QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — Amid the ongoing “danger-level” heat index warnings during the dry season, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) assures Filipinos of the readily-available benefit packages designed to ease the financial costs associated with heat-related illnesses.
Members can avail of P12,675 worth of healthcare services for heat collapse, heat exhaustion, heat cramp, and heat stroke. This coverage also extends to P18,135 for those experiencing heat fatigue and other effects of heat stress.
In addition, moderate to severe dehydration is also part of the benefit package with P7,800 financial coverage.
Likewise, PhilHealth provides support for other common summer health concerns, including varicella or chickenpox with a healthcare service coverage of P7,800; typhoid fever with P19,500; sore eyes or conjunctivitis with P16,575; and infectious diarrhea or acute gastroenteritis with P11,700.
PhilHealth, on the other hand, offers a safety net for the medical needs that may unexpectedly arise from the summer travels and activities of Filipinos, including coverage for health issues related to the toxic effects of contact with fish and other marine animals, amounting to P11,115.
For acute heat-related medical needs and other health concerns, PhilHealth extends the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package, which can be availed at any accredited Level 1 to 3 hospital. This provides coverage for emergency care services for patients whose medical conditions do not require hospital admission.
PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Edwin Mercado, for his part, urged Filipinos to observe preventive health measures to minimize their risks of contracting or developing heat-related illnesses.
“Pinapaalalahanan natin ang ating mga kababayan na uminom ng sapat na tubig, iwasan lumabas kapag tirik ang araw, at patuloy na maghugas ng kamay at maligo nang regular lalo na kung nasa byahe o di kaya’y kasama sa mga outdoor activities,” said Mercado.
(We remind everyone to always drink enough water, avoid going out during the hottest part of the day, and wash your hands and take a bath regularly, especially when travelling or engaging in outdoor activities.)
In 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 77 cases of heat-related illnesses with 7 resulting in deaths. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
