Hi John,
We’ve checked in with Roland Dalton an expat in Southeast Asia, Norm Bour a full-time travel journalist and nomad, and Keith Hockton who is IL's Asia Correspondent, to get answers to your question.
Here is what Roland had to say: The health care in all of the Philippines is divided in two, in the urban areas it is far superior, with some excellent western style hospital/ medical facilities, many doctors having studies in the States and Australia. It is also reasonably inexpensive compared to North American costings.
In the rural areas it is sub standard, the local populace cannot afford the medical fees, also in the rural areas in the south, malaria is still prevalent as is rabies. These ailments are very rarely found in the built up areas.
Basically if you’re going to get sick, do it in a built up area!!
From Davao, Darwin, Australia is only a few hours flight away. Aussie has many reciprocal health agreements with many other countries.
Here is Norm's response: John, the question of “health care” is one of the most common that we run into. As older (70/71) US residents who have been on the road since 2019, we have encountered a few “challenges,” including a few emergency room visits.
When it comes to health care in a certain COUNTRY, it depends on your status with the government of that country. This information is NOT legal information, but is based on research on the Philippines and many other similar situations.
If you are a “citizen,” with the full rights and privileges, you would be entitled to the same as everyone else, which would probably include public services (usually free or cheap, but may be busier in hospitals), but you can also get private insurance as well. We encountered that in Mexico, Turkei, and many other countries. Presumable you will be/ or have been entitled to live in the Philippines due to your marriage (exclusive of visa limitations), but I cannot tell you if that makes you a “resident” or some other category. Some countries grant spouses the full rights and privileges, others do not. The pool and the gym you speak of might not come into the picture at all, but if you need emergency services or medical treatment, the country has well trained physicians, though their actual facilities may not be as good as other countries. Davao is a large city, so their services would probably be up to par with Manilla and other large towns.”
Here is Keith's response: There are some very good clinics in Manila, but they are not cheap and they cater to a well heeled crowd. Outside that area not so much - three people that I spoke to there said that for something serious they would fly to Kuching, in Sarawak or directly to Penang or KL, in Malaysia. There are direct flights from Manila.
