Now that Typhoon Yolanda has started to disappear from international headlines, the influx of foreign travelers and residents to the Philippines is picking up again. With the exception of NGO workers moving to the affected regions, many business visitors, foreign (–foul word(s) removed–)ignees, expat employees, and retirees from abroad rather flock to the northern part of the archipelago, especially to Manila’s metropolitan area.
However, while they won’t have to deal with the fallout from Yolanda, new arrivals often underestimate the health issues involved in an international move – especially if they haven’t lived in a tropical climate before. Foreign nationals interested in relocating to the Philippines should follow some simple advice to keep fit and healthy overseas.
- Talk to your family doctor about recommended immunizations for you and especially your kids. These include booster shots for tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough, mumps, measles and rubella, polio, and hepatitis A. If you plan on staying for over three months, consider vaccinations for hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid fever, and Japanese encephalitis, too.
- Know your health risks. Manila is officially a Malaria-free region, but if you want to travel between different islands, you may need anti-malarial drugs. Moreover, dengue fever is not uncommon. It is also spread by mosquito bites, particularly during the rainy season. Wear long-sleeved clothing made of light, natural fibers, and apply insect repellent to all uncovered body parts.
- Leptospirosis is another well-known risk. It’s the fancy medical word for a bacterial infection caused by contact with contaminated water. The risk of catching it increases after flooding when streams, ponds, etc. are frequently polluted by overflow from the sewage system.
- Most tourists and expats rather suffer from minor illnesses, though. Stomach bugs and diarrhea are common ailments. Tap water – including in the Manila region – isn’t always safe to drink, especially not if jetlag and stress already affect your health. Make sure to filter and/or boil tap water, or buy bottled water instead. If you maintain proper hygiene as well, you’ll usually be just fine.
- In addition to the climate, foreign residents are frequently unprepared for the air pollution in the Manila area. If you have, for example, severe allergies or asthma, talk to a specialist about how the “haze” might make your health problems worse.
- As far as medical facilities are concerned, private clinics and hospitals in the Manila generally have good quality standards. Doctors and nurses are highly qualified, and the clinics are popular among the expat community. For instance, St Luke’s Medical Center in Global City and Quezon City is a favorite for both inpatient treatment and outpatient appointments. It has a well-stocked pharmacy, too.
However, on rural and less affluent islands, most public clinics provide only basic treatment. If you travel frequently within the Philippines, it’s good to keep that in mind.
- In private healthcare facilities, you have to pay all medical costs out of your own pocket. It is essential to have an international health insurance policy. Check if it covers repatriation to your home country, or transport to Bangkok or Singapore, for very complicated cases.
Furthermore, you may have to make substantial down payments for major surgeries or similar procedures. Your private insurance provider will probably reimburse the expenses. To tide you over until you get your money back, lay aside some savings for medical emergencies. Then you don’t have to worry about worst-case scenarios and can start feeling at home in the Philippines instead!
