Best medical insurance option for me?

[badlknee]

I am a 77 year scuba diver who plans to come to the Philippines (Dumaguete City area) mid December 2023 and stay until July 1, 2024.  I have traditional medicare and Blue Cross medigap along with presription insurance.   I have learned on this forum that I am too old for traditional insurance in Philippines.  It seems to me that my best option is World Trips Atlas International excl US.  Premium is $1616.  Coverage is shown in the below attached:

Does anyone know of a better options?

Edited June 30, 2023 by Old55

[Old55]

Welcome to the forum Badknee. I removed that quote download as it's not allowed per forum rules. 

Have you contacted your Blue Cross? I would think it has coverage in Philippines.

There are a number of decent travel insurance coverages much lower priced than $1,600.00 USD. Please review the many posts about medical insurance here;

https://www.philippines-expats.com/topic/31122-health-insurance-for-expat-retiree-in-the-philippines/

 

Edited June 30, 2023 by Old55

[Lee]

6 hours ago, badlknee said:

Does anyone know of a better options?

Cash is always a good option to cover medical expenses.

[JJReyes]

You need catastrophic medical care (i.e., emergency surgery) and your current Blue Cross policy may already cover for this.  It is usually 75/25 or 80/20 reimbursement, so cash or access to cash like a credit/debit card is important.  If not, ask Blue Cross if they have a supplementary program.  For minor stuff that can be handled by a medical clinic or emergency room, just pay cash.  A visit to a medical doctor may cost $20 or $30.  

One item that can get expensive in the Philippines is prescription medications.  If you need it, normally the prescriptions are for 3 months at a time but talk to your pharmacist about getting a 6 months' supply.  

[Clermont]

2 hours ago, JJReyes said:

You need catastrophic medical care (i.e., emergency surgery) and your current Blue Cross policy may already cover for this.  It is usually 75/25 or 80/20 reimbursement, so cash or access to cash like a credit/debit card is important.  If not, ask Blue Cross if they have a supplementary program.  For minor stuff that can be handled by a medical clinic or emergency room, just pay cash.  A visit to a medical doctor may cost $20 or $30.  

One item that can get expensive in the Philippines is prescription medications.  If you need it, normally the prescriptions are for 3 months at a time but talk to your pharmacist about getting a 6 months' supply.  

Yes that is correct, prescriptive medicine is dear here, in Australia you can get six months advancement if going overseas but make sure it is in original packaging and your name is on each prescription, custom’s. Also a letter from your doctor explaining your medical history, most doctors I have been too have been well adverse with anything I need. But remember, if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys, enjoy your holidays.

[mountainside]

Just got a quote from US Blue Shield for expat health coverage for me and spouse in the Phils.  I'm 72.  For their least expensive coverage ($10k deductible) the quoted premium is $1,900 per month.  Not a good investment for us.

[Freebie]

I was using Cigna ( aged 66 ) and was seeing ever increasing premiums. Thought about going with no insurance then found a broker in HK , who by virtue of eliminating emergency evac  and outpatient  and increasing excess Ive halved my annual Cigna bill.

Im happy with that. I was doing outpatient visits maybe 4 times a years so its not great loss, but a very good savings.

[MikeB]

23 hours ago, badlknee said:

I have learned on this forum that I am too old for traditional insurance in Philippines.

Not so, I checked the largest insurer and the age goes to 90. Insanely expensive though. If your other policy doesn't cover in the phils I would go with that travel insurance - inpatient only.  

[JJReyes]

14 hours ago, mountainside said:

Just got a quote from US Blue Shield for expat health coverage for me and spouse in the Phils.  I'm 72.  For their least expensive coverage ($10k deductible) the quoted premium is $1,900 per month.  Not a good investment for us.

Suggest you consider self-insurance.  Set aside the premium amount every month in a separate account.  Establish a professional relationship with a doctor you like.  They all have networks and will recommend specialists as needed.  A few visits for minor issues at the doctor's clinic is one way to establish the relationship.  Don't forget presents for his staff during Christmas.  You will get priority treatment thereafter.  

[mountainside]

7 hours ago, JJReyes said:

Suggest you consider self-insurance.  Set aside the premium amount every month in a separate account.  Establish a professional relationship with a doctor you like.  They all have networks and will recommend specialists as needed.  A few visits for minor issues at the doctor's clinic is one way to establish the relationship.  Don't forget presents for his staff during Christmas.  You will get priority treatment thereafter.

You and I have the same plan for medical funding and elder care.  Your posts have really helped me refine my thinking.