PhilHealth expands leptospirosis coverage to P411,000 starting July 15

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will be expanding its leptospirosis benefit package, under which coverage may reach up to more than P400,000 for qualified patients with moderate to severe cases needing critical care.

In a briefing on Tuesday, Palace press officer Claire Castro said the expanded leptospirosis benefit package will be implemented on July 15.

“This is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of enabling more people to receive the medical treatment they need without being burdened by overwhelming expenses,” she added.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Marcos announces higher PhilHealth maternity benefits

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Under PhilHealth Circular No. 2026-008, the new leptospirosis benefit package rates shall be the following:

Leptospirosis, moderate to severe – P63,000

Leptospirosis, moderate to severe, requiring hemodialysis (HD) and vascular access – P170,000

Leptospirosis, moderate to severe, requiring peritoneal dialysis (PD) and PD Solutions – P230,000

Leptospirosis, moderate to severe, requiring HD and hemoperfusion (HP) – P325,000

Leptospirosis, moderate to severe, requiring HD, invasive or non-invasive ventilatory Support (e.g., mechanical ventilation), and pulmonary rehabilitation – P411,000

Prior to the new circular, PhilHealth only shouldered up to P21,450 for moderate to severe leptospirosis cases.

According to PhilHealth, it significantly increased its leptospirosis benefit package as many patients still face substantial out-of-pocket expenses despite increased reimbursement rates.

PhilHealth said that while reimbursement rates were increased by around 80 percent across the board in 2024, hospitalization costs for moderate to severe leptospirosis cases continue to impose a heavy financial burden on patients.

Article continues after this advertisement

Based on 2025 claims data, patients with moderate to severe leptospirosis may still shoulder out-of-pocket expenses reaching as much as 90 percent of hospitalization costs.

The state health insurer noted that more complex cases require additional interventions that further drive up treatment costs.

Article continues after this advertisement

Around 4 percent of leptospirosis claims last year involved patients who needed additional procedures, including renal replacement therapy (RRT), invasive mechanical ventilation, and intensive care monitoring.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection commonly transmitted through exposure to flood waters contaminated with animal urine, remains a public health concern, especially during the rainy season when cases typically rise.

Common symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and red eyes.

The Department of Health (DOH) last week reported a 6-percent increase in leptospirosis cases from Jan. 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.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

The DOH advised the public to wear boots when wading in flood waters and, when exposed, to always wash with soap and clean water. /mr