As temperatures continue to climb nationwide, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is reinforcing its safety net by offering coverage for a range of heat-related illnesses to help Filipinos cope with rising health risks and medical costs.
PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado said the state insurer is prepared to shoulder expenses for common summer ailments, reducing out-of-pocket spending for affected families.
“PhilHealth stands ready to protect every Filipino. We want all members to know that coverage is available to help ensure their safety, wherever they are and regardless of the season,” Mercado said.
Members may access inpatient benefit packages in accredited hospitals for conditions linked to extreme heat, including heat stroke, dehydration, and infectious diseases that tend to surge during the dry season.
Coverage ranges from ₱7,800 for moderate to severe dehydration and uncomplicated chickenpox to as much as ₱19,500 for typhoid fever. Other covered conditions include heat fatigue, conjunctivitis, acute gastroenteritis, and toxic exposure to marine animals such as jellyfish.
PhilHealth also emphasized that emergency cases are covered under the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package, ensuring members can receive immediate treatment in accredited Level 1 to 3 hospitals.
The agency said the package aims to guarantee timely access to care while strengthening financial protection during heat-related and other medical emergencies.
