Manila: The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will now pay for emergency procedures and other services for patients who do not need to be confined in hospitals, according to Malaca±ang.

According to Philippines News Agency, this development comes as the state insurer introduced the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package. This new package expands PhilHealth’s coverage to include outpatient emergency services, providing immediate financial assistance and healthcare support to its members.

In a press briefing Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that the OECB, effective since February 14, 2025, covers various emergency cases such as dizziness and diarrhea, which are common health issues. Castro explained that this package is available in all PhilHealth-accredited hospitals from Level 1 to Level 3 since February 14, 2025.

Castro emphasized that this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance and expand the benefits available to Filipinos through PhilHealth. She noted that, according to the latest advisory from PhilHealth, separate accreditation for the OECB is no longer required as it is now automatically included in the accreditation process for all PhilHealth facilities.

‘Ayon sa PhilHealth Advisory No. 2025-0009, hindi na kailangan ng mga hiwalay na accreditation para sa OECB dahil bahagi na ito ng pagsusuri sa mga PhilHealth facilities noong sila ay na-accredited,’ Castro stated.

Established under the National Health Insurance Act (Republic Act 7875), PhilHealth has been providing sustainable and affordable health insurance to Filipinos since 1995.

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