What is healthcare in Philippines like?

Facilities and Health Information

Adequate medical care is available in major cities in the Philippines, but even the best hospitals may not meet the standards of medical care, sanitation, and facilities provided by hospitals and doctors in the United States. Medical care is limited in rural and more remote areas.

Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost several or even tens of thousands of dollars. Most hospitals will require a down payment of estimated fees in cash at the time of admission. In some cases, public and private hospitals have withheld lifesaving medicines and treatments for non-payment of bills. Hospitals also frequently refuse to discharge patients or release important medical documents until a bill has been paid in full. A list of doctors and medical facilities in the Philippines is available from the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

In the past, the Philippines has seen outbreaks of dengue and schistosomiasis. The CDC website has additional information about both diseases.

Schistosomiasis is transmitted by waterborne larvae and is endemic in the Philippines. The disease presents a risk on Mindanao, Bohol, and Samar, as well as the provinces of Sorsogon (the southern tip of Luzon Island) and eastern Mindoro Island. Travelers should avoid freshwater exposure in these areas.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

91.2%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved

8.2%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

92.500000

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.07%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

People Living with HIV/AIDS

8,700

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

1.15

Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved

25.7%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

79.400000

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

69.4%

Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

high

Food or Waterborne Disease (s)

bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

Vectorborne Disease (s)

dengue fever and malaria

Water contact disease (s)

leptospirosis

Disability Access In Philippines

Accessibility

When traveling to or in the Philippines, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from that which is available in the United States. Government efforts to improve access to transportation for persons with disabilities are limited due to weak implementing regulations. The streets, roads, and most other public places in the Philippines lack facilities for persons with disabilities. Many public buildings, particularly older ones, lack functioning elevators. Two of Manila's three light-rail lines are wheelchair accessible; however, many stops have out-of-service elevators. Buses lack wheelchair lifts, and only a small number of sidewalks have wheelchair ramps. Commercial establishments such as malls also have few accessibility-related facilities, such as wheelchair ramps and restrooms designated for persons with disabilities.

Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport provides some accommodations such as ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets. Passengers requiring any special assistance should inform their airline prior to travel. Travelers to regional airports and provincial areas should not expect similar accommodations, as facilities for persons with disabilities are extremely limited outside of metropolitan areas.

Disclaimer

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.

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