Health insurance in the Philippines
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Why get private health insurance in the Philippines?
The Philippines has excellent private hospitals, but public coverage only takes you so far. PhilHealth, the national health insurance program, typically covers about 40% of a private hospital bill. And if you're there on a tourist visa, you can't join it at all.
Without insurance, a private doctor's visit costs ≈₱2500 (€35), and a day in hospital can run ≈₱30,000 (€420).
For some, it's not optional: the Digital Nomad Visa and the SRRV retirement visa both require valid health insurance.
How does the healthcare system work in the Philippines?
PhilHealth: the national health insurance
PhilHealth covers the basics: doctor visits, hospital stays, outpatient care, and maternity care. But it pays fixed amounts per treatment, which often fall well short of a private hospital bill.
If you're employed, your employer automatically enrolls you. Retirees on an SRRV pay ₱15,000 per year (€230), and other residents can join voluntarily for ₱17,000 per year (€260).
Filipino pharmacies & medication
You'll find pharmacies almost everywhere: Mercury Drug alone has over 1,000 branches, many open around the clock in Metro Manila and Cebu. Staff speak English, and so does the signage. Two things worth knowing: antibiotics you might buy over the counter at home need a prescription here, and emergency contraception isn't legally available.
Emergency services in the Philippines
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies: operators speak English. You can also reach the Philippine Red Cross on 143. The Philippines spans more than 7,600 islands, where reaching a major hospital can mean a flight. That's why our plans include medical evacuation cover.
Who needs expat health insurance?
Digital nomads
The Digital Nomad Visa requires insurance that covers hospitalization and repatriation, and digital nomads can't join PhilHealth.
Retirees
You can apply for the SRRV from age 40, and the retirement authority asks for proof of private cover. PhilHealth alone won't stretch far.
Families
Giving birth in a private hospital costs ₱50,000 (€700), and a C-section up to ₱250,000 (€3,850). And local insurers won't cover maternity for 12 months.
Gap year & job seekers
On a tourist visa, you can't join PhilHealth. And once you land a work visa, there's still a three-month wait for hospital benefits. Private cover bridges the gap from day one.
Students
Your student visa doesn't require insurance, but most Filipino universities ask for proof of health cover before you can enroll.
Visa applicants
The SRRV and Digital Nomad Visa both require insurance that's valid in the Philippines and covers hospitalization and repatriation.
Get global health insurance that works in the Philippines
Plans from €42/month. Set up online in minutes.
How much is health insurance in the Philippines?
It depends on three things: Your age, desired level of coverage, and whether you opt for public or private.
Public healthcare in the Philippines
If you're employed, you and your employer each contribute 5% of your income. Voluntary members pay ₱17,000 a year (€260), and for retirees, ₱15,000 (€230). But PhilHealth pays fixed amounts per treatment (40%).
Private medical insurance
Local HMOs start at around ₱3,600 a year (€55), but they won't cover you outside the Philippines, don't include medical evacuation, and make you wait 12 months for pre-existing conditions. International plans cover all three.
Visa & health insurance requirements for the Philippines
Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa or SRRV? Both require proof of private health insurance valid in the Philippines and covering hospitalization, emergencies, and medical repatriation for your entire stay.
Accepted for all major Filipino visas
Feather plans meet the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa, SRRV, and 9(g) employment visa. Hospitalization, emergencies, and repatriation included.
Documents ready when you sign up
Your insurance certificate (in English) lands in your account instantly. It's accepted by the Bureau of Immigration and the PRA.
How does Feather's international health insurance work?
Choose your plan
Compare Essential and Plus, pick your deductible, and sign up in under 5 minutes. No paperwork, no medical exams.
Get your documents instantly
Your confirmation and visa-ready proof-of-coverage documents land in your account straight away.
Visit any doctor
See any licensed doctor, specialist, or hospital in the Philippines. No referrals, no network restrictions, no pre-approval.
Upload your bill in the app
Already paid? Open the Feather app, snap a photo of your invoice, and submit your claim in under a minute.
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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Why choose Feather?
200,000+ happy customers
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