Share
Health Insurance
ReportQuestion
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Do expats in the Philippines need to pay for social security and national medical insurance?
tampobuster
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Do expats in the Philippines need to pay for social security and national medical insurance?
Answers ( 2 )
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
The national health insurance is PhilHealth. It is available to resident foreigners but it does not cover everything and has just jumped significantly in cost. You should look at an international health insurer with a good reputation that offers a plan that is suitable to your needs. I took a plan with a high coverage limit with transportation to a center of excellence. I also have a high deductible with a high copay, the highest for both that they offer. It will only prevent my being wiped out financially in the case of long term chronic or expensive ti treat conditions. If I run out of coverage I have to option of returning to Canada and getting Canadian health coverage from first day of arrival. Medical care is very low cost here for regular issues. I have seen a Dr once and it cost 300 p or $US 6. The medicines I take here cost about half of the Canadian cost so self insuring for the low cost stuff makes financial sense. I am no expert but as far as I know a foreigner cannot pay into the SSS or receive benefits from it. This might change if you are working here with all the proper documentation but since I do not intend to work here I really cannot say for sure.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Original question: “Do expats in the Philippines need to pay for social security and national medical insurance?” Most expats don't need to pay premiums for SSS or PhilHealth unless they choose to pay as ‘voluntary contributor’, or unless they are working or earning an income in the Philippines. You will need to pay at least 240 months, not necessarily consecutive, and be age 60 or above to be eligible for SSS benefits. I am not sure if its worth the drama of applying for SSS or PhilHealth benefits. In my opinion, I think its probably better to have an insurance policy.