Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can now ensure better health for their families and enjoy a worry-free stay abroad once they become a member of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., an official of the agency said yesterday.
PhilHealth executive officer Eduardo Banzon said at a cost of only P7.50 a day, OFWs can be shielded against unforeseen hospital and other medical expenses for the whole household.
“It would be prudent for them to invest a fairly small amount for the healthcare of their families here, especially their spouses who in most cases are the ones left behind to look after the household,” Banzon said.
He said wives of OFWs can avail themselves of P8,000 for every normal spontaneous delivery (or a total of P32,000 for up to four deliveries) in an accredited lying-in clinic or level 1 hospital.
He said the amount covers prenatal care expenses, clinic/hospital charges, and the professional fee of the attending physician or midwife.
“Our additional P1,750 newborn care benefit also ensures the infant’s screening for potentially harmful or fatal disorders that aren’t apparent at birth, eye prophylaxis, vitamin K administration, weighing, BCG vaccination, initial dose of hepatitis B immunization, and hearing test,” Banzon said.
According to Banzon, PhilHealth pays P6,500 for every normal spontaneous delivery (or a total of P26,000 for up to four deliveries) in levels 2 to 4 hospitals, also inclusive of prenatal care and professional fee.
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