PhilHealth offers aid up to P135-K for premature babies

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor, Philippine News Agency

(Pexels photo)

MANILA – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is providing financial support of up to PHP135,000 for premature babies born between 24 weeks and less than 32 weeks of gestational age under its Z Benefits package.

In an advisory Monday coinciding with the global observance of World Prematurity Day, PhilHealth said the Z Benefit aims to help parents manage the high medical costs associated with caring for extremely premature or small newborns.

The package is available in PhilHealth-contracted health facilities and covers essential services needed during the infant’s critical early weeks.

For newborns delivered between 32 and less than 37 weeks of gestation, PhilHealth will provide benefits ranging from PHP24,000 to PHP71,000, depending on the baby’s condition and treatment needs.

The agency also detailed Z Benefits for expectant mothers at risk of preterm delivery, with assistance from PHP600 to PHP4,000 to help prevent complications such as preterm labor, vaginal bleeding, PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes), preeclampsia and eclampsia.

The benefit includes coordinated referral and transfer to higher-level health facilities when necessary.

PhilHealth added that premature infants born with congenital anomalies, including congenital heart disease or cleft lip/palate, may also qualify for additional PhilHealth support.

Prematurity remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, underscoring the need for timely medical care and financial protection for affected families.