PHILHEALTH EXPANDS LEPTOSPIROSIS COVERAGE UP TO P411,000 STARTING JULY 15

FOLLOWING the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure accessible healthcare for Filipinos and ease their financial burden, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is expanding its leptospirosis benefit package, under which coverage may reach up to P411,000 for qualified patients with severe cases and needing critical care.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira that affects both humans and animals and is commonly transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, dogs, and livestock.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the expanded benefits will be implemented on July 15.

“Simula sa July 15, mas pinalawak na ang coverage ng Philippine Health Insurance Corporation para sa moderate hanggang severe na kaso ng leptospirosis,” Castro said.

“Alinsunod ito sa hangarin ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na mas marami ang makakuha ng kinakailangang gamutan nang hindi nalulubog sa napakalaking gastusin,” she added.

Under the expanded benefit package, eligible patients may receive up to P63,000 for hospital care, P170,000 for hemodialysis, and P230,000 for peritoneal dialysis.

For qualified patients requiring intensive treatment, Castro said the benefit package may reach P411,000, particularly for those needing a combination of hemodialysis, mechanical ventilation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

The Palace Press Officer also said that PhilHealth offers free consultations under its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), where patients may be prescribed doxycycline, an antibiotic used to prevent cases of leptospirosis, when needed.

“Saklaw ng PhilHealth “gamot package” na nagbibigay ng hanggang P20,000 kada miyembro annually para sa mga kinakailangang gamot para sa leptospirosis,” Castro said.

In a social media post last week, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a six percent increase in leptospirosis cases from January 4 to June 6, 2026, with a total of 2,177 cases.

The DOH said most of the cases involve farmers because they are often exposed to mud and water that may be contaminated with the urine of infected animals while working in rice fields.

The DOH advised the public to wear boots when wading in flood waters and, when exposed, to always wash with soap and clean water. Common symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and red eyes.