Getting sick and being hospitalized abroad is a frightening scenario as aside from being away from loved ones that may offer emotional support, one may also have to worry about the cost of hospitalization overseas.

For this reason, the plan of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) to install a system that would make it possible for Filipinos abroad to file claims for hospitals bills online would benefit many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
 

According to the announcement from Philhealth, they are planning to implement this system by 2013.

The president and CEO of Philhealth, Dr. Eduardo Banzon said, “We want covered OFWs to receive immediate financial relief in the event they become ill and seek hospitalization in their host countries.”

Banzon added, “Our plan is to install by next year a system that will allow OFWs to simply submit online their individual claims for repayment.”

The Philhealth president also expressed their intention to send primary care doctors in selected cities abroad where there are a large number of OFWs.

As of this writing, OFWs who are Philhealth members can apply for the reimbursement of their hospital bill within six months after confinement. They also need to submit the following documents:

• Philhealth claim Form 1
• Photocopy of the claimant’s latest Member Data Record, or contribution payment receipt, and
• Hospital statement of account and/or official receipts with itemized charges and other supporting documents in English

Philhealth members, provided their case is not under investigation can expect the reimbursement within 60 working days. Those who are confined for less than 24 hours are not entitled for reimbursement.