With the pandemic sweeping through the world, the saying ‘health is wealth’ has never been truer. Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed in these uncertain times, and all we can do is prepare for the unexpected. Having a health insurance policy can lift some of that burden from our shoulders and help us rest easy at night, knowing we have a safety net in the unlikely event of a medical emergency.
Whether you are employed with a medical benefit or an individual looking to purchase your own insurance, private insurance companies offer a lot of policies. These are customizable to fit your needs and your budget. We have prepared a list of the 10 best health insurance policies available in the country and the points to consider before getting one.
Quick List - Top Health Insurance Policies
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Table of Contents
Trying to pick a health insurance policy can be a little overwhelming. With all the options available in the market, we’ve narrowed down what points to consider before taking your pick. We’ve also included a few definitions of the terms often used by insurance companies so you can have a better understanding of what you’ll be getting.
In the country, PhilHealth is the provider of public health insurance. It is funded by the government and its services aim to provide proper healthcare to all citizens. If you are currently employed, chances are you and your employer are already paying for monthly contributions.
If you work as a freelancer or a self-employed person, you can still avail of PhilHealth insurance by completing the application procedure. To claim your benefits, you must be treated at an accredited hospital and by an accredited physician.
Private health insurance companies include any organization or corporation that provides insurances without funding from the government. These companies have their own terms and coverages which any individual can avail.
There are two main types of private health insurance available in the Philippines. Find out the difference between the two and which one is more applicable to you.
HMOs or Health Maintenance Organizations are private healthcare insurance providers that are commonly availed by companies for their employees but are also open to individuals looking to purchase their own.
An advantage of HMOs is that they are more affordable than private health insurance. Since they are often included as a benefit of working for a company, the application won’t be difficult. However, a disadvantage of this is that members are restricted to the physicians and partner hospitals affiliated with the provider.
There is also a stricter cap set for the amount that can be claimed in the event the insurance is used. HMOs are ideal for short-term coverages as they are connected to your employment and sometimes only cover members until their retirement age.
Private health insurances are companies that offer health insurance policies that can be availed by any individual. These often go for a higher price but offer a wider range of services. There are also fewer restrictions on the physician or hospital you can go to.
This type of insurance is also known as a critical illness plan. When an insured person is diagnosed with a condition, they can file a claim with the company, and a fixed lump sum of cash will be given depending on the agreed-upon rates. This is ideal if you want to have more control over where your money is spent.
Some policies can cover the insured person up until they are 100 years old, so these are great for long-term coverages. These are also more customizable to give you more control over what you are paying for.
Some health insurance policies can be a little tricky about letting you know what is and is not included in your plan. Be prepared and make sure you are aware of the terms often used by insurance companies. We have listed down the most common ones.
The main difference between the two is whether the patient is admitted to the hospital or not. When you are brought to the hospital, your condition will be assessed, and the healthcare professionals will decide what kind of treatment you’ll need.
Procedures that can be done by outpatients include laboratory tests and examinations, as well as consultations with physicians or therapists. Even procedures done in the emergency room, like simple surgeries or treatments for allergies, are considered outpatient services.
If your condition requires you to be admitted to the hospital, then you will be considered an in-patient. Hospitalization due to complex surgeries, serious illnesses, patient monitoring, and childbirth all fall under this category.
Medical surgeries include any type of operation done to the patient’s body to treat a disease or an injury. Insurance policies often have a list of covered surgeries and the corresponding compensation offered for each type, so make sure to check them out.
In the event of medical emergencies, an ambulance will most likely rush to the scene to bring you to the nearest hospital. Depending on your case, you will be treated by healthcare professionals until your condition is stable.
Some policies also cover emergency cases that occur outside of the country and are ideal if you travel often. Pick a medical insurance policy that covers all these expenses to avoid having to shell out big amounts of cash during such cases.
Some insurance policies offer extra benefits for an additional fee. They are often not included in the basic insurance policies as they may not apply to all members but availing them will surely help save some cash in the long run. These optional benefits may include dental check-ups, maternity coverage, and optical services.
If you already have a physician or a preferred hospital, find which providers they are affiliated with. This way, you won’t have to deal with reacquainting yourself with a new doctor, and you can avail of the services of the hospital most convenient for you.
Certain medical conditions require specialists who are more experienced in a specific field. To make the most out of your health insurance, check to see if your insurance provider is affiliated with specialists such as neurologists and hematologists. Since they often charge a heftier consultation fee, having a health insurance plan would help lower the cost.
Health insurance policies often only cover an individual insurer. This is ideal if you are single or don’t have any dependents. This also lets you fully customize your plan to fit your lifestyle and preferred budget.
For an additional fee, insurance companies offer plans that not only cover the principal applicant but also include his or her spouse and any dependent children as well. Availing of this can help you rest easy knowing you and your whole family are prepared for any health-related emergencies.
The most important part of purchasing health insurance is claiming the benefits when you need them. Before choosing, make sure you know the process of contacting your insurance provider.
For most companies, this means contacting your agent and filing a claim. Others would direct you to a bank with whom they are affiliated with. Thus, it’s imperative to look for insurance companies that have great customer service so that you’ll have a smooth transaction with them.
To get an unbiased opinion on which insurance policy is the best one to claim, read up on reviews available online. You can also reach out to your relatives and close friends to ask for their opinion or if they have a suggested provider.
Good healthcare does not need to be expensive. Set a budget you are comfortable with based on your annual salary and present health-related concerns. This way, you will only avail of what you really need and make the most out of your insurance.
Also, choose a health insurance provider that can give the most flexible payment scheme. Some companies offer a monthly, annual, or lumpsum payment term so you can have more control over your finances.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sun Life Sun Fit and Well | ![]() | Live a Long and Healthy Life With a Coverage Until You Are 100 Years Old | |
2 | Etiqa MyLife+ Plan | ![]() | Availing an All-in-One Insurance Coverage Has Never Been This Simple | |
3 | AXA Health Max | ![]() | Maximize Your Health Care Coverage With Health Max | |
4 | Maxicare MyMaxicare Plan | ![]() | A Healthcare Coverage for the Whole Family | |
5 | Pacific Cross LifeStyle Plan | ![]() | A Complete Medical Insurance Designed for Young Adults | |
6 | Insular Life InLife She Cares by Sheroes | ![]() | The Solution to Health, Protection, and Investment Needs of Hardworking Filipinas | |
7 | MediCard Kabayan | ![]() | Protect Your Loved Ones Back Home With a Health Coverage Specially Made for OFWs | |
8 | Manulife Health Insurance for Men - Adam | ![]() | A Health Insurance Made for Men With Benefits for Their Family | |
9 | PRU Life UK PRUDengue MedCare | ![]() | Keep Yourself Protected in Case of a Dengue Infection | |
10 | ValuCare ValuCare Corporate Health Insurance Plan | ![]() | Secure Your Company’s Health With a Health Coverage for All Your Employees |
Established in the country back in 1895, Sun Life has provided Filipinos with the opportunity to enjoy the humanitarian benefits of insurance. Aside from providing great health insurance coverage, their main goal is to ensure all their members stay fit and healthy by giving special access and privileges to premium workouts and wellness activities.
Your loved ones' future is secured with a guaranteed life insurance protection equivalent to the plan's face amount until age 100. Also, enjoy a special paid-up bonus at the end of your premium paying period. This bonus can be withdrawn at any time or left with Sun Life to accumulate.
Have control over your payment scheme by paying a fixed amount in 10,15 or up to 20 years on a semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly basis. You can also receive an advance of 5% of the face amount for 8 consecutive years when you turn 65 to have a steady income during your golden years.
If you are looking for a health insurance policy that's easy to apply for and doesn't require long-term commitment, then Etiqa's MyLife+ plan is perfect for you! It is a health, life, and accident plan in one. The application and claiming process is made simple and can all be done online.
Etiqa has an extensive network of doctors, clinics, and hospitals nationwide, so you are protected anytime and anywhere. For short trips outside the country, your insurance will also cover any necessary medical treatment for emergency situations.
Upon hospital admission, your insurance will pay for the charges made by the hospital for your room and board, food, as well as general nursing services. In addition, Etiqa members are entitled to a Free Health Check 30 days after the end of the policy year.
Boost your current basic health insurance policy with AXA Health Max. This plan covers you against 56 major and 18 minor conditions until age 100. While at the peak of your career, begin paying for your monthly premium for 10 years, 20 years, or until age 65 to enjoy all the benefits.
Critical illness plans such as Health Max give you a lump sum amount upon diagnosis of a covered condition or illness. This will perfectly complement your existing health insurance coverage, which can sometimes be limited to a certain amount.
This payout can be used to pay for your treatment as well as recurring bills such as utilities, groceries, and other living expenses. Enjoy an advanced health fund and receive a portion of your sum insured starting at the age of 70, which you can use to finance your other needs.
Maxicare protects you and your family with several plan types available. Choose between Platinum Plus, Platinum, Gold, or Silver with increasing maximum benefit limits. If you are a single principal enrollee, you can include both your parents as well as any siblings below the age of 21. For married principal enrollees, your spouse and children below 21 can enjoy the same benefits.
Maxicare's coverage also includes preventive care such as passive and active vaccines for the treatment of tetanus and animal bites. Take advantage of the annual checkup privilege that covers five basic routines, history, and physical exam, CBC, Urinalysis, Fecalysis, and Chest X-rays to maintain overall wellness.
Any chronic, progressive, and life-threatening conditions often require costly treatments and may entail life-long therapy. Maxicare will help you along the way by covering any expenses caused by the conditions. For overall coverage, avail of this healthcare plan!
It's never too early to start planning for your future! As of September 2019, young adults can now begin paying for their own health insurance policy premium starting at PHP 23,549 per year.
This plan includes a special benefit made for young athletes of both contact and non-contact sports. Outpatients can enjoy an 80% benefit for consultation, prescribed medication, and other alternative treatments, including acupuncturists, herbalists, and bonesetters.
For those who are into skincare, avail of this plan to take advantage of a 50% reimbursement on dermatologic procedures and medications. These include treatment for minor skin diseases, so you can be worry-free knowing that you'll be covered by this insurance.
Hardworking Filipinas can now enjoy the benefits of an insurance policy that covers health conditions mostly experienced by women. Also, enjoy a one-time cash payment to help manage the costs of diabetes treatment. This is applicable even if you are diagnosed before or after availing of the insurance policy.
Cash payouts can also be availed after diagnosis of female-specific cancers which include, breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer. Other lifestyle acquired diseases, including heart attack and stroke, are also covered.
SheCares will be with you well into your senior years with coverage until age 70. Even when you are no longer around, a payout equivalent to 5 times your amount paid in premiums will be given to your beneficiary so you can keep supporting your family financially.
Even if you are working overseas, you can ensure that your family receives proper healthcare treatments. With MediCard's Kabayan Plan, you can enroll your whole family as well as the other dependents you want to sponsor.
Additionally, you, as the sponsor, will receive a Balikbayan welcome kit when you visit the Philippines within the beneficiary's membership year. This plan includes coverage for hospitalization, outpatient, preventive, emergency, and dental care.
Choose between three types of plans to cover pre-existing conditions. Save more money by enrolling family units of 2 and up. Beneficiaries can range from 30 days old to 70 years old so you can secure you and your family's future.
Don't let your hard work go to waste! Protect yourself and your family by availing of this health insurance. Receive a one-time payment equivalent to 20% of your face amount when you are diagnosed with male-specific cancer.
You will also receive annual cash support for 3 consecutive years to help cover your treatments and expenses. Even after you pass away, your family will receive a monthly income during the covered period so you can continue to support them financially.
This plan also covers 35 major critical illnesses which will let you receive a 95% face amount payout. With this health insurance, you can safeguard you and your loved one's future.
Dengue infections are a very common condition in the country. With just a simple mosquito bite, you are at risk of dengue infection, which can lead to hospitalization, not to mention the costly hospital bill that you have to pay once you are diagnosed and treated for this illness.
With Pru Life UK's special dengue coverage, you are entitled to receive a lump sum benefit of PHP 10,000 upon diagnosis. Payment plans are made simple and affordable. Choose between PRUDengue Medcare or PRUDengue Medcare Pro and pay a one-time fee starting at PHP 200 for a 6-month coverage.
If you are an employer with at least 20 regular employees, you are eligible to apply for a corporate account from ValuCare. This is a great way to ensure that all your employees receive proper healthcare and are fully covered in case of emergencies.
Optional benefits include dental treatments, chemotherapy, dialysis, and radiotherapy. ValuCare also covers any pre-existing conditions which are highly beneficial for you and your employees. With over 1,300 partner hospitals and a wide network of accredited physicians, you can secure you and your colleague's health.
When it comes to our health, prevention is better than cure. Boost your overall health by taking these dietary supplements. Find out what each type can do for you and how it can help keep your mind and body healthy by clicking on the articles below.
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No. 1: Sun Life|Sun Fit and Well
No. 2: Etiqa|MyLife+ Plan
No. 3: AXA|Health Max
No. 4: Maxicare|MyMaxicare Plan
No. 5: Pacific Cross |LifeStyle Plan
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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