People with existing health conditions may need to take medicines for a long time. Are health cards useful in this case?
Is there a health card that covers medicine purchases?
As of the moment, HMO coverage in the Philippines may only be possible during an emergency. If you have availed medical services at the ER of an accredited hospital, immediate medication will be covered.
In terms of maintenance medicines, almost all HMO companies will not cover them. Bear in mind that having such consumables involve the presence of a pre-existing condition.
Will I be covered during emergencies?
In ER, pain relievers are one of the most common medications that your health plan may cover. Moreover, diagnostic procedures like x-rays, ultrasounds or CT scans have coverage of at least ₱5,000 depending on the limit of the account.
Maintenance medicines are not covered by HMO health cards in the Philippines but other practical options are available.
- Maxicare Eready
Perfect for emergency room coverage which may include medicines to relieve pain.
Price: ₱1,300
2. Philcare ER Vantage Plus 40
Suitable for emergency room coverage due to bacterial or viral illnesses
Price: ₱1,050
3. Medicard ExER
Covers CBC, urinalysis and fecalysis which may relate to existing health conditions
Price: ₱1,998
4. InLife ER Care All In 80 Adults
Medication is covered for those required during hospitalization. Accidents, viral and bacterial cases are covered too.
Price: ₱1,350
If you are struggling to support your maintenance medication, one of the options is through government support. Most barangay health centers have special programs that disburse medicines to the public. Some of them include drugs for hypertension, diabetes and blood chem related problems.
Common medicines used for health maintenance include but not limited to losartan, metformin, atorvastatin and fenofibrate.
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