Cancer remains one of the most significant health concerns in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS)1, more than 150,000 new cancer cases are recorded annually, with the disease ranking as the country’s second leading cause of death.
Beyond the physical and emotional toll, a cancer diagnosis often brings immediate and long-term financial pressures for patients and their families. Treatment costs, ongoing medication, and income loss during recovery can significantly affect household stability, making financial preparedness increasingly important in managing the disease.
This reality is reflected in Pru Life UK’s 2025 claims data, where cancer accounted for the largest share of critical illness payouts. The company paid Php 329.93 million in cancer-related critical illness claims, representing 58% of its total critical illness benefits for the year.
“Cancer-related claims continue to highlight the importance of financial protection alongside medical care,” said Rhommel Trinidad, Pru Life UK Head of Claims.
“The financial demands of prolonged care and treatment can place significant strain on families. Insurance benefits help bridge this gap by providing financial resources that support day-to-day needs while patients focus on recovery,” Trinidad shared.
Critical coverage
While every cancer journey is unique, the experiences of Pru Life UK’s policyholders highlight how financial protection can ease the economic pressures that often accompany a diagnosis.
“Managing cancer often requires not only access to healthcare but also financial resilience,” Trinidad added. “Protection and preparedness can help families navigate treatment journeys with greater stability and peace of mind.”
For Alexander Aguila, being diagnosed with late-stage testicular cancer brought uncertainty not only about his health but also about the cost of treatment. His critical illness benefit helped cover treatment-related expenses, allowing him and his family to focus on his recovery instead of immediate financial concerns. Looking back, Aguila said having insurance before his diagnosis made a significant difference during one of the most difficult periods of his life, reinforcing the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.
Breast cancer survivor Fang Fang Li experienced a similar sense of security after she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2021, when the disease had already spread to her bones and adrenal glands. The insurance benefit helped ease concerns over mounting medical expenses and gave her family financial stability while she underwent treatment. During her recovery, Li rediscovered painting through an online art tutorial, a creative outlet that eventually inspired a new purpose. Today, she serves as Chief Advocate of the Love Hope Dream Foundation, supporting Filipino breast cancer patients through wellness education, emotional support, and community empowerment.
For Sherwin Pelayo, a diagnosis of urinary bladder cancer brought life-changing health and financial challenges. Reflecting on the experience, Pelayo described his insurance coverage as more than a monetary benefit: "My Pru Life UK policy became my lifeline." Before his diagnosis, insurance was not something he gave much thought about, but now he sees it as a source of comfort and peace of mind.
In 2025, Pru Life UK has disbursed Php 937.25 million in critical illness benefits, contributing to a total of Php 2.86 billion in claims and benefits released across 13,599 approved claims. These figures and the real-life accounts of Pru Life UK's policyholders underscore the role of financial protection in helping manage serious illnesses and other unexpected life events.
1 Banal, Anton. 150,000 new cancer cases detected in PH yearly. Sunstar.com.ph. February 2026
Note: Pru Life UK has obtained the necessary consent from the individuals featured in this article for the use of their names, testimonials, and personal experiences.
