Understanding Different Healthcare Options for Small Businesses in the Philippines
If you run a small business, you know how much your team matters. When an employee gets sick, everything feels it—customer service slows down, the workload shifts, and sometimes, you lose sales. Taking care of your team with a health plan isn't just about benefits; it's about making sure your business keeps running smoothly, without setbacks.
1. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – Best for Comprehensive, Cashless Access
A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) provides healthcare services through its network of health providers. It's the most popular type of health insurance, representing around 90% of the market. Think of it like a membership that lets you see certain doctors and hospitals for check-ups, treatments, and emergencies, all at a lower cost.
Imagine you run a small cafe with ten employees. One morning, your best barista—the one who keeps things running—gets sick. They need to see a doctor. Without an employee HMO plan, they'd have to handle the cost themselves, which could be expensive. And if they need hospitalization, the bills could get even bigger.
With an HMO, your employees can see a doctor when they need to—without worrying about the cost. That means fewer delays in treatment and a quicker return to work. That way, your team gets taken care of, and your business keeps moving without extra stress.
Pros:
✔ Nationwide access to accredited medical providers
✔ No cash out for covered services from accredited doctors and hospitals
✔ Higher benefit limits applied per illness, making coverage more extensive
✔ Cost-efficient—typically 30% lower than private patient rates
Cons:
✖ Private patient reimbursements may not be covered under certain plans
✖ Employees must ensure that both their doctor and hospital are accredited to avoid unexpected expenses
Maria Health gives you access to the leading HMO providers in the country. If you want to keep your business running smoothly and your team healthy, let us help you get the best plan that fits your budget.
Why Should Small Businesses Consider an HMO?
Every employee plays a role in keeping things moving, so when someone gets sick, the ripple effect is real. A short-staffed team means longer lines, missed sales, and more stress for everyone. That's why making sure your employees have healthcare isn't just a benefit; it's one of the smartest ways to keep your business steady. Here's why:
1. Retention & Attraction—Hiring and Keeping the Right People
Finding good employees—and keeping them—isn't easy, especially in retail and service jobs where people often leave for better opportunities. Offering an HMO helps you stand out from businesses that don't provide healthcare. It shows your team that you care about their well-being, not just their work, and that kind of support makes people more likely to stay.
Imagine you run a small clothing shop or a repair service, and you're hiring a new salesperson or technician. If they see that you offer HMO Philippines benefits, they may choose your company over another that only provides a basic salary.
2. Boosted Productivity—Healthy Employees Mean a Stronger Business
When employees don't have healthcare, they often push through illness instead of getting treated. But that can take a toll—lower energy, more mistakes, and sometimes, getting their coworkers sick. A good health plan ensures they can get the care they need early, so they come back stronger and ready to work.
With proper healthcare, they can get treated early and recover faster, so your team stays strong and productive. When employees can take care of themselves without financial strain, they're more likely to recover quickly and return to work in good condition.
3. Stronger Business Reputation—Building Trust with Employees and Customers
Your business isn't just selling products or services—it's building relationships. Whether it's your employees or customers, trust plays a major role in success.
A business that offers employee HMO plans sends a clear message: We care about our team. This boosts morale and loyalty among employees, making them more likely to provide great customer service.
For a small business with five or more employees, offering a company HMO benefits is an investment in stability, productivity, and long-term success. When your team knows they're supported, they work harder, stay longer, and help your business thrive.
2. Medical Insurance
Medical insurance covers an individual's medical and surgical expenses based on their plan's limits. Some policies pay healthcare providers directly, while others require employees to pay upfront and get reimbursed later.
Pros:
✔ Typically cheaper than an HMO but with limited coverage
✔ Greater flexibility in choosing doctors and medical facilities
Cons:
✖ Employees may need to pay out-of-pocket before receiving reimbursement
✖ Limited coverage—many policies don't cover all medical services
✖ Higher costs per treatment since medical insurance uses private patient rates instead of special HMO pricing
How to Choose Which Health Insurance is Best for Your Business
As a small business owner, you'll want to weigh affordability, accessibility, and employee satisfaction to find the best coverage. Here are some key considerations:
1. Benefit Payments: Balancing Cost and Coverage
Different health plans come with varying levels of coverage, which can impact how much employees need to spend when seeking care. Choosing a plan that offers comprehensive benefits helps ensure they can access medical services without financial strain.
2. Shared Costs: Managing Employer and Employee Contributions
Most group HMO and health insurance plans split costs between employers and employees. A more generous employer contribution can improve job satisfaction and retention, but it's important to balance that with your company's financial capacity. Selecting a company HMO allows businesses to maintain predictable costs while ensuring employees receive reliable healthcare.
3. Doctor Network: Ensuring Preferred Healthcare Access
Your employees may have preferred doctors or hospitals. If a provider isn't in their plan's network, it may result in unexpected costs or limited access to care. A group HMO with a broad hospital network ensures employees can visit trusted providers without disruptions.
4. Additional Coverage: Expanding Benefits Beyond Basic Healthcare
Group health insurance typically covers medical consultations, hospitalization, and emergency care, but dental and vision benefits are often separate. Offering these additional perks can help recruit and retain employees, showing them that their long-term health needs matter.
Choosing the Right Health Insurance Plan for Your Team
Finding the right health plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Maria Health makes it easy to compare HMO options, helping you find the best fit for your team and budget.
If you need an employee HMO plan for your team, Maria Health will guide you and simplify the process so you can focus on growing your business.
Sources:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HMO
http://www.imoney.ph/articles/hmo/
http://www.healthinsure.org/ppo-vs-hmo/
https://www.bankbazaar.ph/insurance/health-insurance.html