They will not let you on the plane if they see that you’re Sick. Excellent video Steve and very timely as this is what I’m sorting out right now before arriving in the Philippines July 21. Very soon will be in touch regarding SRRV.
The US Govt taxed its citizens anywhere in the world but they can't provide health insurance anywhere even though it's much affordable outside the US. That's flummery! Their citizens should at least be able to get reimbursed if any for any health-related expenses when they are abroad. Make it happen USA!
Not signing up for Medicare Part B when you turn 65 could be one of the biggest mistakes you ever make. For every 12 month period that you fail to enroll you will pay a 10% higher penalty than you would have. In other words if you wait until your 70 you would pay 50% more than somebody who signed up at age 65. This is life lasting also…..be careful about telling people not to sign up for Medicare. That $170 per month could swell close to $300 per month just in 5 years time 😮
Traditional Medicare (parts A&B) doesn't provide any coverage overseas. If you also have a Medicare supplement plan you get $50,000 lifetime foreign emergency coverage for travel emergencies. That coverage covers 80% of your bill and is paid to you by reimbursement. Some Medicare Advantage plans will cover you overseas for 6 months while traveling. The details of Medicare Advantage coverage vary by plan. HMO plans won't provide anything but emergency coverage and you will be required to pay the copays up to the annual maximum out of pocket amount (typically in the $5K-$7K range). The only reason to keep Medicare if you move to the Philippines is if you think you might go back. The reason is if you drop Medicare for say 5 years then decide to go back to the states, your Part B premium will have a 10% penalty added for each 12 months you were off Medicare. So if you were off Medicare for 5 years, they will add 50% to your Part B premium for the rest of the time you are on Medicare - that is, the rest of your life. A similar penalty is added to the cost of your Part D drug coverage. Also, in most states you won't be able to get a supplement without medical underwriting, so you will end up in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Hey Steve - good video with some good info - I would like to contribute my experience to your conversation - a number of years ago I discovered the Medicare Advantage program and switched to it, from regular Medicare and was able to reduce my Part B monthly expense from $170.10 down to $21.60, a monthly savings of $148.50 - I am 77 years old, in good health, and retired in Florida; I do not know if this program is offered nationwide, but I do know that not all carriers offer it, but many different carriers do - my current carrier is Devoted Health out of Minnesota and the particular plan that I use is their Essentials plan - hope this info helps - thanks for your daily efforts, you do a good job!
I was just in the US and needed medical care and no you just can’t sign up for Medicare there’s a time of year that you can sign up and a waiting period. So if it’s n emergency your screwed. I have very good insurance in the Philippines. It covers 8 countries in s.e. Asia inpatient it is $3,850.00 per year with a $1350.00 deductible at 66 years of age. I’m going to sign up for Medicare but not sure to go with an advantage plan or pay for an additional plan to bring my deductible down to $250 per year. Insurance is something you don’t want to skimp on. At a minimum you need insurance where you live. It’s not a joke.
Makes sense to drop Medicare if you move permanently, with no intention of ever returning to the states. Seems that money will go further with local insurance and banking the difference.
I am an Expat, although I live in Colombia right now and not in the Philippines, but I can tell you that I wasted several years of Medicare payments because even though I was DEFINITE that I was not going to live in the Untied States (that's not a typo...) I continued to pay for Medicare. I don't know the ropes of healthcare in the Philippines, but the care in Colombia is great. I could have saved a small fortune if I had recognized that I was wasting money. Of course the pandemic disinformation distorted the picture, but really you don't need a safety net if you have already found another one. The information here is absolutely sound.
Philly has insurance. He just wanted better opinion of what might be wrong with him and to see family . He could of went to Thailand too or big hospital in Manila. If you have the money keep your Medicare you just never know if you need it. But your right about being insured in Philippines too. Don't go uninsured and ask for help
If you're positive you not going back to the US drop it. I looked in to it already and you can reinstate it if you want to. But you better have a nest egg as well. Btw, Philly in the Philippines isn't the brightest bulb on the porch. There's Urgent care on every block in the US or there's always the ER, If you don't plan to give up your Medicare. If you call around to enough places you will find someone to take you.
I would not drop medicare until I'm sure I'm staying there permanently and I've established a relationship with a primary care physician over there. The doctor I go to in the US does routine consultations via Whatsapp if I can't see him in person. Maybe Hawaii or Guam might be another option to get a six month checkup. It's not for everyone as you've said Steve but your personal health condition is something to consider in making your decision. If you're in good health get a medicare plan that pays you cash to your SS every month effectively reducing your premium.👍🏼🏝️
Great video Steve. For older future retirees such as myself. This is a very important topic. I appreciate the options as I was wondering how to actually check for overseas medical coverage. Your information on this matter is always timely and needed!
I personally keeping my US insurance but I plan on going back for up to 2 months every couple of years also ever since covid you can zoom call your doctor or regular call your doctor and they will charge you your copay but more importantly it keeps your account active with doctors because it counts as a visit
If $170 is considered a lot of money for retirees then you don't have enough in retirement. Seriously don't give up your Medicare and risk your health!
Good job keeping this subject on the radar and fresh. 👍 Once you find medical bills and coverage in the Philippines costing $400-$600 a month it may be time to go home and get back in that $200-$250 plan range.... with the added plans B & C or whatever they are.
Even if you have Part B, you still have to pay 20% of your bill. So that's $20k out of pocket for a $100k emergency. That's still unaffordable for a lot of us expats. I dropped my Part B long ago.
My Medicare advantage plan reimburses emergency medical internationally. It's a good deal for me. I get a physical twice a year. Some Medicare advantage plans reimburse your part B costs. Shop around. Compare the cost of insurance to Pacific Cross at age 70. Definitely a cost savings.
Fall risk is good enough for me. A broken hip or leg will lead to surgery and months of rehabilitation. A lateral transfer of income to your residential country for insurance is a sound consideration. long term care facilities can be very indifferent places. Using local human resources for services would be favorable . Your on point. Thanks
extremely valid points. even for non-emergency like cancer and going back to states, we still have to come up with where to live, what to eat, etc which can easily cost $2,000 a month just for the living expense.
One day you will have a major health problem and wished you could get to the US. I had a heart valve replaced in the US this year, I was on cobra insurance, the operation was around 110k, US, my total was 5k. I could not imagine having the operation in the Philippines, in Bangkok it would have cost 20-30K, US. I may move to Thailand next year and will have Medicare A,B, and G, because something is going to get you and you will need good healthcare. This video is probably for expats living on the cheap and have no savings to get to the US if they needed care. I have seen several videos of expats returning to the US after major health problems like a stroke, etc. As for Philly in the Philippines, he got on a flight from the Philippines to Pennsylvania, and expected to see a doctor he last saw 6 years ago and expected to get an immediate appointment, and he was complaining about how bad the health system was in the US. It was not a doctor problem, not an insurance problem, it was poor planning.
Be careful before dropping your Medicare part-b. In case of an emergency no you can't go home but if you develop cancer, Kidney trouble, Heart issues that are ongoing and you have to go back you will be glad that you did not drop it. I had to have an ablation for afib last year with success..It is performed by a specialized cardiologist an Electrophysioligist ...I don't think they can perform that procedure in the Philippines.
I had a heart attack in Dumagette, it cost me $500 Canadian for 5 days in the hospital with a 24 hour baby sitter lady and my own private room , with no insurance.However I still recommend having insurance and backup emergancy fund.
All of what you say is true. However, given ability to use it, it has great coverage with small premium. Better to keep it than drop it. And don’t forget about Guam . Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
Keep your Medicare! Hopefully the USA will change the law so Medicare will be accepted in the Philippines I heard they are working on changing the law! you should go to the states once a year Don't sever your ties with the states! Don't go to the Philippines unless you got cash! and a monthly income! also when you get Older the insurance is very expensive after a certain age they don't want to insure you.
Hi Steve. I'll keep Part B and low cost Part G for joint replacements and cancer and other non ER issues. Heart attacks and stroke will be self insured out of my emergency fund which won't be touched otherwise. Still, not an easy decision. Going back to USA also means higher living expenses even if temporary and you still might have a household to support in Philippines. Lots to consider.
Dont know how it is in the US. In Germany you can pay a small amount (40 Euro, even for the whole family) to the medicare, so the keep you only as a member without any service or payments, but once you come back, you do not have any problems to have immediate coverage. But maybe there are not such thing in the US.
I have gone for annual examinations since I turned 45. Cost last time I had an examination in Manila was 17K pesos for executive checkup. That checkup included a gift coupon of two night stay with breakfast at select 4-star hotels in Metro Manila or Spa treatments. I've yet to see a CZcamsr cover this topic. Medicare or health insurance is good to have but annual checkups to me are just as important
At 45 you’re not exactly in a high risk group. I never saw a doctor regularly until I reached 63. Then for me things started slowly happening. Now I’m 72 and although I don’t have major issues I’m also not as healthy as I use to be. Old age isn’t something you can avoid unless you check out early and very, very few get old without issues that they never had before. Thing wear the hell out. For me my knees are a big problem. One has been replaced already. I’ve never been a small guy. I always have enough strength to do stuff . Hurt my shoulder about 6 months ago and I still have trouble pull starting my chainsaw. I can’t grip tight jar lids like I use to. Just a fact of life. Of course I don’t run anymore and don’t play basketball either. The point to this is Medicare kicks in in our 60s for a reason. The reason being that’s when most of us start needing medical care more than we did in our youth. 17 k checkups are nothing. It the heart attack, cancer and other major medical conditions that will put you in the poor house quickly. Even in the Philippines.
Correct! The current exchange rate of $288 USD well spent. Even at $50 USD to 1 PHP = $340 USD is reasonable. And at $40 USD to 1PHP is still affordable.
I'm 72 yrs old and have kaiser senior advantage, they will cover emergency care in most countries abroad. I watched other videos on this topic and with kaiser and some other senior medicare insurers they will cover you for first 6 months and some for longer while you are abroad, but it does look like you have to pay the bill and then submit it to your medicare insurer for reimburment.
Heads up , Saftywing only will cover you here in the Philippines if you don’t consider this home , if your found to mostly reside here in the Philippines you won’t be covered , Home is described as where you primarily reside and recieve regular mail ? Where you would return after traveling
This is some of the best information on the responsibilities one needs to take in the Philippines. In Canada and more specifically, Ontario, although my healthcare is "free", once I am out of the country for 212 days, I have to start paying for private healthcare. Also, as you said, if I go back to Canada, it will take 153 days before I am re-enlisted in the "free" healthcare system. Therefore, if I am really sick, it's just better to have comprehensive care in the Philippines. In terms of flying back while sick..that's a super long flight. I fly business class and it's still uncomfortable and I cannot fathom doing this while suffering a serious illness or injury...no way...just put in me in a good Philippines hospital bed and keep me there until the storm has passed.
another alternative if something that comes up and it is not a dire emergency is travel to thailand which has a great health care system. Like you said, take the amount you would have spend on medicare and use that for a good health care policy where ever it is that you live.
I left the US 5 years ago. I never signed up for Part B. I have a comprehensive Pacific Cross policy with a $1000 deductible to keep the price down. My dentist in the US retired and I assume I no longer have a doctor.
The decision whether to pay for Medicare or not is definitely something that I have been thinking about a lot before making my move to the Philippines next month. Fortunately, I am only 64, so I have almost a year before having to make up my mind. Will definitely have Pac Cross when I get to the Philippines, already spoken to Michael Onstad about getting a policy.
I'm not specifically speaking about the Philippines. I am on a 6 month tour of SE Asia ok. I booked my flight to Vietnam through American Airlines. They offered me trip ins for 45 USD and I'm a veteran. I checked and they said it was only for the 27th of Sept to the 29th of September 😆 so I cancelled. Then I was searching for a company like Berkshire Hathaway etc. and no one would insure you on a one way ticket. Here is where it gets good. I called allianz back up to see if I could get coverage for more than 2 days 😆 and the lady stated that the original policy was indeed good for 6 months even with a one way ticket. She explained that all I have to do is contact them a week before the original date of coverage ends and tell them I was extending my trip for another month. Coverage is 50,000 emergency medical,50,000 repatriation or medical evacuation, but low on trip interruptions and luggage! Who cares ? I'm in Thailand and I just left Saigon 3 days ago. Of course you have to have a doctor state that you need to be treated at a VA in Guam or Hawaii but they pay up to 50,000 if you cannot be treated in the country you're in check them out and see if I'm correct. What a deal for 6 months. Return to the state's and starts new 6 month trip. They even cover you in Europe 😆 can't beat it I'm 67 👌
Has anyone looked into healthcare in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ? I heard their health care is even better than the United States and it's only a few hour flight. For expats that might have pre-existing condition that might need attention. Infact with their prices being similar to the Philippines but with Superior infrastructure and medical facilities, Kuala Lumpur may be a country to consider ?
i agree ...also the 170 a month ..goes along way there for a doctor visit there ...here like philly video ...about all he can do is admit himself thru emergency then he can get set up like that ...
I will be dropping my part B medicare plan when it's offered to me in 3 years I've already signed up and am paying less for insurance actually $900 dollars a year less. Then the $2,040.00 a year medicare part be cost. I do plan to vacation in the states every year for 2 months and will using the $900 saving towards travel insurance coverage while back at home on vacation. It's quite clear to me that if and when I ever have a time I need to be admitted to a hospital in the Philippines I will be paying out of pocket then submitting a insurance claim to be reimbursed for items covered under my medical insurance policy. Other items not covered I will just have to pay out of pocket. Just my life now living 10 months out of the year in the Philippines and having to adjust. Great video Steve, giving people a lot to consider when moving to retire in the Philippines. I am looking forward to your next video on the retirement check off list coming out soon. I'm very interested to see if after planning for almost 20 years to retire in the Philippines if I missed anything.
I previously mentioned to you that a comfortable retirement of $3,000 a month . That's 170k pesos a month. 40k annual can pay a VIP medical card at a US quality hospital like St Luke's and Citi Medical. First, you will be seen immediately, second if it requires surgery it will be done asap. Only small co payments is needed. All lab tests is free even xray. Twice a year I go back to California and see my primary physician and specialist. I buy a roundtrip ticket around $659 much cheaper than a one way ticket.
Steve, you have a point but I assume that those people do not keep medicare for a broken leg or heart attack . They might think about long term complicated treatments for Cancer, Parkinson, Dementia, kidney failure, maybe even a subsidized nursing home near their friends or family back in the US ? I am not sure but it is my understanding that if one Disenroll Medicare and then wants to Reenroll, the procedure might be costly. Is it true ?
As long as I have children in the USA I will return from time to time so should retain Medicare even if I decide to live overseas. And with the crazy penalties I will enroll on time. The reality for me is that I cannot rule out missing family and when I reach my later years I will want to be with them. Just reality for me.
I see this person did not mention the magical magical age of 70 and above.. It's next to impossible to get health insurance... without you pay in big premiums..
Hey Steve. I agree with you. I'm sure YOU know this, but if you are staying in the Philippines you can get Pacific Cross for $2971 a year for the 'major' (basic) plan for a 66 year old. Goes up about 5-7 percent for each year over that. There is a 30 percent discount on this if you have a $2500 deductible, which drops the cost for this insurance to $173 per month. Not bad. I turn 65 next February. Still debating if I want to defer it for a year or two. It is dropping to $164.90 per month next year. Yippie! What will I spend the savings on?! I am very healthy and Medicare part A is still zero premium. Looking at the return on investment, and inflation, I may wait a year or two before taking medicare. BTW, there are some in congress trying to limit the penalty to 15% max instead of 10 percent for every year you defer.
My medicare broker told me, I can get 50,000 in Emergency coverage with the Advantage Plan. It is only for emergency coverage were you are admitted into the hospital.
You know I went with Kaiser Senior advantage Plus they cover the cost of Medicare so I have zero payment each month I was thinking to just keep it because they'll automatically keep re-enrolling me every year so I have to do absolutely and I understood that if you have to go to the emergency room in the Philippines it will cover your mergency room expense but you have to have other insurance once your admitted
I'll get Medicare & pay for Part B when its time. The possibility of having to pay a 10% Penalty per year to get Medicare LATER closes off too many options for me. If I was ONLY going to Social Security to live on, I might take the risk of NOT getting Medicare. BUT, I'm going to carry Insurance for the Philippines as well as Mediacre PLUS set aside at least a few Hundred USD per month for future expenses.
b4 getting rid of medicare, expat need to do a side by side comparison between the cost of having medicare in usa and having philhealth/pacific cross in ph. has anyone done a side by side comparison? an apple to apple comparison is difficult but for roughly the same level of cost and benefits, which is cheaper? thanks
But say you need hip replacement or rotator cuff or knee replacement surgery This are expensive operations.. BUT are something that is planned many months in advance and is basically free in the US so you can travel back anywhere in US or Even Guam for theses surgeries Stay active with your primary care .. sometimes you can have a Zoom conference with one of your doctors for a scheduled check up
Is there a specific carrier that will provide coverage for medicines for diabetes and for medical health coverage in the Philippines and out of the Philippines that you would recommend?
I think you're missing something big. You're right that if you have a crisis you won't be able to board a plane. However the most common reason that people don't regret paying for B as an expat is repatriation at an older age even if you were sure you never would. Situations change. Minds change. You never know.
Back in the 1950's I have a Uncle that had a son in the hospital here in Michigan, after his wife gave birth they went to leave the hospital and they stopped him. They said he had to pay the bill before he could take then home. He just used to pay phone and called the cop's and told them that the hospital was holding his wife and son for ransom!!! He was able to then take his family home after the cop's told them that is was kidnapping and they could go to jail!!!
My part A Medicare is included in my Tier 8 VA health coverage, which is a lifetime plan. I didn't get Part B Medicare because I don't need it right now, and Veterans can get it later without penalty. So, when I "retire" in Davao I will be 66, with no health issues, but I will still get a nice, big coverage health plan which will cover me to 100 years old.
Guam is a US territory and MediCare should be accepted there. That’s about a 4 hour flight from PI and currently 2 non stops available daily. Still I will have additional health insurance thru Pacific Cross. By not owning a vehicle I can afford both. And at 65 yrs old gotta have it.
As a retired military guy, I have access to Tri-Care, I’m not using it yet because I’m still working and get insurance through my employer, but I’m wondering if any of your viewers are using Tri-Care there? If so, are they also using Medicare? I had thought of going to Guam, or Okinawa since they have military base, but wasn’t sure how that would work out if something serious happened, I’m curious how to maximize what I have access to.
I have 100% VA disability and I was told to change my residence to the phil so that I qualify for the VA health care at the US embassy. Then they refer me to a 5 star hospital
Steve, I'm an American and almost 81 and obviously on SS long before I moved to Davao just over a year ago. How am I not going to have to pay for Medicare when it is automatically deducted from my monthly SS check even though it's not available in the Philippines? Isn't it mandetory? What choice do I have? In fact, what medical insurance program is available to me in the Philippines? All I have is PhilHealth and self-insurance. Yes, health care is a real issue here,, and prescriptions are even worse. They suck in every way. I do not plan to run back and forth to the USA for health care although I have a son who is a medical doctor.
It would in my opinion be a bad idea to drop your medicare. If you need to find a new primary care physician you will find one. If you're on a medicare plus program your insurer will assign you a new PC physician. If you're on Standard medicare you'll need to find one on your own. Few object to not having to use the insurance they're paying for. There can be many reasons you might have to return home so if you have any assets to protect I think cancelling your medicare is a bad idea. I suppose if you're on a real tight budget cancelling your medicare might sound appealing, but I'd sure think at least twice before doing it.
Do they not have ATMs in the hospital itself? And as far as not letting you leave the hospital, what exactly are you saying? Do they lock you in your room? Do they keep charging you for room and board which means more money you are being charged? Do they still feed you?
I'm a year away from Medicare as I'm turning 64 this November. I'm wondering what I should do? I'm part Choctaw so I qualify for full medical care in Oklahoma, seems to me that Medicare would be a duplication of what I already have in the US. I'm already going to have to return to the US for something big medically anyway. My plan is to live in the Philippines where I have a home 75% of the time anyway and return to the US for family visits. What do you think?
Pacific Cross for health insurance. You made a video how to connect to credit card accounts online. I did not write how you advised expats to do it. So can you instruct how to?
Steve, you mention Pacific Cross, and Signa occasionally, but last time I checked it seemed they had more negative reviews then positive? Do you, or does anyone know of anyone who had "serious work done without hassle? Also, this topic goes back to whether one can feel safe and confident about having surgery in the PI? Yea, I've heard the VA in Manila is good, but what about the rest of us?
The only issue with waiting to sign up for Medicare later is the each you you delay the premium goes up 10%, per year, that is! A five year wait means a 50 percent increase. It's a rip off but it is what it is!]
I don't think any man or woman retired in the Philippines or anywhere else that does not have 170 bucks a month for Medicare A and b I'm getting supplementary as well just in case if I've broken ankle collarbone no problem tumor blood disease cancer I'll be headed home just my opinion my brother .
Do the hospitals take creit cards. I just looked up major credit cards in the Ph and this came up "BPI Family Credit Card" I don't know if they accept expats. Since I plan on being single for the first years or two that I am living there, I thought a credit card would be better than having cash in the house or another expat holding it.
TriCare must have Medicare even in the Philippines. Some Disabled Vets can get free Medical Care for everything. Some may consider going home as they age or go home when sick. It’s up to them.
if you dont take mdicare at 65 years old, you will be paying 10 % every year if youd dont signed up at 65. so is not a littlbe big more is will be a lot depend how long you take to signed up. Me personaly I will visit PI but I will be retiring outside the US but a short plane ride to the USA. I am thinking Mexico or south America the money goes a long ways and the medical is very good.
lf you are collecting social security the Medicare monthly premium is automatically deducted. Can you tell social security you want to opt out of Medicare?
They will not let you on the plane if they see that you’re Sick. Excellent video Steve and very timely as this is what I’m sorting out right now before arriving in the Philippines July 21. Very soon will be in touch regarding SRRV.
The US Govt taxed its citizens anywhere in the world but they can't provide health insurance anywhere even though it's much affordable outside the US. That's flummery! Their citizens should at least be able to get reimbursed if any for any health-related expenses when they are abroad. Make it happen USA!
Not signing up for Medicare Part B when you turn 65 could be one of the biggest mistakes you ever make. For every 12 month period that you fail to enroll you will pay a 10% higher penalty than you would have. In other words if you wait until your 70 you would pay 50% more than somebody who signed up at age 65. This is life lasting also…..be careful about telling people not to sign up for Medicare. That $170 per month could swell close to $300 per month just in 5 years time 😮
I’m referring to people who have no intentions of going back or very little time in the states. That $170 a month gets you a lot of insurance here.
If you are staying in the Philippines permanently there is no reason to have it.
Being a military retiree, if you don't pick up part B, they will cut off your Tricare.
Definitely not for Tricare people
Traditional Medicare (parts A&B) doesn't provide any coverage overseas. If you also have a Medicare supplement plan you get $50,000 lifetime foreign emergency coverage for travel emergencies. That coverage covers 80% of your bill and is paid to you by reimbursement. Some Medicare Advantage plans will cover you overseas for 6 months while traveling. The details of Medicare Advantage coverage vary by plan. HMO plans won't provide anything but emergency coverage and you will be required to pay the copays up to the annual maximum out of pocket amount (typically in the $5K-$7K range).
The only reason to keep Medicare if you move to the Philippines is if you think you might go back. The reason is if you drop Medicare for say 5 years then decide to go back to the states, your Part B premium will have a 10% penalty added for each 12 months you were off Medicare. So if you were off Medicare for 5 years, they will add 50% to your Part B premium for the rest of the time you are on Medicare - that is, the rest of your life. A similar penalty is added to the cost of your Part D drug coverage. Also, in most states you won't be able to get a supplement without medical underwriting, so you will end up in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Hey Steve - good video with some good info - I would like to contribute my experience to your conversation - a number of years ago I discovered the Medicare Advantage program and switched to it, from regular Medicare and was able to reduce my Part B monthly expense from $170.10 down to $21.60, a monthly savings of $148.50 - I am 77 years old, in good health, and retired in Florida; I do not know if this program is offered nationwide, but I do know that not all carriers offer it, but many different carriers do - my current carrier is Devoted Health out of Minnesota and the particular plan that I use is their Essentials plan - hope this info helps - thanks for your daily efforts, you do a good job!
I was just in the US and needed medical care and no you just can’t sign up for Medicare there’s a time of year that you can sign up and a waiting period. So if it’s n emergency your screwed. I have very good insurance in the Philippines. It covers 8 countries in s.e. Asia inpatient it is $3,850.00 per year with a $1350.00 deductible at 66 years of age. I’m going to sign up for Medicare but not sure to go with an advantage plan or pay for an additional plan to bring my deductible down to $250 per year. Insurance is something you don’t want to skimp on. At a minimum you need insurance where you live. It’s not a joke.
For those of us on Tricare, Medicare registration is required at age 65. It takes a fairly large chunk of your Social Security. Really irritates me.
as an expat that plans on a trip or two back to the states. I'd be a little concerned about no coverage
Travel Insurance
Makes sense to drop Medicare if you move permanently, with no intention of ever returning to the states. Seems that money will go further with local insurance and banking the difference.
I am an Expat, although I live in Colombia right now and not in the Philippines, but I can tell you that I wasted several years of Medicare payments because even though I was DEFINITE that I was not going to live in the Untied States (that's not a typo...) I continued to pay for Medicare. I don't know the ropes of healthcare in the Philippines, but the care in Colombia is great. I could have saved a small fortune if I had recognized that I was wasting money. Of course the pandemic disinformation distorted the picture, but really you don't need a safety net if you have already found another one. The information here is absolutely sound.
Thanks 🙏🏻
Philly has insurance. He just wanted better opinion of what might be wrong with him and to see family . He could of went to Thailand too or big hospital in Manila. If you have the money keep your Medicare you just never know if you need it. But your right about being insured in Philippines too. Don't go uninsured and ask for help
If you're positive you not going back to the US drop it. I looked in to it already and you can reinstate it if you want to. But you better have a nest egg as well. Btw, Philly in the Philippines isn't the brightest bulb on the porch. There's Urgent care on every block in the US or there's always the ER, If you don't plan to give up your Medicare. If you call around to enough places you will find someone to take you.
I would not drop medicare until I'm sure I'm staying there permanently and I've established a relationship with a primary care physician over there. The doctor I go to in the US does routine consultations via Whatsapp if I can't see him in person. Maybe Hawaii or Guam might be another option to get a six month checkup. It's not for everyone as you've said Steve but your personal health condition is something to consider in making your decision. If you're in good health get a medicare plan that pays you cash to your SS every month effectively reducing your premium.👍🏼🏝️
Good advice ,thanks for sharing 👍
I agree with you Steve, if your sure you are not going back to the U.S. don’t waste your money. God bless
Many can go back and use the VA also
great advice Steve! i was thinking the same.
Great video Steve. For older future retirees such as myself. This is a very important topic. I appreciate the options as I was wondering how to actually check for overseas medical coverage. Your information on this matter is always timely and needed!
I personally keeping my US insurance but I plan on going back for up to 2 months every couple of years also ever since covid you can zoom call your doctor or regular call your doctor and they will charge you your copay but more importantly it keeps your account active with doctors because it counts as a visit
If $170 is considered a lot of money for retirees then you don't have enough in retirement. Seriously don't give up your Medicare and risk your health!
50% don’t go back home
Good job keeping this subject on the radar and fresh. 👍 Once you find medical bills and coverage in the Philippines costing $400-$600 a month it may be time to go home and get back in that $200-$250 plan range.... with the added plans B & C or whatever they are.
Great. this has been on my mind alot. I can get a great insurance plan there to use that money for insurance.
Even if you have Part B, you still have to pay 20% of your bill. So that's $20k out of pocket for a $100k emergency. That's still unaffordable for a lot of us expats. I dropped my Part B long ago.
Very good to know 👍
My Medicare advantage plan reimburses emergency medical internationally. It's a good deal for me. I get a physical twice a year. Some Medicare advantage plans reimburse your part B costs. Shop around. Compare the cost of insurance to Pacific Cross at age 70. Definitely a cost savings.
Fall risk is good enough for me. A broken hip or leg will lead to surgery and months of rehabilitation. A lateral transfer of income to your residential country for insurance is a sound consideration.
long term care facilities can be very indifferent places. Using local human resources for services would be favorable .
Your on point.
Thanks
I would be extremely reluctant to cancel my Medicare coverage…
extremely valid points. even for non-emergency like cancer and going back to states, we still have to come up with where to live, what to eat, etc which can easily cost $2,000 a month just for the living expense.
Good I thought about this and I decided to get insurance there when I get there
One day you will have a major health problem and wished you could get to the US. I had a heart valve replaced in the US this year, I was on cobra insurance, the operation was around 110k, US, my total was 5k. I could not imagine having the operation in the Philippines, in Bangkok it would have cost 20-30K, US. I may move to Thailand next year and will have Medicare A,B, and G, because something is going to get you and you will need good healthcare.
This video is probably for expats living on the cheap and have no savings to get to the US if they needed care. I have seen several videos of expats returning to the US after major health problems like a stroke, etc.
As for Philly in the Philippines, he got on a flight from the Philippines to Pennsylvania, and expected to see a doctor he last saw 6 years ago and expected to get an immediate appointment, and he was complaining about how bad the health system was in the US. It was not a doctor problem, not an insurance problem, it was poor planning.
Some have VA care too
OK Steve....I am 80 and just got turned down for ANY coverage from Pacific Cross.
Be careful before dropping your Medicare part-b. In case of an emergency no you can't go home but if you develop cancer, Kidney trouble, Heart issues that are ongoing and you have to go back you will be glad that you did not drop it. I had to have an ablation for afib last year with success..It is performed by a specialized cardiologist an Electrophysioligist ...I don't think they can perform that procedure in the Philippines.
When I tell people WHAT TO DO I can’t say anything right. When I share my experience I can’t say anything wrong.
If I am not mistaken you can choose to opt out of Medicare B, which costs $170 a month. Medicare A is free for all those drawing social security.
Yes
I think Pacific will also cover us if we want to go to Thailand for better care.
I had a heart attack in Dumagette, it cost me $500 Canadian for 5 days in the hospital with a 24 hour baby sitter lady and my own private room , with no insurance.However I still recommend having insurance and backup emergancy fund.
All of what you say is true. However, given ability to use it, it has great coverage with small premium. Better to keep it than drop it. And don’t forget about Guam . Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.
Guams hospitals lack great care I heard.
Keep your Medicare! Hopefully the USA will change the law so Medicare will be accepted in the Philippines I heard they are working on changing the law! you should go to the states once a year Don't sever your ties with the states! Don't go to the Philippines unless you got cash! and a monthly income! also when you get Older the insurance is very expensive after a certain age they don't want to insure you.
Hi Steve. I'll keep Part B and low cost Part G for joint replacements and cancer and other non ER issues. Heart attacks and stroke will be self insured out of my emergency fund which won't be touched otherwise. Still, not an easy decision. Going back to USA also means higher living expenses even if temporary and you still might have a household to support in Philippines. Lots to consider.
Accidents can happen anywhere.Thanks.
Dont know how it is in the US. In Germany you can pay a small amount (40 Euro, even for the whole family) to the medicare, so the keep you only as a member without any service or payments, but once you come back, you do not have any problems to have immediate coverage. But maybe there are not such thing in the US.
I have gone for annual examinations since I turned 45. Cost last time I had an examination in Manila was 17K pesos for executive checkup. That checkup included a gift coupon of two night stay with breakfast at select 4-star hotels in Metro Manila or Spa treatments.
I've yet to see a CZcamsr cover this topic. Medicare or health insurance is good to have but annual checkups to me are just as important
Yes if you keep up with your checkups you may have a time window to go back to America.
At 45 you’re not exactly in a high risk group. I never saw a doctor regularly until I reached 63. Then for me things started slowly happening. Now I’m 72 and although I don’t have major issues I’m also not as healthy as I use to be. Old age isn’t something you can avoid unless you check out early and very, very few get old without issues that they never had before. Thing wear the hell out. For me my knees are a big problem. One has been replaced already. I’ve never been a small guy. I always have enough strength to do stuff . Hurt my shoulder about 6 months ago and I still have trouble pull starting my chainsaw. I can’t grip tight jar lids like I use to. Just a fact of life. Of course I don’t run anymore and don’t play basketball either.
The point to this is Medicare kicks in in our 60s for a reason. The reason being that’s when most of us start needing medical care more than we did in our youth. 17 k checkups are nothing. It the heart attack, cancer and other major medical conditions that will put you in the poor house quickly. Even in the Philippines.
Correct! The current exchange rate of $288 USD well spent. Even at $50 USD to 1 PHP = $340 USD is reasonable. And at $40 USD to 1PHP is still affordable.
I'm 72 yrs old and have kaiser senior advantage, they will cover emergency care in most countries abroad. I watched other videos on this topic and with kaiser and some other senior medicare insurers they will cover you for first 6 months and some for longer while you are abroad, but it does look like you have to pay the bill and then submit it to your medicare insurer for reimburment.
Heads up , Saftywing only will cover you here in the Philippines if you don’t consider this home , if your found to mostly reside here in the Philippines you won’t be covered , Home is described as where you primarily reside and recieve regular mail ? Where you would return after traveling
Makes sense
This is some of the best information on the responsibilities one needs to take in the Philippines.
In Canada and more specifically, Ontario, although my healthcare is "free", once I am out of the country for 212 days, I have to start paying for private healthcare. Also, as you said, if I go back to Canada, it will take 153 days before I am re-enlisted in the "free" healthcare system. Therefore, if I am really sick, it's just better to have comprehensive care in the Philippines. In terms of flying back while sick..that's a super long flight. I fly business class and it's still uncomfortable and I cannot fathom doing this while suffering a serious illness or injury...no way...just put in me in a good Philippines hospital bed and keep me there until the storm has passed.
another alternative if something that comes up and it is not a dire emergency is travel to thailand which has a great health care system. Like you said, take the amount you would have spend on medicare and use that for a good health care policy where ever it is that you live.
I left the US 5 years ago. I never signed up for Part B. I have a comprehensive Pacific Cross policy with a $1000 deductible to keep the price down. My dentist in the US retired and I assume I no longer have a doctor.
The decision whether to pay for Medicare or not is definitely something that I have been thinking about a lot before making my move to the Philippines next month. Fortunately, I am only 64, so I have almost a year before having to make up my mind. Will definitely have Pac Cross when I get to the Philippines, already spoken to Michael Onstad about getting a policy.
Good lord, do NOT give up Medicare. Massive blunder.
Unless you are never leaving
When l fly from the Philippines to America, sheesh are my arms are tired!! It went up
Wife's part G is $325.
That $500 /mo sure would go far elsewhere
I'm not specifically speaking about the Philippines. I am on a 6 month tour of SE Asia ok. I booked my flight to Vietnam through American Airlines. They offered me trip ins for 45 USD and I'm a veteran. I checked and they said it was only for the 27th of Sept to the 29th of September 😆 so I cancelled. Then I was searching for a company like Berkshire Hathaway etc. and no one would insure you on a one way ticket. Here is where it gets good. I called allianz back up to see if I could get coverage for more than 2 days 😆 and the lady stated that the original policy was indeed good for 6 months even with a one way ticket. She explained that all I have to do is contact them a week before the original date of coverage ends and tell them I was extending my trip for another month. Coverage is 50,000 emergency medical,50,000 repatriation or medical evacuation, but low on trip interruptions and luggage! Who cares ? I'm in Thailand and I just left Saigon 3 days ago. Of course you have to have a doctor state that you need to be treated at a VA in Guam or Hawaii but they pay up to 50,000 if you cannot be treated in the country you're in check them out and see if I'm correct. What a deal for 6 months. Return to the state's and starts new 6 month trip. They even cover you in Europe 😆 can't beat it I'm 67 👌
Has anyone looked into healthcare in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ? I heard their health care is even better than the United States and it's only a few hour flight.
For expats that might have pre-existing condition that might need attention.
Infact with their prices being similar to the Philippines but with Superior infrastructure and medical facilities, Kuala Lumpur may be a country to consider ?
I'm a VIP patient at CITI MEDICAL. Without good health retirement by the beach is meaningless. I buy their 40k medical card insurance anmuslly
i agree ...also the 170 a month ..goes along way there for a doctor visit there ...here like philly video ...about all he can do is admit himself thru emergency then he can get set up like that ...
I will be dropping my part B medicare plan when it's offered to me in 3 years I've already signed up and am paying less for insurance actually $900 dollars a year less. Then the $2,040.00 a year medicare part be cost.
I do plan to vacation in the states every year for 2 months and will using the $900 saving towards travel insurance coverage while back at home on vacation.
It's quite clear to me that if and when I ever have a time I need to be admitted to a hospital in the Philippines I will be paying out of pocket then submitting a insurance claim to be reimbursed for items covered under my medical insurance policy.
Other items not covered I will just have to pay out of pocket.
Just my life now living 10 months out of the year in the Philippines and having to adjust.
Great video Steve, giving people a lot to consider when moving to retire in the Philippines.
I am looking forward to your next video on the retirement check off list coming out soon.
I'm very interested to see if after planning for almost 20 years to retire in the Philippines if I missed anything.
The check off list will be a while. We are working on it.
It's $164.90 for part B.
I previously mentioned to you that a comfortable retirement of $3,000 a month . That's 170k pesos a month. 40k annual can pay a VIP medical card at a US quality hospital like St Luke's and Citi Medical. First, you will be seen immediately, second if it requires surgery it will be done asap. Only small co payments is needed. All lab tests is free even xray. Twice a year I go back to California and see my primary physician and specialist. I buy a roundtrip ticket around $659 much cheaper than a one way ticket.
Anything I didn't think about, if your not using your Medicare, you get that money back ? That itself would about pay for your insurance over there
Who the heck wants to live in a country where a hospital can hold you hostage?! No thanks!!
Steve, you have a point but I assume that those people do not keep medicare for a broken leg or heart attack . They might think about long term complicated treatments for Cancer, Parkinson, Dementia, kidney failure, maybe even a subsidized nursing home near their friends or family back in the US ? I am not sure but it is my understanding that if one Disenroll Medicare and then wants to Reenroll, the procedure might be costly. Is it true ?
It’s definitely not for everyone
I dropped my part B 4 years ago
And I’m gues I’m supose to get safetywing
As long as I have children in the USA I will return from time to time so should retain Medicare even if I decide to live overseas. And with the crazy penalties I will enroll on time. The reality for me is that I cannot rule out missing family and when I reach my later years I will want to be with them. Just reality for me.
I see this person did not mention the magical magical age of 70 and above.. It's next to impossible to get health insurance... without you pay in big premiums..
Yes, the hospital can hold you until you pay up or signed a promissory note to pay a monthly due co-signed by a Filipino national.
But most are not being told this. They just demand full payment.
add a advantage plan that pays back $120 month to part b, cost now only $50 mth. for medcare a, B, and advanage .
Hey Steve.
I agree with you. I'm sure YOU know this, but if you are staying in the Philippines you can get Pacific Cross for $2971 a year for the 'major' (basic) plan for a 66 year old. Goes up about 5-7 percent for each year over that. There is a 30 percent discount on this if you have a $2500 deductible, which drops the cost for this insurance to $173 per month. Not bad.
I turn 65 next February. Still debating if I want to defer it for a year or two. It is dropping to $164.90 per month next year. Yippie! What will I spend the savings on?!
I am very healthy and Medicare part A is still zero premium. Looking at the return on investment, and inflation, I may wait a year or two before taking medicare.
BTW, there are some in congress trying to limit the penalty to 15% max instead of 10 percent for every year you defer.
Don't delay medicare
My medicare broker told me, I can get 50,000 in Emergency coverage with the Advantage Plan. It is only for emergency coverage were you are admitted into the hospital.
Keep Medicare and pay with a 401k
what are they going to do if you just walk out
You know I went with Kaiser Senior advantage Plus they cover the cost of Medicare so I have zero payment each month I was thinking to just keep it because they'll automatically keep re-enrolling me every year so I have to do absolutely and I understood that if you have to go to the emergency room in the Philippines it will cover your mergency room expense but you have to have other insurance once your admitted
I'll get Medicare & pay for Part B when its time. The possibility of having to pay a 10% Penalty per year to get Medicare LATER closes off too many options for me. If I was ONLY going to Social Security to live on, I might take the risk of NOT getting Medicare. BUT, I'm going to carry Insurance for the Philippines as well as Mediacre PLUS set aside at least a few Hundred USD per month for future expenses.
b4 getting rid of medicare, expat need to do a side by side comparison between the cost of having medicare in usa and having philhealth/pacific cross in ph. has anyone done a side by side comparison? an apple to apple comparison is difficult but for roughly the same level of cost and benefits, which is cheaper? thanks
How about these apples. Half the American dudes will end up going back home. All expats should have Medicare and keep it.
But say you need hip replacement or rotator cuff or knee replacement surgery
This are expensive operations.. BUT are something that is planned many months in advance and is basically free in the US so you can travel back anywhere in US or Even Guam for theses surgeries
Stay active with your primary care .. sometimes you can have a Zoom conference with one of your doctors for a scheduled check up
Is there a specific carrier that will provide coverage for medicines for diabetes and for medical health coverage in the Philippines and out of the Philippines that you would recommend?
I think you're missing something big. You're right that if you have a crisis you won't be able to board a plane. However the most common reason that people don't regret paying for B as an expat is repatriation at an older age even if you were sure you never would. Situations change. Minds change. You never know.
You can still get back into it. For some they have VA care too.
Back in the 1950's I have a Uncle that had a son in the hospital here in Michigan, after his wife gave birth they went to leave the hospital and they stopped him. They said he had to pay the bill before he could take then home. He just used to pay phone and called the cop's and told them that the hospital was holding his wife and son for ransom!!! He was able to then take his family home after the cop's told them that is was kidnapping and they could go to jail!!!
My part A Medicare is included in my Tier 8 VA health coverage, which is a lifetime plan. I didn't get Part B Medicare because I
don't need it right now, and Veterans can get it later without penalty. So, when I "retire" in Davao I will be 66, with no health issues,
but I will still get a nice, big coverage health plan which will cover me to 100 years old.
Guam is a US territory and MediCare should be accepted there. That’s about a 4 hour flight from PI and currently 2 non stops available daily. Still I will have additional health insurance thru Pacific Cross. By not owning a vehicle I can afford both. And at 65 yrs old gotta have it.
As a retired military guy, I have access to Tri-Care, I’m not using it yet because I’m still working and get insurance through my employer, but I’m wondering if any of your viewers are using Tri-Care there? If so, are they also using Medicare? I had thought of going to Guam, or Okinawa since they have military base, but wasn’t sure how that would work out if something serious happened, I’m curious how to maximize what I have access to.
Tricare must have Medicare
I have 100% VA disability and I was told to change my residence to the phil so that I qualify for the VA health care at the US embassy. Then they refer me to a 5 star hospital
I never heard this and we have many 100% people here. You gotta use FMP they are told.
Steve, I'm an American and almost 81 and obviously on SS long before I moved to Davao just over a year ago. How am I not going to have to pay for Medicare when it is automatically deducted from my monthly SS check even though it's not available in the Philippines? Isn't it mandetory? What choice do I have? In fact, what medical insurance program is available to me in the Philippines? All I have is PhilHealth and self-insurance. Yes, health care is a real issue here,, and prescriptions are even worse. They suck in every way. I do not plan to run back and forth to the USA for health care although I have a son who is a medical doctor.
You can Cancel it by contacting the Social Security Administration at the Embassy. It’s not Mandatory unless you have Tricare.
That all fine and well...but the question is : Where did you get your head cover ( Cap ) ?
eBay
if i get rid of medicare will they stop my SSDI monthly payments to me??
It would in my opinion be a bad idea to drop your medicare. If you need to find a new primary care physician you will find one. If you're on a medicare plus program your insurer will assign you a new PC physician. If you're on Standard medicare you'll need to find one on your own.
Few object to not having to use the insurance they're paying for. There can be many reasons you might have to return home so if you have any assets to protect I think cancelling your medicare is a bad idea. I suppose if you're on a real tight budget cancelling your medicare might sound appealing, but I'd sure think at least twice before doing it.
It’s definitely not for everyone. Unless you got no intention to leave ever.
Do they not have ATMs in the hospital itself? And as far as not letting you leave the hospital, what exactly are you saying? Do they lock you in your room? Do they keep charging you for room and board which means more money you are being charged? Do they still feed you?
Depends on the hospital
I'm a year away from Medicare as I'm turning 64 this November. I'm wondering what I should do? I'm part Choctaw so I qualify for full medical care in Oklahoma, seems to me that Medicare would be a duplication of what I already have in the US. I'm already going to have to return to the US for something big medically anyway. My plan is to live in the Philippines where I have a home 75% of the time anyway and return to the US for family visits. What do you think?
Full medical might keep me there. Not sure
👍
Medical costs getting more expensive every year.
If u live in Philippines need medical insurance
From Philippines with at least 30000 dollars coverage
Pacific Cross for health insurance. You made a video how to connect to credit card accounts online. I did not write how you advised expats to do it. So can you instruct how to?
I believe you are talking about the apps to shut on and off your account.
You just add you CC app to do it.
Steve, you mention Pacific Cross, and Signa occasionally, but last time I checked it seemed they had more negative reviews then positive? Do you, or does anyone know of anyone who had "serious work done without hassle? Also, this topic goes back to whether one can feel safe and confident about having surgery in the PI? Yea, I've heard the VA in Manila is good, but what about the rest of us?
I know of many who had luck
The only issue with waiting to sign up for Medicare later is the each you you delay the premium goes up 10%, per year, that is! A five year wait means a 50 percent increase.
It's a rip off but it is what it is!]
If you got the VA that helps too
I don't think any man or woman retired in the Philippines or anywhere else that does not have 170 bucks a month for Medicare A and b I'm getting supplementary as well just in case if I've broken ankle collarbone no problem tumor blood disease cancer I'll be headed home just my opinion my brother
.
For some it’s worth it.
Do the hospitals take creit cards. I just looked up major credit cards in the Ph and this came up "BPI Family Credit Card" I don't know if they accept expats. Since I plan on being single for the first years or two that I am living there, I thought a credit card would be better than having cash in the house or another expat holding it.
Most do
So....what about US Veterans..? Any insights?
TriCare must have Medicare even in the Philippines. Some Disabled Vets can get free Medical Care for everything. Some may consider going home as they age or go home when sick. It’s up to them.
In this life when your time comes ,it doesn't matter where you are but it would be nice to be able to be wheelchaired to the ATM
if you dont take mdicare at 65 years old, you will be paying 10 % every year if youd dont signed up at 65. so is not a littlbe big more is will be a lot depend how long you take to signed up.
Me personaly I will visit PI but I will be retiring outside the US but a short plane ride to the USA. I am thinking Mexico or south America the money goes a long ways and the medical is very good.
Vets..come to guam
lf you are collecting social security the Medicare monthly premium is automatically deducted. Can you tell social security you want to opt out of Medicare?
Absolutely