Are you considering working as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Finland? It’s essential to be prepared for the financial aspects of the application process. In this article, we will delve into the expenses incurred by an OFW during her journey to work as an assistant nurse in Finland, specifically focusing on the costs associated with the application process. By understanding these expenses upfront, you can plan your finances accordingly and make informed decisions as you pursue your dream of working in Finland.
The application process for working in Finland involves various steps, including medical examinations, vaccinations, contract signing, and more. Each stage incurs its own set of expenses, and it’s crucial to be aware of these costs to avoid any financial surprises along the way. In this article, we will break down the expenses, providing detailed information about the fees for pre-medical and final medical examinations, vaccination requirements, as well as the payments for biometrics and partial and final pay.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
A Guide to the Expenses Involved in Working as an Assistant Nurse in Finland
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video by the channel Sheena Chenitaz Vlog. In this video, the vlogger talks about how much she spent during her application process to work as an assistant nurse in Finland. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
The vlogger is a registered nurse in the Philippines and currently working as a nursing assistant in Finland while studying to become a practical nurse.
When she confirmed her decision to pursue her application to Finland, the agency provided them with a list of medical facilities where they can undergo medical examinations. She chose Eastern Medical located in Ermita, Manila.
Medical Expenses and Requirements
- Pre-Medical Examination Expenses:
- Package cost: 4,100 pesos
- Additional expenses: dental medcert, tooth filling, dental check (100 pesos)
- Health Insurance Coverage:
- HMO and health medicard for company
- Cleaning schedule coordinated with pre-medical appointment
- Final Medical Examination:
- Conducted after obtaining resident card or contract signing
- Necessary for medical clearance
- Pre-medical validity is six months, so final medical must be done again
- Overall Expenses:
- Pre-medical cost: 4,200 pesos
The expenses were higher for those who live far from Baguio because the agency, Topmake International Manpower Services, is located there.
The first expense incurred was for the pre-medical examination, which cost 4,100 pesos. There were additional expenses such as a dental medical certificate. She needed to have a tooth filled and undergo a cleaning procedure. There was also another dental procedure that still needed to be done. The dentist told her that she could have it done outside as long as she provides the medical certificate, but her teeth needed to be checked to ensure that the required procedure was completed. She had to pay an additional 100 pesos for the dental check.
Since she had an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), she opted to have the cleaning done outside. She had a health medicard provided by her company. The schedule for the cleaning coincided with her visit to the clinic for the pre-medical examination to ensure that her medical clearance would be obtained.The total expense for the pre-medical examination was 4,200 pesos.
As for the final medical examination, it is only done when she already has a resident card, has signed a contract, and has undergone the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS). This is done for assurance purposes because the validity of the pre-medical examination is only six months, so the final medical examination needs to be done again.
During the language training, medical incidents can occur, so the final medical exam required. The process remains the same, and the payment is still 4,100 pesos. However, this time she didn’t have her cleaning done outside because she didn’t want to go through the hassle of returning. Instead, she had it done internally, which cost her an additional 500 pesos.
But the expenses didn’t end there. She also needed a urinalysis because she had a slight bacterial infection in her urine, urinary tract infection (UTI). So she had to repeat the test, which cost her around 139 pesos. The total expenses for the pre-medical were 4,600 pesos. This includes the package cost of 4,100 pesos, plus an additional 500 pesos for the cleaning.
Moving on to the final medical, it is only done when the resident card is obtained or the contract signing and pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS) are completed. This step is necessary to ensure everything is in order. Since the validity of the pre-medical is only six months, the final medical needs to be done again.
Vaccination Expenses
- Pre-Medical Expenses:
- Medical package: 4,100 pesos
- Additional expenses for dental medcert and cleaning: 500 pesos
- Urinalysis for UTI: 139 pesos
- Final Medical Expenses:
- Vaccines:
- MMR and IPV: 740 pesos
- Fluvax: Expenses varied
- DT (Diphtheria Tetanus): 700 pesos
- COVID Vaccine: Administered through Silk Road and Topmake
- TB and Salmonella tests: No expenses incurred
- Chickenpox vaccine: Not taken due to previous infection
- Vaccines:
After the pre- and final medical examinations, there are additional expenses for vaccines. These include the COVID vaccine, MMR, IPV, Fluvax, Diphtheria, Tetanus, chickenpox vaccine, PB, and Salmonella.
The MMR and IPV vaccines cost 370 pesos each, totaling 740 pesos. They are more affordable when obtained at the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).
During the application process, she realized that she didn’t need to get the MMR vaccine since she had already contracted measles when she was young, as well as chickenpox. While she discovered this information late, it was still acceptable. The cost of the vaccines is cheaper at BOQ, but one needs to wait for a schedule and remain vigilant. In her case, she managed to secure a midnight appointment.
When it comes to Fluvax, she encountered some challenges due to its high cost. While it is available at Mercury Drug, a medical certificate needs to be obtained. However, the flu vaccine itself is actually free. She made multiple visits to the health center and expressed gratitude for the assistance provided.
For the DT (diphtheria tetanus) vaccine, she spent 700 pesos. Unfortunately, it wasn’t available at the health center. Nevertheless, the cost remained reasonable. She obtained the vaccine at Health Hub Pharmacy in Ermita by contacting them through their Facebook page.
As for the COVID vaccine, she chose not to receive it personally and instead entrusted the task to Silk Road and Topmake by sending her card. A booster shot is required for this vaccine.
For the TB and Salmonella tests, they are necessary when undergoing a biometric test. She didn’t incur any expenses for these tests. She inquired about the cost of the Salmonella test, which amounted to around 2,000 pesos, and the X-ray, which was relatively pricey. However, she didn’t need to pay anything as she utilized her health card for the laboratory tests and X-ray.
Lastly, she opted against getting the chickenpox vaccine due to its cost and the fact that she had already contracted the illness in her childhood. She communicated this decision to the staff of Silk Road via email, and they accepted her choice.
Processing Fees
1. Contract Signing and Initial Payment:
- During the contract signing phase, applicants are typically required to make an initial payment. Our featured vlogger, for instance, paid 26,500 pesos as a commitment fee when signing the contract with the employer. This payment marks the beginning of the processing stage.
2. Transportation Expenses:
- Traveling to Baguio for the contract signing incurs additional transportation costs. Our vlogger opted for a comfortable luxury bus, with a fare of 950 pesos from PTEx to Baguio. It’s important to consider these travel expenses when planning your application process.
3. Transient Accommodation:
- While not directly related to processing, some applicants choose to stay in transient accommodations for a couple of days. This allows them to explore the surroundings and make the most of their visit. Although it adds to the overall expenses, it adds a touch of adventure to the journey.
4. Biometrics:
- The responsibility for biometrics lies with the employer, but applicants are initially required to cover the associated costs. In our vlogger’s case, the biometrics fees amounted to 5,235 pesos, which were later deducted from their final pay. This step is crucial for identity verification and the smooth processing of your application.
5. Final Pay and Ticket Expenses:
- Upon completing the application process, a final payment is made. Our vlogger paid a total of 55,414 pesos, which includes additional fees. Notably, an extra amount of 10,884 pesos was allocated to cover the cost of the ticket. Considering the ticket price exceeded 62,000 pesos or around 1,120 USD, it’s essential to plan ahead and consider baggage allowances as well.
During the contract signing phase, applicants are required to make an initial payment. In our vlogger’s case, she paid 26,500 pesos for this purpose. The contract signing took place in Baguio, which incurred additional transportation expenses. They opted for a comfortable luxury bus, with a fare of 950 pesos for the PTEx to Baguio route.
Transient accommodation was also needed for a duration of two days. While some applicants chose to return home immediately after the contract signing, others took the opportunity to explore the area. It’s important to note that these accommodation expenses are separate from the processing fees.
Regarding biometrics, the responsibility is typically shouldered by the employer. However, our vlogger was asked to cover the biometrics fees upfront, which amounted to 5,235 pesos. The agency later deducted this amount from their final pay. Biometrics is a crucial step in the application process as it verifies the applicant’s identity.
When it comes to the final pay, our vlogger paid a total of 55,414 pesos, which includes additional fees. An extra amount of 10,884 pesos was added to cover the cost of the ticket. The vlogger personally shouldered the ticket expense, which amounted to over 62,000 pesos or around 1,120 USD in US dollars. They opted for a ticket with a higher baggage allowance of 46 kilograms.
During the application process, our vlogger faced financial challenges as she didn’t have much money at the time. However, she remained optimistic, knowing that the agency would provide her with sufficient time to gather the necessary funds once she passed the requirements. The agency took care of the processing details, allowing her to focus on studying the Finnish language.
If you have aspirations of working abroad, whether in Finland or elsewhere, remember to remain determined and never lose hope.
Summary of Expenses
The financial breakdown of expenses for the application process is as follows:
- Pre-medical – 4,200 pesos
- Final medical – 4,737 pesos
- MMR – 370 pesos
- IPV – 370 pesos
- Dipth. Tetanus – 700 pesos
Ticketing and Processing Expenses:
- Biometrics – 5,245 pesos
- Partial pay – 26,500 pesos
- Final pay – 55,414 pesos
The grand total of all expenses amounts to 97,536 pesos.
These expenses encompass the necessary medical examinations, vaccinations, biometrics, and payments required throughout the application process. It’s essential to consider these costs when planning to work abroad as an Assistant Nurse in Finland.
In conclusion, embarking on the journey to work as an assistant nurse in Finland as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) comes with its own set of financial responsibilities. From pre-medical and final medical examinations to vaccinations, biometrics, and partial and final pay, the expenses can add up. By being aware of these costs upfront, you can plan your finances effectively and minimize any unexpected financial burdens along the way.
It’s crucial to approach the application process with a clear understanding of the expenses involved, ensuring that you have the necessary funds to cover these costs. Additionally, maintaining open communication with your agency and being proactive in seeking financial assistance or exploring payment options can further ease the financial burden.
Remember, while the financial aspect is essential, don’t lose sight of your ultimate goal. Working abroad as an OFW in Finland offers exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. By staying focused, being financially prepared, and pursuing your dream with determination, you can embark on this rewarding journey and make your mark in the healthcare industry in Finland.