According to Jobstreet’s report, the recent pandemic has affirmed that freelancing could work. If you are a work from home buddy considering to get an HMO, I have prepared a list of plans that will suit your budget, even without an employer.
Freelancers do not have a fixed income. That’s why prepaid health cards are the ideal HMO product for them.
What HMO is best for work-from-home jobs?
In order to help you decide, it is best to consider your lifestyle, preference and actual needs when it comes to medical care.
Budget
Consider how much you can spend on your health card per month. This way, it would be easier on a budget even if you do not have a consistent take home pay.
Duration
The length of coverage of most health cards is one year. In this case, you should anticipate paying for the renewal after 12 months.
Benefits
As a freelancer, your type of job will predict what you actually need in a health card. For example, if you are a consultant for a construction company, expect that you will be exposed to outdoor dangers of construction sites.
Accessibility
Consider checking which hospitals are affiliated with your chosen company. Moreover, ensure that these hospitals are near your location of work.
Type of Work
As mentioned before, freelancers can be in the form of a consultant or project-basis worker. For example, if you are a civil engineer and serve as a consultant, you will be exposed to accident prone work areas. Think about it, being in such locations puts you at high risk of being hospitalized anytime.
Online Workers
Traditional freelancers now have an option to have a work from home setup. Online freelance work has been increasing due to numerous benefits such as reduction of expenses. Such a scenario also warrants consideration in getting a health card plan.
Are you familiar with mobile financial apps? Some of them have partnerships with health plan companies which may also cover freelancers. Take time to browse their features and see the plans suitable for freelancers.
Best Health Cards for Freelancers
Maxicare Prima Gold
| Plan Name | Price (Php) | Basic Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Maxicare Prima Gold | 16,888 | – Unlimited medical diagnostic tests (800 types) – Senior citizen coverage – Php 20,000 emergency room coverage -no check up needed -valid for 1 year |
Medicard
| Plan Name | Price (Php) | Basic Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| My Medicard | 3,600 | – Unlimited doctor consults for one year for: Family medicine Internal medicine Cardiologist Endocrinologist Pulmonologist Gastroenterologist Dentists -one time oral prophylaxis session (teeth cleaning) |
Philcare ER Shield
| Plan Name | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Philcare ER Shield | 800 | Php 50,000 coverage for viral and bacterial illnesses; treatment of injuries (except stroke) |
A quick note, health card insurance plans may be paid either with annual or semi annual schemes. Since you may not have a fixed income, get a plan that you can pay completely for full coverage.
How long is the coverage of health cards for freelance workers?
Depending on the plan, most of them will cover the member for one year. You may simply renew the plan by buying the same once it expires.
You have to admit that it is frightening to think about medical expenses when you get sick or have an accident. With a health card, you can at least receive financial help in times of medical needs.
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