PhilHealth: Heat-related illnesses covered this dry season

MANILA, April 13 ------ The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) reminded its members that benefit packages for heat-related illnesses are available to provide financial protection as temperatures continue to rise across the country.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado assured Filipinos that the state insurer remains ready to cover medical expenses for common summer ailments to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for 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 in a statement.

Members can avail of in-patient benefit packages for various heat-related conditions in any PhilHealth-accredited hospital nationwide. The packages include:

• Heat fatigue and other effects of heat and light: PHP18,135

• Typhoid fever: PHP19,500

• Sore eyes/conjunctivitis: PHP16,575

• Heat stroke, exhaustion, collapse, or cramps: PHP12,675

• Infectious diarrhea/acute gastroenteritis: PHP11,700

• Toxic effect of contact with marine animals like jellyfish: PHP11,115

• Moderate to severe dehydration: PHP7,800

• Chickenpox (without complication): PHP7,800

PhilHealth further reiterated that emergency health care needs—whether heat-related or otherwise—are covered under the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) Package, which is available in accredited Level 1 to 3 hospitals. The agency noted that the OECB ensures members can access immediate care for urgent conditions, strengthening financial security during medical emergencies.

Source: pna.gov.ph