Health Insurance Coverage for Men: What You Need to Know

Discover essential health and accident insurance tips for men, focusing on their unique health risks, occupational hazards, and ways to prioritize their well-being.

November 20, 2024
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In Filipino culture, fathers are traditionally seen as providers, bearing significant responsibilities toward their families, workplaces, and society.

So it is easy for men to prioritize their work over their chief responsibility towards their loved ones—staying healthy. Long hours at work, job stress, poor diets, and exposure to toxic environments or occupational hazards all contribute to health risks that particularly affect men.

As men age, they must become more conscious of their increasing risks for critical illnesses. Family history and lifestyle choices can indicate potential health issues, but work conditions also play a major role in developing certain diseases.

Most Common Diseases and Causes of Mortality Among Filipino Men

The Department of Health in 2020 identified the leading causes of death among Filipino men. Men are more susceptible than women to the following diseases:

Ischaemic Heart Diseases: Caused by narrowed arteries that block the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart.
Hypertensive Diseases: Linked to high blood pressure, including cerebrovascular disease, aortic aneurysm, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney diseases.
Cerebrovascular Diseases: Affecting blood flow and vessels in the brain, these include strokes.
Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases: Such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and occupational lung diseases (from exposure to pollution and harmful chemical substances associated with some work environments).
COVID-19: The pandemic showed that men were more vulnerable to severe outcomes than women.

Key Considerations for Men When Choosing Insurance

The health vulnerabilities and occupational hazards men face due to their roles in their families, workplaces, and society should guide their decisions when selecting insurance coverage. Here are key considerations tailored to men:

Coverage for High-Risk Health Conditions: Men are at higher risk for issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and respiratory problems. That’s why it’s important to pick health insurance that covers things like hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and treatments for these conditions. Adding a critical illness rider can also be a smart move since it gives financial support if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness.
Accident Insurance for Occupational Risks: Many men work in physically demanding or hazardous environments. Accident insurance provides valuable support by covering medical expenses and other costs if you're injured at work or face a temporary or permanent disability due to an accident.
Comprehensive Check-Up and Preventive Care: Early detection is key to managing diseases like hypertension and cardiovascular conditions. Insurance plans with regular health check-ups, diagnostic tests, and preventive care options can help men avoid potential health risks.
Stress and Lifestyle-Related Health Support: Long working hours and high-stress levels can lead to conditions like hypertension and chronic fatigue. Insurance plans that include wellness programs, mental health support, or fitness initiatives can address these challenges proactively.
Tailored Benefits for Frequent Travelers: Men who travel often for work need travel insurance that covers health emergencies, hospitalizations, and travel-related disruptions like lost luggage or cancellations. This ensures continuous protection while away from home.
Flexible Plans for Active Lifestyles: Many men engage in sports or physically demanding hobbies that carry risks of injury. Look for plans that provide coverage for emergencies related to such activities.
Family-Centric Insurance Options: As providers, men often prioritize the well-being of their families. Choose insurance plans that offer dependent coverage, ensuring that children and spouses are also protected in case of unforeseen health or accident-related events.

Making the Right Choices for Men’s Health and Safety

Men should proactively assess their insurance needs, considering common health risks and personal circumstances. Consulting with reliable insurance brokers can help in selecting the right healthcare, accident, and liability coverage. Regularly reviewing employer-provided benefits is also advisable to ensure they align with individual needs, especially for those exposed to occupational hazards or who travel frequently for work.

Taking these steps not only safeguards health but also ensures peace of mind for you and your loved ones.