Philippines — Healthcare: Public Healthcare

Key facts

• Current health expenditure: 5.1 % of GDP (2023)
• Government share of current health expenditure: 42 % (2023)
• Out-of-pocket share of current health expenditure: 44 % (2023)
• Physicians: 0.8 per 1,000 people (2021)
• Hospital beds: 1.0 per 1,000 people (2021)
• Life expectancy at birth: 69.9 years (2024)

Steps

1. Applying for Public Healthcare — Applying for public healthcare in the Philippines typically involves registering with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), which provides coverage for inpatient and outpatient services. The application process varies depending on the individual's employment status and income level.
2. Accessing Public Healthcare Services — To access public healthcare services, individuals typically need to present their PhilHealth card and identification documents at the healthcare facility. However, the quality and availability of services can vary greatly depending on the facility and location.

Costs

• PhilHealth registration and premium payments: varies depending on income level and employment status

Timelines

• Processing time for PhilHealth registration: typically 2-4 weeks, but may vary depending on the number of applications and the efficiency of the registration process

Required documents

• PhilHealth registration card
• Identification documents (e.g. passport, driver's license)
• Proof of income and employment status (e.g. pay slips, employment contract)

Common mistakes

• Failing to register with PhilHealth before seeking medical attention, which can result in delayed or denied treatment
• Not presenting necessary documentation or identification at the healthcare facility, which can lead to delays or additional costs

What these figures do not cover

These are national statistics. Who is eligible for the public system, how a foreign resident enrols, what it costs and waiting times are not covered here.