Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to go to the Philippines?
Are Philippine airports safe?
Is there a medical insurance for tourists in the Philippines?
Is medical tourism available in the Philippines?
How can I get a travel insurance?
What is an e-passport?

 

When is the best time to go to the Philippines?

Pearl of the Orient-Bound

The Philippines. Dubbed as The Pearl of the Orient, this Far East Asian country is as alluring as its name. It is blessed with thousands of wonderful islands and islets, surrounded by blue waters, and inhabited by a beautiful Malay race called Filipinos. Since time immemorial, people from foreign lands, near or far, have enjoyed the scenic views and wonderful people. That is why, until now, the Philippines remains to be a popular tourist destination.

Perhaps as a traveler, one is interested in paying it a visit. As always, the country would very much welcome everyone in its archipelago. After all, the Filipino is known for his warm and enduring hospitality. It is advisable, however, that a traveler plans his trip, starting with when to go and enjoy one’s vacation.

How's the weather?

A tropical country, the Philippines is typically warm with a generous amount of rainfall and winds at times. It can be quite pleasantly humid on some days (basically January to February).

There are actually three seasons to consider:
a. wet and rainy – June to October
b. cool and dry – November to February
c. hot and dry season – March to May

The wet season starts in June and is expected to “stop” in October. In some areas, some seasons may be the opposite, if not less pronounced.

There have been some unpredictable weather changes, however, much like how it is in the rest of the world.
Summer comes in much earlier at times, or the cold season either comes in late or extends its “stay.” The warmth is often pleasant or tolerable and maybe ideal for some island-hopping, but it can also be too hot to handle, particularly in the summer month, May. Some tourists from cold countries abroad may welcome the heat, but for some, it could simply be quite discomforting. Still it is the best time to hit the beach!

The country is also visited by various typhoons (common in June to November) throughout the year and these may not be anticipated earlier on. Floods have been a perennial problem when it rains and on certain days, could be quite hazardous and cost the country millions of pesos, if not lives. And yet, the country is always able to move on and rise above the problems. Therefore, these should not deter any potential traveler from enjoying the sights and sounds the Philippines can offer. Besides, this is actually low-season when it comes to tourism. Ergo, one might actually take advantage of this and book away.

Putting into consideration one’s own reasons for visiting the Philippines, he can now plan a bit when to pack his things for that much-needed vacation.

When can I go?

There aren't much restrictions for a traveler, if at all. But he might want to take note of certain things to help him decide when it is specifically that he’d like to fly in and enjoy the country.

Off-season for typhoons is often from December to May. The Christmas season and the Easter season or Holy Week (April), while interesting, are not good times to go unless one is up to waiting in a long line to get a seat (and hopefully a decent one at that) on any type of transport and paying more expensive accommodation fees. Many Overseas Filipino Workers and foreign visitors alike love to be in the country during these times while those in the country are also busy going back to their own home provinces. Nevertheless, visiting during these seasons will allow someone to experience the Pinoy (Filipino) style of celebrating Pasko or Christmas (better prepare lots of peso-coins for give-away) and follow parades of giant images of saints. Practically the entire country is busy going here and there during these times.

A fun-loving race, Filipinos love to celebrate colorful fiestas on the streets as well that happen all year-round (well, it depends on where one is located, but the best times would be January, May and December). In the olden days, these were done to give praise to each locality's patron saint and ask for bountiful harvests and such. These days, while the intent to give praise is still relatively there, the townsfolk are more keen on the merry-making, and yet, the tourist is treated to a wonderful array of colorful sights and joyful sounds. Filipinos love to eat, too, and they will invite someone to various fiestas and offer just about any food on the table until he can eat no more.

What is the Time?

As they say, time is of the essence. So if a tourist is a kind of person who needs to be always updated with the time zone for specific reasons, it maybe helpful to know the differences in time zones.

The Philippines is eight (8) hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). And so, say it is 12 noon in the country, it would be 3am in London or 11pm in New York (the night “before”). Things like the Daylight Savings Time (DST) should also be considered. So that would make the time in New York 12 midnight.

The islands are near the equator, ergo, the Philippines is one of the countries that rise up and go to sleep earlier than the rest of the world. So the sun rises and sets at around 6am and 6pm respectively.

In everything, it is always better to have a plan. And so, if someone is planning to really visit the beautiful islands of the Philippines, plan carefully and thoroughly.

For a better planning, check out website of Pagasa (www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph) to avoid meteorological trouble spots.

Sources :
www.tourismphilippines.com
www.Marimari.com
www.LonelyPlanet.com

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Are Philippine airports safe?

Philippine Airports

The Philippines has 10 international and 72 domestic airports all over the country. Most of the major and popular provinces have domestic portals, some are being developed to meet passengers’ satisfaction. There are four major international airports located in Manila, Cebu, Subic Bay in Zambales, and Angeles City in Pampanga. Air termnials in Davao, Zamboanga, and General Santos City in South Cotabato are considered secondary international airports. Such airports can cater international flights but are not regarded as primary international gateways.

Before entering any terminal, a passenger should have the ticket prepared and at least one valid identification card. Greeters are not allowed to enter airports for security purposes. Some terminals have designated waiting areas outside the terminal. Free baggage allowance varies in different airlines. An average of 20 to 40 kilograms is allowed for international flights, while domestic flights allow 10 to 20 kilograms. Contact your airline to know the specific allowable weight for your luggage.

Insurance, or the “war risk tax / insurance,” is included in the air ticket purchase. Depending upon which airline one chooses, insurance usually amounts from P250 to P300. Airlines worldwide started doing this because they could no longer afford war risk ever since the 9-11 bombing of the World Trade Center. Every terminal also charges a terminal fee from every departing passenger. For domestic flights, the amount can vary for as low as P15 to P200. For international flights, P750 per person is required. Tourists who don't have extra Philippine pesos for terminal fee can go to currency exchange booths located in international and some domestic airports.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Often referred to as NAIA, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the premier gateway in the Philippines located at its capital, Manila. Situated between Pasay City and Parañaque City, It has four terminals located at four different locations:

• NAIA Terminal 1 – caters to all international flights except for the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific
• NAIA Terminal 2 (Centennial Airport) – the exclusive terminal for all domestic and international flights of Philippine Airlines
• NAIA Terminal 3 – caters to all domestic and international flights of Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and PAL Express
• Manila Domestic Airport - caters to all domestic flights of South East Aian Airlines (SEAIR) and Zest Airways

If a passenger has transfer flights, know which terminal to go and how far it is from the other terminals. NAIA Terminal 1 is located seven kilometers south of Ermita / Malate Street in Manila. About three kilometers away from it is the Manila Domestic Airport. At the middle of the two is the Centennial Airport, and about 0.7 kilometers from Manila Domestic Airport is the NAIA Terminal 3. However, due to permanent heavy traffic, getting from one terminal to the other can take up to an hour. Allot at least a two to three-hour time allowance as to not miss your flight.

Other International Airports

Built in Mactan Island in Cebu province, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport has been the southern hub of the air travel in the Philippines. It boasts several new airport services from the utilities, airfield to terminal facilities. About 850 commercial flights are accommodated weekly, and an average of 13,000 passengers are transported daily. Currently, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is served by 16 commercial airlines and two cargo carriers.

Geared towards becoming the Hub in the South Pacific, this airport's domestic flights have been continually increasing since 1991, with their total gross operating income reaching more than a billion peso in 2009.

Another international airport is located in Clark, Pampanga called the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA). Formerly known as Clark International Airport, DMIA serves the immediate vicinity of the Clark Special Economic Zone and the Northern and Central regions of Luzon, being strategically placed at the heart of Central Luzon.

Striving to become the premier gateway of the Philippines in the next ten years, DMIA takes pride in its modern facilities, world-class airport, and 24-hour operation. Tiger Airways and Air Asia Berhad currently operate flights to and from different cities and tourist destinations within Southeast Asia. This airline is also the home base of SEAIR.

There is also another international airport in Zambales called the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA). A former Naval Air Station Cubi Point of the US Navy, SBIA used to be the home of 37 aircrafts, 18 of which belong to Fedex Express. But when Fedex closed its hub in February 2009 and the development of DMIA took place, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator and CEO Armand C. Arreza said they just might close the airport soon and turn it into a logistics hub.

Transfer and Cancellation of Flights

Passengers are commonly advised to go to the airport two to three hours before their domestic flight, while those with international flights are required to arrive four hours ahead of the trip. If someone is headed for a transfer flight, about two to three hours is needed before the departure time. It is better to be early especially if a number of things go wrong like congestions at the immigration desks, luggage carousels, and luggage ticket check.

NAIA offers a 24-hour shuttle service for its passengers and employees. It costs P20 for passengers and P15 for employees regardless of their destination. It is located at the exit of the Arrival Lobby, with a sign that says “Airport Shuttle.”

Expect traffic congestion especially during rush hour. If a passenger is in a hurry and can't afford to wait for the next shuttle, a regular air-conditioned metered taxi costs around P100 to get from the international to domestic airport.

Policies on re-booking and cancellation of flights vary from one airline to another. Usually , a passenger has to contact the reservations office or the sales office to know other available flight schedule. Penalties may apply when a passenger changes bookings, and the fee may depend on the rules and conditions attached to the fare. In some instances, penalties can be charged when he cancels a flight.

Reconfirmation of flight is usually not needed but it is advisable to check a day before if the flight is cancelled or delayed.

List of domestic and international airlines and Philippine Airports:

2GO Air Link International Airways Airphil Express Asia Overnight Express A Soriano Aviation Cebu Pacific Corporate Air Cyclone Airways Interisland Airlines Island Transvoyager Inc Mosphil Aero

Pacificair Pacific East Asia Cargo Airlines Pacific Pearl Airways Philippine Airlines South East Asian Airlines South Phoenix Airlines Spirit of Manila Subic Air Subic Seaplane TransGlobal Airways Zest Airways

Other airlines flying to Philippines:

Cathay Pacific Airlines Etihad Airways EVA Air Emirates Airlines Air China Jetstar Asia Singapore Airlines Japan Airlines Air Asia Delta Airlines Hawaiian Airlines SilkAir China Southern Airlines Qantas Airlines Tiger Airways KLM.com Gulf Air Hong Kong Express

Korean Air Garuda Indonesia Airlines Royal Brunei Airlines Asiana Airlines China Airlines Air Macau Thai Airways Dragonair/Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Air Niugini Malaysia Airlines Vietnam Airlines Swedline Express Qatar Airways Continental Airlines Mandarin Airlines Saudi Arabian Airlines Kuwait Airways Shanghai Airlines

List of international and domestic airports approved and classified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP):

Location	Immediate areas served	IATA	Airport name
Angeles City	Angeles City, Pampanga	CRK	Diosdado Macapagal (Clark) International Airport
Davao City	Davao City (Metro Davao)	DVO	Francisco Bangoy (Davao) International Airport
General Santos City	General Santos City, Sarangani, South Cotabato	GES	General Santos International (Tambler) Airport
Kalibo	Aklan	KLO	Kalibo International Airport
Laoag City	Ilocos Norte	LAO	Laoag International Airport
Lapu-Lapu City	Cebu City (Metro Cebu)	CEB	Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Parañaque City/Pasay City	Metro Manila	MNL	Ninoy Aquino (Manila) International Airport
Puerto Princesa City	Palawan, Puerto Princesa City	PPS	Puerto Princesa International Airport
Morong	Subic Bay Freeport Zone (Bataan/Olongapo/Zambales)	SFS	Subic Bay International Airport
Zamboanga City	Basilan, Zamboanga City	ZAM	Zamboanga International Airport
Silay City	Bacolod City, Negros Occidental	BCD	Bacolod-Silay Airport
Butuan City	Agusan del Norte, Butuan City	BXU	Bancasi (Butuan) Airport
Cagayan de Oro City	Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental	CGY	Lumbia (Cagayan de Oro) Airport
Datu Odin Sinsuat	Cotabato City, Maguindanao	CBO	Awang (Cotabato) Airport
Dipolog City	Zamboanga del Norte	DPL	Dipolog Airport
Sibulan	Negros Oriental	DGT	Sibulan (Dumaguete) Airport
Cabatuan/Santa Barbara	Iloilo, Iloilo City	ILO	Iloilo International (New Iloilo) Airport
Legazpi City	Albay	LGP	Legazpi Airport
Pili	Camarines Sur, Naga City	WNP	Naga (Pili) Airport
Pagadian City	Zamboanga del Sur	PAG	Pagadian Airport
Roxas City	Capiz	RXS	Roxas Airport
San Jose	Occidental Mindoro	SJI	San Jose Airport (McGuire Field)
Tacloban City	Leyte, Tacloban City	TAC	Daniel Z. Romualdez (Tacloban) Airport
Tagbilaran City	Bohol	TAG	Tagbilaran Airport
Tuguegarao City	Cagayan	TUG	Tuguegarao Airport
San Jose de Buenavista	Antique	EUQ	Evelio Javier (Antique) Airport
Baguio City	Baguio City, Benguet	BAG	Loakan (Baguio) Airport
Basco	Batanes (Batan Island)	BSO	Basco Airport
Bongao	Tawi-Tawi	SGS(TWT)	Sanga-Sanga (Bongao/Tawi-Tawi) Airport
Coron	Palawan (Busuanga Island)	USU	Francisco B. Reyes (Busuanga-Coron/Yulo King Ranch) Airport
Calbayog City	Samar	CYP	Calbayog Airport
Mambajao	Camiguin	CGM	Camiguin Airport
Catarman	Northern Samar	CRM	Catarman National Airport
Malay	Aklan (Boracay Island)	MPH	Godofredo P. Ramos (Caticlan) Airport
Magsaysay	Palawan (Cuyo Island)	CYU	Cuyo Airport
Jolo	Sulu	JOL	Jolo Airport
Gasan	Marinduque	MRQ	Marinduque Airport
Masbate City	Masbate	MBT	Masbate Airport
Ormoc City	Leyte, Ormoc City	OMC	Ormoc Airport
Alcantara	Romblon (Tablas Island)	TBH	Tugdan (Romblon) Airport
Del Carmen	Surigao del Norte (Siargao Island)	IAO(SOS)	Sayak (Siargao) Airport
Surigao City	Surigao del Norte	SUG	Surigao Airport
Tandag City	Surigao del Sur	TDG	Tandag Airport
Virac	Catanduanes	VRC	Virac Airport
Perez	Quezon (Alabat Island)		Alabat Airport
Surallah	South Cotabato	AAV	Allah Valley Airport
Bagabag	Nueva Vizcaya		Bagabag Airport
San Luis	Aurora	BQA	Dr. Juan C. Angara (Baler) Airport
Santa Fe	Cebu (Bantayan Island)		Bantayan Airport
Naval	Biliran		Biliran Airport
Bislig City	Surigao del Sur	BPH	Bislig Airport
Borongan City	Eastern Samar	BPR	Borongan (Punta Maria) Airport
Bulan	Sorsogon		Bulan Airport
Calapan City	Oriental Mindoro	CPP	Calapan Airport
Mapun	Tawi-Tawi (Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi Island)	CDY	Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi (Mapun) Airport
Catbalogan City	Samar		Catbalogan Airport
Cauayan City	Isabela	CYZ	Cauayan Airport
Daet	Camarines Norte	DTE	Bagasbas (Daet) Airport
Guiuan	Eastern Samar		Guiuan Airport
Hilongos	Leyte		Hilongos Airport
Iba	Zambales		Iba Airport
Baloi	Iligan City, Lanao del Norte	IGN	Maria Cristina (Iligan) Airport
Ipil	Zamboanga Sibugay	IPE	Ipil Airport
Itbayat	Batanes (Itbayat Island)		Itbayat Airport
Jomalig	Quezon (Polillo Islands)		Jomalig Airport
Liloy	Zamboanga del Norte		Liloy Airport
Lingayen	Pangasinan		Lingayen Airport
Lubang	Occidental Mindoro (Lubang Island)	LBX	Lubang Airport
Maasin City	Southern Leyte		Panan-awan (Maasin) Airport
Malabang	Lanao del Sur	MLP	Malabang Airport
Malaybalay City	Bukidnon		Malaybalay Airport
Mamburao	Occidental Mindoro	MBO	Mamburao Airport
Mansalay	Oriental Mindoro		Wasig (Mansalay) Airport
Mati City	Davao Oriental	MXI	Imelda R. Marcos (Mati National) Airport
Ozamiz City	Misamis Occidental	OZC	Labo (Ozamiz) Airport
Palanan	Isabela		Palanan Airport
Pinamalayan	Oriental Mindoro		Pinamalayan Airport
Plaridel	Bulacan		Plaridel (Bulacan) Airport
Rosales	Pangasinan		Rosales Airport
San Fernando City	La Union	SFE	San Fernando (Poro Point) Airport
Siocon	Zamboanga del Norte	XSO	Siocon Airport
Siquijor	Siquijor		Siquijor Airport
Sorsogon City	Sorsogon		Sorsogon Airport
Ubay	Bohol		Ubay Airport
Vigan City	Ilocos Sur	VGN	Mindoro (Vigan) Airport
Wao	Lanao del Sur		Wao Airport

List of unclassified airports:

Location	Immediate areas served	IATA	Airport name
Angeles City	Angeles City, Pampanga	CRK	Diosdado Macapagal (Clark) International Airport
Baganga	Davao Oriental	BNQ	Baganga Airport [private]
Buenavista	Agusan del Norte		Buenavista Airstrip
Balabac	Palawan (Bugsuk Island)		Bugsuk Airport
Mangatarem	Pangasinan		Cabaluyan Airport
Cabanatuan City	Nueva Ecija		Cabanatuan Airport
Casiguran	Aurora	CGG	Casiguran Airport [private]
Castillejos	Zambales		Castillejos (Jesus Magsaysay) Airfield [private]
Coron	Palawan (Busuanga Island)	XCN	Pacific Air-VAL Coron Airport [private]
Culion	Palawan (Culion Island)	CUJ	Culion Airport [private]
Manolo Fortich	Bukidnon		Del Monte Plantation Airstrip [private]
Dilasag	Aurora	DSG	Dilasag Airport [private]
Dolores	Eastern Samar		Dolores Airport
El Nido	Palawan	ENI	El Nido Airport [private]
Buenavista	Guimaras		Guimaras Airport
Jose Panganiban	Camarines Norte		Jose Panganiban (Larap/Philippine Iron Mines) Airport [private]
Lucena City	Lucena City, Quezon		Lucena Airport
Maramag	Bukidnon	XMA	Maramag Airport
Medellin	Cebu		Medellin Airport
Pagbilao	Quezon (Pagbilao Grande Island)		Pagbilao Airport [private]
Roxas	Palawan		Roxas-del Pilar Airport
Caluya	Antique (Semirara Island)		Semirara Airport [private]
Siasi	Sulu (Siasi Island)	SSV	Siasi Airport
Carles	Iloilo	ICO	Sicogon Airport
Tacurong City	Sultan Kudarat		Tacurong (Kenram) Airport [private]
Rizal	Palawan	TGB	Tagbita Airport
Rizal	Palawan		Tarumpitao Point Airport
Taytay	Palawan	RZP(SDL)	Cesar Lim Rodriguez (Taytay-Sandoval) Airport [private]

Sources:
www.mactan-cebuairport.com.ph
www.caap.gov.ph
www.manila-airport.net
www.wikipedia.org
www.dmia.ph/
www.philippineairlines.com
www.moveandstay.com/manila/
www.skyscanner.net/flights-to/ph/airlines-that-fly-to-philippines.html

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Is there a medical insurance for tourists in the Philippines?

Medical insurance for Tourists

There are no required vaccination certificates for tourists entering the Philippines, but it is always advisable to seek medical advice before traveling. For those coming from an area infected with yellow fever (an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes), a medical proof that you don't carry the disease is needed.

If one is extra cautious with his health condition, vaccinations for typhoid, dengue, and malaria are recommended. Also, consult with a medical insurance company before traveling to know whether their policy applies abroad and if it covers emergency expenses. In most cases, doctors and hospitals expect cash payment after the medical treatment. The usual scenario is to pay the hospital expenses with the tourist's own money, then it would be reimbursed by his own insurance coverage. But be sure to present all the required documents to the insurance company.

There are certain travel insurance companies which covers over 150 countries and include medical and emergency expenses, cancellation costs, and other liabilities. It is very important to find a reliable and reputable travel insurance company in case things go wrong.

However, there is an expatriate health insurance designed for non-Filipinos who want to have medical insurance coverage in the Philippines. This insures any medical expenses of a foreigner residing in the country. Offered by the Health Maintenance Organization, expatriate health insurance is renewable for individuals of all ages, nationalities, and occupations.

List of Health Maintenance Organizations in the Philippines from the Department of Health Bureau of Health Facilities and Services:

Asalus Corporation
7th Floor, Feliza Building, 108 V.A. Rufino St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
898-0102 to 12 / 897-6337

Cap health Maintenance, Inc.
Penthouse Jaka II Bldg., No. 150 Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
810-9309 / 894-1291 / 812-8997

Caritas Healthshield, Inc.
3/F Katipunan Bldg., 95 E. Rodriguez Ave., Quezon City
781-6464 / 781-6492 / 781-6483 fax

Darea Foundation, Inc.
5/F Fil-Garcia Tower, Inc., Kalayaan Ave. Quezon City
926-6761 to 62 / 927-3983 to 85 / 926-6754 fax

Fortune Medicare, Inc.
3rd Floor, City State Centre, 709 Shaw Blvd., Pasig City
637-0872 to 77 / 633-6961 fax

Getwell Foundation, Inc.
CMI Bldg., 315 Commonwealth Ave. Diliman, Quezon City
951-1515 / 931-1111 / 931-1123 fax

G.I. Good Healthcare Services Coop.
8-A Presidents Ave., Teoville Subd. F Homes, Parañaque City
820-0329

Health Maintenance, Inc.
Tower Ground, Makati Cinema Square
812-8806 / 811-1653 / 811-1313 / 817-1377 fax

Kaiser International healthgroup, Inc.
G/F Kings Court Bldg. 1, 2129 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City
811-2326

Maxicare healthcare Corporation
19th Floor Medical Plaza Makati, Amorsolo cor. Dela Rosa Sts Legaspi Village, Makati City
812-0561 to 63 / 812-86-66 to 69 / 813-8712 to 13 fax

Medical Services Marketing and Development, Inc. (MEDSERV)
Penthouse, Rm. 502 Seven East Capitol Bldg., East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo Pasig City
633-5000 / 638-7296 / 638-7297 fax

Medicard Philippines, Inc.
9th Flr. Saguitarius Bldg., H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
867-2020 819-3855 fax

Metro Care Health Systems, Inc.
2295 Unit B, Roberts St., Pasay City
551-7767 / 551-7764 / 551-0915 / 551-0911 (fax)

Mission health Care
Km. 17 Ortigas Ave. Ext., Rosario Pasig City
656-2816 / 656-2851 loc. 207

Philamcare Health Systems, Inc.
Ground Floor, Philamcare Bldg., U.N.
523-6002

St. Patrick's healthcare Systems, Inc. (SPCARE)
566 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City
533-9745 to 46

Source:
www.bluecross.com.ph
www.doh.gov.ph
www.hmi.com.ph
www.mabuhaymiles.com

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Is medical tourism available in the Philippines?

Medical Tourism in the Philippines

Medical tourism, also known as medical travel and health tourism, has been a fast-growing industry in the Philippines. It is the act of traveling outside your home country to obtain health care abroad, but it can also refer to healthcare workers traveling around the globe. Most foreign nationals choose to go here for medical health care because of low cost aesthetic and dental procedures. Filipino expatriates also choose to go back in the Philippines once in a while for medical treatments, along with their visit to family and relatives.

Medical procedures are very cost-effective in the Philippines, that's why many foreign nationals choose to go here. However, this doesn't mean that hospital standards are low; medical staff are trained well and many doctors had special degrees abroad. Filipino nurses and caregivers are notable all over the world because of the personal care they give to patients.

Foreign nationals should not worry about language barrier because English is widely spoken not only in hospitals but also by the general public. Accommodations from apartels to five-star hotels are very affordable, plus traveling to different vacations spots in the country can help a patient unwind and relax after a long medical procedure.

Professionals who come back after some medical practice would usually bring in the latest technologies and techniques and incorporate them in Philippine medical setting.

Hospitals undergo a periodic accreditation by the Department of Health to ensure quality service and reliable facilities. International accreditation from the Joint Commissions International (JCI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) were given to some of the top-notched hospitals in the country.

For medical tourists, it is reccommended to avail of the medical tourism packages specifically offered by private hospitals and health facilities. But before you can schedule an appointment with a health care etablishment, you need to determine a planned medical procedure first with your personal doctor. Once determined, you can check the medical packages and the appropriate procedure for you. Contact the International Patient Care Center of your chosen medical establishment to plan the appointment procedure. Don't forget to bring your prior medical history and all pertinent laboratory and radiological examinations.

Also, it is better to check the credentials of the physician or doctor assigned to do the operation. Visit www.philippinemedicalassociation.org for more information.

List of medical tourism hospitals in the Philippines:

• Abesamis Dental Clinic
• Asian Hospital and Medical Center (Muntinlupa City)
• Dental Care Dentistry
• Enhance Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Care Center
• Eye Republic
• Home Health Care
• Institut Santre
• Instituto Estetico
• La Estetica Dermatology Cosmetic Surgery
• Makati Medical Center (Makati City)
• Manila Doctors Hospital (Manila City)
• Metropolitan Medical Center
• Navales Dental Clinic
• Nu/Hart Hair Clinic
• Obando Dental Office
• Osteolock Dental Implant Center
• Philippine Heart Center (Quezon City)
• Philippine Orthopedic Institute Inc.
• Queen Mary Holistic Center
• Reach Physical Therapy
• Roura Derm Surgery
• St. Luke's Medical Center (Quezon City)
• The Farm at San Benito
• The Lapid Dental Center
• The Medical City (Pasig City)
• University of Perpetual Help Dalta Medical Center
• Westgate Dental Clinic
• Winning Smiles Dental Clinic
• World Citi Medical Center

List of treatments and specialty for medical tourism in the Philippines:

• Advance Reproductive Technology
• Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery
• Cosmetic MaxilloFacial Surgery
• Dentistry
• Dermatology
• Executive Check-Up
• General Surgery
• Gynecologic Procedures
• Hair Transplant
• Heart Procedures
• Laparoscopy
• Medical Diagnostics
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Stem Cell Theraphy
• Weight Loss Surgery & Programs
• Psychotheraphy

Sources:
www.philippinemedicalassociation.org
www.philippinemedicaltourism.info
www.philmedtourism.com
www.rxpinoy.com

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How can I get a travel insurance?

Make Sure to Insure

What is a travel insurance?

As the name implies, this simply means that when someone travels to a place, particularly abroad, he has to make sure that whatever happens to him there, he can be assured that he is, indeed, insured.

It does sound simple, but in reality, considering the reasons for having an insurance, it is never just a simple matter.

Travel insurance is very important when one travels, particularly overseas. If it is comprehensive (like an online travel insurance that also offers inexpensive travel coverage and may save him 50% of the cost), then, again, rest assured, that he’s in better hands. One can be spared from travel-related expenditures and emergencies. His traveling risks will be covered, risks like medical expenses and financial losses that could happen while he’s on that plane ready to land for that well-deserved vacation, or on that beach surfing the good times.

Important guideline: Check out the worth of a travel insurance on a trip-by-trip basis. Review the dates of coverage, from the time he leaves to the time he arrives back home. Make sure that the policies cover what he really needs and knows what are excluded. Read the terms and conditions of the policy stated therein thoroughly. Find out what items are not covered to safe guard and avoid any misunderstandings. Get a written confirmation of the coverage.

There are two main types of travel insurance:

International travel insurance. It covers someone when his trip is outside the country. This is important for whatever existing health care he has, if it is not valid in the country he’s visiting, then there is not much good it can do for him, if there is any at all. A traveler will end up paying for himself for all the medical expenses that he may incur...from his own pocket.

How to avoid this? Get a world travel insurance to get an international travel insurance worldwide resident travel cover. Buy insurance at the country that he wants to be sent to if he has a serious medical emergency.

Domestic travel insurance. This one covers travels done inside a traveler’s own country. While it does not include medical coverage, it is actually more inexpensive for the simple reason that it is assumed that he has his own existing health care coverage. This mainly covers travel-related problems like fight cancellations or airline closures.

If he is a frequent traveler, he should opt for an annual travel insurance. Meanwhile, it would be wise to buy travel insurance for a year. That should save his time and money.

Online booking is not the only way to go, though. He can try booking through a travel agent, local insurers, and nearby specialist travel insurers.

It is always wise to inquire on and compare various travel insurance plans. This will allow a traveler to find the best candidate to help him. Moreover, it can save his money. However, a traveler should always check if he’s already covered by insurance. The rules are a bit different, though, for business travelers. On official business, they should be covered by the company; but the situation is different for non-business-related trips.

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Sometimes, things are better thought of beforehand. Needless to say, when someone travels, always look out for one’s welfare. And the best way to do that is to plan, make the proper insurance arrangements, and then he can have all the fun he wants.

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What is an e-passport?

Launched by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in August 2009, the Philippine ePassport is a passport with an integrated circuit (chip) located in its pages. The chip contains a person’s identity information – personal data, the unique chip identification number, a digital signature to authenticate the data, and biometrics of the passport holder. Biometrics are the unique and measurable physical characteristics of a person like face recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans.

The microchip inside the ePassport allows a machine called special chip reader at the airports to know the information stored at a close distance. Epassport’s special features are the following:

• It allows information stored on the chip to be verified with the information visually displayed on the passport
• It uses contact-less microchip technology that allows the information stored on the chip to be read by special chip readers at a close distance
• It contains an integrated photograph of the holder, a digitized secondary photo, and an electronic print of the holder’s signature
• It contains overt and hidden security features such as Invisible Personal Information (IPI), letter screen, micro-printing, and UV reactive ink, among others

Compared to the maroon machine readable passport (MRP) Filipinos have been using for the past decades, ePassport is more secured and is less likely to be tampered or reproduced. An MRP contains a machine-readable zone and is capable of being read manually and with a machine. An ePassport has a machine-readable zone as well, plus a chip that stores the personal information and photograph of the person.

Using an ePassport is very advantageous for travelers because of its benefits like the use of automated border clearance or “E-gates,” automated issuance of boarding passes, and making much faster arrangements with airlines. It also provides a fast clearance at immigration checks.

MRP and non-MRP passport holders can still use their passports as long as they are valid. However, using an ePassport lets the country meet the world standard when it comes to traveling. As a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Philippines, along with the other member countries, has an international obligation to improve security of their travel documents.

Currently, over 60 countries worldwide use ePassports and five countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have begun issuing them.

Holders of previously issued passports can have them converted to ePassports as soon as operations are fully-executed. An ePassport costs PhP950, but a first-time applicant can choose between the electronic and less expensive Machine Readable Passport.

Requirements for an ePassport are similar to that of the MRP. Applications can be done through e-mail or a personal appearance at the DFA office in Manila. It is also available in 19 Regional Consular Offices (RCOs) nationwide. These are located in:

• Clarkfield, Pampanga • San Fernando, Pampanga • Baguio • La Union • Tuguegarao • Batangas • Lucena • Puerto Princesa • Legazpi • Iloilo

• Bacolod • Tacloban • Cebu • Cagayan de Oro • Davao • Zamboanga • Butuan • General Santos • Cotabato

It is also being issued by the following Foreign Service Posts (FSPs): Agana, Brunei Darussalam, Chicago, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, Osaka, Ottawa, San Francisco, Seoul, Tokyo, Toronto and Washington D.C.

Passport Requirements for First-time Applicants (from the Department of Foreign Affairs Official Website):

• Personal appearance is required
• Duly accomplished application form
• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO
• Proof of identity / supporting documents indicating full name, date, place of birth and citizenship
• Other supporting documents

Additional Requirements:

• For married women who want to use surname of their spouse:

• For married women who would like to revert back to their maiden name

If both parents are abroad:
• Affidavit of support and consent (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul)
• Special Power of Attorney (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Consul designating the representative by name and authorizing him to apply for a passport on behalf of the minor)
• Passport and photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion of the minor
• Identification Card and photocopy thereof of the duly authorized person

For those whose births were not registered:
• Late registered Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO)
• Original and photocopy of Voter's Affidavit or other supporting documents indicating date and place of birth and citizenship, identity and tribal affiliation.
• Certificate from the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA)

Renewal of Passport:
Brown Passport or issued prior to 01 May 1995
• Old passport and photocopy of passport pages 1,2,3 (amendment). The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.
• Supporting document with complete middle name.

MRP & Green Passport or issued after 01 May 1995
• Present passport and photocopy of inside and back cover.
• The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.
• For illegitimate minor, personal appearance of mother is required.

For married women, who want to use surname of their spouse:
• Personal Appearance is required
• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper issued by NSO or CTC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO.

For Minors (below 18 years old): Personal appearance of either parent is required.
• If minor is NOT traveling with either parent:
• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance
• Affidavit of Support and Consent
• If both parents are abroad:
• Affidavit of support and consent (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General if not executed before a Philippine Consul).
• Special Power of Attorney (must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate if not executed before a Philippine Consul designating the representative by name and authorizing him to apply for a passport on behalf of the minor).
• Passport and photocopy of the passport of person travelling with the minor

Sources:
http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/consular-services/passport
http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/consular-advisories/1383-epassport-now-available-in-19-rcos-nationwide
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/dfa-releases/1681-mrp-and-epassport-projects-legal-and-transparent-dfa
http://www.philembassy.no/consular-services/passport/philippine-epassport

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