Healthcare is an individual need.
But sometimes one of the most practical ways to provide it is through an organization.
National Healthcare Shield, or NHS, is a group healthcare program that can provide eligible members with access to preventive healthcare, outpatient care, emergency care, hospitalization and dental benefits under one program.
For government organizations in particular, NHS can provide a way to turn an available medical allowance into healthcare benefits that employees can actually use.
More than hospitalization
Healthcare isn't only about being admitted to a hospital. People also need help staying healthy, consulting doctors when something feels wrong, dealing with emergencies, and taking care of routine health needs.
NHS can bring several types of healthcare support together.
Preventive healthcare
Routine healthcare can help identify concerns before they become bigger problems. Depending on the program, benefits can include an Annual Physical Examination and other preventive services.
Outpatient care
Not every medical problem requires hospitalization. Access to consultations and appropriate outpatient services can help members seek care when they need it.
Emergency care
Accidents and sudden illnesses don't make appointments. Emergency benefits provide another layer of protection when urgent medical attention is required.
Inpatient care
When hospitalization becomes necessary, NHS can provide inpatient benefits up to the applicable program limits.
Dental care
Routine dental benefits can also form part of the healthcare package.
A practical option for government personnel
NHS has particular relevance for government personnel because medical allowances can potentially be used to provide actual healthcare protection rather than simply remaining an abstract employee benefit.
The current NHS material discusses the medical allowance made available to qualified government civilian personnel under applicable government rules and presents NHS as one way organizations can translate that allowance into healthcare benefits.
Turn a healthcare allowance into healthcare protection.
The exact program still needs to be arranged through the participating organization and remains subject to applicable rules, eligibility and program terms.
What might an NHS program look like?
The current NHS brochure provides an example with a ₱75,000 Maximum Benefit Limit per illness and illustrative annual premiums of:
₱7,000 — Principal
₱10,500 — Dependent
These are current brochure examples, not universal quotations for every group or member. Actual eligibility, benefits, rates and program design should be confirmed for the participating organization.
Healthcare for more than one person
Depending on the program and eligibility rules, coverage may also be made available for qualified dependents.
That can make NHS relevant not only as an employee benefit, but as part of a family's healthcare preparation. The exact dependent rules should be taken from the applicable NHS program rather than generalized on the page.
Why group healthcare?
An individual can prepare for healthcare personally. But an organization has another opportunity: help many people prepare together.
- Give members meaningful healthcare benefits
- Turn an existing healthcare budget or allowance into usable protection
- Provide a common healthcare framework across an organization
- Extend access to people who might otherwise postpone arranging healthcare for themselves
The organization makes the program possible. The member receives the protection.
Is NHS appropriate for your organization?
That depends on the group. Important considerations can include:
- Who will be covered?
- How many people are eligible?
- What healthcare benefits are most useful?
- What budget or allowance is available?
- Will dependents be included?
These are questions for the organization's leadership rather than for one individual member to decide.
Learn more about NHS
If you are an officer, HR representative, association leader or someone who would like your organization to explore NHS, we can discuss the program with your group's leadership.
Benefits, premiums, eligibility and program terms are subject to the applicable group arrangement and current program rules. Examples shown are for illustration/reference and should not be treated as a quotation for a particular organization.