Health benefits for employees of Philippine businesses are typically covered by the government’s PhilHealth program. PhilHealth provides financial assistance for hospitalization, medicines, and other medical services under the National Health Insurance Program.
Under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, PhilHealth contributions have been gradually increasing to strengthen the country’s public health insurance system. These contributions allow members and their dependents to access inpatient, outpatient, and specialized medical treatment packages.
Overview
Beginning in 2026, PhilHealth premium contributions are set at 5% of a member’s monthly basic salary. The salary floor remains at ₱10,000 while the salary ceiling has increased to ₱100,000. Contributions for employed members are shared equally between the employee and the employer.
This adjustment is part of the implementation of the Republic Act No. 11223 (Universal Health Care Act), which aims to expand healthcare coverage and improve access to essential medical services for all Filipinos.
PhilHealth continues to fund various healthcare benefits, including hospitalization coverage, outpatient care, primary care services, and specialized treatment packages such as Z benefits for catastrophic illnesses.
The new premium rate collected from employed PhilHealth members is calculated using the following rules:
- Contribution rate: 5% of monthly basic salary
- Salary floor: ₱10,000
- Salary ceiling: ₱100,000
- Sharing: 50% employee / 50% employer
For example, if your monthly salary is ₱17,000, the PhilHealth premium is computed as follows:
₱17,000 × 5% = ₱850
The total monthly contribution is ₱850. Since this amount is equally shared with your employer, your share as an employee would be ₱425 per month.
With regular contributions, members and their qualified dependents are covered by PhilHealth benefit packages including inpatient care, outpatient services, and treatment packages for serious medical conditions.
PhilHealth Contribution for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Overseas Filipino Workers are also required to contribute to PhilHealth under the Universal Health Care Law. Contributions for OFWs are now income-based and follow the same 5% premium rate, subject to the salary floor and ceiling.
- Minimum monthly income basis: ₱10,000
- Maximum income ceiling: ₱100,000
- Premium rate: 5%
OFWs can pay their PhilHealth premiums annually or in advance depending on the duration of their overseas employment contracts.
PhilHealth Contribution for Self-Employed Members
Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners can also maintain PhilHealth coverage even without a traditional employer.
Their contributions are also based on 5% of their declared monthly income, subject to the ₱10,000 salary floor and ₱100,000 ceiling.
- Minimum monthly contribution: ₱500
- Maximum monthly contribution: ₱5,000
- Payments may be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
PhilHealth Contribution for Sponsored Program Members
Sponsored members include individuals who cannot afford to pay their contributions, such as indigent families, senior citizens, and vulnerable groups identified by government agencies.
Their PhilHealth contributions are typically subsidized by the national government or local government units (LGUs). This ensures that financially disadvantaged Filipinos can still access healthcare services.
Examples of sponsored members include:
- Low-income families identified through government social programs
- Senior citizens
- Barangay health workers and volunteers
- Individuals under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Conclusion
For many Filipino households, paying PhilHealth premiums is another recurring expense on top of food, transportation, utilities, and other daily needs. However, these contributions provide essential protection against the high cost of medical care.
Hospital bills, surgeries, and long-term treatments can easily cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of pesos. Maintaining active PhilHealth membership helps reduce these financial burdens through coverage and benefit packages.
Even if you rarely get sick, your dependents—such as your spouse, children, or parents—may eventually need medical care. Keeping your contributions updated ensures that your family will have access to healthcare support when it matters most.