Quality medical care at affordable prices - what expats need to know
The Philippines has a two-tier healthcare system: public (government) hospitals and private facilities. Foreigners typically use private hospitals, which offer excellent care at 50-80% lower costs than Western countries. Many doctors are US or UK-trained.
| Service | Private Hospital (PHP) | Approx USD |
|---|---|---|
| General Consultation | ₱500-1,500 | $9-27 |
| Specialist Consultation | ₱800-2,500 | $15-45 |
| Blood Work (Basic Panel) | ₱1,000-3,000 | $18-55 |
| X-Ray | ₱500-1,500 | $9-27 |
| MRI Scan | ₱8,000-15,000 | $145-270 |
| Hospital Room (Private/Day) | ₱5,000-15,000 | $90-270 |
| Appendectomy | ₱80,000-150,000 | $1,450-2,700 |
| Coronary Bypass Surgery | ₱500,000-1,000,000 | $9,000-18,000 |
*Costs vary by hospital, doctor, and case complexity. Premium hospitals charge 2-3x these rates.
Foreigners with long-term visas can enroll. Covers partial hospitalization costs at accredited facilities. Premium: ~₱4,200/year.
Maxicare, Medicard, Intellicare. Good coverage for routine care. ₱25,000-100,000/year depending on plan.
Cigna Global, Allianz, Bupa. Best coverage but expensive. $1,500-5,000/year. Essential for serious conditions.
World Nomads, SafetyWing. Good for tourists. Covers emergencies only. $50-150/month.
Many medications available over-the-counter in Philippines require prescriptions elsewhere. Common chains:
Tip: Bring adequate supply of specialty medications. Some Western brands not available or very expensive.