PhilHealth: PHP12,675-PHP18,135 for heat-related illnesses

PhilHealth reminded its members on Thursday about coverage for heat-related illnesses, offering PHP12,675 for severe cases like heat stroke or exhaustion requiring hospitalization and up to P18,135 for less severe conditions such as heat fatigue with arrhythmia.

With the Department of Health and Pagasa warning of dangerous heat indices as summer approaches, PhilHealth emphasized that members admitted to any PhilHealth-accredited health facilities due to heat-related illnesses are entitled to benefit packages ranging from PHP12,675 for heat stroke or exhaustion to PHP18,135 for less severe conditions requiring hospitalization.

PhilHealth's President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado urged early intervention against heat-related illnesses on Thursday, March 6, encouraging members to use the free Konsulta Package for consultations and symptom checks.

The state health insurer warned that temperatures in Metro Manila have recently reached dangerous levels as summer nears, prompting some areas to suspend classes due to extreme heat.

Quezon City has already declared a dengue outbreak this year, recording at least ten fatalities, while the Department of Health warned that eight more local government units may soon announce outbreaks following recent rises in cases.