Dumaguete Info Search


Over Age 70

Discussion in 'Expat Section' started by Third_Times_A_Charm, Oct 19, 2020.

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  1. SkipJack

    SkipJack DI Senior Member

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    I don't know.
    @garbonzo is from Australia so he can get back home pretty quickly.

    I am sure he could get an air ambulance for less than P4 million.

    On the other hand it does not make sense for the moderator to do the substantial work of getting prices for every type of surgery.

    @garbonzo should assume that the level of medical care he is accustomed to "very radical surgery to find the leak" is not available in rural parts of the Philippines.
     
    SkipJack, Oct 21, 2020
    #11
  2. Rye83

    Rye83 with pastrami Admin Secured Account Highly Rated Poster SC Connoisseur Veteran Army

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    You still need treatment once you land. If American, like myself, you are better off going somewhere like Thailand for treatment. If you are from a country that at least pretends to care about its citizens and offers universal healthcare then I suppose you could get away with less.

    The question seemed to be about what should be saved up for treatment within the region. If you plan on being treatment locally you had better have a good chunk of change saved up. I certainly will never donate cash to an expat's medical bills again and I suspect I am not alone on this. If you want to live overseas you shouldn't be a burden to anyone except those that chose to be with you and you shouldn't be asking for handouts. P4 million is a reasonable amount of money to have saved up for medical expenses if you wish to stay local/regional and have a chance at living a long life.
     
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    Rye83, Oct 21, 2020
    #12
  3. Notmyrealname

    Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    Was this an aortic aneurysm? If so, I know from my work in a blood transfusion unit that if very serious it can require more blood than the body holds (the body holds about 8 pints) - perhaps 20 to 40 pints might be required for transfusion. In the Philippines I doubt you could get hold of more than 6 pints without a huge search around.

    I had a scan a few years ago in London as part of the NHS health check for potential problems - I was informed there was no sign of weakness in my aorta, but who knows what happens in the future.

    If anyone has a medical condition which might require major blood transfusions, then best not to come here. It is like getting blood out of a stone.
     
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    Notmyrealname, Oct 22, 2020
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  4. SkipJack

    SkipJack DI Senior Member

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    I agree that one should not become a burden on others. Particularly outside their home country.

    My point is that if you are expecting advanced health care in the order of P4 million you should probably look elsewhere because that level of advanced care is not easily found here.

    Anyone from a first world country with P4 million extra should consider maintaining quality health coverage in their home country. There is insurance available for air ambulance services. Get stabilized here and then get back home for the rest.

    On the other hand most expats here do not have P4 million in cash lying around so this aspect of the conversation is moot.
     
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    SkipJack, Oct 22, 2020
    #14
  5. Philpots

    Philpots DI Senior Member Restricted Account

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    Yes I think I tend to agree with that. Whilst its important to have enough to cater for your everyday needs make sure you enroll in Philhealth to cover just in case, and have a bit in reserve. That could buy you enough time to receive some treatment then fly back home and have what ever it is looked after properly if that is required. Of course there is always that dire emergency in which case you are at the mercy of the treatment here but generally, I have found it to be ok and I think most other ex pats have. Not perfect, but this is a third world country and certain risks do prevail. If you do not want to take that chance then stay where you are That my friend is the best practical advice I think you will receive.
     
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    Philpots, Oct 22, 2020
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  6. Rye83

    Rye83 with pastrami Admin Secured Account Highly Rated Poster SC Connoisseur Veteran Army

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    What? Who said to have that much cash "laying around"? That's a ridiculous suggestion that I never made.
     
    Rye83, Oct 22, 2020
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  7. Notmyrealname

    Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    We all seem to be accused of making "ridiculous" suggestions at times. :wink:
     
    Notmyrealname, Oct 23, 2020
    #17
  8. cabb

    cabb DI Forum Patron Highly Rated Poster ✤Forum Sponsor✤

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    I'm guessing the problem here is with "saved up" and "laying around" being synonymous. Essentially, I think in either case both of you two are meaning the same thing and that is easily accessible funds to use for medical needs. Can you add some color to what you mean by "saved up"? Having $80,000 USD does seem like a large sum and it seems like many expats move to places where their money goes farther because they don't have a lot of it. Are many expats living hand to mouth? Medical insurance whether an expat or an early retiree has always been a major consideration for me.
     
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    cabb, Oct 23, 2020
    #18
  9. NowandThen

    NowandThen DI Forum Adept Restricted Account

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    For myself I would only use medical services in Dumaguete for an urgent treatment. And of course in such a case you need cash. But other than that, no thank you. I know too many stories what went wrong in the local hospitals. OK, some guys were lucky. But I wouldn't take any chances.

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    NowandThen, Oct 23, 2020
    #19
  10. Rye83

    Rye83 with pastrami Admin Secured Account Highly Rated Poster SC Connoisseur Veteran Army

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    Investments. HSA accounts. 401ks. IRAs. Anything that has your money beating inflation rates (and, preferably, giving you some additional passive income) and can be easily and quickly accessed/cashed out in case of emergency or for medical expenses. $80k USD should not be an issue for most elderly people that have been somewhat financially responsible. Of course, this advice is completely useless to older people that haven't been responsible with their finances or people who have already had to blow through their savings/investments due to a previous financial catastrophe. Life must be extremely stressful for people living paycheck to paycheck where even a relatively small additional expense could result in them and their family not eating.
     
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    Rye83, Oct 24, 2020
    #20
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