Learn about public, private and employer sponsored health insurance in the Philippines
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How does healthcare work in the Philippines?
The government provides public healthcare through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). This national health insurance program ensures affordable, acceptable, available, and accessible healthcare services for all citizens of the Philippines. PhilHealth coverage is mandatory for all citizens, with employed individuals contributing a portion of their income to the program and the government subsidizing the contributions of low-income or unemployed citizens.
PhilHealth membership
There are six PhilHealth membership categories:
Sponsored members, subsidized by the local government
Those with very low to no income
Lifetime members: retirees and pensioners above the age of 60 who have paid premiums for at least 120 months get access to free services
Senior citizens above the age of 60 not covered by any of the other existing membership categories (eligible for free PhilHealth coverage)
Formal sector employees of both public and private businesses
Self-employed individuals, migratory laborers, and those who do not easily fit into a formal sector. This is a common category for expats.
Contribution rates
Employed members and their employers contribute a portion of their income to PhilHealth. Contribution rates are as follows:
Employed members
The monthly premium is shared between the employee and the employer.
The employee's share is 4% of their monthly basic salary, with a salary floor of PHP 10,000 and a ceiling of PHP 90,000.
The employer's share is also 4% of the employee's monthly basic salary.
Self-employed and voluntary members
The share is 4% of their monthly basic salary, with a salary floor of PHP 10,000 and a ceiling of PHP 80,000.
PhilHealth Coverage
🟢 PhilHealth coverage includes:
Inpatient care including room and board, drugs and medications, laboratories, operating room fees, and professional fees for accredited health care professionals
Outpatient care for day surgeries, dialysis, cancer treatment procedures such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and select diagnostic procedures
The Z Benefit package is available for those suffering from serious and life-threatening conditions like certain types of cancer, complex congenital anomalies, and select orthopedic implants
“Sustainable Development Goal” packages for conditions related to tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other illnesses related to the sustainable development goals of the country
Primary care covering consultation services, regular blood pressure monitoring, promotive health education, and medications for selected conditions like asthma and acute gastroenteritis
Maternity care for prenatal, delivery, and postnatal services, as well as essential health services for newborns.
🛑 Expenses and services typically not covered by PhilHealth:
Routine dental check-ups and treatments
Specialist and private hospital fees
Certain medicines and treatments, particularly if they're not included in the Philippine National Drug Formulary
Certain chronic or severe illnesses depending on a variety of factors, such as the specific illness and the patient's overall health condition
Cosmetic procedures (unless medically necessary), such as reconstructive surgery after an accident or illness
It's important to verify this information directly with PhilHealth or through an official government resource, as coverage depends on case variables.
Insurance for expats
Foreigners can enroll in the national health insurance program, PhilHealth, as long as they are legal residents. Expats may also choose to use private health insurance in the Philippines which can provide full medical coverage and access to private facilities.
Private health insurance in the Philippines
While PhilHealth provides a baseline level of coverage, it does not cover basic services like dental checkups and doesn't provide access to private medical facilities. Private health insurance offers broader coverage and includes access to private facilities, which are often more comfortable and have shorter wait times.
Health insurance for employees in the Philippines
PhilHealth is mandatory for all Filipino citizens, residents, and workers, including those who are employed, self-employed, retired, or unemployed.
However, even though workers have access to public healthcare, offering private health insurance in the Philippines can be a compelling benefit to employees.
For international companies, global group health insurance is an attractive option because one plan can be used to cover an entire global workforce. This single plan approach to health insurance means minimal administration work and equitable benefits for a global team.
Employee benefits tax in the Philippines
Under the Tax Code fringe benefits are taxable at 32% fringe in the Philippines. An employer will have to withhold tax for the fringe benefits in order for it to become deductible from business income in computing income tax.
Interested in providing global health coverage to your team? Chat with us!
If you’re looking for coverage for yourself and your family, check out Nomad Health.
Laura Scott
Head of Marketing, Remote Health at SafetyWing
As the marketing lead in our Remote Health team, Laura specializes in product marketing, project management and lead generation.
Laura Scott
Head of Marketing, Remote Health at SafetyWing
As the marketing lead in our Remote Health team, Laura specializes in product marketing, project management and lead generation.
