BROKE WITHOUT MEDICAL INSURANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES. A CAUTIONARY TALE PART 2
Вставка
- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- The very sad story of my old mate Steve, a fellow British expat who made the huge mistake of not having medical cover in the Philippines. A good man, who met a sad end that he didn't deserve.
I got bust up last year in a traffic incident. It was not my fault as I got hit by a drunk trike driver, taken out from behind! while simply walking down the street - broken leg,and various stitching, etc., was required to sort me out. I had to pay the hospital fees up front, about two thousand quid, but I had insurance so I got repaid by AIA within 3/4 months. No hassle with the insurance company, AIA. My entire family has comprehensive insurance. It costs us around USD 1000 a year for the whole family and it's worth it since in 3 years there's only been one claim. Don't come here if you are unprepared. Don't come here without savings or an income. It's quite simple.
Very wise words mate 👍
Excellent advice about the health insurance. Be aware that some companies will not pay if you're riding a motorcycle and not complying with the Filipino laws about having the correct driver's licence, wearing a helmet , wearing closed shoes and complying with the blood alcohol limit. So many aussies come unstuck in Bali by not knowing the detail of their accident cover. I laughed at Siquijor being a party island. I haven't been their lately but have visited 5 or 6 times
over the past 40 years and it has always been dead at night. We will give it another go. We're also based in Sibulan when we're in the Phils. Might see you around. Cheers.
Wise words mate, you're so right about the small print. See you when you're over here 👍
Wow that is so terrible I can never understand it they have money for the bars and stuff but not insurance CRAZY Great video mate
Thanks Simon mate 👍
What's up brother??, just caught this video about insurance... Sorry for the acquaintance friend that you lost.. it's always hard.. I've been called stupid I don't know what I'm talking about when I told people you have to have some kind of insurance when you travel and if you're going to go to another country you should have at least $150 out of pocket for insurance so you can put that behind you and relax and enjoy your trip a lot of people don't listen and unfortunately they have the same thing happened to them... Very 😢.. if I couldn't afford one or two hundred bucks for good insurance when I travel abroad.. I should keep my butt home.. all right we always watch your videos from time to time.. enjoy your time!!
Very well said.
Cheers
Glenn
Thanks Glenn 👍
Heartbreaking story mate. But one that we need to hear. Thanks for sharing
Thanks mate 👍
A harrowing story. Sounds like my worst nightmare! At least he only suffered terribly for a few months, not years.
You have an honest channel and I appreciate that. There is so much nonsense on UA-cam about the wonders of expat living.
Thank you mate 👍. That's what I'm trying to do. When I started the channel my aim was to be honest and accurate about every day Expat life in Asia. Hopefully, that's what I'm doing.
That's a tragic story Simon & I feel for you going through that & re-visiting it for this vlog.
It's so sad that your friend passed away & in the way he did.
Unfortunately it's not only medical insurance many expats don't have, or the money to self insure...many don't have any funds whatsoever other than their just get by monthly pension or low income from some online work.
I don't blame anyone wanting to leave the UK especially & going to ventures new, but to do so without much thought, planning & enough funding, including insurance, is the wrong way to go about it.
I've heard stories directly from those who've suffered hugely due to this, it's heartbreaking for those who in most cases are left to beg from others to survive or go back to their home country, completely broke mentally & of course financially.
Thanks mate, it's a sad story and sadly not an uncommon one. I agree with you entirely
I think another cautionary point that got overlooked was his family turned their back on him, it seems expats essentially burn their bridges with their family, I remember when you were speaking to Paul the Filipino blogger, he has no relationship with his adult children, I think perhaps that issue should be addressed, perhaps your friend would not have suffered so much in the end if his family could have provided something.
@@mcluvin65 You make a very good point there 👍
@@mcluvin65
Yes great point made.
It's unfortunately a common issue with many expats, though for a good number, their bridges were burnt before moving overseas. Then there's those who typically want out of their own country because of having no family or friends.
Many expats are loners in their home country, not having a family around them for many years.
I'd like to know the ratios of each category, it would be interesting to know.
@@mcluvin65
You mentioned Paul in the Philippines & there's also many other American UA-camrs that have mentioned they aren't in touch with their families back home.
It's definitely a common trait.
Retired Navy (with a decent pension) I have full / free insurance in the US, but not really overseas UNLESS life or death and they pay to get you back, so to be honest, I've only had AXA travel insurance once during COVID because it was a travel requirement. I won't hazard to guess, but I think your friend was (in a way, circumstantially) a victim of the pandemic.. because many many people in 3rd world countries couldn't get help during the lock down period. I won't comment of the quality of care his wife was able to give.. but a basic alcohol wipe would get rid of "Some" infections .. and to hear the word maggot infested.. well, that's totally preventable isn't it?
At 57 I look and feel much younger.. and I accept the health risks of living overseas.. and frankly.. we all pass away sometime. But for those who smoke, drink heavily and carry an extra 20 or 30 kilograms.. they're making their choices aren't they?
* Hope you find a HAPPIER topic next time. haha.. but important that guys get a grip on their finances before making the leap to the Philippines.
Yes mate, you're dead right, a happier topic next time. I feel like I've depressed the whole channel. Nothing but positivity going forward skipper 👍
I think his problem is not having enough money save.
True that 👍
UK citizens can get upto 6months worldwide comprehensive travel insurance per year & at a very reasonable cost.
It's a fantastic way to be insured for those living overseas part of the year, up to 6months.
All it takes is shopping around alittle to get such cover.
I know mate, I've got a 12 month policy for £533. If you can't afford that you really need to think, can you afford to move abroad or travel longer term. I would suggest the correct answer is no.
@@SpeakingofAsia
So many people move to Asia from the west, many of them without adequate income/savings.
It boggles my mind how they think they're going to survive & when the inevitable happens, it must be hell for them.
But it's always on the cards if the funds aren't there.
@@keepitreal1547 Yep
Sad story Simon and people should take on board but at my age almost impossible to get but always have funds available should things go tits up
Take care Jim
It is a sad story mate and I felt the need to tell it but I half wish I hadn't now. Better to concentrate on the positives of life. Onwards and upwards mate. Take care Jim
General santos city? Possibly where Steve was…?
Could well have been Glenn, it certainly rings a bell. 👍
Just a general comment , almost 21,000 views and over 450 subscribers, from 28 videos, if I haven’t miscounted….you’re doing great Simon ……
Keep it up
Cheers
Glenn
I know mate, I'm really surprised how fast the channel is growing. Thanks so much for your support Glenn, I really appreciate it mate 👍
This is an excellent cautionary note for those who are considering living in other country after retirement. In Canada at least, once one reaches the age of 70 , his/her health insurance would no longer provide coverage for his/her stay abroad. Many continue to assume that the Canadian Health Insurance would continue to until his/her death - that is not true. It is a fact that that this would become a very expensive proposition for us retirees.
Interesting 🤔 Thanks for the info 👍
I met a girl in Davao City who said she had lived with an older foreigner boyfriend before and had to watch him die because he had an infected wound and didn't have $20 to go to the doctor and get some antibiotics.
Wow, I doubt it was Steve, he was married and they weren't living in Davao. But who knows, it's a crazy world and a small one at times, maybe it was my old mate Steve 😥
Just found your channel. Subbed, but see if you can find a quieter place. Sounds like you are on a highway
Hi John, you 100% right on the sound mate. I didn't realise how loud the background noise was until I played the videos back. I made 3 more videos that day but I had to bin them all because the sound was so bad 😐 Thanks for your sub, welcome to the channel 👍
Im 75 with full coverage health insurance in the US from the government but nothing here. I bought a policy with Pacific Cross. It's pricey, $3500/yr. Thanks for sharing Simon. My wife and I will remember Steve in our prayers.
Thanks mate, I really appreciate that 👍
There is no such thing as full coverage in the USA 🇺🇸 we don’t have universal healthcare system.
@@neilyounan3241 if you work for the Federal (many states) government they cover your health insurance for life.
i have full coverage, but i worked for a good company. I am retired and get high tier insurance for life, i had 2 surgeries for around 750k. I only paid around 1k out of pocket,,,hahaha,@@neilyounan3241
Amazing so many people say “ I self insure” just pay the £400-£500 for the year for the insurance company and have access to cash/credit cards.
And have someone you trust to be able to open your phone or banking app if possible.
It would kill me to be a burden on my family in the UK.
Be smart! Get full coverage travel insurance.
I think the probem is that the older you get the insurance prices rocket. Mine at 51 years old is £533 for the year. I could of got cheaper, I had some quotes as low as £280 but I wanted a decent policy. I'm sure when I hit 60 plus the prices will be several times more than that but whatever the cost is, you've just got to pay it or return to your home country IMHO. Medical cover isn't a luxury, it's an essential.
You need a mic your videos are low audio 🔉
💯 I'm working on it mate 👍
I caught every word. Maybe he needs a hearing aid. Love complainers.@@SpeakingofAsia
By any chance do you know Steve Hickmott, and old Chelsea supporter. He was a part owner (Many years ago) of a bar in Pattaya called The Dogs Bollocks?
I know of him mate, don't know him socially though. I’m old school West Ham mate, me and him would not get on. 😂😂😂
That is brutal.
Yes mate, a terrible way to go
Could barely understand much at all. Seemed like you were jumping around to many subjects and the mic so unclear. Have to speak slower too!
Stop fooling yourselves believing you can live anywhere and start a family on social security alone.
Very difficult to understand you....
You're not the first to say that and I'm pretty sure that you won't be the last.
Philippines is heaven on earth for rich Filipinos only Foreigners in PH can't even own small portions of lands & have very limited rights