Steve, Thank you for sharing this helpful information. After a a two month visit to the P.I. earlier this year information on medical care is at the top of my to do list as I prepare to move to the Philippines later this year.
I've been going to the VA Clinic in Manila for 20+ years, and they have been furnishing me with prescription medicine for all my conditions, including diabetes insulin and other conditions that are not Service-Connected. I also have Medicare Advantage, and they have paid for 4 private hospital stays over the last 10 years. Yes, I have to pay the bill and send in the receipts for reimbursement, which has always been within 30 days.
In the US, Tricare For Life (The Over 65 version of Tricare) is secondary to medicare. In the Philippines it basically has the same benefits as Tricare Select. BUT, you DO still have to maintain Medicare Part B, to get Tricare For Life though. Tricare actually has a specific program for the Philippines. For out patient care, you HAVE to use a doctor on the list, and pay in advance, and Tricare will reimburse you. The BIGGEST plus to Tricare For Life is that it has a $3000 catastrophic cap for the year. For covered issues, once your out of pocket costs (Copays, prescribed meds, etc...) reaches $3000 for the calendar year, the reimbursement goes to 100%. You just have to be careful to only use medical facilities and doctors in the Philippine Tricare network. So, even if you have an expensive stay at a Tricare approved hospital, the most you will ever spend is $3000 in a calendar for things that are covered. The two main downsides are that outpatient care is paid by reimbursement, and Tricare doesn't cover dental or vision care.
Vets dont forget you also have VA Guam Outpatient Clinic, Guam Vet Center, US Naval Hospital Guam, plus regular hospitals in Guam. So if you need more serious care a US territory is closer than the mainland US. But make sure you check the VA site or call and find out for sure the level of service for the VA facilities.
Hi Steve, this was a very important video. Kris Hartman wrote the 1st point I was going to mention. 2nd was, I went to the VA Outpatient Clinic in Manila (its at the old US Embassy) to discuss what services I could receive there (I'm also 100% & retired from the Army) and found out there was very few services I could get that being only 1 medication and vaccines. So I knew that I was not going to consider the VA in my medical planning. I keep my part B Medicare were I could fly to Guam or HI nd be covered. Being retired maybe I could fly to Japan or Korea and get service at a military hospital. Paying out of pocket for a Dr. visit or labs in PH is not very expensive and most medications don't require a prescriptions in the PH. I do have Safety Wings nomad ins for emergencies, plus cash & credit cards if needed. I came back to the US to take care of things in 2019 with plans to return in Jan or Feb 2020. So now its time to return.
"...I hear a lot of things from people but then when I go look into it or I talk to people it's usually not true...". This applies to pretty much EVERYTHING spread on the internet these days. Thank you for actually researching this and putting out the straight scoop.
Personally, those benefits are great regarding healthcare in the Philippines. But nothing is better than having the option of calling (911) knowing that someone with medical expertise will respond and get you to a medical facility that is fully equipped in a timely manner without the worries of being stuck in traffic which many Philippine cities have to deal with., Guam (U.S.A.) is my choice for me being retired military and 100% service connected with Tricare for life along with Medicare. Your advice is spot on regarding medical care." I was just recently in Southern Leyte and became ill so where I had to travel almost 3 hours to be seen at a private hospital and paid upfront. So my advice to all ex-pats and retirees is to look at your health situation before you make that move to the Philippines due to the fact there are no emergency services regarding a major medical matter for which your insurance benefits will not matter if you're not able to make it in time either you're in the province or any major city. Other than that. Very good advice Steve." P.S. I did file for (FMP) for reimbursement of my medical bills."
Salamat Steve…sorry to miss you in Manila when i was there on vacation in July…im not a vet…and plan to marry my fiancé in Duma next year…my concern also is for my asawa to have coverage as well…any info on spousal coverage…her Phil Health is not much as you know …much appreciated friend
Steve, Great video! You can never stop mentioning enough about the services and limitations of the VA clinic in Manilla. I see folks on other channels passing out bad info. Cheers!
Thanks for the very informative video. While watching more chill Philippines videos is cool, your videos get into the real stuff that is really useful to know.
Hello Steven, great video. I agree in that one must consider their health care and their health when deciding where to live. I would want to live close to a very good hospital. Take care of yourself and your family. Stay safe and healthy plus always remember to try and have fun.
I was at the pool of a hotel in Pasay, close to mall of Asia. The worker mopped around the pool with soapy water, turning the surface to a slippery mess. I slipped and hit the back of my head hard, big bump and bruise. Went to the ER for an MRI, it only cost like $150 haha, but they had guards to make sure you paid!
FMP only covers service related. You also should register with FMP before you depart the states. FMP will provide you a FMP Certificate that displays exactaly what service related injuries are covered.
Update: At least for me, FMP on Clark Base is direct billing for service connected disabilities...no up front out of pocket. Make sure FMP coordinator at medical center has your rating code sheet and has you on their system and you will be good to go.
Very Informative I always wondered of all the expats that move to the Philippines to retire how many actually stay, or do a high percentage eventually move back to the states
Definitely if you go to the clinic over there at the most are going to check your blood work and whatever scription you get just enough to keep your VA disability payments active
I do VA phone opt twice a yr from the Manila VA. Yr best advice all time was to get Pacific Cross. I had an annoying issue when signing up with my signature but that was minor. I got it because I ride a motorcycle/ scooter here in Cebu lol.. but thanks again for mentioning Pacific Cross. 👊🏼💯
I just came back from the Philippines and the biggest reason I went over there was to check in with the VA Clinic and to get my name in their system I am service connected and I knew that's what they would cover that's when they told me about the FMP I had planned on using Tricare anyway
For anyone that has bcbs federal insurance I have yet to find any hospitals that will accept it ( you have to file a claim I was reimbursed within 30 days) Im saying this because when you call the overseas bcbs they will give you list of preferred providers like they did me but that doesn't mean the same as in the US you still have to pay out of pocket first
The craziest thing I witnessed in the Philippines was at Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital. I saw a gurney wheeled out to the parking lot and a dead body (an old man) gently put into the back seat of a taxi. It was heartbreaking to see as a westerner. I have witnessed many heartbreaking situations in my 31 years of being here. It's a wonderful place with wonderful people but so very different from the western world.
I plan on getting Pacific cross and not even thinking about medicare. Your right the money I will save to put on a good Pacific cross covarage will do the job. No I do not on planning to go back to the US.
Steve, my VA Doctor here in the US said that if I have been treated for a medical condition, the VA Clinic in Manila will continue the care for as long as my Doctor here sends a care plan to Manila.
6K usd will buy you hospital stock in newbuilds - i bought in the new ACE hospital and get 50% off all treatment including doctors, inpatient and outpatient, free room, ICU best deal if your retired the balance i have enough to self finance - but this is the best option for over 60 !
Steve, thanks for your helpful summary on health care and medical insurance in the Philippines. I am living in the Philkippines in the Davao area with a 13A visa at 81-ywars old. What practical alternatives do I have to self-insurance? I'd like to cancel my Medicare, but getting ahold of SS in Manila to do so, even when I email SS, is worse than trying to talk with someone from Mars. If I cancel Medicare, I would put the money into my self-insurance emergency fund. I am all ears to hear from you. Jim
For us retired vets, paying for Medicare is necessary to keep Tricare. Since health insurance is a necessity while living here, the cost of Medicare (soon to be $164 USD a month) is cheaper than other insurance companies I've looked at for my age group. 62+
Great information thank you seems like I always learn a little something I appreciate what you do keep up to good work I wish you and your family a very happy New Year
Just got my baby out of the hospital , my wife was in the province with her and was not allowed to leave the hospital before she left. This is the norm for this country , sometimes you are required to put up a deposit up front.
I'm in a Medicare Advantage Plan, HMO in NYC. It has no covered locations outside of the Five Boroughs of NYC, lower Westchester & western Nassau County. I sometimes travel to Pittsburgh, my home town, an have only "emergency coverage" there. I often wonder what is the point of "national health insurance" that only covers in seven counties of NY State. I need to move right now. My son is encouraging me to move to Suffolk Long Island. (He & wife have property there.) My plan does not exist in Suffolk Long Island. I was watching a video of some expats in PH and they each said they got very sick with odd things in PH the first several years. I am guessing a person's immune system needs time to adjust to new conditions. Tropical PH has different health problems than Temperate NYC.
I wonder how long it takes to get Tricare reimbursement. it's been near 60 days and they are still processing my claim. If I needed the money waiting this long would be unacceptable for out of pocket expenses. Luckily the medical costs around $200 out of pocket which I could afford when I was staying there. If it takes two, three or more months to get reimbursed you better have savings you can tap into. The VA FMP will cover service-connected conditions and conditions associated with and held to be aggravating a service-connected condition but that is as clear as mud. For example I had Kidney cancer surgery that was covered by the VA here in the USA, but I'm not service connected for the Kidney, so I assume that if I was overseas, then VA FMP wouldn't cover it even though the VA covered it here in the USA, but it is unclear.
Health insurance videos in the Philippines always get my attention.. I will be turning 70 next year and what do you think a low end Pacific cross policy would cost me a year at 70 plus? Just a ballpark figure would be fine with me but I'm going to contact your guy as soon as I arrive because I will have travel insurance for as many months as I can get it when I arrive.. thanks for telling us things we really need to know👍👍👌🤗😎
Broken legs and arms after a wreck is hard. Sitting in a hospital and they let you be in agony because you can't pay would be hell. I heard one guy was on stretcher 3 days before people came to pay for him to be treated. Can you imagine the pain level if bone sticking out of your leg and knowone cares till you pay
I’m guessing that I pay in cash, get a receipt, and when I return to USA; then in USA , I’ll get refunded from my Tricare. I do a maximum of 3 months outside of USA. There are Veterans Service Offices (VSO) throughout the Philippines. I think San Vicente and Pablo Tubin Uribe in Medellin, Colombia are much better HOSPITALS than St Luke’s in BGC.
A very good and useful topic. I'm covered by TriCare. Is St. Luke easy to be admitted to? I know that it's in a very traffic congested part of Manila. Well, come to think of it, all of Manila is pretty hard to get around.
I've heard if your over 65 won't even talk to you if you have any health issue won't talk to you for insurance. Will I be able to get perception through VA
Spot on about VA. Even though VA website says: As a Veteran who lives in the Philippines, you are generally entitled to the same VA benefits as those living in the United States, This is totally bogus and should be taken down. If you have a VA disability rating, then you can apply for FMP, otherwise VA will NOT pay at all. If you do not have a rating, you totally PAY out of pocket because FMP will deny your application. Unless rated, you cannot even pickup a prescription, never mind them sending it to you, and, you cannot ship your prescriptions to the Philippines from USA . Readers, check your options 110% before moving here because your options here for VA Healthcare is EXTREMELY limited like Steve has advised. I would love to have someone prove me wrong or a way they have received care without a rating
Guys I’m 100 percent covered in USA as a veteran but I’m not a retired vet just covered by va do too infantry 4 years my question is can I get the same medication covered in the Philippines by va as in USA it’s a simple asthma medication ty
Anyone have a family member send their meds over in the mail or UPS/FedEx? VA mails me my meds for 90 days. Plan on staying 150 days. All my meds are available in Philippines and I can buy them and get reimbursed by my fehb plan.
If you have Blue Cross Blue shield Federal civilian health insurance. I was in Pattaya Thailand went to the hospital and they did have direct billing to Blue Cross Blue shield Federal civilian. I also called the Blue Cross Blue shield civilian health plan overseas number I was told the one hospital in Cebu and Manila they had direct billing with Blue Cross Blue shield Federal health
Hi Steve my husband and I enjoyed watching your channel. I have a questions do you have a website or phone number for Pacific Cross? Where do we start? We will be residing in Cebu in the near future.
So for this VA rated Illnesses, have you found issues with getting those meds that are needed. For example, I have diabetes so I need fast and long acting insulin..as well as a calcium channel blocker daily to maintain my health. I called the VA in Manila and they said they had those meds. I’m curious if you have encountered issues in continuously getting those meds. I also have Tricare I could use for non-service connected issues like my cholesterol meds. Thanks Steve.🎃
Steve, I am here in Manila. I am a 100% DAV. I called the Manila VA and cannot even been seen in the VA clinic till February 2023. I signed up for FMP 2 weeks ago; they will not even open my email until 30-45 days after receipt. I am not retired with Tricare. What do you suggest to fill the gap? Thanks
Did you say Medicare will cover you in the Philippines for 6 months? I know my Obama plan covers me for 2 months here, which is okay because I go back and forth.
Unfortunately for a normal non military person moving to Phili to retire just when you need it most you will completely loose your Medicare coverage that you payed for all your life and pretty much be at the mercy of the Phili medical system.
Why go thur all those problems just stay in the US and visit the Philippines, we all will get old and sick but to each his, I know it's all about the women.
I always carry a hack saw and portable emergency fire ladder in my back pack for easy escape from at least a 3 story hospital.
Steve, Thank you for sharing this helpful information. After a a two month visit to the P.I. earlier this year information on medical care is at the top of my to do list as I prepare to move to the Philippines later this year.
I've been going to the VA Clinic in Manila for 20+ years, and they have been furnishing me with prescription medicine for all my conditions, including diabetes insulin and other conditions that are not Service-Connected. I also have Medicare Advantage, and they have paid for 4 private hospital stays over the last 10 years. Yes, I have to pay the bill and send in the receipts for reimbursement, which has always been within 30 days.
In the US, Tricare For Life (The Over 65 version of Tricare) is secondary to medicare. In the Philippines it basically has the same benefits as Tricare Select. BUT, you DO still have to maintain Medicare Part B, to get Tricare For Life though. Tricare actually has a specific program for the Philippines. For out patient care, you HAVE to use a doctor on the list, and pay in advance, and Tricare will reimburse you. The BIGGEST plus to Tricare For Life is that it has a $3000 catastrophic cap for the year. For covered issues, once your out of pocket costs (Copays, prescribed meds, etc...) reaches $3000 for the calendar year, the reimbursement goes to 100%. You just have to be careful to only use medical facilities and doctors in the Philippine Tricare network. So, even if you have an expensive stay at a Tricare approved hospital, the most you will ever spend is $3000 in a calendar for things that are covered. The two main downsides are that outpatient care is paid by reimbursement, and Tricare doesn't cover dental or vision care.
Vets dont forget you also have VA Guam Outpatient Clinic, Guam Vet Center, US Naval Hospital Guam, plus regular hospitals in Guam. So if you need more serious care a US territory is closer than the mainland US. But make sure you check the VA site or call and find out for sure the level of service for the VA facilities.
Hi Steve, this was a very important video. Kris Hartman wrote the 1st point I was going to mention. 2nd was, I went to the VA Outpatient Clinic in Manila (its at the old US Embassy) to discuss what services I could receive there (I'm also 100% & retired from the Army) and found out there was very few services I could get that being only 1 medication and vaccines. So I knew that I was not going to consider the VA in my medical planning. I keep my part B Medicare were I could fly to Guam or HI nd be covered. Being retired maybe I could fly to Japan or Korea and get service at a military hospital. Paying out of pocket for a Dr. visit or labs in PH is not very expensive and most medications don't require a prescriptions in the PH. I do have Safety Wings nomad ins for emergencies, plus cash & credit cards if needed. I came back to the US to take care of things in 2019 with plans to return in Jan or Feb 2020. So now its time to return.
"...I hear a lot of things from people but then when I go look into it or I talk to people it's usually not true...". This applies to pretty much EVERYTHING spread on the internet these days. Thank you for actually researching this and putting out the straight scoop.
Personally, those benefits are great regarding healthcare in the Philippines. But nothing is better than having the option of calling (911) knowing that someone with medical expertise will respond and get you to a medical facility that is fully equipped in a timely manner without the worries of being stuck in traffic which many Philippine cities have to deal with., Guam (U.S.A.) is my choice for me being retired military and 100% service connected with Tricare for life along with Medicare. Your advice is spot on regarding medical care." I was just recently in Southern Leyte and became ill so where I had to travel almost 3 hours to be seen at a private hospital and paid upfront. So my advice to all ex-pats and retirees is to look at your health situation before you make that move to the Philippines due to the fact there are no emergency services regarding a major medical matter for which your insurance benefits will not matter if you're not able to make it in time either you're in the province or any major city. Other than that. Very good advice Steve." P.S. I did file for (FMP) for reimbursement of my medical bills."
Great video ! Thank you Steve for taking the time to spell things out.
Steve, great information, always needed, don't listen to the naysayers, continue on. Thanks for everything you do
Salamat Steve…sorry to miss you in Manila when i was there on vacation in July…im not a vet…and plan to marry my fiancé in Duma next year…my concern also is for my asawa to have coverage as well…any info on spousal coverage…her Phil Health is not much as you know …much appreciated friend
Steve, Great video! You can never stop mentioning enough about the services and limitations of the VA clinic in Manilla. I see folks on other channels passing out bad info. Cheers!
My medical plan is an airline ticket, but I also have money to get urgent and emergency care.
Thanks for the very informative video. While watching more chill Philippines videos is cool, your videos get into the real stuff that is really useful to know.
I had a heart valve replacement in Boulder Colorado in 2001 175,000 USD 😎
Hello Steven, great video. I agree in that one must consider their health care and their health when deciding where to live. I would want to live close to a very good hospital. Take care of yourself and your family. Stay safe and healthy plus always remember to try and have fun.
Thanks,the video cleared up a few things for me.
Glad it helped
Good discussion I really enjoy the advice / I am a military retiree living in Dumaguete
I was at the pool of a hotel in Pasay, close to mall of Asia. The worker mopped around the pool with soapy water, turning the surface to a slippery mess. I slipped and hit the back of my head hard, big bump and bruise. Went to the ER for an MRI, it only cost like $150 haha, but they had guards to make sure you paid!
FMP only covers service related. You also should register with FMP before you depart the states. FMP will provide you a FMP Certificate that displays exactaly what service related injuries are covered.
Update: At least for me, FMP on Clark Base is direct billing for service connected disabilities...no up front out of pocket. Make sure FMP coordinator at medical center has your rating code sheet and has you on their system and you will be good to go.
At The Medical City Clark you can talk to the people at International Patient Services and they have acess to TriCare information/verification.
Very Informative
I always wondered of all the expats that move to the Philippines to retire how many actually stay, or do a high percentage eventually move back to the states
Definitely if you go to the clinic over there at the most are going to check your blood work and whatever scription you get just enough to keep your VA disability payments active
Thanks again! VERY important info and VERY helpful 👍
I do VA phone opt twice a yr from the Manila VA. Yr best advice all time was to get Pacific Cross. I had an annoying issue when signing up with my signature but that was minor. I got it because I ride a motorcycle/ scooter here in Cebu lol.. but thanks again for mentioning Pacific Cross. 👊🏼💯
I just came back from the Philippines and the biggest reason I went over there was to check in with the VA Clinic and to get my name in their system I am service connected and I knew that's what they would cover that's when they told me about the FMP I had planned on using Tricare anyway
Thank you for the info. Much needed for all expats. especially veterans
Tricare select for retirees covers emergency admission in PI.
For anyone that has bcbs federal insurance I have yet to find any hospitals that will accept it ( you have to file a claim I was reimbursed within 30 days) Im saying this because when you call the overseas bcbs they will give you list of preferred providers like they did me but that doesn't mean the same as in the US you still have to pay out of pocket first
Thank you!
You are the one I always listen to. You got good information
Good video, even for a non-American, like me.
The craziest thing I witnessed in the Philippines was at Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital. I saw a gurney wheeled out to the parking lot and a dead body (an old man) gently put into the back seat of a taxi. It was heartbreaking to see as a westerner. I have witnessed many heartbreaking situations in my 31 years of being here. It's a wonderful place with wonderful people but so very different from the western world.
I plan on getting Pacific cross and not even thinking about medicare. Your right the money I will save to put on a good Pacific cross covarage will do the job. No I do not on planning to go back to the US.
Please feel free to send me a direct message on Facebook. My link is in the description. Thanks
I have to finally get insurance i have been rolling the dice. I am 75 , i will follow up and tell everyone what i find.
Steve, my VA Doctor here in the US said that if I have been treated for a medical condition, the VA Clinic in Manila will continue the care for as long as my Doctor here sends a care plan to Manila.
6K usd will buy you hospital stock in newbuilds - i bought in the new ACE hospital and get 50% off all treatment including doctors, inpatient and outpatient, free room, ICU best deal if your retired the balance i have enough to self finance - but this is the best option for over 60 !
I have Tricare Prime and just moved my VA to Manila so I should be good when I go home there in December.
this is a great topic
Thanks
Steve, thanks for your helpful summary on health care and medical insurance in the Philippines. I am living in the Philkippines in the Davao area with a 13A visa at 81-ywars old. What practical alternatives do I have to self-insurance? I'd like to cancel my Medicare, but getting ahold of SS in Manila to do so, even when I email SS, is worse than trying to talk with someone from Mars. If I cancel Medicare, I would put the money into my self-insurance emergency fund. I am all ears to hear from you. Jim
If you want to chat on the phone email me at steven5975@yahoo.com and ask for my phone number.
Very Informative.
For us retired vets, paying for Medicare is necessary to keep Tricare. Since health insurance is a necessity while living here, the cost of Medicare (soon to be $164 USD a month) is cheaper than other insurance companies I've looked at for my age group. 62+
Thanks Steve. I’m ready to buy insurance. The information available before I moved early this year was vague and incorrect.
facebook.com/monstad1
This is the Insurance guy: facebook.com/monstad1
Great information thank you seems like I always learn a little something I appreciate what you do keep up to good work I wish you and your family a very happy New Year
I appreciate that!
90% of preferred and certified Tri-care providers are within Luzon living most no coverage in the Philippines.
Just got my baby out of the hospital , my wife was in the province with her and was not allowed to leave the hospital before she left. This is the norm for this country , sometimes you are required to put up a deposit up front.
Thanks
I'm in a Medicare Advantage Plan, HMO in NYC. It has no covered locations outside of the Five Boroughs of NYC, lower Westchester & western Nassau County. I sometimes travel to Pittsburgh, my home town, an have only "emergency coverage" there. I often wonder what is the point of "national health insurance" that only covers in seven counties of NY State.
I need to move right now. My son is encouraging me to move to Suffolk Long Island. (He & wife have property there.) My plan does not exist in Suffolk Long Island.
I was watching a video of some expats in PH and they each said they got very sick with odd things in PH the first several years. I am guessing a person's immune system needs time to adjust to new conditions. Tropical PH has different health problems than Temperate NYC.
I wonder how long it takes to get Tricare reimbursement. it's been near 60 days and they are still processing my claim. If I needed the money waiting this long would be unacceptable for out of pocket expenses. Luckily the medical costs around $200 out of pocket which I could afford when I was staying there. If it takes two, three or more months to get reimbursed you better have savings you can tap into. The VA FMP will cover service-connected conditions and conditions associated with and held to be aggravating a service-connected condition but that is as clear as mud. For example I had Kidney cancer surgery that was covered by the VA here in the USA, but I'm not service connected for the Kidney, so I assume that if I was overseas, then VA FMP wouldn't cover it even though the VA covered it here in the USA, but it is unclear.
Health insurance videos in the Philippines always get my attention.. I will be turning 70 next year and what do you think a low end Pacific cross policy would cost me a year at 70 plus? Just a ballpark figure would be fine with me but I'm going to contact your guy as soon as I arrive because I will have travel insurance for as many months as I can get it when I arrive.. thanks for telling us things we really need to know👍👍👌🤗😎
A little over a $1000 dollars for a Semi Private room.
Thanks for sharing.
Can you do a video on FEHB. I’m paying for FEHB BCBS.
St Luke’s is the best in the Philippines.
Are there any medical plans available for 80 year old foreigners in reasonably good health?
Steve Tricare requires you to have Medicare Part A and B. That being said, if you have Tricare do you still recommend having Pacific Cross also?
Broken legs and arms after a wreck is hard. Sitting in a hospital and they let you be in agony because you can't pay would be hell. I heard one guy was on stretcher 3 days before people came to pay for him to be treated. Can you imagine the pain level if bone sticking out of your leg and knowone cares till you pay
I’m guessing that I pay in cash, get a receipt, and when I return to USA; then in USA , I’ll get refunded from my Tricare. I do a maximum of 3 months outside of USA. There are Veterans Service Offices (VSO) throughout the Philippines. I think San Vicente and Pablo Tubin Uribe in Medellin, Colombia are much better HOSPITALS than St Luke’s in BGC.
Tricare covers 75%
A very good and useful topic. I'm covered by TriCare. Is St. Luke easy to be admitted to? I know that it's in a very traffic congested part of Manila. Well, come to think of it, all of Manila is pretty hard to get around.
Very easy
I've heard if your over 65 won't even talk to you if you have any health issue won't talk to you for insurance. Will I be able to get perception through VA
I am tired from the Army. And I got TriCare should I get a supplement also? I am looking to move to ever Iloilo are Dumaguete.
The hospital in Davao City would not let me leave to go to hotel without giving up my passport I tried to leave and the armed guards stop me
Very Common but illegal
What's better to have over there in Ph fir the non-veteran whose married to a filipina and planning to retire there in future? Maxicare or Philhealth?
I just would like to get my meds from VA here but I find that to meet the criteria to get so if anyone has the clinic number for direct call
It’s online
Spot on about VA. Even though VA website says:
As a Veteran who lives in the Philippines, you are generally entitled to the same VA benefits as those living in the United States,
This is totally bogus and should be taken down.
If you have a VA disability rating, then you can apply for FMP, otherwise VA will NOT pay at all. If you do not have a rating, you totally PAY out of pocket because FMP will deny your application. Unless rated, you cannot even pickup a prescription, never mind them sending it to you, and, you cannot ship your prescriptions to the Philippines from USA .
Readers, check your options 110% before moving here because your options here for VA Healthcare is EXTREMELY limited like Steve has advised. I would love to have someone prove me wrong or a way they have received care without a rating
Guys I’m 100 percent covered in USA as a veteran but I’m not a retired vet just covered by va do too infantry 4 years my question is can I get the same medication covered in the Philippines by va as in USA it’s a simple asthma medication ty
Only if Service Connected
Great information! Are there more then one VA clinics in the Philippines? Also what do you know about Phil Health coverage for SRRV visas?
Philhealth is available to SRRV holders
Only one VA clinic
Anyone have a family member send their meds over in the mail or UPS/FedEx? VA mails me my meds for 90 days. Plan on staying 150 days. All my meds are available in Philippines and I can buy them and get reimbursed by my fehb plan.
If you have Blue Cross Blue shield Federal civilian health insurance. I was in Pattaya Thailand went to the hospital and they did have direct billing to Blue Cross Blue shield Federal civilian. I also called the Blue Cross Blue shield civilian health plan overseas number I was told the one hospital in Cebu and Manila they had direct billing with Blue Cross Blue shield Federal health
Hi Steve my husband and I enjoyed watching your channel. I have a questions do you have a website or phone number for Pacific Cross? Where do we start? We will be residing in Cebu in the near future.
facebook.com/monstad1
Contact Michael and tell him I sent you
So for this VA rated Illnesses, have you found issues with getting those meds that are needed. For example, I have diabetes so I need fast and long acting insulin..as well as a calcium channel blocker daily to maintain my health. I called the VA in Manila and they said they had those meds. I’m curious if you have encountered issues in continuously getting those meds. I also have Tricare I could use for non-service connected issues like my cholesterol meds. Thanks Steve.🎃
Painkillers only so far for me.
Painkillers only so far for me.
hi, i have a question. how long before pacific cross reimbursed you for your claims ? I'm thinking about signing up with them. thanks for your help.
With my plan they have a card you give the provider hospital that pays directly.
Can you get Meds from the VA Clinic?
Except pain killers
Steve, I am here in Manila. I am a 100% DAV. I called the Manila VA and cannot even been seen in the VA clinic till February 2023. I signed up for FMP 2 weeks ago; they will not even open my email until 30-45 days after receipt. I am not retired with Tricare. What do you suggest to fill the gap? Thanks
Pay out of pocket and submit later when on FMP to see if they accept it.
where do we inquire and apply for these plans???
In description
Did you say Medicare will cover you in the Philippines for 6 months? I know my Obama plan covers me for 2 months here, which is okay because I go back and forth.
Some plans will if traveling
may I KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE IN MANILA ? GOD BLESS
Trece Martires City
can i get coverage before i leave the states
You must be in the Philippines to apply.
Gotta apply here
Unfortunately for a normal non military person moving to Phili to retire just when you need it most you will completely loose your Medicare coverage that you payed for all your life and pretty much be at the mercy of the Phili medical system.
"FMP"=Foreign Medical Program.
I am 73 now. By the time I get to PH I will be 74 or 75. What sort of insurance is available for people my age? (Yes pre-existing conditions.)
Please feel free to send me a direct message on messenger. My link is in the description. Thanks
Why go thur all those problems just stay in the US and visit the Philippines, we all will get old and sick but to each his, I know it's all about the women.
It’s not all about the woman with most expats.
hey steve, I'm in the US.........could you tell me how to find a person's phone# or address on Luzon, Santa Ana/ Port Irene area?
No clue on that.
Stay away from safetywing Nomad insurance.
Can you clarify what 30k or 50k of private coverage costs? Appreciate all your help!
The insurance here is based on if you use the Ward or Semi Private or Private rooms. On the Select Pacific Cross plan
Please feel free to send me a direct message through Facebook. My link is in the description. Thanks