Hospital bills in 2026 are no joke.
One emergency room visit can cost thousands. A single confinement? Easily five digits. And if you have kids, regular checkups alone add up over the year.
That’s why many Filipino families are now asking:
👉 Which HMO plan is worth it?
👉 How much should we budget monthly?
👉 Is family coverage better than individual plans?
This guide breaks down the best HMO plans for families in the Philippines in 2026, including estimated premiums, coverage limits, and who each plan is best for.
Why Families Need an HMO in 2026
Private healthcare costs have steadily increased. Even basic expenses include:
- Pediatric consult: ₱600–₱1,500
- ER visit: ₱2,000–₱5,000 (before labs)
- Confinement: ₱30,000–₱150,000+
An HMO protects your savings from being wiped out in one hospital visit.
Instead of paying everything out-of-pocket, you pay a fixed monthly or yearly premium.
What to Look for in a Family HMO Plan
Before choosing, check these:
✔ Annual coverage limit (₱100k? ₱200k? ₱500k?)
✔ Accredited hospitals near your home
✔ Pediatric coverage
✔ Maternity benefits
✔ Emergency coverage
✔ Pre-existing condition rules
Not all HMOs are the same — and not all family plans are structured equally.
Best HMO Plans for Families in the Philippines (2026)
Here are some of the most recognized providers families consider.
1️⃣ Maxicare Family Plan – This is what we have.
Best for: Comprehensive private hospital access
Estimated annual premium (per adult):
₱18,000 – ₱35,000
Coverage limit:
₱150,000 – ₱500,000 depending on plan
✔ Wide hospital network
✔ Good for families in Metro Manila
✔ Strong specialist access
Consideration: Higher premium than some competitors.
2️⃣ Medicard Family Plan
Best for: Balanced coverage and price
Estimated annual premium:
₱15,000 – ₱30,000
Coverage limit:
₱100,000 – ₱300,000
✔ Good network coverage
✔ Affordable mid-tier plans
✔ Family bundles available
Good option if you want value without premium pricing.
3️⃣ Intellicare (Avega)
Best for: Corporate-level quality
Often tied to company benefits but available individually in some cases.
Estimated annual premium:
₱20,000 – ₱40,000
✔ Strong private hospital accreditation
✔ Good emergency benefits
More common for employees with company HMO.
4️⃣ Etiqa HMO
Best for: Budget-friendly plans
Estimated annual premium:
₱12,000 – ₱25,000
✔ Lower entry cost
✔ Simple coverage structure
Ideal for families starting their first HMO.
5️⃣ PhilCare Family Plan
Best for: Preventive-focused coverage
Estimated annual premium:
₱10,000 – ₱28,000
✔ Includes outpatient services
✔ Good preventive care coverage
More affordable for basic protection.
Family Plan vs Individual Plan: Which Is Better?
Family Plan
✔ Sometimes discounted bundle rate
✔ Easier management
✔ One renewal date
Individual Plans
✔ Flexible coverage per person
✔ Customizable
✔ Good if different family members need different limits
If kids are young and generally healthy, bundled plans may be more cost-effective.
Sample HMO Budget for a Family of 4
Let’s say:
2 adults + 2 children
Average annual premium per adult: ₱20,000
Average annual premium per child: ₱15,000
Total yearly estimate:
₱70,000
Monthly equivalent:
Around ₱5,800
That’s similar to one moderate ER visit.
Important Things Families Overlook
1️⃣ Waiting periods for certain conditions
2️⃣ Pre-existing condition exclusions
3️⃣ Maternity coverage limitations
4️⃣ Room upgrade charges
5️⃣ Emergency reimbursement process
Always read the fine print.
When Is an HMO Not Enough?
HMO works best for:
- Basic hospitalization
- Routine checkups
- Minor procedures
For major illnesses or long-term treatment, families may need:
- Health insurance
- Critical illness plans
- Medical savings fund
HMO is protection — not full financial coverage.
Is HMO Worth It in 2026?
If your family income is ₱70,000 and above, allocating 5–8% toward health coverage is smart planning.
Without HMO:
One emergency = savings wiped out.
With HMO: You control your financial risk.
Health expenses are unpredictable.
You can plan groceries.
You can control electricity.
You can adjust rent.
But sickness? It doesn’t schedule itself.
An HMO isn’t about expecting the worst.
It’s about protecting what you’re building.
And as parents, that peace of mind matters.
