IN the midst of recent news reports on the Zika virus, members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) need not worry, for health insurance coverage is available, should the need arises.

Ramon F. Aristoza, Jr., PhilHealth OIC-President and Chief Executive Officer today said that the current case rates system provides for an inpatient coverage of P8,100 for “other specified mosquito-borne viral fevers” including Zika virus infection. The amount, he said, includes coverage for hospital charges and professional fees of attending physicians.

Aristoza added that coverage for other conditions with reference to microcephaly, hydromicrocephaly and micrencephalon is at P13,000.

“We support the call of the Department of Health for fellow Filipinos to be vigilant about this disease. As a health insurer, your PhilHealth is ready to provide the financial protection that such a viral disease can wreak on the Filipino family,” he said.

Health insurance coverage for Zika virus disease may be availed by PhilHealth members who have at least three (3) months’ premium contributions within the immediate six (6) months prior to the first day of confinement at any of the accredited health care institutions (HCI) in the country. Through the PhilHealth Benefit Eligibility Form (PBEF) which will be generated in HCIs that are MyPhilHealthPortal-ready, the member’s benefit eligibility is ascertained. Otherwise, members must present a copy of their updated Member Data Records to facilitate availment of benefits. (END)