Your Three Layers of Healthcare Protection
Staying healthy is your priority. If you get sick or injured anywhere in Asia, you have three layers of protection. Knowing how to use them can save you thousands in medical bills.
Layer One: Local Healthcare in Your Host Country
Most OFWs with a valid work permit in Asia are required to have health coverage in their host country. Systems vary widely:
- Singapore — Employers must provide medical insurance with minimum coverage of SGD 60,000/year for all foreign workers (Medical Insurance Requirement for Work Permit Holders).
- Hong Kong — No mandatory public health insurance for foreign workers. Most employers provide private health insurance as part of the employment package.
- Taiwan — Foreign workers are covered under the National Health Insurance (NHI) system — one of the best in Asia. Small monthly premium deducted from salary.
- Japan — All foreign workers must enroll in either Employees' Health Insurance (shakai hoken) or National Health Insurance (kokumin kenko hoken). Premiums are income-based.
- South Korea — Foreign workers are covered under the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), with mandatory enrolment after 6 months.
- Malaysia — Foreign workers must have valid medical insurance as a condition of their work permit. Employer typically arranges.
Layer Two: Private Health Insurance
Even with public coverage, many OFWs choose private insurance for:
- Shorter waiting times at private hospitals and clinics
- Access to international hospitals with English-speaking staff
- Coverage for treatments not fully included in public systems (dental, vision, mental health)
- Repatriation coverage (medical evacuation back to the Philippines if needed)
Layer Three: OWWA & Philippine Support
If you are a registered OWWA member, you may be eligible for:
- OWWA Medical Assistance — Up to PHP 50,000 for hospitalization abroad (subject to approval and documentation)
- OWWA Disability Benefit — PHP 20,000–100,000 depending on severity
- OWWA Death Benefit — PHP 20,000 for burial assistance (if death occurs abroad)
- PhilHealth coverage — While primarily for use in the Philippines, some overseas claims may be reimbursable
💡 Tip: Always Carry Your Documents
Keep copies of your health insurance card, passport, work permit, and emergency contacts in your wallet and also saved digitally (phone + cloud). In an emergency, every minute counts.
Mental Health Support
Living far from home can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. You are not alone, and help is available.
- OWWA Welfare Officers — Available at Philippine embassies for counselling and support
- Local mental health services — Major Asian cities have English-speaking mental health professionals. Singapore and Hong Kong have excellent options; Japan and Korea also have growing services for foreign residents.
- Online support — Filipino therapists and support groups available online through various platforms. Telehealth services like Kaya, BetterHelp, and local equivalents are increasingly accessible across Asia.
- Embassy support — Philippine embassies and MWOs can provide referrals and assistance
📌 Important
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the emergency number in your country or contact the nearest Philippine embassy's MWO for support. You matter, and help is available.
Helpful Sources
- OWWA — owwa.gov.ph | Hotline: +63 2 8891 7601
- PhilHealth — philhealth.gov.ph
- DMW — dmw.gov.ph
- Migrant Workers Office (MWO) — Contact your nearest Philippine embassy for local healthcare guidance
Disclaimer: Healthcare systems vary by country and change frequently. This guide provides general information. Always verify coverage with your employer, local health authorities, and the nearest Philippine embassy.