Health Check

April 27, 2011


Most of my vacations have been a smooth ride until Philippines 2009. I experienced my first health freak out. I woke up one morning and I couldn't open my eyes. I looked in the mirror and I screamed. My eyes were so puffy and swollen I could barely open them. I also had rashes all over my body.
I purchased travel insurance back in Toronto so I was confident I could go to see a doctor and not worry about paying out of pocket. I called the insurance company to inform them of my situation and they gave me the green light to see any doctor I wanted.

My Aunt took me to a clinic and I waited patiently to see a doctor. After half an hour, I finally saw the doctor and she told me it was allergies. I got a prescription for reactin and everything was done. I totally blame the crab I ate the night before!!!!

I had to pay for everything including my medicine. I was not used to that. In Toronto, it's free to visit a doctor. We have a health card that the government covers for free. I also have a drug plan at work so I only pay 20% of the cost for prescription medicine. In the Philippines, everything must be paid for. The government doesn't subsidize any cost so if you don't earn a lot of money, it's more than likely that you don't get a check up every year or if you get sick you might not afford to see a doctor. It was a very sad realization.

It really opened my eyes on how different things are between the two countries I call home. I will never ever take for granted the privileges that I have here in Canada.

4 comments

  1. Oh wow, thats pretty scary! Health care is a sad situation. I'm glad you're all better though!

    orangeandcloves.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. *cue Canadian anthem* That's great that it works so well for you! And so sorry you got sick.

    Also, if you don't have a twitter, you can do a Facebook post about the giveaway and let me know. That'll be fine. :)

    P.S. GET TWITTER! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Liz!

    Hannah - yes it's good to have free health care :)
    I'll do a facebook post then...I'm not really a twitter person.

    ReplyDelete
  4. i like your blog´s photos! maybe we could follow each others?
    xo
    thehoneystreet.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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