The Philippines’ total health expenditure reached P1.87 trillion in 2025, up 15.1 percent from P1.63 trillion a year earlier, according to data cited from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Of the total, 41.2 percent was paid out of pocket, placing a significant share of healthcare costs directly on individuals and families. Medical costs are also projected to increase by as much as 16.1 percent in 2026.
The rising cost of healthcare can affect even families with substantial financial resources, as serious illnesses can eat into savings and disrupt investments, businesses and other long-term financial priorities.
Coverage gaps
InLife is seeking to address these concerns with InLife Global Care, a premium health insurance product designed to provide additional protection beyond existing healthcare coverage.
“Healthcare confidence is knowing that when a serious medical situation happens, you have choices, resources, and someone you can rely on to help you move forward,” InLife chief product and innovation officer Jose Eduardo O. Ang said in a company statement.
“InLife Global Care aims to provide all these and more, to help those who have worked hard to build their careers, businesses, and family wealth, and who recognize that protecting their health is just as important as protecting their financial future,” Ang said.
The product offers annual coverage of up to P125 million and cashless service options, with policyholders able to access accredited healthcare providers in the Philippines and abroad.
It covers inpatient care as well as outpatient and preventive healthcare needs and is positioned as a supplement to existing health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage.
Benefits include coverage for major hospitalization, serious illnesses and cancer treatments, as well as outpatient consultations and diagnostics. Emergency treatment outside covered areas is also provided for up to P12.5 million, subject to policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
Long-term protection
InLife said the product is primarily designed for affluent and globally mobile Filipinos, including executives, entrepreneurs, business owners, senior professionals and families whose work or personal connections extend overseas.
The plan is renewable annually until age 99 and includes a built-in life insurance benefit that provides additional protection up to age 70, as long as the policy remains active.
“Whether it is choosing where to receive treatment, determining the level of protection they need, or ensuring that their coverage can continue as they grow older, the goal is to give Filipinos greater control and confidence wherever life takes them. We want them to have access to quality healthcare without compromising everything they worked hard for,” Ang said.
The company said broader health protection could allow policyholders to consider treatment options locally or overseas without relying solely on personal savings or business funds.
Preventive care
Alongside expanded insurance coverage, InLife is introducing InLife HealthCheck, a wellness tool designed to give users a snapshot of more than 30 health and wellness indicators through a 60-second video selfie.
The technology uses remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) and facial artificial intelligence to detect light reflection and blood flow beneath the skin.
InLife said the non-invasive technology can be used by people aged 14 to 91 across different skin tones and can work even when users wear glasses or makeup or have facial hair.
HealthCheck is positioned as an awareness tool that could encourage users to pay closer attention to their health and track wellness indicators. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
