The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is offering substantial financial support for hepatitis-related conditions, with benefit packages reaching up to PHP24,765. This initiative coincides with the country's observance of Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month this January.
PhilHealth Benefit Packages for Hepatitis
In a public advisory issued on Monday, January 12, 2026, the state insurer detailed the packages designed to lessen the financial strain of treatment. These benefits also aim to bolster national efforts in preventing liver cancer, a disease frequently connected to chronic infections from the Hepatitis B and C viruses.
The specific case rate packages include:
- Up to PHP23,010 for chronic viral hepatitis.
- Up to PHP20,865 for sequelae (long-term consequences) of viral hepatitis.
- Up to PHP24,765 for congenital viral hepatitis.
PhilHealth emphasized that Hepatitis B and C infections can cause liver inflammation and scarring, which may progress to liver cancer if not treated. The agency stressed the critical importance of early detection and prevention.
Early Screening Through the YAKAP Program
For early detection, PhilHealth reminded its members that screening for liver cancer is covered under its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). This program includes screening tests and liver ultrasound procedures.
Members can access these services at accredited cancer-screening facilities across the nation. A referral from a physician at a YAKAP clinic is required to avail of these screenings.
PhilHealth encourages the public to adopt preventive habits such as regular screening, completing recommended vaccinations—especially for Hepatitis B—avoiding substances harmful to the liver, and maintaining a healthy diet with exercise.
For guidance on availing these benefits, members may contact the PhilHealth 24/7 hotline at (02) 8662-2588 or mobile numbers 0998-8572957, 0968-8654670, 0917-1275987, and 0917-1109812. They can also visit the official website at www.philhealth.gov.ph.
DOH Reminds Public of Free Vaccination Programs
In a separate advisory also released on Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) highlighted that timely and complete vaccination remains one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent life-threatening diseases.
The DOH urged parents, guardians, pregnant women, and senior citizens to take advantage of free vaccines available at primary care facilities nationwide. These include local government unit (LGU) health centers and DOH-managed Bulilit Centers of Care.
The health department assured the public that these vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness, complications, and hospitalization. It noted that the cost of treatment is significantly higher than the cost of prevention through vaccination.
Who Can Get Which Vaccines?
The DOH outlined the free vaccines available for different age groups:
For infants aged 0 to 12 months, the free vaccines include Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) for tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Pentavalent vaccine, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), and the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
For school-aged children:
- Grade 1 and Grade 7 students are eligible for Measles-Rubella (MR) and Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccines.
- Grade 4 girls may avail of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer.
Pregnant women are encouraged to get the tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine to protect both mother and baby from tetanus and related complications.
Senior citizens aged 60 and above can receive free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, which are vital for preventing severe respiratory infections in older adults.
The DOH reiterated that immunization is a shared responsibility for keeping communities healthy. The public is advised to consult their nearest health center to check vaccination schedules and ensure all recommended vaccines are completed.
