Want free check-ups, lab tests and up to P20,000 worth of medicines? Here’s how.

For over a decade, Kervin, 32, has been a dedicated government worker in Quezon City, navigating the complexities of public service with a commitment to Metro Manila communities. 

However, long-term service often comes with the silent toll of stress and health neglect. Recognizing this, PhilHealth has introduced YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan program), a revitalized primary care benefit package specifically designed to wrap workers like Kervin in a “hug” of health security. 

Why this matters

For Kervin and thousands of ordinary families, getting sick in the Philippines has long meant one thing: expensive. A single doctor’s visit, a set of laboratory tests, a month’s worth of maintenance medicine, the costs add up fast, and for many households, the choice between medical care and daily expenses is a genuine dilemma.

The PhilHealth YAKAP is designed to change that. Under this expanded primary care benefit, eligible Filipinos can access free consultations, basic laboratory tests, cancer screenings and up to P20,000 worth of medicines per year, all covered by their PhilHealth membership.

The program is part of the Marcos Jr. administration’s push to make universal health care a lived reality under Republic Act 11223, bringing essential services closer to every Filipino rather than keeping them locked behind hospital bills and out-of-pocket expenses.

So what exactly is YAKAP?

YAKAP, which loosely translates to “Health Wealth Program,” is an enhanced outpatient benefit, focused on preventive and primary care.

Think of it as your government-subsidized health maintenance plan. Instead of waiting until you’re sick enough to be admitted to a hospital, YAKAP encourages Filipinos to see a doctor regularly, catch health problems early, and manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension before they become medical emergencies.

The program covers four core services:

1. Free primary care consultations that allow you to see a doctor at your accredited YAKAP clinic at no cost.

2. Basic laboratory tests that include essential blood work, urinalysis, and other diagnostics recommended by your doctor, free of charge.

3. Cancer screening tests like early detection screenings are included as part of the benefit package.

4. Free medicines provision worth up to P20,000 per year is perhaps the most significant benefit. Through PhilHealth’s GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) package, members can receive up to 75 essential outpatient medicines covering conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and common infections, all based on a doctor’s prescription from an accredited YAKAP provider.

Who can avail of YAKAP?

Almost anyone with an active PhilHealth membership can benefit, and the list of eligible individuals is broader than most people realize. It includes:

– Regular employees and their dependents, meaning a spouse and children, are also covered under a member’s YAKAP registration, making it a genuinely family-oriented benefit.

– Senior citizens (60 years old and above with at least 120 monthly contributions qualify as Lifetime Members)

– Overseas Filipino Workers

– Self-earning individuals and professional practitioners

– Household helpers

– Indigents and 4Ps beneficiaries

– Persons with Disabilities

– Solo parents

– Infants

– Individuals under 21 years old

The free medicines: What you need to know

The P20,000 annual medicine benefit is real, but it comes with important conditions that every Filipino should understand before heading to a pharmacy.

It is not cash; meaning, the benefit covers the cost of specific medicines, not a cash payment handed over to you.

It is not automatic. You must be registered under YAKAP and obtain a prescription from an accredited YAKAP doctor before you can claim medicines.

It covers specific medicines only. The GAMOT package includes 75 essential outpatient medicines for common chronic and infectious conditions. Not every drug on the market is included.

You claim it at accredited pharmacies. As of April 2026, there are approximately 1,700 accredited GAMOT providers nationwide. Simply present your doctor’s prescription at an accredited pharmacy and the cost is covered up to your annual limit.

The benefit resets every calendar year. Whatever you do not use does not carry over to the next year.

The updated list of accredited GAMOT providers for 2026 is available on the official PhilHealth website at www.philhealth.gov.ph.

How to register: Three easy ways

Getting into the YAKAP service does not require a hospital visit or a long government queue. There are three registration options:

Option 1 is using the eGovPH Mobile App (Recommended)

Download the eGovPH app, create and verify your account, log in, navigate to the PhilHealth section and select YAKAP. From there, choose an accredited clinic near you and link your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN). This is the fastest and most convenient method, especially for working Filipinos.

Option 2 is through the PhilHealth Member Portal

Log in to the PhilHealth member portal online and select a YAKAP provider from the available list.

Option 3 is via walk-in registration

Visit any accredited YAKAP clinic or the nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office to register in person. This option is ideal for senior citizens and those less comfortable with digital platforms.

Before registering, make sure you have your PhilHealth Identification Number. If you haven’t secured your PIN yet, you can register for it through the PhilHealth Member Portal or any PhilHealth office.

What does it cost you?

For members enrolled in public clinics, most YAKAP services are entirely free.

For members who prefer private clinics, there is a co-payment ceiling of P900 per year, a modest amount considering the full scope of consultations, laboratory tests, and medicines available under the program.

Practical tips before you go

A few things to keep in mind to make the most of your YAKAP benefit: