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How Critical Illness Insurance Protects Your Savings

Oona

Oona

How Critical Illness Insurance protects your savings from medical emergencies

A critical illness can quickly wipe out your savings, from medical bills to daily expenses and lost income. Unlike health insurance that only covers hospital costs, Oona Critical Illness Insurance gives you a 100% lump-sum payout when diagnosed. Use it for treatment, bills, or to maintain your lifestyle. Protect your finances and stay ready. Discover why every Filipino should have critical illness insurance today!

Medical Emergencies Can Drain Your Savings—Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Picture this: you’ve been saving up for a house, a car, or your children’s future education. Then, out of nowhere, a critical illness like cancer, a heart attack, or a stroke changes everything. Your financial goals are suddenly overshadowed by soaring medical bills, lost income, and everyday expenses.
 

Many Filipinos think their emergency fund or health insurance is enough to cover these costs. But what happens when expenses exceed what they can handle?
 

This is where critical illness insurance steps in—not just to protect your health but also to safeguard your finances. Unlike health insurance, which only reimburses medical bills, Oona Critical Illness Insurance provides a 100% lump-sum payout upon diagnosis. This means you can use the money for treatment, bills, or maintaining your lifestyle, giving you peace of mind during tough times.

Why Health Insurance and an Emergency Fund May Not Be Enough

Many people rely on PhilHealth, HMO plans, or personal savings to cover medical emergencies. However, these may not be enough when facing a serious illness. 

1. Health Insurance vs Critical Illness Insurance: Limitations 

Health insurance and HMOs often have limitations. Most HMO plans in the Philippines provide an annual benefit limit (ABL) of ₱100,000 to ₱300,000, which can quickly fall short when treating severe illnesses like cancer or heart disease—conditions that can cost millions
.

While PhilHealth can reduce treatment costs, it doesn’t cover everything. Many patients still find themselves paying out-of-pocket for medications, hospital stays, and specialized treatments.

2. Emergency Funds Can Be Wiped Out Quickly

Having an emergency fund is essential, but it’s not unlimited. A critical illness can lead to months (or even years) of lost income, making it harder to pay for: 
 

  • Household bills and daily expenses
     

  • Ongoing treatments and medications
     

  • Specialist consultations and alternative therapies
     

Without a solid backup plan, you may have no choice but to take on loans, sell assets, or ask for financial help.

How Critical Illness Insurance Protects Your Savings

1. 100% Lump-Sum Cash Payout

Unlike health insurance, which only reimburses hospital bills, critical illness insurance provides a lump-sum payout upon diagnosis. With Oona, you get the full benefit amount upfront, up to ₱500,000 depending on your chosen coverage. This means you have the freedom to use the money however you need:
 

  • Pay for medical treatments not covered by insurance
     

  • Cover household expenses while you recover
     

  • Settle loans or mortgages
     

  • Fund alternative treatments or rehabilitation programs

2. Financial Stability During Recovery

A serious illness can force you to stop working for months—or even permanently. With critical illness coverage, the lump sum payout ensures that you and your family can still afford daily necessities like food, rent, tuition fees, and other living expenses. 

3. Avoiding Debt and Asset Loss

Many Filipinos resort to borrowing money or selling properties to cover medical expenses. Critical illness insurance prevents this financial strain by providing immediate cash support, so you don’t have to drain your savings or take on expensive loans. 

How Critical Illness Insurance Complements Your Health Insurance

Many Filipinos believe that PhilHealth or an HMO plan provides full coverage for medical expenses. While they offer vital support, they don’t cover the full financial burden of a critical illness. Here’s how critical illness insurance bridges the gap: 

1. Health Insurance Pays for Medical Bills—But What About Everything Else?

Health insurance primarily covers hospitalization, doctor’s fees, and some medications—but what happens if you can’t work due to illness? You’ll still need to pay for:
 

  • Daily living expenses (rent, food, utilities)
     

  • Mortgage or car loan payments
     

  • Child’s tuition fees
     

  • Specialized care and alternative treatments
     

Oona Critical Illness Insurance offers a 100% lump-sum payout, allowing you to cover more than just medical bills—giving you the freedom to manage your finances during recovery. 

2. No Worries About Benefit Limits and Exclusions

Most HMO plans have an Annual Benefit Limit (ABL) of ₱100,000 to ₱300,000. If your treatment costs exceed this, you’ll be left to pay the difference, out of pocket. With Oona, your lump-sum payout is guaranteed upon diagnosis, regardless of medical bills or hospital limits—giving you peace of mind.

3. Immediate Cash Support for Recovery

Recovering from a serious illness takes time. Even if your hospital expenses are covered by health insurance, you might not be able to work for months or even years. Oona’s lump-sum payout gives you financial breathing room to focus on recovery without worrying about lost income.

4. Freedom to Choose Treatments Not Covered by Your HMO

Some medical treatments, such as experimental drugs, special rehabilitation programs, or alternative therapies, may not be covered by traditional health insurance. With a lump sum payout from Oona, you have the financial flexibility to explore every possible treatment option for a full recovery.

5. Protects You from Future Rate Increases

If you develop a critical illness, your HMO provider may increase premiums or refuse to renew your policy. But with Oona Critical Illness Insurance, your payout is guaranteed as long as your policy is active—without worrying about rate hikes due to your health condition.

The Perfect Combination for Total Protection

  • Health Insurance – Covers hospital and medical bills
     

  • Critical Illness Insurance – Provides a 100% lump sum payout for non-medical expenses and financial stability
     

When combined, these two types of coverage offer complete protection, shielding you and your family from the full financial impact of a critical illness. 

The Real Cost of Critical Illnesses in the Philippines

Most people focus on medical bills when thinking about the costs of illness, but the true financial burden of a critical illness goes far beyond that. It includes long-term treatments, medications, rehabilitation, and the loss of income if you’re unable to work.

Rising Cases of Critical Illnesses (2022-2023)

The number of deaths from critical illnesses has surged in just one year, underscoring the growing health risks for Filipinos. With critical illness coverage, you can ensure that you and your family are financially prepared for these increasing challenges. 

Rising cases of critical illnesses

This data highlights how the impact of critical illnesses is increasing, putting more Filipinos at risk of both severe health and financial consequences. 

Younger Filipinos Are Also at Risk

Critical illnesses were once considered a risk for older adults, but now, younger Filipinos are facing these challenges as well—especially with diseases like cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Contributing risk factors include:
 

  • Unhealthy lifestyles (poor diet, lack of exercise)
     

  • Increased stress levels
     

  • Genetic predisposition

The High Cost of Treatment in the Philippines

Critical illnesses can hit you harder than just your health—they can drain your savings fast. Here’s a look at the eye-watering costs for some common life-threatening conditions that could surprise you:

Cost of critical illness treatment in the Philippines

Additional Financial Struggles Include:

  • Lost income – Many patients are out of work for months (or even years) after a diagnosis.
     

  • Daily expenses – Rent, groceries, tuition fees, transportation—they all still add up.
     

  • Non-covered medical costs – Things like alternative treatments, medications, and home care can really stack up and add to the financial burden
     

Without proper financial planning, many families resort to borrowing money, selling assets, or relying on fundraising efforts.

Why Many Filipinos Struggle to Afford Treatment

Without financial backup, critical illness can quickly turn into a financial nightmare. Many patients end up:
 

  • Take out high-interest loans, digging themselves into deeper debt. 
     

  • Sell properties and assets, losing hard-earned investments.
     

  • Seek donations or crowdfunding, which often doesn’t cover the full cost. 
     

That’s where Oona Critical Illness Insurance steps in! With a 100% lump-sum payout, you’ll have the resources you need to avoid draining your savings or falling into debt. 

Medical Bills Are Just the Beginning—Get Financial Protection Now

Health insurance helps with medical bills, but critical illness coverage is the true lifesaver when it comes to securing your financial future. Oona gives you cash in hand to cover lost income, therapy, and everyday expenses—all the things health insurance doesn’t cover.
 

Secure your financial stability today by getting Oona Critical Illness Insurance—because being prepared means never having to worry about more than just your health.

Is Oona Big 3 Critical Illness Insurance costly?

With Oona, it's surprisingly affordable. Your premium depends on factors like age, gender, and smoking status—but it’s designed to be accessible for most Filipinos.

How Gender and Smoking Status Affect Premiums

Men typically face higher premiums because they are statistically at greater risk for critical illnesses like heart disease. Smokers, on the other hand, see a significant bump in premiums due to their increased risk of conditions like cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.

A Small Investment for Major Protection

For just ₱145 per year (that’s less than ₱12 a month), you can secure ₱250,000 - ₱500,000 in critical illness coverage. Here’s what it costs:
 

  • Less than the price of a soft drink
     

  • Less than a one-time Grab ride
     

  • Cheaper than a single fast-food meal
     

For such a small price, you’re getting major peace of mind. 

Getting a Personalized Quote is Easy

Ready to find out exactly what your premium will be? It's easy! Just follow these steps: 
 

1️⃣ Visit the Oona Big 3 Critical Illness Insurance Page:
👉 https://myoona.ph/all-product/critical-illness-insurance/
 

2️⃣ Fill-out  Your Information:
✔ Provide details like your gender, birthdate, smoking habits, and more. 
 

3️⃣ Get Your Quote Instantly:
✔ See exactly how much you’ll pay for ₱250,000 or ₱500,000 in coverage. 

Why Health Insurance Alone Isn’t Enough

Medical emergencies are unpredictable, but the financial toll doesn’t have to be. While health insurance covers hospital bills, it doesn’t cover the hidden costs—like lost income, ongoing treatments, and daily living expenses—that come with a critical illness.
 

With Oona Big 3 Critical Illness Insurance, you’ll get a 100% lump-sum payout right after diagnosis, so you can:
 

  • Pay for medical and non-medical expenses
     

  • Maintain financial stability even if you stop working
     

  • Avoid debt, loans, or selling assets
     

As cancer, heart disease, and strokes continue to rise in the Philippines, securing critical illness insurance coverage today is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Protect your future and your savings with Oona. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Oona Critical Illness Insurance cost?

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Premiums start as low as ₱145 per year, depending on your chosen coverage and age group.
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Can I use the payout for non-medical expenses?

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Yes! The money can be used for anything—from medical treatments to daily living expenses, mortgage payments, or even travel.
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What illnesses are covered under Oona Critical Illness Insurance?

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Oona covers major life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart attack, and stroke—the top three critical illnesses that cause financial distress for Filipinos.
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Can I get this insurance if I already have an HMO?

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Yes! Critical illness insurance complements HMO and health insurance by covering expenses that they don’t, such as lost income and out-of-pocket costs.
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How does the lump sum payout work?

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Once diagnosed with a covered illness, you receive 100% of the insured amount in a single payout—no receipts or medical bill reimbursements required.
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Do I need a medical exam to apply?

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No, you only need to answer four health-related questions during the application process.
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Is there an age limit for applying?

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Yes, you can apply if you’re between 18 to 64 years old, and your policy is renewable up to age 70.
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How do I apply for coverage?

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You can easily apply online by visiting Oona’s website and filling out the application form.

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Why should I get critical illness insurance now?

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The earlier you secure a policy, the more affordable your premiums will be.
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What happens if I recover from my illness?

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The payout is yours to keep, even if you fully recover.
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Protect your finances with Oona Critical Illness Insurance today!

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