mind that even those who stopped smoking for a long time still have some disease risks. The most common ones related to it are lung cancer, emphysema and long term cough.
Medical Tests
Not all HMO covered medical tests can give you 100% benefits. There are some limitations so you need to see if the policy includes CT scan, MRI, pulmonary function tests and even x-ray.
Age
What is the age policy of your HMO choice? Does it require you to pay more if you are going to the senior year? This is understandable because you need to be covered by more expensive tests and medical services. So choose a cheap health plan that still covers you up to senior years.
Personally, I would get an HMO plan that has a wide reach when it comes to hospital partners. Lung disease may become an emergency case and there should be a nearby hospital accredited by the company.
Not only that. Smokers are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke so you better consider these factors, both may require a trip to an emergency room.
The Philippine Cancer Society said that there is no safe form of smoking products. All of them will give you a certain risk of getting sick. So if you can, be covered by a health card just in case you need medical help.
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