But Jenny del Mundo, agency fundamental head at Sun Life Financial, said being insured is the most practical way to prepare for unforeseen incidents.
Del Mundo said if you’re willing to get insurance for material things that are important to you, such as your house or car, there is no reason why you should not see yourself as an important asset.
“Health insurance covers the individual person, so I think you’re worth it,” she told ANC’s “On The Money.”
Among health insurance products available in the country is the health maintenance organization (HMO) card, which provides health programs and benefits to its users.
“Having this card will give you access to an accredited hospital or doctor depending on the cap of your card, so you don’t have to shell out money and settle the bill later,” said del Mundo.
Aside from hospital room bills, HMOs can also cover lab tests and consultation.
Another health insurance product is the critical illness insurance, which can be used when you’ve exhausted the HMO card, and you still have continuing expenses for doctors and medicine, alternative treatment, and lifestyle changes such as hiring a caregiver.
“Critical illness insurance gives you the lump sum cash and you are free to spend it as you wish,” said del Mundo.
Accident insurance is another insurance product that covers general accidents such as getting hit by a falling tree, sports-related or vehicular accidents.
Del Mundo noted that apart from these three products, there has been an ongoing evolution among the products that will eventually see an inculcation of preventive measures prior to illness into their packages.
These new products may include providing access to diagnostic tests; offering tie-ups to gyms, yoga establishments, and other wellness centers; and giving discounts to sports activities.
“It gives you the awareness that, ‘Yes, I’ll get paid when I get diagnosed,’ but while that is not yet happening, it teaches you now to become conscious about lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise,” said del Mundo.
She added that these changes will happen soon as Filipinos become more health conscious and this shift cuts across various ages and social classes.
Del Mundo said that because health and accident awareness is key, it is also good practice to have discussions about it with the whole family.
“Teach them how to prevent accidents. Make them think safety first,” she said.
She also said that leading a healthy lifestyle is also important in lessening risks of illnesses in the future.
“For all of these risk products, you don’t wish that it happens to you. But the reason that you got it, is the same reason you have that spare tire in your vehicle. Why keep that fifth wheel underneath all the time and not use it? But you insist in having a spare tire. It’s the same with all of these products,” she said.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
