Philippines
Capital Manila
The people who know this process cold
Facilitators, cross-border advisors, and community groups.
Not yet sourced
What the signals say about care
The normalized healthcare index, plus which programs grant local-system access.
How the system works
The public system (PhilHealth) covers residents but is severely underfunded with chronic shortages. Private hospitals dominate in Metro Manila and Cebu, offering international-standard care with minimal waits. Most expats and middle-class Filipinos use private care and avoid the public system.
What you will use
You'll use private clinics and hospitals in the major cities. Consultations, specialist visits, and basic procedures are a fraction of US prices, and prescription generics are cheap. Many expats pay out of pocket; private insurance is available but coverage is patchy.
Quality and access
Private hospitals in Metro Manila (Makati Medical, St. Luke's, Asian Hospital) match mid-to-high-tier US standards, with often US-trained doctors and short waits. Outside Metro Manila, quality drops; outside major cities, emergency response is slow and equipment basic.
The private market
Large private hospital chains dominate, with transparent pricing and direct billing for some international insurers. Dental and vision care are affordable and common. Mental-health services are limited outside Metro Manila, concentrated in urban centers.
Could Philippines be your next move?
Open your personalized country view to review a city estimate and compare it with your saved monthly spending.
Build your mobility plan