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Health and medical insurance in the Philippines

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Health is wealth, yet many Filipinos are unprepared for healthcare and medical expenses. According to Manulife studies, 41% of medical costs in the Philippines come out-of-pocket. Furthermore, 82% of Filipinos worry about rising healthcare expenses, impacting their confidence in achieving life goals. Younger Filipinos, aged 18-29, are also at risk -- experiencing illness more frequently than any other age group.

  • 41%

    of medical costs in the Philippines come out-of-pocket.

  • 82%

    of Filipinos worry about rising healthcare expenses, impacting their confidence in achieving life goals.

  • Younger Filipinos, aged 18-29

    are also at risk -- experiencing illness more frequently than any other age group.​

According to Manulife studies

What is health and medical insurance?

Health and medical insurance cover the cost of medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and emergencies. In the Philippines, health insurance offers financial protection, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. With a health insurance plan, you pay a premium to access a network of healthcare providers, ensuring more affordable treatment.

Plan key benefits and features 

While public health coverage provides basic medical support, a private health insurance plan in the Philippines offers broader coverage, greater flexibility, and stronger financial protection for individuals and families with evolving healthcare needs.

  • Higher coverage limits
    Access higher benefit limits that help manage the cost of hospitalization, major procedures, and treatment for critical illnesses, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Freedom to choose healthcare providers
    Select from a wide network of doctors, specialists, and private hospitals based on your preferences and medical requirements.

  • Comprehensive medical coverage
    Coverage may include, inpatient care, emergency treatment, and special procedures, depending on the plan.

  • Financial protection during medical emergencies
    Helps safeguard your savings and income during unexpected medical events or serious health conditions.

  • Support for long-term wellness
    Many private health insurance plans include preventive care and wellness programs that encourage proactive health management and healthier lifestyles.

Who should consider Manulife health insurance?

Manulife health and medical insurance is ideal for individuals at any life stage, offering comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs.

Life stages covered:
 

  • Young professionals: Augment the limited benefit limits of their corporate HMO plan and PhilHealth by adding coverage for protection against unexpected medical costs with an affordable health insurance plan.

  • Families: Ensure all members, including children, are covered for hospitalization and emergencies.
     

5 steps to choose health insurance

1. Assess your healthcare needs
Consider your current health, age, and medical history. Some individuals need coverage for hospital stays, while others may want protection against critical illnesses.

Understand the plan options
Choose between Medical Secure, which focuses on hospitalization and emergency expenses, and HealthFlex, which provides coverage for critical illnesses.

2. Consider your budget
Select a plan with premiums you can sustain long term. Medical Secure may suit those seeking  coverage from expensive hospital costs, while HealthFlex fits those prioritizing critical illness protection.

3. Review coverage scope and benefits
Check what each plan covers, such as hospital care, critical illness benefits, or additional protection features. Make sure the benefits match your healthcare priorities.

4. Review your plan regularly
Health needs change over time. Revisit your coverage as your life stage, or financial situation evolves.

Picture better days with reliable health insurance

Health insurance is key to your financial security. Without it, even a minor medical emergency can derail everything you’ve worked for. Ensure better days ahead with comprehensive health protection.

Get health insurance plans in the Philippines with coverage for critical illness, hospital bills, and more

Our priority is to protect your financial stability as healthcare costs rise, especially due to critical illnesses. Manulife's comprehensive health and medical insurance offers critical illness and life coverage from early diagnosis to recovery, supplementing your government health insurance.

Frequently asked questions


There are several main types of health insurance plans available in the Philippines:​
 

  • Private health insurance: Provided by private insurance companies. Typically offers customizable premium and benefits options to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for individuals and families. ​

  • HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans​: Offered by employers as benefits for their employees. Members can get access to a network of accredited health care providers in exchange for a fixed periodic fee.​

  • Critical illness insurance​: Beneficiary will receive lump sum benefits if the policyholder is diagnosed with a covered critical illness or serious medical condition. ​

  • Hospitalization insurance​: Specifically provides coverage for expenses incurred during a hospital stay or inpatient medical treatment. ​

  • Public health insurance​: Also known as the PhilHealth program, this is a mandatory national health insurance program that provides basic health care coverage for Filipino citizens. ​
     


Specific coverage of a health plan can vary depending on the policy and the insurance company. Typically, health insurance plans in the Philippines cover a wide range of healthcare services and medical expenses. This may include hospitalization, outpatient care, coverage of critical illnesses, and serious health conditions. ​

Additionally, some health plans in the Philippines may offer life coverage for better-rounded protection.
 

 

  • Private health insurance​
    It offers more flexible and customizable coverage options, ranging from basic hospitalization to comprehensive outpatient, hospitalization, and preventive care. Some private insurance types may provide higher benefit limits and coverage for a wider range of health care services compared to PhilHealth.

  • Public health insurance​
    The program is funded through mandatory contributions from employees, employers, and the government. This government-mandated health insurance program only provides basic medical coverage for Filipino citizens. Its benefits have standardized, fixed reimbursement rates that may not cover the full medical expenses.
     


Health insurance is not mandatory for all citizens in the Philippines, but having a health insurance plan is highly recommended for financial protection against unexpected medical expenses.
 


The terms health insurance and medical insurance are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. Health insurance generally covers a wide range of healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and preventive care. On the other hand, medical insurance may focus more on covering specific medical treatments, surgeries, and emergency care, with a narrower scope compared to comprehensive health insurance coverage.
 


The cost of insurance can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of coverage, the level of protection selected, and individual circumstances. Because needs and situations differ from one person to another, insurance costs are best understood by exploring options that align with your personal goals and priorities. For more details, you may speak with a Manulife financial advisor to better understand the options available to you.

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