How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in the Philippines?
The average annual premium cost for international health insurance in the Philippines was USD $4,597 for individuals and USD $12,668 for families in 2024. This proprietary data was collected from actual Pacific Prime expat customers.
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Do you need to secure private international health insurance in the Philippines and aren’t sure how much to expect it to cost? Want to make sure you aren’t overcharged for your health plan?
This article is rich in the data you need. As an international health insurance brokerage, Pacific Prime has over 20 years of experience helping over a million and a half global citizens secure medical coverage all around the world, including in the Philippines.
With our privately collected statistics on health insurance premiums and their inflation over the years, we can give you accurate facts about what you can expect to pay for individual or family coverage and tips on how to save money. We’ll also compare the Philippines’s costs to the rest of Asia.
You also won’t want to miss our guide on the best expat international health insurance in the Philippines.
Disclaimer: All data in this article is provided in USD.
Cost of Health Insurance in the Philippines for Individuals
Health insurance in the Philippines cost individuals an average of USD $4,597 in 2024. That’s a 4% increase from 2023, when the average annual premium was $4,428.
These averages come from verified international health insurance data collected by broker Pacific Prime and demonstrate the inflation that increases healthcare expenses every year.
The following chart details how the average annual premium costs in the Philippines have changed between the years 2024 and 2019 for individual expat plans.
The Philippines’s Annual Premiums for Individual Health Insurance |
|
| Year | Average Annual Premium |
| 2024 | $4,597 |
| 2023 | $4,428 |
| 2021 | $4,205 |
| 2020 | $3,855 |
| 2019 | $3,552 |
You can compare this data and more with Pacific Prime’s annual report Cost of International Health Insurance for Individuals and Families 2024.
Cost of Health Insurance in the Philippines for Families
Health insurance in the Philippines cost families an average of USD $12,668 in 2024. That’s a 10% increase from 2023, when the average annual premium was $11,556.
These averages come from verified international health insurance data collected by broker Pacific Prime and demonstrate the inflation that increases healthcare expenses every year.
The following chart details how the average annual premium costs in the Philippines have changed between the years 2024 and 2019 for family expat plans.
The Philippines’s Annual Premiums for Family Health Insurance |
|
| Year | Average Annual Premium |
| 2024 | $12,668 |
| 2023 | $11,556 |
| 2022 | $12,199 |
| 2021 | $11,062 |
| 2020 | $10,661 |
| 2019 | $10,594 |
The Philippines’ Cost of Health Insurance Compared to Asia
The Philippines’ $4,597 annual cost of international health insurance for individuals is considered rather affordable in Asia. This is due to how it is almost half as much as Hong Kong’s $8,339 and that it falls below the $5,242 annual average from the 18 Asian countries in our data below.
The same is also true of the Philippines’ premium average for families. Asia’s average cost for families is $15,057, and the Philippines’ family plans are significantly lower at $12,668.
This first chart compares the average annual premiums for individuals living in the Philippines compared to individual premiums for those living in other countries across Asia. We include years 2024 and 2023 and the percentage change between those years.
A Comparison of The Philippines’ Individual Insurance Costs to Asia Costs |
|||
| Country | 2024 Average Premium | 2023 Average Premium | % Change |
| Hong Kong | 8,339 | 7,810 | 7% |
| Singapore | 6,855 | 7,028 | -2% |
| China | 5,915 | 5,274 | 12% |
| Taiwan | 5,710 | 5,532 | 3% |
| Japan | 5,228 | 5,079 | 3% |
| South Korea | 5,226 | 5,171 | 1% |
| Cambodia | 4,991 | 4,851 | 3% |
| Malaysia | 4,969 | 4,828 | 3% |
| Bangladesh | 4,948 | 4,779 | 4% |
| Myanmar | 4,904 | 4,763 | 3% |
| Laos | 4,874 | 4,763 | 2% |
| New Zealand | 4,773 | 4,661 | 2% |
| Indonesia | 4,734 | 4,686 | 1% |
| India | 4,715 | 4,547 | 4% |
| Thailand | 4,695 | 3,594 | 31% |
| Philippines | 4,597 | 4,428 | 4% |
| Vietnam | 4,547 | 4,522 | 1% |
| Pakistan | 4,344 | 4,313 | 1% |
This second chart compares the average annual premiums for families living in the Philippines compared to families living in other countries across Asia. We include years 2024 and 2023 and the percentage change between those years as well.
A Comparison of The Philippines’ Family Insurance Costs to Asia Costs |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | 2024 Average Premium | 2023 Average Premium | % Change |
| Hong Kong | $23,558 | $22,067 | 7% |
| Singapore | $19,879 | $20,351 | -2% |
| China | $19,188 | $16,241 | 18% |
| Taiwan | $15,891 | $15,073 | 5% |
| Japan | $14,670 | $13,920 | 5% |
| South Korea | $14,660 | $13,802 | 6% |
| Cambodia | $13,957 | $13,288 | 5% |
| Malaysia | $13,889 | $13,211 | 5% |
| Bangladesh | $13,678 | $12,963 | 6% |
| Myanmar | $13,718 | $12,987 | 6% |
| Laos | $13,629 | $12,889 | 6% |
| New Zealand | $13,349 | $12,750 | 5% |
| Indonesia | $12,909 | $11,764 | 10% |
| India | $13,016 | $12,547 | 4% |
| Thailand | $18,027 | $15,396 | 17% |
| Philippines | $12,668 | $11,556 | 10% |
| Vietnam | $12,505 | $11,535 | 8% |
| Pakistan | $11,837 | $11,457 | 3% |
Expat Tips to Save Money on Insurance in The Philippines
Expats can save money on health insurance while living in the Philippines by consulting a broker who is familiar with the international market. They can help you drop outpatient and wellness riders you don’t need, excluding U.S. coverage, and get access to the best provider networks.
Read our 10 tips for saving money below.
- Exclude Worldwide Coverage. International plans that include global or U.S. access cost considerably more than Asia-only options. Limiting the geographic scope to Southeast Asia or Asia-Pacific can materially reduce premiums for long-term expats in Manila, Cebu, or Davao.
- Use PhilHealth for Basic Needs. PhilHealth offers cost-effective access to public and some private facilities, covering a portion of inpatient and emergency care. Leveraging PhilHealth allows expats to scale private insurance down to catastrophic tiers.
- Opt for Higher Deductibles. Choosing higher deductibles and co-pays lowers monthly premiums on international policies. With healthcare costs in the Philippines comparatively lower than in Western countries, paying out of pocket for minor services is often more economical.
- Drop Outpatient and Wellness Riders. Outpatient visits, labs, and wellness checks are inexpensive at private clinics in major cities. Removing these benefits from international plans can streamline coverage and save money.
- Exclude U.S. Coverage. Adding U.S. benefits is one of the most expensive add-ons in international plans. Many retirees and remote workers in the Philippines have no practical need for U.S. access and can safely remove it to reduce premiums.
- Avoid Dental and Vision Add-Ons. Dental and optical services are generally affordable in the Philippines, especially in urban centers. Paying out of pocket for routine cleanings or eyewear can outperform insurance in total cost.
- Pay Annually in USD or PHP. Many insurers offer discounts for annual billing and may permit payment in USD or PHP, depending on domicile. Minimizing transaction fees and foreign exchange spread adds incremental savings.
- Consider Emergency-Only Coverage. Emergency or major medical policies focus on big-ticket events and hospitalizations, leaving routine care to PhilHealth or cash payments. This structure suits expats who primarily want peace of mind without comprehensive premiums.
- Use Regional Provider Networks. Insurers with strong Southeast Asian networks often negotiate favorable rates with hospitals and clinics in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. These regional contracts can result in more competitive premiums than global networks.
- Consult Brokers Familiar with Philippines Visas. Brokers who handle SRRV, digital nomad, or long-stay visas know which carriers price aggressively for retirees and remote workers. Their underwriting insights and market comparisons can reveal discounts not publicly advertised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is healthcare in the Philippines expensive for foreigners?
Private healthcare in the Philippines is relatively affordable by Western standards, but costs can escalate quickly for inpatient stays, surgery, or intensive care. Without insurance, foreigners may face substantial upfront deposits at private hospitals and variable billing practices.
Can international health insurance cover medical evacuation?
Many international policies offer medical evacuation and repatriation coverage for serious emergencies. This benefit is valued by expats living on islands or remote provinces in the Philippines where advanced care may require transfer to Manila, Cebu, or even Singapore.
Are pre-existing conditions covered for expats in the Philippines?
Coverage for expats with pre-existing conditions varies by insurer, with some imposing waiting periods or exclusions. Expats planning long-term residency in the Philippines often apply early to secure broader acceptance before conditions arise or worsen.
Do expats in the Philippines need international health insurance?
Many expats in the Philippines choose private or international policies to secure faster access to private hospitals, English-speaking staff, and predictable billing. PhilHealth can cover some costs, but international plans provide broader networks and emergency evacuation benefits.
Conclusion
International health insurance in the Philippines has steadily increased in price, from $3,552 in 2019 to $4,597 in 2024. With the rise of insurance premiums over the years, expats may want to consult a broker to make sure they’re getting the best deal they can in the ever-changing market.
Now that you understand how much international health insurance costs for individuals and families in the Philippines, how those premiums have changed over the years, and how they compare to neighboring countries, you are likely more prepared to compare the plans and quotes themselves.
That’s when Pacific Prime steps in! We are an international health insurance brokerage with over 20 years of experience helping over a million and a half expatriates just like you secure healthcare coverage.
Utilize our exceptional online database that features over 50,000 expat-focused health insurance plans to begin comparing benefits, plans, quotes, and more! It’s a free resource anyone can use and you won’t want to miss!
When you’re ready to speak to an international insurance expert, you can contact our team online or call +852-3113-1331.
We recommend expats and foreign citizens living in the Philippines reference the following links:
- International Health Insurance
- The Philippines Health Insurance for Expats
- How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in the UAE?
- How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Costa Rica?
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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