The Rising Cost of Staying Healthy in the Philippines

January 28, 2026 | By First Life Research

In 2026, many Filipinos face a harsh reality: while medical technology continues to improve, healthcare is becoming harder to afford. We are no longer just fighting illness—we are also racing against rising costs. 

According to reports from WTW (Willis Towers Watson) and Mercer Marsh Benefits, medical inflation ranging from 16% to 18.3% threatens your long-term financial stability. This means that medical expenses are increasing much faster than salaries and savings. A hospital bill that costs ₱100,000 today could nearly double in just a few years.

Despite many Filipinos relying on PhilHealth or basic HMOs, on average, families still shoulder around 45% of the total cost—the so-called “abono” gap.

So, how do you prep for an expense with no ceiling?

Additional to two common safeguards mentioned above, use a portion of your wealth-building or savings fund specifically for health protection. Disciplined saving and proper life insurance with health riders can protect you from being forced into debt during sudden medical emergencies.

Find a Protection Plan Here

The First CI Health Saver is designed for real life solutions. It combines critical illness protection, giving you a sum cash benefit if a major illness occurs. This allows you to pay for treatment, recovery, or daily expenses without going into debt or touching your emergency fund.

Protect What Matters Most

Life moves fast, and unexpected events—medical emergencies, accidents, or sudden loss of income can derail even the best plans. Insurance is not an expense; it’s a financial safety net that ensures temporary setbacks don’t become permanent problems.

Smart Coverage

From health to home, First Life helps protect what truly matters—so you can focus on living, not worrying.

Income Backup

Whether you are working in different industries or building a start-up, life and disability insurance helps ensure your family’s goals remain intact, even if life takes an unexpected turn. That’s why waiting until “later” can be dangerous. Medical emergencies don’t wait—and neither do rising prices. Don’t let procrastination quietly drain your hard-earned savings.

Why First Life?

For over 65 years, First Life has been part of Filipino families’ lives—through milestones, challenges, and everything in between. We understand that protection isn’t just about policies; it’s about keeping your plans on track when life takes an unexpected turn.

That’s why we lead with a customer-first mindset, backed by decades of experience you can trust. We don’t just offer insurance—we work with you to turn protection into long-term growth, so you can move forward with confidence.