While working as a freelancer affords many the advantage of having better control over his or her time, we also have our fair share of limitations due to the nature of employment. Things like company cars, paid leaves, and health coverage in the Philippines are definitely non-existent in our field, though it is up to us to find our own solutions so that we can enjoy these if and when needed. Health coverage in the Philippines is particularly important, especially if you’ve got mouths to feed. Pag nagkasakit o kailangan magpa-ospital, paano na?

Sadly, applying as an individual for health coverage in the Philippines can be overly expensive if it’s outside traditional employment. But because I don’t want to risk not having some sort of protection in the event that I or anyone in my family requires medical intervention, I did the legwork to find the best possible coverage for my setup as a WAHM.

My search led me to two products from PhilCare: The ER Vantage Plus and the Health Vantage. You might be wondering why I decided to zero in on PhilCare, sa dinami-dami ng health coverage providers dito. I’ve had people vouch for the dependability and quality of service of PhilCare and I’ve seen how it has truly lived up to its name when certain relatives had to undergo hospitalization and seek medical consultations and treatments. So now, on to the goods!

PhilCare ER Vantage Plus

·       One-time use emergency health voucher (for both admission and outpatient care)

·      Comes in three variants: ER Vantage Plus 40 (Ward), ER Vantage Plus 60 (Semi-Private), and ER Vantage Plus 80 (Regular Private)

·       Covers room and board, procedures (diagnostic and therapeutic) up to plan aggregate limit

·       Includes a P5,000 inner limit for special modalities of treatment

·       Price starts at P1,050 to P4,950 per voucher

Health Vantage

·       Multiple frequency availment

·       Comes in three variants: Health Vantage Plus 40 (Ward), Health Vantage Plus 60 (Semi-Private), and Health Vantage Plus 80 (Regular Private)

·       Covers room and board, procedures (diagnostic and therapeutic) up to plan aggregate limit

·       Includes a P5,000 inner limit for special modalities of treatment

·       Price starts at P3750 to P13,950 per card

Which is the Better Option?

Both of these products include more or less the same kinds of covered and non-covered conditions, which you can easily check out by hopping on over to the PhilCare website. They’re also transferable, meaning for as long as you haven’t registered a voucher or a card in your name then another person can use it. At the prices that these prepaid vouchers and cards are being offered, sobrang sulit talaga.

Basically, it’s really up to you to decide which type of coverage will fit your life. If your health is in tiptop shape and would just like a backup plan in the event of an unforeseen medical treatment, the ER Vantage Plus is a great option that you can register on a yearly basis – or even right after you use the first one, even if it’s in within the same year. On the other hand, if you would like the option of having coverage that you can use for checkups or confinement several times a year, the Health Vantage’s option of maxing up the aggregate limit can be better value for your money. As a mom, I’m personally eyeing the Health Vantage option which will come in very useful for my kids’ checkups and any other medical concern that can befall them.

Either way, I think both products offer very good value for money especially for those living the SAHM and freelance life. It feels good to know that one can avail of health coverage even when not employed in a traditional manner without it costing an arm and a leg. At these prices, I can even afford to get health coverage not just for myself but also for all members of the family. While the best outcome really is to not be able to use these cards (because of good health and fitness!), it is great to have them on hand just in case!