A lot of Filipinos are embracing remote working opportunities to build their careers at home (or from anywhere).
Most can enjoy more time with their family or pursue their passion projects.
You can even save more money because of unexpected cost reductions from a remote working setup.
However, despite the health benefits of working remotely, remote workers can still fall ill. For most, this can be a major expense.
That’s why you should have an HMO to protect your savings.
What is an HMO?
HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization, where you pay a yearly premium for medical coverage.
If you get sick, the HMO will pay for the medical expenses as long as it’s covered in your policy.
You can check this HMO guide before choosing one.
Most big companies provide HMO benefits to their employees. Unfortunately, most remote workers and freelancers don’t enjoy this perk.
Why Do You Need an HMO?
So, do you need an HMO when you already have an emergency fund? Well, the cost of medical emergencies can vary.
A minor injury can set you back by a couple of thousand pesos or so. However, most Filipinos don’t have millions stashed in case of major medical emergencies.
Even if you do, do you want to spend years of savings on your hospital bills?
So, an HMO can come in handy to protect your finances.
So if you’re looking to avail one, here are 4 HMOs you can consider as Filipino remote workers or freelancers.
MediCard
For as low as Php 500, Medicard can take care of your consultation needs for free or at discounted prices.
Medicard also offers HMO packages that cover in-patient services, outpatient care, and diagnostics.
Although, you can only avail of these services at accredited Medicard Physicians.
Maxicare
Another option is a comprehensive HMO from Maxicare. Depending on the plan, it covers in-patient and outpatient care, diagnostics, and emergency coverage.
If you want something more budget-friendly, Maxicare also has prepaid HMOs that are readily available in online stores. It covers diagnostics and emergency coverage.
However, these prepaid HMOs can only be used once, but you can use multiple prepaid plans a year.
Also, you can only avail of these services at Maxicare-affiliated establishments and physicians.
Pacific Cross Select
If you want to choose your own doctors and hospital, Pacific Cross Select is perfect for you.
Depending on the plan, Pacific Cross can reimburse around 80% of your medical expenses from all hospitals and doctors in the Philippines.
You do need to settle your hospital bill so that they’ll reimburse you. However, this won’t be necessary if you go to an accredited hospital.
It also comes with travel insurance — perfect for digital nomads.
Philhealth
Philhealth is also a great addition to your health coverage. It offers benefits such as in-patient and outpatient care, as well as Z benefits.
Note that the contribution for 2024 has increased to 5% of your declared salary. Regardless of the amount of your contribution, all members get the same benefits.
As a remote worker, investing in health coverage protects your finances while you establish your online career.
If you’re looking for remote working opportunities, you can sign up with Remote Staff for the best online jobs for Filipinos.
Plus, you also get Philhealth benefits as well as SSS and PAG-IBIG coverage from our clients — even if it’s not required.
Register today!
