27/05/2026
A 57 year-old OFW lost his job in the Middle East after years of working abroad.
Like many employees overseas, he used to have employer-subsidized health and life insurance. As long as he was employed, he was covered.
But when the job ended, so did the insurance.
He went home to the Philippines with savings, hoping to finally rest and settle down. Later on, he tried applying for a personal insurance policy here.
Unfortunately, he was required to undergo medical tests first.
The results showed health issues.
Application declined.
According to him, years ago, during one of his vacations back home, an insurance agent approached him and offered him a policy. He declined because he already had insurance from his employer anyway.
At that time, he was still younger and healthier. Most likely insurable.
Today, things are different.
This is one of the biggest lessons about insurance that many people realize too late:
Employer-provided insurance is good, but it is temporary and conditional.
It exists only as long as:
• you remain employed,
• the company keeps the benefit,
• and you still qualify under their terms.
But once employment ends — through resignation, retrenchment, layoffs, company closure, disability, or retirement — the coverage can disappear exactly when health risks become higher.
And the harsh reality is this:
The older we get, the harder and more expensive insurance becomes.
Sometimes, it even becomes impossible to get approved at all.
Many people delay getting personal insurance because they think: “Covered naman ako sa company.”
But company insurance is not ownership. It’s borrowed protection.
Personal insurance is different because it stays with you regardless of employer, provided you maintain the policy.
The best time to secure insurance is not when you already need it.
The best time is when you are still healthy enough to qualify for it.