PhilHealth now covers cancer screening tests worth up to ₱23,640 under new program

All tests are recommended based on the patient’s age, risk factors, and health assessment conducted by a physician.

Filipinos may now get several potentially life-saving cancer screening tests for free through PhilHealth’s newly launched Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) announced that selected outpatient cancer screening procedures will now be covered under the program as part of efforts to promote early detection, reduce cancer-related deaths, and lessen the financial burden on Filipino families.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, with many cases diagnosed only at advanced stages when treatment becomes more difficult and expensive.

Who can avail?

The benefit is available to PhilHealth members enrolled in a YAKAP Clinic.

Tests are recommended based on a person’s age, risk factors, and health assessment conducted by a physician.

The covered screening tests include:

• Mammogram – ₱2,610
• Breast Ultrasound – ₱1,350
• Low-dose Chest CT Scan – ₱7,220
• Alpha Fetoprotein Test – ₱1,230
• Liver Ultrasound – ₱960
• Colonoscopy – ₱23,640

According to PhilHealth, mammograms and breast ultrasounds are available for individuals aged 20 to 69 years old, while liver-related screening tests and low-dose chest CT scans are recommended for those aged 20 to 70 years old and above, depending on risk assessment. Colonoscopy screening is available for those aged 40 to 70 years old and above.

How to avail

Members must first register through a chosen PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic, the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth Member Portal, or any PhilHealth office.

After registration, patients will undergo a medical assessment by a YAKAP physician, who will determine whether cancer screening is necessary based on age, medical history, and risk factors.

If qualified, the patient will receive a prescription or request form, which must be presented at an accredited cancer screening facility to avail of the covered test.

Push for early detection

PhilHealth said the program aims to encourage more Filipinos to undergo preventive screening rather than wait for symptoms to appear.

Health experts have long emphasized that early detection significantly improves survival rates for many forms of cancer, including breast, lung, liver, and colorectal cancer.

By covering costly diagnostic procedures that can range from hundreds to more than ₱23,000, PhilHealth hopes more Filipinos will take advantage of regular screenings and seek medical attention before the disease progresses.

A list of accredited providers is available through PhilHealth’s YAKAP program channels and participating health facilities nationwide.

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