ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 21, 2012) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) said it plans to install a system that will allow Filipinos working abroad to receive immediate financial relief in the event they become ill and seek hospitalization in their host countries.
The new system, which is expected to begin next year, would cover those who are members of the Philhealth and they can easily file their claims on the Internet so they may obtain quick reimbursement of hospital bills incurred abroad.
“We want covered OFWs to receive immediate financial relief in the event they become ill and seek hospitalization in their host countries. Our plan is to install by next year a system that will allow Overseas Filipino workers to simply submit online their individual claims for repayment,” Dr. Eduardo Banzon, Philhealth president and chief executive officer, said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
He also said Philhealth is considering the possibility of contracting primary care physicians abroad to attend to Filipino workers abroad. “We hope to start doing this in selected foreign cities with large concentrations of OFWs,” Banzon said.
At present, covered OFWs hospitalized abroad may file claims for reimbursement only by submitting hard copies of the necessary paperwork inside six months to the Philhealth office nearest their Philippine residence.
The papers to be submitted are Philhealth Claim Form 1; a photocopy of the claimant’s latest Member Data Record, or contribution payment receipt; a medical certificate with complete diagnosis, period of confinement and services rendered; and a hospital statement of account and/or official receipts with itemized charges and other supporting documents in English.
Banzaon said Philippine-based dependents of overseas works may readily avail of benefits via accredited local hospitals and outpatient service providers.
Philhealth helps pay for the room and board, medicines, laboratory exams, as well as operating room and professional fees for every hospital confinement of not less than 24 hours of Filipino worker’s spouse and other dependents.
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