Each day counts when you require emergency medical attention and have to be confined. While the focus is mainly on improving your condition, there’s the tendency to be worried about the running hospital bill, especially if you have to pay for the costs out of your pocket.
Hospital rooms in the Philippines cost about P500 a day for a ward to P6,000 and more for private rooms and suites, depending on the amenities and inclusions.
Aside from that are the doctor’s fees, medical procedures, use of specialized equipment, use of the operating room and intensive care unit, medicines, and more. All these could amount to several thousand or millions of pesos in case of severe medical conditions and prolonged stays in the hospital.
Benefits and limitations of hospital coverage
If you’re an active PhilHealth member with a company-issued HMO, the thought of getting hospitalized may not faze you as much. However, it would be good to check what exactly your health card covers and how wide their network of accredited hospitals and doctors is. Take the time to know this information and the HMO’s standard admission procedure while you’re well and not in distress.
Take note that the type of hospital room depends on your HMO's allotted budget per day. You will have to pay for the excess amount if your desired room is beyond your health card’s coverage.
If you’re self-employed or work freelance, ensure your voluntary PhilHealth contributions are up-to-date. Have at least three months’ worth of contributions within six months before your hospitalization to avail of the benefits as an active member.
Furthermore, get a reliable health card or medical insurance for your hospitalization needs alongside the costs of preventive healthcare and outpatient care.
Comprehensive hospital coverage for any type of employment
Having sufficient hospital coverage is essential to your peace of mind, as your confinement in an accredited hospital and under the care of an accredited physician should cover in full or partial the cost of your room, procedures, and other medical expenses.
In some cases, basic HMO and PhilHealth may not be enough. Explore other means to get the comprehensive medical coverage you need to protect yourself from the debilitating costs of hospitalization. Whether you’re self-employed or work in a company, AXA has the right health plan for you.
AXA Health Care Access (HCA) Prime is complete health care coverage for you and your family. This is ideal if you don’t have an HMO yet and need comprehensive health insurance that covers everything from 24/7 teleconsultation and annual physical exams to out-patient and in-patient care.
On top of the basic coverage of HCA are its Longevity Health Fund and Life and Accident Insurance. It guarantees a health fund equivalent to 50% of your plan’s annual benefit limit that you can use for medical expenses once you reach age 76. Meanwhile, the insurance makes you and your beneficiaries eligible for cash benefits in unfortunate cases of demise or disablement.
If you already have a company-issued HMO that you feel is insufficient, AXA Health Care Access Lite is the perfect supplementary health insurance for you. It is designed to augment your existing health plan and provide cash benefits to cover hospitalization expenses that need to be paid upfront. Like HCA Prime, the Lite option also comes with the aforementioned Longevity Health Fund and Life and Accident Insurance.
Know you can game plan your medical needs with the ideal health coverage for you and your family. Let an AXA financial advisor discuss your options today.
