Navigating the landscape of health, well-being and financial preparedness in the Philippines

In Manulife’s latest study, “In Wellness and In Health: Navigating the landscape of health, well-being, and financial preparedness in the Philippines," we found that many Filipinos struggle to commit to healthier lifestyles. While they acknowledge the importance of maintaining good health and wellness in the long term, their behavior and attitude towards nutrition and wellness need to be improved.

Additionally, the study found that Filipinos aged 18-29 have fallen sick more frequently than other age segments. Their concerns about Anxiety and Depression are much higher as well.

We also delved into Filipinos' level of financial preparedness and security to manage health emergencies. We found that 41% of their medical spending are out-of-pocket, further highlighting the need to secure the right health protection plan that will enable them to live better every day.

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The number of times people have fallen sick over the last 12 months

What's interesting is that the number of times younger people aged 18-29 have fallen sick in the last 12 months is the highest among all age segments.

Top 5 illnesses Filipinos are most concerned about

36%

Diabetes

36% Anxiety

35% Depression

34% Heart Disease

26% Cancer

Concerns about both Anxiety and Depression are much higher among younger people aged 18-29 and females.

Filipinos aged 18-29 years old:

28%

are not getting enough sleep

68%

are least physically active because they believe that following a regular exercise routine is expensive

50%

believe that changing their current lifestyle would mean changing their social life

**Filipinos struggle to commit to a healthy lifestyle.**

Most important health priorities of Filipinos:

Diet and nutrition

Long-term financial planning for medical expenses

Health Services

Lifestyle

Information and health-related matters

Preventive actions to manage health worries:

Maintain a healthy diet

Exercise regularly

Reduce stress

Avoid smoking

Avoid drinking

Attitude towards healthy eating

54%

Believe that healthy eating is more expensive

46% Think healthy food doesn't taste as good

35% Share that healthy food is hard to prepare or not easy to find

Common perceptions about diet and nutrition

91%

Fresh produce is healthier than other alternatives

59% Vitamins and food supplements compensate for missing nutrients

51% The less carbs, the healthier

50% Exercise to "burn it all" after eating an unhealthy meal

49% Intermittent fasting is good for you

Filipinos' attitude towards health and its impact on their eating behavior

24%

of Filipinos surveyed said they do not really know what is considered a healthy diet

34%

said they are so busy that they do not have time to think about their diet

**Health is wealth, but Filipinos do not prepare enough for medical expenses.**

How Filipinos surveyed fund medical expenses

41%

of Filipinos' medical spending are out-of-pocket

82% source from personal savings

26% from HMO

22% from loans from family and friends

33% of Filipinos feel that their existing health insurance coverage is insufficient

PHP 38,000

Average amount of money set aside by Filipinos aged 18-29 for potential medical expenses

PHP 62,000

What Filipinos have set aside for future medical expenses

PHP 571,000

What Filipinos think they need to save in 10 years

Most important healthcare needs are:

1. Emergency Services

2. Hospitalization

3. Mental Health

4. Preventive Healthcare

5. Outpatient Services

Health

Does Health Insurance Cover Critical Illnesses Like Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke?

If you're wondering whether health insurance covers critical illnesses like cancer, heart attack, and stroke, this article is for you. What is critical illness insurance? How is it different from health insurance? When should I get a critical illness insurance? How much does it cost? Find out more from here.

How can I financially prepare for medical emergencies?

Chat with a Manulife Financial Advisor.

How can I financially prepare for medical emergencies?

Get in touch

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Younger does not mean healthier.

The number of times people have fallen sick over the last 12 months

What's interesting is that the number of times younger people aged 18-29 have fallen sick in the last 12 months is the highest among all age segments.

Top 5 illnesses Filipinos are most concerned about

36%

Diabetes

36% Anxiety

35% Depression

34% Heart Disease

26% Cancer

Concerns about both Anxiety and Depression are much higher among younger people aged 18-29 and females.

Filipinos aged 18-29 years old:

28%

are not getting enough sleep

68%

are least physically active because they believe that following a regular exercise routine is expensive

50%

believe that changing their current lifestyle would mean changing their social life

If you liked this study, you may find these interesting

You may also check out Manulife's Health products

**Younger does not mean healthier.**