BDO Insure offers critical illness cover starting at ₱215 a year

BDO Insure is offering critical illness protection covering cancer, heart attack and stroke, with premiums starting at ₱215 a year, as it seeks to help Filipinos prepare for the potential financial burden of serious illness.

The insurer’s Vital 3 product is available to individuals aged 18 to 65 and provides cash assistance of up to ₱1 million upon the first diagnosis of a covered illness during the coverage period, BDO said in a press release.

Premiums vary depending on the applicant’s age and selected coverage amount.

The product also includes benefits for eligible cancer-related surgical procedures and dietary and nutritional therapy, subject to the policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions, the company said.

The product is intended to help policyholders manage expenses associated with serious illness without relying entirely on personal savings.

Actual benefits will depend on the coverage selected and the applicable policy provisions.

Financial risks of critical illness

Cancer, heart attack and stroke can impose substantial financial pressure on patients and their families through treatment costs, recovery expenses and potential disruptions to household income.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has identified ischemic heart disease, neoplasms or cancer, and cerebrovascular diseases among the country’s leading causes of death.

BDO cited 2025 figures indicating that ischemic heart disease accounted for nearly 20% of deaths, cancer for 11.4%, and cerebrovascular diseases for 9.9%.

While health insurance and critical illness products differ in their coverage and payment structures, a cash benefit can provide additional financial flexibility when a covered diagnosis occurs.

It does not necessarily cover all medical expenses or replace comprehensive health insurance.

Checking coverage before buying

BDO Insure said Vital 3 starts at ₱215 annually, although the actual premium depends on age and the amount of protection selected.

Prospective buyers should review the policy’s definition of each covered illness, eligibility requirements, benefit limits, waiting periods, exclusions and claim documentation requirements before purchasing.

They should also confirm the conditions governing benefits for cancer-related procedures and nutritional therapy.

Full product details, including terms, conditions and exclusions, are available through the BDO Insure page on BDO’s official website.