Health
Medical care in Manila and Cebu is good (private hospitals like Makati Medical Center, Cebu Doctors Hospital), but limited on the islands. Travel health insurance is mandatory.
Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus
- For long-term stays/adventure travel: Rabies (stray dogs are common!), Japanese encephalitis
- Malaria: Only in remote areas of Mindanao and Palawan (not in tourist areas). Prophylaxis rarely needed.
Dengue Fever
Dengue is widespread in the Philippines — especially during the rainy season. There is no vaccine for travelers. Mosquito repellent (DEET-based, at least 30%) is the best prevention. If you experience high fever, headache, and joint pain: see a doctor immediately.
Travel Pharmacy
- Anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium + electrolytes — rehydration powder)
- Mosquito repellent (DEET 30%+)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe!)
- Wound disinfectant and band-aids (coral abrasions!)
- Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Paracetamol)
- Travel sickness tablets (for ferries and bangka boats)
Achtung
Rabies is a serious risk in the Philippines — stray dogs and monkeys are common. If bitten or scratched: immediately wash the wound for 15 minutes with water and soap and go to the nearest hospital. A rabies vaccination before the trip is recommended, as immunoglobulin is not always available on the islands.
