Affordable Health Coverage for Virtual Assistants: Exploring Maxicare’s HMO Options

best hmo for virtual assistants

In the dynamic world of virtual assistance, freelancers and self-employed individuals often navigate the challenges of securing comprehensive health coverage in selecting which is the best HMO for virtual assistants.

Recognizing this need, Maxicare, a leading healthcare provider, offers a range of prepaid health cards designed for individuals seeking affordable and reliable healthcare solutions.

In this article, we will focus on two prominent options: the EReady Advance Titanium and EReady Advance Platinum Cards, as well as the PRIMA Silver and PRIMA Gold prepaid health cards.

EReady Advance Titanium vs. EReady Advance Platinum

Maxicare’s EReady Advance prepaid health cards cater to the diverse needs of freelancers, including virtual assistants.

Maxicare EReady Advance is a prepaid health card that enhances freelancers’ overall coverage. It provides a one-time coverage of up to Php50,000.00 for emergency-related cases, including those requiring confinement in all Maxicare-affiliated hospitals nationwide.

Additionally, it covers free and unlimited consultations in all Maxicare Primary Care Clinics. It is eligible for individuals aged 15 days to 65 years old. No paperwork is needed, and Pre-Existing Conditions (PEC) are covered.

best HMO for virtual assistants in Philipppines

An emergency is characterized by a sudden and unforeseen onset of a medical condition or illness, posing a threat to life and demanding prompt intervention for the immediate relief of pain or discomfort, typically within a 24-hour timeframe. Some examples of emergencies include heart attack, heat stroke, loss of consciousness, motor vehicular accidents, and convulsions.

The following table illustrates a comparison between the EReady Advance Titanium and EReady Advance Platinum Cards:

FeatureEReady Advance TitaniumEReady Advance Platinum
Price4,999.005,999.00
Coverage Period1 year1 year
Consultation in all Maxicare Primary Care Clinicsunlimitedunlimited
Emergency Room Benefit &
Hospital Confinement
Up to PHP 50,000Up to PHP 50,000
Room and Board AccommodationRegular Private RoomRegular Private Room
Access to All Maxicare-affiliated hospitalsYESYES
ACCESS TO 6 MAJOR HOSPITALS
1. Asian Hospital Medical Center
(AHMC)
2. Cardinal Santos Medical Center
(CSMC)
3. Makati Medical Center (MMC)
4. St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global
City (SLMC-GC)
5. St. Luke’s Medical
Center-Quezon City (SLMC-QC)
6. The Medical City-Ortigas (TMC)
NO ACCESSYES. With access to 6 major hospitals.

Both cards provide a range of essential benefits, making them suitable for virtual assistants who seek cost-effective yet comprehensive health coverage.

In summary, both EReady Advance Titanium and EReady Advance Platinum offer similar benefits in terms of coverage period, consultation in Primary Care Clinics, emergency coverage, and hospital confinement. The key difference lies in access to major hospitals, where EReady Advance Platinum provides access to six significant healthcare institutions, while EReady Advance Titanium does not have access to these specific facilities. Please remember that these cards do not cover elective confinement.


What is elective confinement?

Elective confinement refers to a planned or scheduled hospitalization or medical treatment that is chosen by an individual for a non-emergency or non-urgent reason. Unlike emergency situations where immediate medical attention is required, elective confinement involves a deliberate decision to undergo a medical procedure, surgery, or treatment that can be scheduled in advance.

Common examples of elective confinements include surgeries for non-life-threatening conditions, such as joint replacements, cosmetic procedures, or elective diagnostic procedures like certain imaging scans. These procedures are typically planned and scheduled at a specific time, allowing the patient and the medical team to prepare adequately.

It’s important to note that elective confinement differs from emergency hospitalization, necessitated by unforeseen and urgent medical conditions requiring immediate attention and care. Individuals often choose elective procedures based on medical recommendations, personal preferences, or the need for preventive healthcare.

PRIMA Silver vs. PRIMA Gold

Maxicare’s PRIMA Silver and PRIMA Gold prepaid health cards are specifically designed for use in Maxicare Primary Care Clinics. These cards focus on preventive healthcare and provide unlimited consultations. Below is a comparison between the two PRIMA cards:

FeaturePRIMA SilverPRIMA Gold
Age CoverageAll agesAll ages
Membership FeePhp 8,888.00Php 16,888.00
Outpatient Consultation in Maxicare Primary Care Clinic (PCC)UnlimitedUnlimited
LimitSelect sets. 200+All sets. 800+
Emergency coverageNoneYes. Php 20,000.00 (consumable in 1 year)
Dental BenefitsNoneMetro Dental
Group Life with ADD&DPhp 50,000.00Php 50,000.00
Pre-existing coverageCoveredCovered

PRIMA Silver and PRIMA Gold both cater to individuals of all ages, offer unlimited consultation and pre-existing coverage, and provide Group Life with ADD&D coverage. However, PRIMA Gold offers a more extensive set limit, emergency coverage, and dental benefits, making it a comprehensive option with a higher membership fee compared to PRIMA Silver. Individuals may choose based on their specific needs and preferences.

Maxicare Primary Care Clinics: What You Need to Know

Maxicare Primary Care Clinics are dedicated facilities where PRIMA Silver and PRIMA Gold cardholders can avail of unlimited consultations and various diagnostic and laboratory tests. These clinics are strategically located to provide easy access to primary healthcare services. Some locations include major cities and business districts, ensuring virtual assistants can conveniently manage their health.

What is Accidental Death, Dismemberment & Disablement (AD&D) Coverage for?

Accidental Death, Dismemberment & Disablement (AD&D) coverage is a type of insurance that provides financial benefits in the event of specific accidents. In the context of healthcare plans, AD&D coverage is designed to offer additional financial protection beyond traditional health coverage. It provides a lump-sum benefit in case of accidental death, loss of limbs, or disability resulting from covered accidents. This coverage aims to support individuals and their families in coping with the unexpected financial burdens that may arise due to accidents.

Recommendation

A combination of any of the EReady Advance cards with PRIMA card variants is recommended for virtual assistants looking to secure comprehensive health coverage. This approach ensures coverage for emergencies with hospital confinement benefits and unlimited consultations and diagnostic tests through the PRIMA cards. By choosing this combination, freelancers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing they have the necessary support for both unexpected health crises and routine check-ups.

Maxicare’s range of prepaid health cards offers virtual assistants a flexible and affordable solution for their healthcare needs. Whether opting for the EReady Advance cards for broader coverage or the PRIMA cards for unlimited primary care, freelancers can customize their health plans to suit their unique requirements.

I am a work-from-home mom since 2009. After a decade of working online as an independent contractor, I believe I am ready to share with you my stories and experiences working online as a freelancer. This blog will also serve as a guide to my fellow Filipinos who would like to use different online platforms and applications may it be for work, business, or for personal use.