This is the right time for you to get a health card even as a newbie. Find out which one is right for your needs.
What health card to get? I prepared here a list of HMOs in the country so you can compare their prices and benefits.
| HMO Company | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Caritas Healthshield | Starts at Php 33,000 (5 installments) | -Diagnostic Procedures -Hospitalization Benefits -Medical Expense Benefit -Outpatient Services -Emergency room services -APE -Preventive Care -Dental Care |
| Etiqa | Starts from Php 25,000 (based on profile) | -Medical benefits -Room and board -Surgical expense -Ambulance service -Doctor consultations |
| Medicard | Starts from Php 10,739 (annual) | -Hospitalization coverage -Emergency room -In patient care -Out patient care -Consultation -Medical Procedures -Diagnostic tests -Pre existing condition |
| Maxicare | Starts at Php 18,000 (annual) | Up to Php 250,000 MBL (depending on plan) In-Patient Out-Patient Preventive Emergency Coverage Annual Check-Up In-Patient Out-Patient Preventive Emergency Coverage Annual Check-Up Pre existing condition |
| Pacific Cross | Starts from Php 23,000 (annual) | Up to Php 250,000 per illness Hospital benefits Coverage abroad Critical Care Coverage Surgical Services Emergency Room Out-patient Services |
What to consider for first time applicants? Companies in the Philippines provide health card accounts to employees as part of their benefit package. However, individuals, freelancers or self-employed people may need to get a health card on their own.
Decide first how much you can spend on your health card plan. Some people are comfortable with Php 500 per month while others can pay up to Php 3,500 per month for their plans.
A comparison of health card rates may be a good start. I did some research first and bought myself a prepaid HMO to get started.
Remember that the higher the amount of your plan, the bigger the coverage your health card can give.
You as an applicant may choose how much you want to be covered. HMOs have a limit when it comes to coverage called Maximum Benefit Limit of MBL. For example, one plan may cover up to Php 250,000 worth of medical expenses.
For how long am I covered?
Most HMO plans have a duration of one (1) year. This means you are covered within this time frame as long as you keep paying for your premiums.
In terms of prepaid cards, you will also be covered for 1 whole year from the time of activation. I availed this Emergency Room card which covers me for one year too.
Know your lifestyle. If you have a high-risk activity or job, it is best to look into the emergency room packages and accident benefits.
On the other hand, if you are primarily working in an office or own a business, it might be practical to get a plan with the highest hospitalization benefit.
You see, your personal lifestyle and risks should be considered in getting a health plan with enumerated benefits.
Do you have a medical condition right now?
Note that many HMOs will not cover any pre-existing diseases, medical condition and disability. However, some of them have a specific benefit of coverage on the 2nd year of membership.
Choose a health card that maximizes coverage on your pre-existing condition. It may include stroke, diabetes, thyroid problems, injuries from previous accidents and the like.
HMOs offer convenient payment schemes. While most of them have annual or semi-annual payments, special packages can offer you monthly payment plans.
On the other hand, you can also use your credit card to pay for the whole year and apply for an installment later on.
Can I still apply for a health card if I’m not working?
Unemployed individuals are still welcome to apply for an HMO card.
However, bear in mind that you should have a steady source of income. Otherwise, it may be difficult for you to pay for the annual or semi annual fees.
For self-employed people, they can also apply for an account as long as they satisfy the requirements of the company. Moreover, they should also be able to pay for the premiums for the set coverage and benefits.
Most employees from private companies will have a designated HMO plan. It is a part of their employment package. However, individuals who are not employed may still get a health plan either for single or family membership.
A principal and dependent may be included in a single package upon application. One may also include dental care benefits if preferred.
In most plans, dependents should be within the age bracket of 30 days to 21 years old for children or siblings and up to 60 years old for parents. A spouse may be enrolled too with an age requirement of 18 to 60 years old.
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