All expats who are legal residents in the Philippines are required to sign up for public insurance with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). In addition to the obligatory public health insurance, expats have the option to purchase additional private health insurance to help fill in the gaps not covered by public insurance.
Private Health Insurance in the Philippines
The private health sector caters to 30% of the population and is based on North American medical models. It gives you some additional benefits, such as access to private hospitals with fewer waiting times and upgraded medical equipment. You have two options from where you can purchase private insurance from:
- An international insurance company – you can purchase insurance online or via phone. One of the most significant benefits of expat insurance is that it offers coverage in countries other than the Philippines. You can get a free quote and compare different health insurance plans for expats in the Philippines through Insubuy or International Citizens.
- A local insurance company – usually, you have to buy the policy after entering the Philippines, and the coverage is limited to the country only.
Best International Health Insurance Companies for Expats in the Philippines
The best international health insurance companies for expats and foreigners in the Philippines are:
| Provider | Coverage | Starting Price (Monthly) | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna | Hospitalization, Inpatient & day-patient treatments, Cancer treatments, Physiotherapy, Accidental death/disability | $126 (high deductible) | 24/7 customer care, access to private hospitals/clinics |
| Aetna | Inpatient & outpatient treatment (90 days), Emergency medical evacuation, Rehabilitation (120 days), Emergency dental/optical | Not specified | Flexible benefits, vision/dental/pharmacy options |
| AXA | Hospital charges & surgery, Emergency coverage, Medical evacuation/repatriation, Cancer treatment, Ambulance, CT/PET/MRI scans | $112 | Short/long-term plans, customizable benefits |
| IMG | Inpatient treatment, Surgery, Labs & diagnostics, Physical therapy, Cancer treatment | $75 | Crisis support, preventative care |
| Pacific Cross | 24/7 worldwide emergency treatment, Inpatient & outpatient medical expenses, Lifetime renewability, No-claims discount | Not specified | Over 450 hospital choices, customizable benefits |
| Allianz | Inpatient costs, Diagnostics, Surgeries, Ambulance transport, Cancer treatment | Not specified | Flexible plans for individuals, families, students, nomads |
| William Russell | Hospitalization, Cancer care, Emergency evacuations, Diagnostics, Post-hospital physiotherapy | Not specified | Globally portable plans, annual contract renewals |
If you decide to purchase international health insurance it’s always best to consult with a comparative marketplace like Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance to help you choose your insurance. Here, you will find a comparison between several insurance companies along with their best policies, where you can see the benefits they offer and the cost.
Philippines Public Health Insurance
The PhilHealth has different membership categories that vary based on work status, income, and age. The six major categories are:
- Formal sector – workers employed by public and private companies
- Indigents – people with low-income subsidized by the national government
- Sponsored members – people subsidized by their local government
- Lifetime members – retirees and pensioners who previously paid 120 months of premiums
- Senior citizens – those who are 60 years or older and who do not qualify as lifetime members
- The informal economy – self-employed people, migrant workers, overseas Filipino workers, expats who are legally living in the country
How to Apply for Public Health Insurance in the Philippines?
To apply for public health insurance (PhilHealth) in the Philippines, you must complete the following steps:
- Complete the registration form. Fill out two copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF).
- Prepare the required documents. The required documents include a copy of your ID, passport, proof of residency, two 1×1 ID pictures, and proof you hold a visa in the Philippines.
- Submit your application. You can submit your application to Local Health Insurance Offices or PhilHealth Express outlets
- Wait for the answer. Then, you will get a Member Data Record (MDR)* and the PhilHealth ID Card.
- Pay your contributions. Next, pay your contributions, which are calculated based on your income.
*The MDR contains your basic information, your employer if you are employed and the dependent or beneficiaries that are under your name.
Note: You can also register online and create a PhilHealth Member Portal account, but only if you are already an existing member with an active PhilHealth number. Through the online portal, you can:
- View your account and check your membership details.
- Check your premium contributions.
- Download and print your Member Data Record (MDR).
Pay your monthly contributions (if you are a self-paying member)
How Much Does Public Health Insurance Cost in the Philippines?
The cost of private health insurance can be around $700 per year. On the other hand, the premium rate of PhilHealth is set at 5% for the years 2024 and 2025. Public health insurance contributions are based on your income, as seen in the table below:
| Income range | Monthly contributions |
|---|---|
| Up to P10,000 (approx. $170) | P500 (approx. $8.5) |
| P10,000.01 to P99,999.99 (approx. $170 – $1,705) | P500 to P5,000 (approx. $8.5 – $85) |
| P100,000 (approx. $1,705) and above | P5,000 (approx. $85) |
What Does PhilHealth Cover?
PhilHealth benefit coverage includes:
- Inpatient and outpatient benefits.
- Z benefits. Z benefits coverage assists people with severe conditions that require hospitalization and expensive treatments. It includes, but is not limited to, cancer (prostate, breast, cervical), kidney transplant, and selected orthopedic implants.
- SDG-related benefits. Following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), PhilHealth has established medical packages for members diagnosed with or undergoing procedures, such as malaria, outpatient HIV-AIDS, animal bites, and voluntary surgical contraception procedures.
- Maternity benefits. PhilHealth offers a range of benefits packages for pregnant women, including:
- Prenatal check-ups such as laboratory tests and ultrasounds.
- Normal spontaneous delivery package.
- Other methods of delivery.
- Newborn cage package.
- Mental health services. PhilHealth is working with the Department of Health (DOH) to include mental health services in their roster of primary care packages, particularly the outpatient package.
Pros and Cons of Using the Philippines’ Public Health System
Pros and cons of using the Philippines’ public health system are listed below:
| Pros | Cons |
| It has much lower prices on hospital visits, medication, and even tests compared to Europe and North America | Some hospitals in rural areas are not equipped with advanced medical technology |
| English-speaking medical staff | Some regional hospitals may have staffing issues |
| It covers starting a family, including prenatal and postpartum periods | Rural areas have low medical supplies |
| It has many premium options |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Public and Private Healthcare in the Philippines?
The differences between public and private healthcare in the Philippines are listed below:
| PhilHealth | Private Health Insurance | |
| Provider | Philippine Government | Private Insurance Companies |
| Who is it for? | It is mandatory for all Filipinos and expats working in the country. | It is voluntary; you can purchase it independently or via your employer. |
| Coverage age | No age limit | Most policies cover until the age of 75, and some offer coverage until the age of 75 |
| Policy term | Non-senior citizens: covered as long as they pay their dues.
Senior citizens: covered for life. |
Fixed (depending on the plan) |
| Annual cost | 5% of basic salary | P40,000 and up |
| Premiums | Premium benefits remain the same unless the policy changes. | Premium benefits increase as you age. |
| Top Benefits | Fixed financial assistance (depending on illness) |
|
| Hospitalization benefits | Hospital patient rooms and care, including medicines or professional fees, will vary depending on availability. | Hospital room care and benefits vary depending on Health insurance coverage. |
| Critical illness benefits | The insured gets subsidized a specific amount for treatment or hospitalization (based on the type of illness, which might include day surgeries, radiotherapy, hemodialysis, outpatient blood transfusion). | The insured will be fully covered if diagnosed with critical to terminal illness. |
Does the Philippines Have Universal Healthcare?
The Philippines has a universal healthcare system, but the system is still developing, and some citizens do not have access to universal healthcare.
The Philippines government signed the Universal Healthcare Act to create new healthcare reforms regarding the healthcare system, and in the coming years, all residents will be able to access universal healthcare.
Where Can I Get Treatment in the Philippines?
In the Philippines are two primary options when seeking medical care: public hospitals and private hospitals. Public hospitals include:
Private hospitals in the Philippines include:
What Are the Emergency Numbers in the Philippines
What are the emergency numbers in the Philippines:
- 911 – Emergency Telephone Number
- 143 – Philippine Red Cross
- 911 – Philippine National Police
- 911 – Bureau of Fire Protection
- 8888 – National Complaint Hotline
- 1555 – Department of Health