Health insurance in Philippines
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Why get private health insurance in Philippines?
The Philippines has world-class private hospitals, but only ~0.8 doctors per 1,000 people (below the WHO minimum). PhilHealth typically covers just 40% of a private hospital bill, and tourists on a 9(a) visa don't qualify at all.
Without coverage, a private GP visit costs ₱500–₱5,000, and a hospital day costs ₱15,000–₱40,000.
Plus, both the Digital Nomad Visa and the SRRV require valid health insurance.
How does the healthcare system work in Philippines?
PhilHealth: the Philippines' national health insurance
PhilHealth (2019 UHC Act) covers GP visits, inpatient case rates, outpatient care, and maternity. Employed expats auto-enroll via employer; SRRV retirees pay ₱15,000/year, voluntary foreigners ₱17,000/year. Tourists on 9(a) don't qualify. Private hospitals in Metro Manila deliver English-speaking care.
Filipino pharmacies & medication
Pharmacies are everywhere: Mercury Drug operates 1,000+ outlets, including 24-hour branches in Metro Manila and Cebu, alongside Rose Pharmacy, Watsons, and Generika. All signage and consultations are in English. Many OTC antibiotics at home now require a prescription. Emergency contraception is not legally available.
Emergency services in the Philippines
Dial 911 for unified police, fire, and medical emergencies, or 143 for the Philippine Red Cross. In Metro Manila, Lifeline (16-911) averages 11-minute response times. Operators work in English. Across 7,600+ islands, air ambulance is often essential. International plans typically include up to USD 1M evac cover.
Who needs expat health insurance?
Digital nomads
The Digital Nomad Visa (May 2025) mandates PH-valid insurance covering hospitalization and repatriation. No PhilHealth — private + medevac is essential.
Retirees
SRRV (now from age 40): PhilHealth's ₱15,000/year covers case rates only — a 5-night private stay costs ₱25,000–₱75,000 in room fees. PRA requires private cover.
Families
Private delivery runs ₱30,000–₱70,000 and C-section up to ₱250,000. Local HMOs exclude maternity for 12 months — sign up before pregnancy. Pediatric ER ₱15,000.
Gap year & job seekers
Tourist 9(a) = zero PhilHealth, and after a 9(g) work visa you wait 3 months for inpatient benefits. Bridge the gap with private cover from day one.
Students
Bureau of Immigration's 9(f) student checklist doesn't mandate it, but most Filipino universities require proof of health insurance for enrollment.
Visa applicants
SRRV and the Digital Nomad Visa both require PH-valid insurance with hospitalization and repatriation. Documents in English — invalid policy = rejected application.
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How much is health insurance in Philippines?
Costs can add up fast: a private GP runs ₱500–₱5,000 (~$9–$90), and a day at an international-grade hospital like St. Luke's or Makati Medical costs ₱15,000–₱40,000 (~$268–$714) uninsured.
Public healthcare in Philippines
PhilHealth contributions are frozen at 5% of income through 2025 (split 2.5% employee / 2.5% employer). Foreign voluntary members pay ₱17,000/year flat; SRRV retirees pay ₱15,000/year. Coverage is limited to fixed case rates that typically reimburse only ~40% of a private hospital bill.
Private medical insurance
Local HMOs like Maxicare and Intellicare start around ₱3,600/year but offer no portability, no medevac, and a 12-month pre-existing wait. International plans run €50/month for basic inpatient cover to €250+/month for comprehensive plans with dental, mental health, and maternity.
Visa & health insurance requirements for Philippines
The Digital Nomad Visa (May 2025) and SRRV require proof of private health insurance valid in the Philippines, covering hospitalization, emergencies, and medical repatriation for your full stay.
Accepted for all major Filipino visas
Digital Nomad Visa, SRRV, and 9(g) employment visa — Feather plans meet hospitalization, emergency, and repatriation rules.
Documents ready when you sign up
All your documents (insurance certificate in English) instantly in your account. Accepted by Bureau of Immigration & PRA.
How does Feather's international health insurance work?
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Visit any doctor
See any licensed doctor, specialist, or hospital in Greece. No referrals, no network restrictions, no pre-approval.
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Get reimbursed to your account
We review your claim and reimburse you directly to your bank account. Most claims are processed within two weeks.
Cancel anytime after year one
There's a one-year minimum term. After that, cancel whenever you want. No penalties.
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