Partnering with iCare Prepaid Cards starting at just ₱100, the ultimate “Wais Mom” challenges the culture of delaying medical care because of budget concerns.
VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — In almost every Filipino household, moms are the ultimate caregivers. They wake up early to prepare meals, manage tight budgets, and make sure everyone is ready for school or work. Yet when it comes to their own health, many moms do something heartbreakingly common—they brush off pain and delay doctor visits to save money.
This pervasive tiis-sakit mentality often leaves families vulnerable, as minor symptoms can escalate into serious medical emergencies that lead to unexpected expenses.
To help break this cycle, iCare has partnered with host, actress, and ultimate Wais Mom Melai Cantiveros-Francisco as the new face of its iCare Prepaid Cards. Together, they are changing the way Filipinos think about healthcare—not as an expensive luxury, but as an affordable and essential part of everyday family life.
Known for her infectious humor and practical wisdom, Melai candidly shares how her perspective on healthcare changed when she became a mother to her two daughters.
“Nung nagkaanak na ako, naging open na ako sa HMO kasi doble na ang iniisip namin. Hindi mo na kailangang hintayin na magkasakit kayong lahat sa pamilya bago kayo magpatingin sa ospital,” she shared. “Panatag ka na dalhin sa ospital ang pamilya mo nang hindi nangungutang. Sobra akong happy na nag-a-adjust ang iCare para sa masa.”
For years, quality healthcare coverage was viewed as a benefit reserved for corporate employees or individuals with substantial savings. iCare is changing that by offering affordable, prepaid HMO plans that eliminate long-term commitments, expensive premiums, and complicated paperwork.
“Yung goal ng iCare is to be stress-free para sa mga magulang at sa mga tao kapag nag-oospital. Hindi ka na ma-stress kapag bayaran na ng hospital bills,” Melai added.
Quality Healthcare Starting at Just ₱100
iCare’s prepaid HMO plans give Filipinos an easy and affordable way to access quality healthcare without breaking the bank. With a one-time payment, customers can choose the coverage that best fits their needs—from emergency room (ER) treatment to inpatient confinement.
The ER Care Choice plan, starting at just ₱100, provides short-term coverage for emergency room treatment and confinement due to accidents and viral or bacterial illnesses. Meanwhile, the K12 Health Cover/Dengue Flex plan, starting at ₱500, provides up to ₱50,000 worth of outpatient and inpatient coverage for emergency cases caused by dengue, leptospirosis, and COVID-19.
All prepaid HMO plans can be used across iCare’s extensive network of more than 2,000 partner hospitals and clinics and over 50,000 accredited doctors nationwide.
Say YES to Better Health Today
When every member of the family is healthy, they can focus on what truly matters—studying, working, and creating meaningful moments together. Melai treasures every opportunity to bond with her daughters, whether it’s playing pickleball or enjoying movie nights at home.
Like many Filipino moms, Melai’s love for her family means always giving them the very best. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time for her husband and daughters—and plans ahead with iCare so they can receive quality healthcare whenever they need it.
“Hindi na pwedeng papetiks-petiks ka at hindi ka maghanda kapag may tao ka nang under your responsibility. Dapat lahat ng best for them, always mo talagang ibibigay,” Melai said.
For too long, many Filipinos have delayed seeking medical care because they believed healthcare was beyond their means. But protecting your family’s health shouldn’t have to wait until an emergency happens.
With iCare’s prepaid HMO plans, more Filipino families can break the cycle of ignoring symptoms and putting off essential medical care. Protecting loved ones from sickness and high medical bills is now easier than ever.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
