ER Guard vs ER Guard Plus: Which Is Right for You?

Emergencies can strike when you least expect them. A bad fall, deep cut, severe burn, vehicular accident, or sudden chest pain can happen in an instant, sending you to the emergency room and leaving you with unexpected medical expenses.

If an emergency occurs, having a plan for unexpected medical costs can give you one less thing to worry about.

ER Guard and ER Guard Plus, prepaid emergency health cards Philippines by Medicare Plus, offer an affordable way to prepare for emergency medical expenses.

So, which one is right for you? Understanding the differences can help you choose a prepaid health card that matches your needs and budget.

ER Guard: Emergency Protection When You Need It Most

With ER Guard, you’re covered nationwide, giving you peace of mind wherever life takes you. If an emergency happens, you won’t have to hesitate about going to a private hospital wherever you may be. With a one-time payment of ₱970, you get one year of outpatient emergency coverage of up to ₱20,000. Unlike other health plans, you don’t have to worry about paying monthly or miscellaneous fees, making it a simple and practical way to prepare for emergency medical expenses.

Outpatient Care Benefits

Doctor services and emergency room charges
Medical supplies needed for emergency treatment, such as dressings, sutures, plaster casts, and similar items
Medications administered or needed for immediate treatment and relief
Laboratory and diagnostic tests directly related to the emergency
Oxygen, IV, and blood products
1st treatment for animal bites within the first 24 hours from the time of the bite, subject to the Annual Benefit Limit (ABL), including the first dose of vaccine, passive or active, with vaccine costs covered up to ₱2,500

ER Guard Plus: More Coverage If Hospitalization Is Needed

With ER Guard Plus, you get the same emergency outpatient benefits as ER Guard and more! If your condition requires hospitalization for closer monitoring, treatment, or recovery, ER Guard Plus provides additional financial support for your inpatient care. For a one-time payment of ₱3,315, you can get coverage of up to ₱50,000 in medical expenses, giving you added protection if an emergency requires more than a trip to the ER.

Outpatient Care (Same benefits as ER Guard)

Inpatient Care (Applicable to ER Guard Plus only)

Room (ward) and board charges, including the use of the ICU, operating room, recovery room, and isolation rooms when required
Professional fees
Regular nursing services
Diagnostic tests and procedures
Routine medical procedures
Medications during hospital stay or confinement
Blood product transfusions
Oxygen, including its administration
Anesthesia, including its administration

Other Important Details You Should Know

Eligibility

Cardholders must be fifteen (15) days to sixty (60) years old.

Validity and Usage

The card is effective five (5) calendar days after activation.
The card is valid for one (1) year from the date the card is activated.
The card can be used once only for a covered emergency.
You may purchase and use multiple cards, but only one (1) card may be used per emergency.

Card Transfer

The ER Guard is not transferable once activated.

Terms and Conditions

After the emergency and in-patient services have been administered, the ER
Guard or ER Guard Plus card shall no longer be valid.
No card, no availment.

Already Have a Health Condition?

ER Guard and ER Guard Plus prepaid health cards provide 100% coverage for eligible emergency treatment arising from a pre-existing condition (PEC).
This benefit offers additional financial support when an existing health condition requires emergency care.

Exclusions and Limitations

Please visit the Medicare Plus website to see the complete list of limitations and exclusions.

Bottomline

Emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. If you don’t have a traditional HMO, you can still stay protected by getting a prepaid health card like ER Guard or ER Guard Plus. Both prepaid health cards can protect you from out-of-pocket expenses brought about by sudden illnesses or emergencies.

ER Guard provides up to ₱20,000 in outpatient emergency coverage, while ER Guard Plus boosts your protection up to ₱50,000 for both outpatient and inpatient care. Understanding what each card covers can help you determine which card best fits your health needs and budget.

Emergencies may be unpredictable, but you have the ability not to get caught off guard. Whichever prepaid health card you choose, it’s reassuring to have something to rely on if an emergency comes your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use my ER Guard or ER Guard Plus for a medical check-up?
No. ER Guard and ER Guard Plus can only be used for emergency cases.

2. Which hospitals accept ER Guard and ER Guard Plus?
ER Guard and ER Guard Plus can be used in all private hospitals in the Philippines.

3. Are pre-existing conditions covered by ER Guard and ER Guard Plus?
Yes, ER Guard and ER Guard Plus provide 100% coverage for eligible emergency treatment arising from a pre-existing condition (PEC).

4. Is the ₱20,000 coverage under ER Guard consumable?
ER Guard can only be used once. You may avail of coverage of up to ₱20,000 for that emergency. Any unused portion of the ₱20,000 coverage cannot be used for another emergency.

5. My wife is pregnant. Can I use ER Guard Plus for her maternity hospitalization?
No. Pregnancy is not covered by ER Guard or ER Guard Plus.

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