The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is reminding its members to seek immediate medical attention after an animal bite, as rabies remains a highly fatal disease.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), all 426 recorded rabies cases in 2024 resulted in deaths. Of these, 45 percent (193 cases) were caused by bites from domestic pets, with more than half of the animals having an unknown vaccination status.

“Hinihikayat natin ang ating mga miyembro na huwag mag-atubiling magpatingin kung sila ay kinagat o di kaya’y kinalmot ng hayop, alaga man o hindi. Ang rabies ay isang lubhang nakamamatay na sakit ngunit maaari itong maiwasan kung agarang mabibigyan ng bakuna,” said PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado.

Rabies continues to be a major global health threat, causing 60,000 to 70,000 reported deaths annually. The Philippines ranks sixth among countries with the highest rabies incidence. In just the first two months of 2025, the country has already recorded 55 rabies cases.

As part of its observance of National Rabies Awareness Month, PhilHealth is reinforcing awareness of its Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) Package, which covers essential post-exposure prophylaxis against rabies. The benefit package was recently increased to ₱5,850 from the previous ₱3,000, covering the cost of:

• Rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin for immediate protection

• Local wound care

• Tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum

• Antibiotics

• Medical supplies such as syringes, alcohol, and antiseptics

“Kami sa PhilHealth ay nakikiisa sa National Rabies Prevention and Control Committee sa kanilang kampanyang ‘Rabies-free na pusa’t aso, kaligtasan ng pamilyang Pilipino.’ Ang ABT Package ay maaaring makuha sa higit 700 accredited ABT Package Providers sa bansa, at patuloy pa natin itong dinadagdagan. Gayunpaman, pinaaalalahanan natin ang publiko na ang unang hakbang sa pag-iwas sa rabies ay ang pagpapabakuna ng ating mga alagang hayop. Let us all be responsible pet owners,” added Dr. Mercado.

For more details on anti-rabies benefits and other PhilHealth packages, members may contact PhilHealth’s 24/7 hotlines at (02) 866-225-88 or via mobile at (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, and (Globe) 0917-1275987, 0917-1109812.