An MFI Tests a Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Clients' Healthcare Needs in the Philippines

This document describes the design and working of health protection services offered by Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), the largest MFI in the Philippines. The paper describes the local context that led to this unique configuration of health protection services that include:

• Health microinsurance to cover hospitalization, offered in partnership with a government program;
• Loans to cover the annual health insurance premium;
• A “"preferred provider program”" offering discounts on private primary care;
• Health education on prevention of common diseases, planning ahead to face healthcare expenses, and how to use local healthcare resources;
• A feasibility study on providing access to high-quality affordable drugs, especially in rural areas.

Finally, the paper stresses on CARD's usage of in-depth market research to provide clients with expanded primary health care options in their communities without involving itself in the direct provision of medical care.