PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) is the national health insurance programme. All Filipinos are mandatorily covered, with employed members paying contributions (split with employer), self-employed paying voluntary contributions, and indigent populations covered by government.
Coverage typical:
- Hospital room + board (limited rates)
- Surgical procedures (case-rate amounts)
- Catastrophic illness (limited, recently expanded)
- Outpatient (limited)
Contribution rates (current):
- 5% of monthly salary credit (split between employer + employee for employed)
- Voluntary members: based on declared income, ₱500-₱4,200/month range
What it means for you:
- Required by law — failure to enrol is illegal
- Coverage is partial, not comprehensive — supplement with HMO recommended
- Employer typically handles enrollment for employed
- Self-employed must register voluntarily
- Verify benefits before any major medical procedure
- Use PhilHealth offices or online portal for claim