For Filipinos, who have increasingly preferred traveling to de-stress, it has been a heavy blow. The rise in coronavirus cases earlier this year and the resulting reinstatement of restrictions did not help. While some spots did not entirely close for tourists within their bubbles, out-of-town trips remain a dream in hotspots until the numbers go down.
Even when restrictions ease up, however, travelers will have to continue following basic protocols in tourism’s new normal. Furthermore, people will still need to follow certain processes pre- and post-trip. With all these musts expected to continue until the pandemic is not under control, MediCard Philippines will be a helpful travel companion on your much-deserved break.
Excellent, convenient testing
Even before arriving for their vacation, tourists must prove they aren’t coronavirus timebombs through COVID-19 testing. MediCard offers some of the most excellent and convenient choices on that front.
You can order an Antigen Rapid Immunoassay (ARIA) COVID-19 Ag Test from its pharmacies. Unlike other antigen tests in the market, it is a quantitative test that not only detects the presence of the virus itself but also measures a person’s viral load through a fluorescence immunoassay machine. The kit carries a QR code, which links you to the medical professional who will administer the test via Zoom. You just run a swab around your nostrils, place the specimen in a test card and then apply drops of a special solution. In 15 minutes, the results will be available.
Another option is the FINA Ag SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test, available at MediCard Lifestyle Center. Unlike other Antigen tests in the market, it is a quantitative test that detects not only the presence of the virus itself, but also measure the viral load through a fluoresence immunoassay machine. It has a sensitivity rating of 97.30 percent and a specificity rating of 95.60 percent.
Safer visit to clinic
MediCard member or not, you don’t have to take that risky visit to a crowded hospital and can just go to the company’s 15 free-standing clinics. Visits are regulated through appointments. All locations also strictly observe health and safety protocols.
Recognizing the safety and mobility concerns of its members, MediCard has developed various ways to connect people to its 51,000 accredited doctors and its other services. With MediCard Telemedicine, it has allowed members to get medical consultations from home or anywhere. Members are also assured of 24/7 coverage through consultation platforms MyPocketDoctor and Eva Digital Clinic. Vacationers can, thus, connect to medical professionals if they need anything before they leave, when they feel sick in their hotel room or if they need guidance with quarantine when they are back.
Championing accessibility even further, MediCard has developed an in-demand app, MACE (MediCard Access Express). SimilarWeb lists it as among the most popular medical apps on iOS and Android in the Philippines. And why shouldn’t it be? Through the free app, MediCard members can view their health plans, request consultations and obtain authorization for lab tests round-the-clock. The app also continues to evolve, adapting to emergent demands all to keep health maintenance services more secure and accessible for members.
While we all look forward to the vaccine rollout, we will still need to navigate the world with utmost vigilance. COVID-19 should not stop us from tapping out of our normal routines and heading off to an adventure, but we should protect ourselves while doing it. Start building your defense for that upcoming vacation with MediCard.
