Melai’s mom reminder: Health should never be put on hold

Filipino mothers are often the heart of the household. They manage daily responsibilities, care for their families, and make sure their loved ones are safe and well. However, when it comes to their own health, many moms tend to ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical attention because of concerns about expenses.

This “tiis-sakit” mindset can put families at risk. Health concerns that could have been addressed early may become more serious when treatment is postponed, potentially leading to bigger medical challenges and unexpected costs.

For actress and host Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, becoming a mother changed how she viewed healthcare. As a parent to two daughters, she realized that being prepared is an important part of protecting her family.

“Nung nagkaanak na ako, naging open na ako sa HMO kasi doble na ang iniisip namin. Hindi mo na kailangang hintayin na magkasakit kayong lahat sa pamilya bago kayo magpatingin sa ospital (When I had children, I became more open to having an HMO because I now had double the responsibilities to think about. You don’t have to wait until everyone in the family gets sick before you seek medical attention),” she shared.

Known for her practical approach to family life, Melai encourages parents to see healthcare preparation as a necessity rather than something to consider only during emergencies.

For many Filipinos, healthcare coverage has often felt difficult to afford or limited to certain groups. More accessible prepaid healthcare options are helping families prepare for medical needs without requiring expensive long-term commitments.

These plans allow individuals and families to choose healthcare protection based on their needs and budget, including support for emergency room visits, hospital confinement, and emergency cases involving illnesses such as dengue, leptospirosis and Covid-19.

Preparing for healthcare needs for Melai is part of being a responsible parent. Despite her busy career, she continues to make time for her family through simple moments, such as playing pickleball and enjoying movie nights with her daughters.

She believes that giving the best to her loved ones also means making sure they are protected during unexpected health situations.

“Hindi na pwedeng papetiks-petiks ka at hindi ka maghanda kapag may tao ka nang under your responsibility. Dapat lahat ng best for them, always mo talagang ibibigay (You can no longer be carefree and unprepared when you already have people under your responsibility. You should always give them the best, always),” she said.

Through her advocacy, Melai hopes more Filipino families will move away from delaying medical care because of financial concerns. She reminds parents that taking care of their loved ones also means taking steps today to protect their health in the future. 

With iCare's prepaid HMO plans, more Filipino families can break the cycle of ignoring symptoms and putting off essential medical care. Protecting loved ones from sickness and high medical bills is now easier.