When a family member is inflicted with a critical illness, it affects the family budget. Treatment involves long-term medication as well as expensive medical procedures. I lived this experience firsthand when my husband got sick, underwent all sorts of medical procedures, drank all kinds of medicine and supplements, and took many years to fully recover.
According to a 2019 study by Mercer Marsh Benefits, critical illness cost in the Philippines is the second most expensive in South East Asia. Lung cancer treatment costs can cost up to PhP 2.78 million; stroke costs can reach PhP 1.8 million; and suffering a heart attack could cost almost a million. This does not even include the potential loss of income while the family member is being treated and recuperating.