🏥 Healthcare Guide for OFWs
Navigate European healthcare systems with confidence – Updated 2026
Your Three Layers of Healthcare Protection
Staying healthy is your priority. If you get sick or injured in Europe, you have three layers of protection. Knowing how to use them can save you thousands of Euros in medical bills.
Layer One: Local European Healthcare
Most OFWs with a valid work permit are required to be part of the host country’s national health system.
🏛️ Public Insurance
A small portion of your salary is usually deducted for “Social Security” or “National Insurance.”
What you get: The same healthcare rights as a local citizen, including:
- GP (doctor) visits
- Hospital care
- Emergency services
- Prescriptions (often subsidized)
🇪🇺 The EHIC Card
European Health Insurance Card
What it does: If you live in an EU country (like Malta or Italy) and travel to another EU country for a holiday, this card allows you to access state-provided emergency healthcare for free or at reduced cost.
How to get it: Apply through your local health authority
💼 Private Health Insurance (PMI)
Some employers provide “Private Medical Insurance” as a benefit.
Check if your plan covers:
- Dental care (rarely free in Europe)
- Optical/eye care
- Specialist consultations
- Private hospitals
Layer Two: PhilHealth & OWWA
Even while working abroad, maintaining your PhilHealth and OWWA membership is vital for your family in the Philippines and for catastrophic illnesses.
🇵🇭 PhilHealth in 2026
Contribution Rate: 5% of your monthly salary (capped at a ₱100,000 salary ceiling)
🆕 MEDplus Program NEW 2026
A new partnership between PhilHealth and OWWA.
What it provides: If you are diagnosed with a “dreaded disease” (like cancer or kidney failure) while in Europe, MEDplus provides up to ₱50,000 in additional financial aid on top of standard PhilHealth case rates.
How to Pay from Europe:
- GCash app
- Maya app
- PhilHealth Member Portal (online)
- Auto-debit from Philippine bank account
Why it matters:
- Your dependents in the Philippines can use your benefits
- Coverage when you return home
- Financial protection for major illnesses
- MEDplus emergency aid for catastrophic diagnoses
🛡️ OWWA Membership
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provides additional benefits:
- Insurance coverage (accident, death)
- Scholarship programs for dependents
- Livelihood assistance
- Repatriation assistance
Layer Three: Emergency Government Funds
If you face a medical emergency and your insurance doesn’t cover it (or you are undocumented), the Philippine government has “Assistance to Nationals” funds.
💼 The AKSYON Fund (DMW)
Managed by: Department of Migrant Workers
Used for: Medical repatriation – flying you back to the Philippines with a medical escort if you can no longer work due to illness.
Contact: Your nearest MWO office (see Legal Assistance page)
🏛️ The ATN Fund (DFA)
Managed by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Provides: Emergency hospital assistance for Filipinos in distress who are not covered by the DMW.
Contact: Philippine Embassy ATN section
🚨 Remember the Emergency Number
Works on locked phones, phones with no credit, and even phones with no SIM card!
✅ Healthcare Checklist for OFWs
Don’t wait until you’re sick. Take these steps NOW:
Register with a GP (General Practitioner)
In Europe, you must register with a “General Practitioner” or “Family Doctor” near your home. Do NOT wait until you are sick to do this. Without a GP, you may be turned away from non-emergency care.
Keep Your Health ID in Your Wallet
Every European country issues a health card (insurance card). Always carry it. Hospitals and doctors will ask for it before treating you.
Save 112 in Your Phone
112 is the universal emergency number in Europe. Save it as “EMERGENCY 112” so it’s easy to find in a crisis.
Update Your PhilHealth MDR
Ensure your “Member Data Record” lists your dependents in the Philippines so they can use your benefits while you are away. Update it online via the PhilHealth portal.
Save the Medical Attaché Number
Large hubs like Geneva and Madrid have specific “Medical Attachés” at the embassy who can explain your rights in the local hospital system. Get their contact from your embassy website.
💡 Important Healthcare Tips
🏥 When to Go to ER
Emergency Room (A&E) is for emergencies only:
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Suspected stroke or heart attack
For other issues, see your GP first.
💊 Getting Prescriptions
- Most medications require a prescription in Europe
- Your GP can prescribe common medicines
- Pharmacies can advise on over-the-counter options
- Keep a list of medications you take regularly
- Generic medicines are much cheaper than brand names
🌐 Language Barriers
- Ask for an interpreter at hospitals (often free)
- Use Google Translate in appointments
- Bring a friend who speaks the language
- Write down symptoms before your appointment
- Request written instructions in English