CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
A medical emergency, whether it’s a sudden illness or accident, can happen anytime and anywhere. Beyond the immediate concern for your health, the unexpected medical bills that follow can add to the stress, especially when you’re not financially prepared. An emergency prepaid health card can ease the financial burden by providing emergency coverage for medical expenses when you need it most.
In the Philippines, healthcare providers such as Medicare Plus, Maxicare, PhilCare, iCare, and MediCard offer different prepaid health cards to suit various healthcare needs and budgets. These include ER Guard and ER Guard Plus from Medicare Plus, LifeSavER from Maxicare, ER Vantage from PhilCare, and Health Plus and RxER by MediCard.
Most prepaid health cards require a one-time payment that provides you with certain medical benefits for a year upon card activation. Unlike traditional HMO, you don’t have to pay monthly fees if you get a prepaid health card, making it a more practical way to stay protected from unexpected medical expenses.
But with so many available options in the market, how do you choose the right one? If you’re looking for the best prepaid health card in the Philippines, here are some important factors worth comparing before you buy one.
There are different kinds of prepaid health cards. Some are designed specifically for emergency and outpatient services, while others include hospitalization. Other prepaid health cards provide access to certain healthcare services, such as diagnostic tests, consultations, and annual physical exams.
Medicare Plus offers two prepaid emergency health cards, namely ER Guard and ER Guard Plus. ER Guard is dedicated to outpatient emergency care, while ER Guard Plus is for emergency and inpatient care.
Other providers like Maxicare, PhilCare, iCare, and MediCard offer varying types of prepaid health cards including outpatient emergency care, inpatient care, accident, and preventive care.
What to consider: Determine what medical services are important to you. If you want coverage for sudden illness and emergency room visits, an emergency prepaid health card may be a practical option. If you want hospital confinement to be included, choose a health card that includes inpatient benefits. By reviewing the coverage details, you can select one that fits your healthcare priorities.
Prepaid emergency health cards come at different prices, depending on the benefits they offer. Most health cards in the Philippines cover emergency treatment up to a specific amount, while others include hospitalization or accident-related expenses.
While many buyers look for the cheapest option, it is important to consider whether the card provides the level of protection you need in case a medical emergency arises.
ER Guard by Medicare Plus requires a one-time payment of ₱970 and provides up to ₱20,000 in outpatient emergency care benefits. Meanwhile, ER Guard Plus costs a one-time payment of ₱3,315 and offers up to ₱50,000 in combined emergency care and inpatient benefits.
Other prepaid health cards in the Philippine market start at ₱599 and can cost as much as ₱13,950, with coverage limits ranging from ₱20,000 to ₱80,000.
What to consider: Compare the maximum benefit limit of prepaid emergency health cards against the potential cost of medical treatment.
Another important deciding factor in choosing what prepaid health card to buy is their inclusions and exclusions. Find out what’s covered to help you avoid surprises when it’s time to settle the medical bill.
A. Inclusions
ER Guard and ER Guard feature the same emergency care benefits, such as:
B. Exclusions
Most prepaid health cards do not cover emergency treatment for self-inflicted injuries and their complications. Injuries due to negligence, use of prohibited drugs, unauthorized use of regulated drugs, and alcohol consumption are also not covered by most leading prepaid health cards.
Additionally, injuries sustained while directly or indirectly engaging in a crime or deliberately exposing oneself to imminent danger, including any professional sport or hazardous activity, may not be covered. Maternity care and other conditions resulting from pregnancy are also excluded in most prepaid health cards.
You may visit the Medicare Plus website to see the complete list of inclusions and exclusions of ER Guard and ER Guard Plus.
What to consider: Always read the fine print to know what medical services are included and excluded in your health card. This information can help you be more prepared in case of an emergency.
Not all prepaid health cards can be used at the same hospitals or clinics. Certain medical treatments may be available at selected hospitals and clinics, while others allow emergency care treatment at a wider range of medical facilities.
ER Guard and ER Guard Plus are accepted in any emergency room of private hospitals in the Philippines. Call the Medical Concierge team first to assist you to the nearest emergency room.
What to consider: Check what hospitals accept the health card of your choice and whether your preferred hospital is included. Knowing where you can use your card can save valuable time and reduce confusion if an emergency occurs.
Aside from type of prepaid health card, price, coverage limits, benefits, and hospital accessibility, also weigh other factors that can affect your selection.
ER Guard and ER Guard Plus can be purchased at VidaCure Pharmacy, M Lhuillier branches nationwide, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. Eligible health cardholders range from 15 days to 60 years old. Both health cards are valid for one year from the date of activation and not transferable once activated. ER Guard and ER Guard Plus are one-time use per card.
What to consider: Check the health card’s ease of purchase, age eligibility, validity period, activation process, and customer support. Being familiar with these details ahead of time can help you access the benefits when you need them most.
Before buying a prepaid health card, compare the card’s price, coverage limit, inclusions and exclusions, hospital accessibility, and other important details such as age eligibility, validity period, customer support, and activation process. These factors can help you make a more informed decision.
If you’re looking for emergency healthcare protection, Medicare Plus offers two options: ER Guard, priced at ₱970, provides up to ₱20,000 in outpatient emergency care benefits, while ER Guard Plus, priced at ₱3,315, offers up to ₱50,000 in combined emergency care and inpatient benefits. Compare their coverage and features to determine which option best suits your needs and budget.
1. What is a prepaid health card?
A prepaid health card is a healthcare product that covers specific medical expenses, such as emergency outpatient care or emergency and inpatient care. Prepaid health cards have varying coverage limits and benefits.
2. How do I choose the best prepaid health card in the Philippines?
Compare the card’s price, coverage limit, benefits, included and excluded services, hospital access, age eligibility, validity period, and activation requirements. Choose one that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need.
3. How much does a prepaid emergency health card cost in the Philippines?
Prices vary by provider, product, and benefits. Prepaid health cards in the Philippines range from ₱599 to ₱13,950. For Medicare Plus, ER Guard costs ₱970, while ER Guard Plus costs ₱3,315.
4. What is the difference between ER Guard and ER Guard Plus?
ER Guard by Medicare Plus provides up to ₱20,000 in outpatient emergency care benefits. ER Guard Plus offers up to ₱50,000 in combined emergency care and inpatient benefits.
5. Can I use a prepaid emergency health card at any hospital?
Hospital access depends on the specific card’s terms and conditions. ER Guard and ER Guard Plus are accepted at private hospital emergency rooms in the Philippines, subject to applicable coverage limits.
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