Check-ups, vaccines and prevention
Many serious illnesses, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers, can be found early with simple tests, before you feel anything. A yearly check-up is the easiest way to catch them while they are easy to treat.
With PhilHealth YAKAP, you can get a free yearly check-up and the tests your doctor asks for at the clinic you choose. Vaccines protect people of every age: babies and children get the vaccines in the government schedule for free at health centres, and adults can ask about flu, pneumonia and tetanus shots. After an animal bite, wash the wound with soap and water and go to an animal bite center the same day.
The guides below explain which tests fit your age, how to prepare and how to read your results.
5 guidesUpdated November 1, 2026
In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Call 911
Guides on this topic
Anti rabies vaccine: schedule, cost and free animal bite centers
The anti rabies vaccine protects you after a bite, scratch or lick from an animal that may have rabies. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start, but the vaccine works very well when you get it early and finish every visit. Wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes, then go to an animal bite treatment center the same day. Government centers give the vaccine free when they have stock, and PhilHealth's animal bite package helps pay for serious bites.
How to prevent diabetes: small changes that work
How to prevent diabetes: type 2 diabetes, the most common kind, can often be prevented or delayed. Lose a little weight if you are overweight, move at least 150 minutes a week, eat smaller rice servings and more vegetables, drink water instead of sweet drinks, and don't smoke. Adults over 40, or younger with risk factors, should get a blood sugar test, free at public PhilHealth YAKAP clinics.
Immunization schedule in the Philippines: free vaccines for babies
The immunization schedule tells you which vaccines your child needs and when. In the Philippines, the DOH National Immunization Program gives basic vaccines free at barangay health stations and health centers: BCG and hepatitis B at birth, pentavalent, polio and PCV at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, and measles vaccines at 9 and 12 months. Missed a dose? Your child can still catch up.
Prenatal care in the Philippines: check-up schedule and free services
Prenatal care means regular check-ups with a midwife, nurse or doctor while you are pregnant. Start within the first 12 weeks and have at least 8 check-ups before birth. They find problems like high blood pressure, anaemia, diabetes and infections early, often before you feel anything. As of November 2026, PhilHealth covers check-ups, routine tests, two ultrasounds and supplements at no cost at accredited health centers, RHUs, lying-in and YAKAP clinics, including barangay midwife visits.
Annual check up: what tests adults need and where to get them free
An annual check up is a visit to a doctor or nurse when you feel well. It finds problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol early, before they cause harm. The tests you need depend on your age, sex, health and family history. In the Philippines, you can get a yearly check-up and many lab tests free at a public PhilHealth YAKAP clinic, such as your rural health unit or city health center.
Common questions
Each answer is in the guide it links to.
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