With aging comes different health risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, growing old can increase the chances of developing long-term diseases, including cancer, dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and many more.

To help prevent, detect, or treat such chronic illnesses in our elderly loved ones, having the right healthcare coverage is crucial. Fortunately, HMO provider Medicard offers premier healthcare coverages such as MediCard Select and Medicard VIP to give access to the best possible care for our senior loved ones in their golden years.

MediCard Select is an advanced solution that enables members of all ages to access healthcare coverage with reduced costs and fund management. Available in accredited providers in the country, members of such coverage will only pay for the services they used; any remaining funds can be refunded.

If your elderly loved one qualifies, MediCard Select covers hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and preventive healthcare. For individuals over 30 years of age, their annual physical exam includes the following eight blood chemistries: fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, BUN, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. For those below 30, their APE includes flu vaccines. APEs may be done in any MediCard free-standing clinic.

Dental benefits are also included, covering consultations, oral examinations, tooth removal, oral prophylaxis, and more.

Meanwhile, the refundable revolving fund starts at P58,000 for members over 60 years of age, while it is P30,000 for those who are 60 years old and below.

Benefits for seniors
MediCard VIP covers a premium and broad range of health benefits for your senior loved ones. Aside from having the chance to choose the treating doctor, it covers treatments in five-star hospitals in the country, executive checkups, and coverage for pre-existing conditions, among others.

Other than that, if your senior loved ones like to travel, this healthcare plan can guard them wherever they go. Members traveling 150 kilometers or more for less than 90 days can take advantage of consultation and evaluation with Assist America's medical staff in its Operations Center, referrals to doctors, and medical monitoring in case of emergency.

Assist America can arrange for your loved one's transportation with an escort to return home securely in the event of an emergency and assist with their hospital admittance on a reimbursement basis.

The annual premium starts at P32,993 for your loved ones who are 61 to 65 years old while price begins at P25, 379 for 60 years old and below.

Visit www.medicardphils.com for more information.