I was hospitalized for the first time in my adult life from May 18 to 21 this year. I wasn’t feeling well already a few days prior to that. My head, back, and muscles ached and I had this mysterious skin allergy that came out of nowhere. Despite my condition, I still went to a friend’s birthday party out of town. In normal circumstances, I would have backed out, but this event was rather special.
Anyway, by the time I got back to Manila that Saturday night, I already had a fever and my skin rash worsened. I suspect that it was the dirty water that caused it along with the fact that I slept in an airconditioned room, transferred outside and went inside again.
My fever went on and off for the next two days and my mom decided that it was time to go to Makati Med. I initially thought that I had dengue fever, but several hours after at the emergency room, I was diagnosed with an infection, and the bacteria was already in my bloodstream (explaining my fever). The pain on my lower left back wasn’t a simple strain, it was my kidney already complaining.
And so for the first time in my life, I underwent an ultrasound, a couple of blood and urine tests, and took my meds and antibiotics through an IV. It was an interesting experience actually, and it wasn’t so bad because I hardly felt any pain.
So anyway, what worried me actually is I didn’t have a health card like most employees do. All I had was my company ID and I had no idea how it worked. Thankfully, everything turned out okay and I was released without having to shell a cent. And it made me realize how important health insurance is.
20% of my total bill was taken by Philhealth while my company shouldered the rest. I have a few policies under my name and I’m thinking of finally getting a pension plan and even a disability insurance. You really never know what could happen to you. My illness came without warning and I’m just glad that I had something to support the expenses.
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