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You know what scares me the most?
It’s not the thought of getting sick, it’s the thought of how my family would cope if I did.
In the Philippines, a single heart attack, stroke, or cancer diagnosis can wipe out years of savings in just a few weeks.
And the truth is, with our fast-paced lifestyle, love for fast food, and stressful work routines, these illnesses are becoming more and more common. That’s why I wanted to put this list together; the top 10 critical illnesses every Filipino should be protected against.
It’s not about being negative, it’s about being prepared, because protecting our health also means protecting the people who depend on us.
Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) / coronary artery disease
Why it matters: IHD is the #1 cause of death in the country, accounting for about 20% of all fatalities. It’s becoming increasingly common among younger adults due to high-fat diets, smoking, stress, and lack of physical activity.
Insurance note: Most CI plans break down this coverage into specific terms like “major heart attack” or “open chest by-pass surgery.”
Stroke (Cerebrovascular Disease)
Why it matters: Stroke is the 2nd leading cause of mortality and ranks among the top everyday risks for long-term disability. Hypertension and diabetes are the leading COVID-era drivers of this trend.
Notable stats: 68,180 stroke deaths were recorded in 2021, with nearly 500,000 Filipinos affected annually.
Cancer (Neoplastic Diseases)
Why it matters: Rapidly rising; cancer is now the country’s #3 cause of death. Lifestyle-linked cancers like lung, colorectal, and breast cancer are on the rise due to smoking, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and environmental factors.
Coverage Tips: Coverage for a wide range of cancer stages (I–IV) and recurrence is more advantageous than limited “major cancer” terms.
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)
Why it matters: More than 4 million adults (6%) in the Philippines live with diabetes. It causes secondary complications like kidney disease, amputations, and heart problems.
Interesting research: New varieties of rice with lower glycemic index are being developed locally to combat this growing trend.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Why it matters: Frequently caused by long-term diabetes and hypertension, CKD leads to costly treatments like dialysis or transplantation, catastrophic even with insurance.
Insurance Insight: Look for plans that specifically cover kidney failure/dialysis, not just “major organ failure.”
Hypertension and Cardiac Complications
Why it matters: High blood pressure is a silent killer; 38.6% of cardiovascular cases in local studies are linked to hypertension, leading to heart attack or stroke.
Key Lifestyle Risks: High salt intake, processed food consumption, overweight, and stress.
Respiratory Diseases (COPD, Asthma, Lung Cancer)
Why it matters: Air pollution (indoor and outdoor), smoking, and occupational hazards significantly increase mortality. Inclusion in CI policies varies but is recommended in coverage of respiratory failure or invasive lung surgery.
Liver Diseases (NAFLD, Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Viral Hepatitis)
Why it matters: Rising with infections and lifestyle: high fatty food intake, alcohol, and drug use. Complications are usually expensive and often fatal once advanced.
Metabolic Syndrome & Obesity
Why it matters: Nearly 93% of Filipino adults are physically inactive, making metabolic disorders highly prevalent. Obesity often leads to T2DM, hypertension, and heart disease
Neurodegenerative Conditions (Dementia, Parkinson’s, Brain Tumors)
Why it matters: As the Philippines' population ages, cognitive decline and neurological diseases are increasing. Some CI plans omit coverage of early-stage dementia, this gap is increasingly relevant as aged care becomes more regular.
Sources:
https://www.rmci.com.ph/top-5-leading-causes-of-death-in-the-philippines-2025
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9729337
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262492732_The_Real_Stroke_Burden_in_the_Philippines
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