Health is wealth. It’s an old saying, but it’s indeed timeless. All of us want to be secured because we can never tell what will happen to the future. Especially during this time of the pandemic, everyone is at risk. And that is what health insurance companies are for. They ease the burden on their members’ shoulders when it comes to unforeseen events related to health.
Many companies, especially here in the Philippines, provide such perks to their employees. And these employed professionals surely enjoy this benefit. It brings them peace of mind, and they will never hold back to visit their physician. But how about those self-employed and freelancers? Of course, everyone wants a health card too.
If you are a freelance professional or self-employed, I bet you want to invest in health insurance as well. But can you apply to an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)? Yes, you can. There are health insurance providers that offer several packages where members can choose what suits best their necessity, budget, and lifestyle.
THE HMO
Health Maintenance Organization or HMO is an entity that provides health insurance coverage for a fixed, prepaid fee. To simplify it, HMOs are the third party between its members and healthcare providers such as doctors, dentists, hospitals, and clinics.
There are two types of HMO plans: the comprehensive HMO plans and the prepaid health cards. The comprehensive HMO plans cover a wide range of healthcare benefits and its annual premium is ranging between Php 4,000 and Php 60,000. Whilst the prepaid health cards are cheaper options that HMO offers. Low to middle-income earners can afford this plan, as it only costs Php 100 to Php 5,000. Unlike the premium plan, it’s a one-time payment and members can only use it once.
The Benefits
1. You can be financially prepared.
Of course, the main objective of having a health card is to be financially prepared for unexpected health issues. Investing in an HMO than saving money for medical funds will surely protect you from a financial setback. It is more cost-efficient for your pocket because these healthcare providers often offer discounted services from their affiliated doctors, clinics, and hospitals.
2. You can have regular check-ups without worrying about consultation expenses.
Another advantage of having a health card is that you’ll never worry about the consultation expenses you may incur. Prevention is better than cure. You can always detect the illness even before the symptoms show up.
3. You'll have access to the HMO’s affiliated hospitals and specialists.
Most HMOs are associated with major hospitals and specialists. You can have a lot of options when it comes to searching for a preferred health institution or doctor.
[Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the below Health Insurance companies. I don't earn from the links attached. I wrote this article only for reference that would be helpful for all Filipino self-employed professionals and freelancers.]
THE HMOs AND THEIR HEALTH CARD PACKAGES
1. Maxicare
Maxicare is one of the premium healthcare providers here in the Philippines, and it is offering great deals to everyone. You can choose from a variety of their packages based on your budget, needs, and lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a plan with vast healthcare coverage, you can choose their MyMaxicare – Individual. It covers not just out-patient care, but also in-patient, and preventive care. Its benefits also include life coverage, dreaded conditions, and the option to have dental care.
The good thing about this plan is that you can enjoy the same benefits as those employed with HMO assistance. The difference is, you have the option to choose what plan type you need and customize it based on your budget and preferences.
But if you think you don’t need a wide plan coverage right now, you can pick the Maxicare Prima Silver plan. It only costs barely Php 5,000, covering unlimited consultations, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, valid for one year.
Maxicare also offers a variety of prepaid health cards, such as Maxicare EReady and MyMaxicare Lite. It is a one-time medical emergency prepaid health card and it covers illnesses and injuries. If you want to know more about the other packages, you can check their website out. See if they have a plan type that suits you best.
2. PhilCare
PhilCare offers different comprehensive health plans with various coverage. There are Health LUXE, Health 360, and Health PRO.
Health LUXE covers an all-inclusive health program. It promotes overall wellness, providing direct and convenient access to health care, and lifestyle services. It also gives Global assistance and gives additional exclusive perks to its members.
Health 360 provides preventive health care, outpatient and inpatient services, as well as emergency care. The emergency care includes ambulance service, term life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment.
Health PRO has the same benefits as Health 360, except that it includes a travel assistance program. When it comes to inpatient health care, the room type only provides ward and semi-private. Unlike Health 360, you have the option to choose a private room type.
PhilCare also has prepaid health cards just like Maxicare. But unlike the latter, it offers 24 prepaid health cards option. Each prepaid health card varies to the necessity and preferences of the member.
3. MediCard
Just like the previous healthcare providers mentioned above, MediCard also offers a comprehensive healthcare program, the My MediCard VIP. It also covers Global Healthcare Assistance, inpatient and outpatient care, preventive care, emergency, and dental care. It starts at Php 25,379 annually.
There is also a MediCard Select, where all ages can avail of healthcare coverage for minimum fees and management of funds. The good thing about this plan is members pay what they utilized, and unused funds will return to them. MediCard Select covers inpatient, outpatient, and preventive care with costs starting only Php 30,000 annually.
If you only need a health card that will cover unlimited consultations, My MediCard is the best for you. For only Php 3,600, you can avail of a one-year membership and enjoy unlimited outpatient check-ups from MediCard accredited specialists.
MediCard also offers prepaid health cards with different coverage based on the members' preferences. It includes HealthPlus, where members get preventive and outpatient care for only Php 1,100 a year; RxER prepaid health card, where members get specialized emergency, preventive, and outpatient care. But the best deal with RxER is it has no age limit, and it offers a waived hierarchy. You can check the other plans here, which may be the best for you.
What I say…
There are many HMO here in the Philippines that you can choose from. I haven’t included everything in this article, but you can find the list here from Insurance Commission to check them out.
Before getting healthcare insurance, make sure that you are a PhilHealth member. And if you do, update your membership and keep your contributions on track. PhilHealth lowers the hospital bills first before the HMO pays the remaining balance. In this way, the maximum benefit limit in your healthcare coverage won’t deplete.
It's better to note down as well the things you need and looking for an HMO. Here are some helpful tips to get the best HMO and healthcare plan:
Know your budget and your healthcare needs. If your work requires you to travel now and then, it’s good to consider a plan with Global Healthcare assistance.
Search and review HMO’s accredited hospitals, clinics, and specialists. It’s important to know if an HMO has an affiliation with the institutions and specialists that you prefer.
Read articles related to the HMO, and check the members’ feedback. This is the best way to know if an HMO provides good services.
Don’t hesitate to inquire. Test the HMO’s customer service, and ask the things that make you confused about the plans they offer. It’s better to write down all of your questions so you won’t miss anything.
HMO is really helpful, especially when there’s an emergency like an accident. I experienced that myself, so I completely understand the importance of having a health card.
Emergency funds will eventually run out when that happens. But what if you haven’t saved anything for it? You see, HMO is the best way to afford medical assistance.
What are your thoughts about HMO? Share and comment down below!
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