The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation has granted crucial relief to its members in Central Visayas who are recovering from the devastating impact of Typhoon Tino. The state health insurer has officially extended the payment deadline for monthly premiums, providing financial breathing space for affected families.
Extended Payment Deadline Details
PhilHealth Regional Office VII announced through an advisory dated November 14 that the payment deadline for October and November 2025 contributions has been moved to December 31, 2025. This extension comes with the significant benefit of no interest charges on late payments. The relief measure follows the nationwide declaration of a State of Calamity under Proclamation No. 1077, which was issued after Typhoon Tino caused widespread damage across the region on November 4.
The deadline extension covers multiple categories of direct contributors in the Central Visayas region, including:
- Self-Earning Individuals
- Professional Practitioners
- Members under the Group Enrollment Program
- The Employed Sector
This comprehensive coverage ensures that residents across the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor can focus on recovery without worrying about losing their health insurance coverage.
Maintaining Access to Healthcare Services
PhilHealth emphasized that this measure aims to ease the financial burden on members affected by the calamity while ensuring continued access to essential health services. All health services, including consultations, diagnostic procedures, and hospitalization, remain fully available during the calamity period.
For members needing clarification about their premium payments or coverage, PhilHealth has provided multiple contact options. Affected members may reach the Regional Office VII Collection Section via email at collsec.pro7@philhealth.gov.ph or visit any Local Health Insurance Office or Satellite Office throughout Central Visayas.
Beyond the payment extension, PhilHealth continues to coordinate with local government units to provide guidance on accessing medical services. This ensures that disaster victims, particularly those injured or with pre-existing medical conditions, receive uninterrupted care during this challenging recovery period.
Additional Emergency Measures
In a related development, PhilHealth has implemented additional emergency measures following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30. The agency granted provisional contracting of Z Benefits for selected orthopedic implants, expanding access beyond the previously accredited Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.
This expansion came after acting PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado authorized eased policy restrictions, allowing more facilities and accredited professionals to provide life-saving procedures at zero co-payment. The emergency measures also include flexible claims processing and exemptions from usual confinement rules, ensuring that members receive timely surgical care when needed most.
The combination of these initiatives demonstrates PhilHealth's commitment to supporting Filipino communities through multiple crises, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible even during the most challenging circumstances.
