Global Forum on Migration and Development
Published on the Global Forum on Migration and Development Web Portal (https://www.gfmd.org)


Date Shared: 
Monday, October 14, 2019 - 14:47
Title: 

Health coverage for citizens who move abroad

Countries and areas: 
Sri Lanka, Philippines
Partner(s): 
National Governments
Thematic Area: 
Rights of migrants
Tags: 
Migration and Health, Migrant Protection and Assistance, Costs of Migration, Diaspora Empowerment and Engagement
Summary: 

Some countries offer health coverage for their citizens who move abroad, e.g. Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

The PhilHealth program for OFWs allows members to avail themselves of PhilHealth benefits even if they are confined in hospitals abroad. At the same time, their qualified dependents in the Philippines may avail themselves of the benefits even if the principal is working overseas.

The newly enacted Universal Health Care Act provides that all Filipino citizen, including those abroad, shall be automatically included as member of the National Health Insurance Program of PhilHealth. 

Philhealth has attaches in some Philippine embassies abroad, especially in those countries that cater to numerous OFs, to communicate their services and make it available to Filipino migrants.

 

GFMD Source: 

GFMD 2019 - Background Paper RT 2.2 "Communicating Effectively with Migrants"
GFMD 2019 - Background Paper RT 1.2 "Facilitating social and economic inclusion"

Link: 

For more information:

  • https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/about_us/mandate.html

Source (retrieved on 12/28/2025 - 18:53): https://www.gfmd.org/pfp/ppd/11494