The cost of cancer: Are you financially prepared?

When we hear the word cancer, it’s natural to feel anxious or worried. As Filipinos, we come from close-knit families and communities, so we don’t have to look far to hear stories of friends or loved ones who have faced a cancer diagnosis. ​

And often, it’s not just the disease that causes worry. There’s also the financial burden of treatment, along with the possibility of losing income or having to step away from work—challenges that can impact the entire family. ​

In the Philippines, the cancer treatment journey can be long and costly, with some estimates putting the total cost at as much as Php 1.8million (for breast cancer) and Php2.7 million (for lung cancer). ¹ ​

For cancer patients, a single radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy session can cost anywhere from P12,000 to P120,000, while surgery may range from P45,000 to P120,000. Add maintenance medications, regular consultations, laboratory work, scans, and other diagnostic tests, and expenses can quickly add up to thousands of pesos every month.¹ ​

While PhilHealth and certain government assistance programs can help offset some of these expenses, patients and their families may still have to shoulder significant out-of-pocket costs. For many, these costs can be difficult to manage. In fact, more than half of Filipinos say they are financially unprepared for medical expenses should they be diagnosed with a critical illness.² ​

Thankfully, good financial planning and early preparation can help protect you and your family during a medical emergency. Without a plan in place, funds originally intended for plans like your child's education, a future business, retirement, or even family travel may need to be redirected for treatment and recovery expenses.​

Manulife HealthFlex offers guaranteed health insurance coverage for more than 100 critical illnesses, including cancer, up to age 100. The plan can provide financial support for medical bills, treatments, and other expenses, helping protect your savings and giving you greater peace of mind during a difficult time. 

For cancer patients, HealthFlex also offers added benefits. If you are diagnosed with a covered early-stage critical illness, you can receive 25% of your Advanced Critical Illness benefit, plus a one-year waiver of premiums. You may also receive an additional 25% coverage for specified gender-specific illnesses. You also have the option of adding Hospital Income Benefit where you'll get a daily cash benefit upon hospitalization due to illness or injury. 

When it comes to protecting your health and finances, preparing early can make all the difference. HealthFlex offers flexible payment options of 5 years, 10 years, or even until age 60, allowing you to choose an arrangement that works best with your budget and cash flow. ​

No one can fully predict when a medical crisis might happen. But you can prepare for the financial impact. By building a strong financial safety net today, you can give yourself and your family greater security and the confidence to face unexpected health challenges ahead – should they ever come. ​

RESOURCES​​

• ¹ Manulife: Cancer treatment cost reference. (PDF)​​
• ² Are you prepared for critical illness, https://www.manulife.com/ph/whats-new/insights/are-you-prepared-for-a-critical-illness, Accessed Aug 12, 2026​​

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