PhilHealth will expand its benefit package for leptospirosis starting July 15, with coverage reaching up to P411,000 for qualified patients with severe cases requiring critical care.
Malacañang said the expanded coverage is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make healthcare more accessible and reduce the financial burden on Filipino patients.
“Simula sa July 15, mas pinalawak na ang coverage ng Philippine Health Insurance Corporation para sa moderate hanggang severe na kaso ng leptospirosis,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing on Tuesday.
“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 package, eligible patients may receive up to P63,000 for hospital care, P170,000 for hemodialysis, and P230,000 for peritoneal dialysis.
For patients requiring intensive treatment, Castro said the package may reach P411,000, particularly for those needing a combination of hemodialysis, mechanical ventilation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Castro also said PhilHealth offers free consultations under its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, or YAKAP, where patients may be prescribed doxycycline when needed to help prevent leptospirosis.
She said PhilHealth’s medicine package also provides up to P20,000 per member annually for needed medicines, including those for leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira and is commonly transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, dogs, and livestock.
The Department of Health earlier reported a six percent increase in leptospirosis cases from January 4 to June 6, 2026, with 2,177 cases recorded.
The DOH said many cases involved farmers, who are frequently exposed to mud and water that may be contaminated while working in rice fields.
Health authorities advised the public to wear boots when wading through floodwaters and to wash with soap and clean water after possible exposure.
Common symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, and red eyes.