Philhealth to cover COVID-19 vaccine side effects

The insurer will grant a maximum of $2,052 for hospitalisations.

Philippine state health insurer Philhealth will now cover adverse reactions resulting from the COVID-19 vaccine, according to media reports.

The insurer will grant a maximum of $2,052 (PHP100,000) for hospitalisations due to side effects of the vaccine.

A lump sum of the same amount will be paid once per beneficiary for death or permanent disability arising from the vaccine.

The coverage is available to claims from 3 March 2021 to 2 March 2026 under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Act of 2021.

Meanwhile, another Philhealth circular states that the coverage does not apply to those who have received compensation or will receive compensation through the COVAX no-fault programme.