We typically consult a doctor when symptoms have become unbearable. Usually, people are not keen in getting a doctor’s opinion because of budget concerns. You can’t blame them since 10-minute talk can be too expensive especially for minor health concerns. Is there a better option? Fortunately, HMOs in the Philippines are now offering unlimited consultations. Find out which one is best for you.
Is there a Health Card with Unlimited Consultation?
Yes and in fact, they are now more affordable than ever. Health cards’ comprehensive plans give you the convenience of simply swiping your card at the hospital front desk.
Prepaid HMO List
With the introduction of prepaid health cards, you can now get unlimited consultation benefits without having to pay for full health plans.
InLife Medconsult
Price: Php 2,500 (18-65 years old), Php 3,500 (65 years old and above), Php 3,000 (1 to 17 years old)
Benefits: InLife has a unique way of providing unlimited consultations which is through online mode. You have access to unlimited check ups via Doctor Anywhere by using phone or teleconsult modes. It also includes 4 face to face consultations with accredited specialists.
Maxicare Prima Gold
Price: Php 16,888
Benefits: Offers unlimited consultations at Maxicare Primary Care Clinics, ER coverage up to Php 20,000, pre-existing conditions covered, newborn to seniors accepted
Medicard Health Plus
Price: Php 1,100
Benefits: Unlimited consultations for specific doctor types which includes: Family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrician and OB Gyne (no maternity related consultations), valid for 1 year.
PhilCare Unli-Consult and ER Vantage Plus 40 for Adults (Bundle promo)
Price: 4,650
Benefits: Unlimited consultations with Philcare accredited network of specialists, valid for 1 year, ER coverage up to Php 40,000 for bacterial and viral illnesses.
Unlimited check up is included as part of the health card plan. This is for comprehensive policies which also have other hospitalization benefits like room and board, diagnostic procedures and sometimes medication. Now, the main concern of most first-time health card applicants is the cost. Sure, the check up is unlimited but it comes as an add on benefit to the comprehensive plan. If you are to compare HMO prices per year, you will notice that at takes about Php 10,000 to Php 25,000 of annual payment. This is a big chunk of one’s budget. Are there any other options?
How Much is the Usual Check Up?
Consultation fees of doctors can range from Php 700 to Php 1,500 which mainly depends on their specialization. It is not cheap considering for some, health care is sacrificed when it comes to budgeting.
Hospitals That Accept Unlimited Check Up
There is no need to worry because the prepaid card that you will get is accepted at all facilities indicated in the plan. Check out the list of centers where you can avail unlimited check up before you plan on getting an appointment.
Duration of the Benefits
Most of these prepaid cards are valid one year from date of activation. You can easily do it anytime as long as you have internet connection. Some of them have SMS registration activation while others you can do on the web page itself. Do I need to renew? It is up to you since this is a prepaid account, you can decide whether you wish to get covered for the next year or not.
Have you decided yet which HMO to get for unlimited check ups? Plan ahead with your budget and take advantage of the lower rates of prepaid products. Peace of mind also comes when you know that you can talk to a doctor for any health concerns.
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