Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Philippines
- The Philippines does not require health insurance for visas, but private coverage is essential—healthcare quality outside Metro Manila is limited.
- Metro Manila has excellent private hospitals (St. Luke's, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City) at 60-80% less than US prices.
- PhilHealth contributions are mandatory for workers and cover basic hospitalization—but expats need supplemental private insurance.
- Medical evacuation coverage is critical. Complex cases outside Manila often require evacuation to Singapore (a $30,000+ flight).
- Local HMOs (Maxicare, Intellicare, Medicard) cost ₱15,000-40,000/year ($270-720) and provide good coverage at Manila hospitals.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Philippines?
The Philippines does not require health insurance for visa applications, including the SRRV (Special Resident Retiree's Visa) or 13(a) marriage visa. However, PhilHealth contributions are mandatory for employees. Private insurance is strongly recommended because healthcare quality varies dramatically—Metro Manila has world-class private hospitals, but provincial healthcare is often inadequate for serious conditions.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Anyone living outside Metro Manila where healthcare facilities are limited
- Retirees (SRRV holders) wanting guaranteed access to top private hospitals
- Expats who travel frequently and need coverage across Southeast Asia
- Those with chronic conditions requiring regular specialist care
- Anyone wanting medical evacuation coverage to Singapore for complex cases
Public vs Private Healthcare in Philippines
Public Healthcare
PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation)
- Access: Filipino citizens and foreign workers with PhilHealth contributions. Coverage is basic.
- Cost: Mandatory contributions: 5% of income (split employer/employee). Retirees: ₱4,800/year ($85).
PhilHealth covers basic hospitalization at accredited hospitals but has room rate limits and coverage caps. It is not comprehensive—think of it as a discount program, not full insurance. Public hospitals are overcrowded and underfunded. Most expats in Manila go directly to private hospitals regardless of PhilHealth status.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local HMO: ₱15,000-40,000/year ($270-720). International: $100-250/month.
Metro Manila has excellent private hospitals. St. Luke's Medical Center (BGC and Quezon City), Makati Medical Center, and The Medical City offer care comparable to Singapore at a fraction of the cost. English is universal. Outside Manila, options are limited—Cebu has decent facilities, but most provinces do not.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Philippines. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Medical evacuation to Singapore included—critical for those outside Metro Manila
Not ideal for: Manila-only residents—local HMOs like Maxicare are 1/5 the price
Allianz Care
Best for: Frequent travelers between Philippines and other Asian countries
Not ideal for: Budget-focused Manila expats—local coverage is much cheaper
BUPA Global
Best for: SRRV retirees with pre-existing conditions needing comprehensive coverage
Not ideal for: Young, healthy expats—local HMOs offer better value in Manila
IMG Global
Best for: Budget medical evacuation coverage for expats in provinces
Not ideal for: Those wanting direct billing at St. Luke's and Makati Medical—check network first
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Philippines
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Medical evacuation to Singapore | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Frequent travelers between Philippines | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | SRRV retirees with pre-existing | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget medical evacuation coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Philippines
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Healthcare quality drops dramatically outside Metro Manila and Cebu. If you live in Davao, Baguio, or the provinces, medical evacuation coverage is essential.
- Medical evacuation to Singapore costs $30,000-50,000. Make sure your policy covers this if you live outside major cities.
- Local HMOs (Maxicare, Intellicare) are excellent value but only cover the Philippines. Add international coverage if you travel.
- Age limits are strict—many local HMOs will not accept new members over 60-65. Apply early.
- Prescription medications may not be covered by HMOs. Budget for out-of-pocket pharmacy costs.
- Traffic in Manila can add hours to hospital travel time. Consider living near a major hospital if health is a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance for the SRRV visa?
No, the SRRV (Special Resident Retiree's Visa) does not require health insurance. However, given healthcare limitations outside Manila and the age profile of SRRV holders, private insurance is strongly recommended. PhilHealth is available to SRRV holders for ₱4,800/year.
How good are hospitals in the Philippines?
It depends where you are. Metro Manila has world-class private hospitals (St. Luke's BGC, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City) with US/UK-trained doctors at 60-80% less cost. Outside Manila, quality drops significantly. Cebu is decent. Most provincial hospitals are inadequate for serious conditions.
Should I get a local HMO or international insurance?
For Manila-based expats who rarely travel: Local HMOs (Maxicare, Intellicare, Medicard) offer excellent value at ₱15,000-40,000/year. For frequent travelers or those living outside Manila: International insurance with medical evacuation is worth the premium. Many expats have both.
What is PhilHealth and do expats need it?
PhilHealth is the national health insurance—mandatory for employees (5% of salary split with employer). It provides basic hospitalization coverage with caps and limits. It is not comprehensive insurance. Most expats treat it as a supplement, not their primary coverage.
Why is medical evacuation important in the Philippines?
Outside Metro Manila, healthcare facilities cannot handle complex cases (cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, severe trauma). Evacuation to Singapore costs $30,000-50,000. Even in Manila, some conditions are better treated in Singapore. Medical evacuation coverage is essential if you live outside Manila or have serious health conditions.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.