Free services

Free and low-cost services in the Philippines

Government programmes that help pay for care, or give it for free. For each one: who can use it, what it costs, how to get it, what to bring and where to go.

Last checked 29 October 2026. Rules and amounts change: confirm at the facility or the hotline before you go.

In an emergency, call 911 now. This is general information collected from official public pages, not legal or medical advice. YourNurses.io is not part of the government.

Help paying for care

PhilHealth membership (Universal Health Care law, RA 11223)

Government health insurance; every Filipino is a member by law.

Official hotline

(02) 8662-2588 PhilHealth Action Center
actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: The government health insurance. By law, every Filipino is automatically a PhilHealth member. It helps pay your hospital and clinic bills.
Who can use it: Every Filipino citizen. Some people pay premiums (workers, self-employed, OFWs). For others the government pays (poor families, senior citizens and other subsidised groups).
Cost: Free if the government pays your premium. Senior citizens do not pay premiums. Others pay a premium based on income. Not having paid should not stop you from getting care, but check your status with PhilHealth.
How to get it: You are already covered. To check or update your record, register in the PhilHealth Member Portal or the eGovPH app, or visit a PhilHealth office. At the hospital, tell the billing or PhilHealth desk you are a member.
What to bring: One valid government ID.
Where to go: PhilHealth-accredited hospitals, clinics, health centres and birthing homes (public and private). PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Offices for membership.

Source: Official page

PhilHealth YAKAP: free check-ups and medicines (GAMOT)

Free check-ups, some lab tests and screenings, and free listed medicines at your chosen YAKAP clinic.

Official hotline

(02) 8662-2588 PhilHealth Action Center

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: PhilHealth's free check-up programme that replaced Konsulta. You pick one YAKAP clinic as your regular doctor. It covers check-ups, health risk checks, some lab tests, cancer and other screenings, and free medicines from a list through PhilHealth GAMOT pharmacies.
Who can use it: All PhilHealth members and their dependents (family members listed on their record).
Cost: Free at your registered YAKAP clinic, and at accredited GAMOT pharmacies for medicines on the covered list. Ask the clinic which tests and medicines are included.
How to get it: 1) Choose a YAKAP-accredited clinic near you. 2) Register in the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth Member Portal, at a PhilHealth office or at the clinic, and fill in the form. 3) Go for your first visit (health check). 4) Get your prescription and collect your medicines at a GAMOT-accredited pharmacy.
What to bring: A valid government ID.
Where to go: YAKAP-accredited primary care clinics (many rural health units, city health centres and some private clinics); PhilHealth GAMOT-accredited pharmacies.

Find places near you Source: Official page

Zero Balance Billing in DOH hospitals

If you stay in the basic ward of a DOH hospital, you should go home paying nothing.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: If you are admitted to the basic (ward) section of a hospital run by the Department of Health, you should go home paying nothing. Government funds (PhilHealth plus DOH medical assistance) cover the bill.
Who can use it: Any Filipino admitted to the basic accommodation (ward) of a DOH hospital. Private rooms are not included. Rarely, very expensive procedures may still have a charge.
Cost: Free (zero balance) for basic or ward accommodation in DOH hospitals.
How to get it: Go to a DOH hospital (Emergency Room or admitting). Ask to be admitted to the ward (basic accommodation). You do not need a guarantee letter or a politician's help. Never pay a fixer.
What to bring: A valid ID and any PhilHealth information you have.
Where to go: DOH-retained hospitals (regional hospitals and medical centres run by DOH). Some local government hospitals are in a pilot.

Source: Official page

Malasakit Centers (RA 11463)

One help desk in public hospitals for money help from DOH, PhilHealth, DSWD and PCSO.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: A one-stop help desk inside public hospitals where you can ask for money help from DOH, PhilHealth, DSWD and PCSO in one place, instead of going to four offices.
Who can use it: Poor (indigent) patients and patients who are struggling to pay, as checked by a social worker.
Cost: Free to apply. The help lowers or pays your hospital bill.
How to get it: Go to the Malasakit Center desk in the hospital where the patient is being treated. A medical social worker will interview you.
What to bring: Valid ID of the patient and the companion; the hospital bill or statement of account; a medical abstract or certificate; a barangay certificate of indigency if you have one.
Where to go: All DOH hospitals, the Philippine General Hospital, and some local government hospitals that meet the standards.

Find places near you Source: Official page

PCSO Medical Access Program

Help with hospital bills, medicines, chemotherapy and dialysis, usually paid to the hospital by guarantee letter.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: Help from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to pay hospital bills, medicines, chemotherapy, dialysis and other medical needs. It is usually paid straight to the hospital through a guarantee letter, not as cash.
Who can use it: Filipino patients who need help paying for medical care.
Cost: Free to apply. The amount is decided case by case.
How to get it: If the hospital has a Malasakit Center, apply there. If not, go to the nearest PCSO branch office (some Metro Manila hospitals can apply online).
What to bring: The filled-in application form; a medical or clinical abstract signed by the doctor with their licence number; the original hospital bill or price quote; a request letter; valid IDs of the patient and the representative; an authorisation letter if someone applies for the patient.
Where to go: Malasakit Centers in hospitals; PCSO branch offices.

Find places near you Source: Official page

DSWD medical help (AICS: Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation)

Money help from DSWD for hospital bills, medicines and lab tests when you are in crisis.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: Money help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development for people in crisis, including hospital bills, medicines, lab tests and other medical needs.
Who can use it: Poor or vulnerable people, or people in crisis, who cannot pay their medical costs. A normal childbirth is generally not covered unless there are complications.
Cost: Free to apply. The amount depends on the social worker's assessment.
How to get it: Go to a DSWD office, a Malasakit Center, or your city or municipal social welfare office (MSWDO or CSWDO). A social worker will interview you.
What to bring: A medical certificate or clinical abstract (signed, with the doctor's licence number, from the last 3 months); the hospital bill or statement of account with the balance (signed by the billing clerk), or the prescription or price quote for medicines; a barangay certificate of indigency; a valid government ID. Bring photocopies too.
Where to go: DSWD field and satellite offices; Malasakit Centers; local social welfare offices.

Find places near you Source: Official page

PhilHealth dialysis (156 sessions a year) and Z Benefits

PhilHealth pays for up to 156 haemodialysis sessions a year; Z Benefits cover some very serious illnesses.

Official hotline

(02) 8662-2588 PhilHealth Action Center

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: PhilHealth pays for up to 156 haemodialysis sessions a year (3 times a week). The Z Benefit packages cover very serious illnesses such as kidney transplant, peritoneal dialysis and some cancers.
Who can use it: PhilHealth members and dependents with chronic kidney disease (for dialysis). Z Benefits need PhilHealth approval first, and only some accredited hospitals offer them.
Cost: PhilHealth pays a set amount per session; ask your dialysis centre if there is any extra cost. Use a Malasakit Center, PCSO or DSWD for what is left to pay.
How to get it: Get a doctor's referral to a PhilHealth-accredited dialysis centre. For Z Benefits, ask a Z-accredited hospital to apply for approval.
What to bring: A valid ID, your PhilHealth information and your medical records.
Where to go: PhilHealth-accredited haemodialysis centres and hospitals; Z Benefit accredited hospitals.

Find places near you Source: Official page

Senior citizen 20% discount and no VAT on medicines (RA 9994)

People aged 60 and over get 20% off and no VAT on medicines, doctor fees and lab tests.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: Senior citizens get 20% off and pay no VAT on medicines, doctor fees, lab tests and some other services.
Who can use it: Filipino citizens aged 60 and over who live in the Philippines.
Cost: You save 20% plus VAT on covered purchases.
How to get it: Get a Senior Citizen ID from your city or municipal OSCA office. Show it when you buy medicine or pay for care.
What to bring: Your Senior Citizen ID, the doctor's prescription, and your purchase booklet if the store asks.
Where to go: All drugstores, hospitals, clinics and labs.

Find places near you Source: Official page

PWD 20% discount and no VAT on medicines (RA 10754)

Persons with disability get 20% off and no VAT on medicines, medical and dental services and lab tests.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: Persons with disability get 20% off and pay no VAT on medicines, medical and dental services, lab tests and more, for their own use.
Who can use it: Persons with disability who have a PWD ID.
Cost: You save 20% plus VAT on covered purchases.
How to get it: Get a PWD ID from your city or municipal PDAO or social welfare office (bring a medical certificate of disability and a photo). Show it when you buy medicine or pay for care.
What to bring: Your PWD ID, the prescription, and your purchase booklet if asked.
Where to go: All drugstores, hospitals, clinics and labs.

Find places near you Source: Official page

Free health services

TB-DOTS: free TB testing and treatment

Free TB tests and free TB medicines for the whole treatment.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: The national TB programme. It tests for TB (for example a sputum test or chest X-ray) and gives free TB medicines for the whole treatment, with a health worker checking that you take them.
Who can use it: Anyone with signs of TB (a cough for 2 weeks or more, fever, weight loss, night sweats) and people who live with someone who has TB.
Cost: Free TB medicines for the whole treatment at public TB-DOTS centres.
How to get it: Go to your barangay health station, rural health unit or city health centre and ask for TB screening. Keep going back as told until the treatment is finished. Do not stop the medicines early.
What to bring: A valid ID if you have one.
Where to go: Health centres and rural health units with TB-DOTS, DOH hospitals, and some accredited private DOTS clinics.

Find places near you Source: Official page

Animal Bite Treatment Centres: rabies vaccine

Rabies vaccine and wound care after a dog or cat bite or scratch. Go the same day.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: Clinics that give the rabies vaccine and wound care after a bite or scratch from a dog, cat or other animal. Rabies kills, so go right away.
Who can use it: Anyone bitten or scratched by a dog, cat or other animal that might have rabies.
Cost: DOH gives government centres free vaccine, but some centres may charge or ask for PhilHealth. Ask your local centre.
How to get it: First, wash the wound with soap and running water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then go to the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Centre the same day. Go back on every vaccine day you are given.
What to bring: A valid ID and your PhilHealth information.
Where to go: Animal Bite Treatment Centres in government hospitals, rural health units and city health offices.

Find places near you Source: Official page

Free vaccines for babies and children (RA 10152)

Free basic vaccines for children up to 5 years old.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: Free basic vaccines for babies and young children against TB, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, Hib and other diseases DOH adds.
Who can use it: All babies and children up to 5 years old. The hepatitis B vaccine is given within 24 hours of birth.
Cost: Free at government hospitals and health centres.
How to get it: Go to your barangay health station or health centre. Follow the schedule the health worker gives you.
What to bring: The baby's immunisation card (baby book) if you have one.
Where to go: Barangay health stations, rural health units, city health centres, government hospitals.

Find places near you Source: Official page

Care in pregnancy and childbirth (PhilHealth maternity packages)

Free check-ups in pregnancy at health centres; PhilHealth helps pay for giving birth in a facility.

Official hotline

(02) 8662-2588 PhilHealth Action Center

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: Check-ups while you are pregnant, a safe birth in a clinic or hospital, and check-ups after the birth. PhilHealth pays part or all of it through its maternity care and normal delivery packages.
Who can use it: All pregnant women. PhilHealth members and dependents can use PhilHealth maternity benefits.
Cost: Check-ups in pregnancy at public health centres are generally free. PhilHealth package amounts change; ask the facility or PhilHealth for the current amounts.
How to get it: Start check-ups early at your health centre. Plan to give birth in a PhilHealth-accredited hospital, lying-in or birthing home, not at home.
What to bring: A valid ID, your PhilHealth information and your maternal record book.
Where to go: Barangay health stations, rural health units, lying-in clinics and birthing homes, government and accredited private hospitals.

Find places near you Source: Official page

Family planning (RH Law, RA 10354)

Free or low-cost advice and methods to plan or space children.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: Information and methods to plan or space children, such as pills, injections, implants, IUDs and condoms.
Who can use it: Adults and couples who want family planning. Poor and marginalised people come first.
Cost: Free or low cost at public health facilities.
How to get it: Go to your health centre and ask for family planning counselling.
What to bring: A valid ID.
Where to go: Barangay health stations, rural health units, city health centres, government hospitals.

Find places near you Source: Official page

HIV testing and treatment hubs (RA 11166)

Private HIV tests, and HIV medicines at treatment hubs that PhilHealth helps pay for.

Official hotline

No official hotline confirmed. Ask at the facility.

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: Confidential HIV tests, and treatment with HIV medicines (antiretrovirals) at DOH-designated treatment hubs. PhilHealth helps pay through its outpatient HIV/AIDS treatment (OHAT) package.
Who can use it: Anyone who wants an HIV test. Young people aged 15 to 17 can be tested without a parent's consent under the law. People living with HIV can get care at a hub.
Cost: Testing at public facilities is usually free. Treatment at accredited hubs is covered by PhilHealth OHAT; ask the hub about any extra costs.
How to get it: Go to a social hygiene clinic, health centre or HIV treatment hub and ask for an HIV test. Your result is private. If it is positive, the hub will start your treatment.
What to bring: A valid ID and your PhilHealth information.
Where to go: DOH-designated HIV treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities; social hygiene clinics; some community testing centres.

Find places near you Source: Official page

NCMH Crisis Hotline and mental health care (Mental Health Act, RA 11036)

A 24/7 crisis line for anyone feeling very low or thinking of self-harm; mental health care at public facilities.

Official hotline

1553 NCMH Crisis Hotline (Luzon-wide landline, toll-free)
0917-899-8727 NCMH (Globe/TM)
0919-057-1553 NCMH (Smart/TNT)

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: A 24/7 hotline for anyone feeling very sad or hopeless, or thinking of self-harm. The Mental Health Act also makes mental health care part of public health services.
Who can use it: Anyone in the Philippines, of any age.
Cost: Calling 1553 from a landline in Luzon is free. From elsewhere, or from a mobile, use the mobile numbers (mobile rates may apply).
How to get it: Call the hotline at any time. For ongoing care, go to your health centre, a DOH hospital with psychiatry services, or the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong.
What to bring: Nothing for the hotline. For a clinic visit, a valid ID if you have one.
Where to go: National Center for Mental Health; DOH hospitals with mental health units; health centres.

Find places near you Source: Official page

Emergency lines

Emergency 911

The one national number for police, fire, ambulance or rescue.

Official hotline

911 Emergency

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: The one national number for any emergency: police, fire, ambulance or rescue.
Who can use it: Anyone in the Philippines.
Cost: Free to call.
How to get it: Dial 911. Stay calm. Say your exact location, what happened and how many people are hurt.
What to bring: Nothing.
Where to go: The national 911 centre, connected to local 911 centres, police, fire and rescue.

Source: Official page

Philippine Red Cross 143

Red Cross 24/7 line for ambulance, first aid and disaster help.

Official hotline

143 Philippine Red Cross
(02) 8790-2300 Philippine Red Cross trunkline

Who can use it · Cost · How to get it

What it is: The Red Cross 24/7 line for ambulance, first aid and disaster help. The Red Cross also runs blood services.
Who can use it: Anyone in the Philippines.
Cost: Calling 143 is free. Ask about any ambulance fees.
How to get it: Dial 143 or the trunkline. Give your location and say what the emergency is.
What to bring: Nothing.
Where to go: Philippine Red Cross chapters across the country.

Source: Official page