Medication in the Philippines: What Expats Need to Know Before and After Moving
Accessing the right medication in the Philippines can be more complicated than many expats expect — whether you're managing a pre-existing condition or dealing with an unexpected illness or accident after you arrive. This guide explains what to bring, how to handle ongoing prescriptions, and what really happens when you need treatment or a new medication locally. From brand availability and pharmacy stock issues to hospital prescription practices, it’s a practical look at how to stay prepared and protected.
If you’d like a wider view of how the healthcare system works in the Philippines, the guide below takes you there.
A full guide to how the healthcare system works for expats — what to expect, how to plan ahead, and what you need to know before and after you arrive.
Understanding Pharmaceutical Management and Supply in the Philippines
Before looking at how to plan your medication needs as an expat, it’s important to understand that due to the structure of the pharmaceutical system in the Philippines, not all medications are readily available — and even those that are may vary in brand name, formulation, or packaging.
Availability is influenced by FDA regulation and logistical challenges — including transport delays, limited cold storage, and regional distribution gaps. It also depends on affordability. Medications that are too costly for most of the population tend to have low demand, which in turn affects what pharmacies choose to stock and what pharmaceutical companies decide to register for local sale.
The country also relies heavily on imported medications, especially branded or specialized drugs, which makes the supply chain vulnerable to delays and shortages. While many generic drugs are manufactured locally by companies like Unilab and PascualLab, they often depend on imported raw ingredients.
As a result, even essential treatments that are considered routine or easily accessible in many home countries can sometimes be difficult to find — particularly outside major cities.
For expats, this means that access to medication in the Philippines is not always guaranteed — especially for specific brands or treatments used for long-term conditions. Understanding how the system works is the first step. The next is to plan carefully: know what you’ll need, check availability in advance, and consider bringing an initial supply with you when you move.
Medication Planning Before You Move
Planning ahead can save you stress, money, and even serious health risks. If you take regular medication, especially for chronic conditions, don’t assume it will be readily available under the same name or in the same formulation. Before you move, take time to research, prepare, and gather everything you’ll need to maintain your treatment plan smoothly after arriving in the Philippines.
Let me share a quick example from my own experience. I’ve lived with asthma for many years and have relied on medications like Clenil Modulite and Ventolin. Before my prescription ran out, I visited a local doctor in the Philippines to get a new one — only to be told those brands weren’t available. I was prescribed alternatives, but when I went to collect them from the pharmacy, none were in stock. I went back to the doctor to explain, and he wasn’t surprised. He told me that drug shortages are common — in fact, even his own children, who also suffer from asthma, face the same challenges. This really brought home the importance of planning ahead.
To help you avoid the same kind of frustration, here’s a practical checklist you can follow before your move. It covers everything from speaking with your doctor to checking what’s allowed through customs. Use it to prepare with confidence.
Pre-Move Medical Checklist for Expats
| ✔️ Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Visit your doctor | Book an appointment to review your medications, confirm doses, and ask for a signed medical summary to take with you. |
| Bring a 3-month supply | Stock up on enough medication to cover delays, registration issues, or local shortages after arrival. Always carry in original packaging. |
| Get written prescriptions | Ask your doctor for printed prescriptions that include both the brand and generic names. This helps with customs, and ensures local pharmacists can find the closest equivalent. |
| Research local availability | Check with major chains like Mercury Drug or Watsons, or join expat forums to find out if your meds are available locally. |
| Review insurance coverage | Verify if your policy includes overseas prescription coverage, and check whether claims are reimbursed or need pre-approval. |
| Understand out-of-pocket costs | Even with insurance, you may need to pay upfront. Generic alternatives are cheaper, but imported brands can be expensive. |
| Check medication safety for travel | Confirm your meds are travel-safe and won't degrade in heat, pressure, or prolonged storage. Use insulated bags if needed. |
| Check customs rules | Some medications are controlled in the Philippines. Research restrictions and bring doctor letters for anything sensitive. |
| Keep meds in carry-on | Never check essential meds into luggage. Keep them in your carry-on, clearly labelled, in case of delays or baggage loss. |
| Bring medical devices | Don’t forget essential tools like glucose meters, blood pressure monitors, or inhalers — some may not be easy to find locally. |
Managing Your Medication After You Arrive in the Philippines
Once you’ve arrived in the Philippines, there are a few important steps to take to ensure you can continue your treatment without disruption. Local availability, pharmacy practices, and doctor consultations can all work a little differently than what you're used to.
Here’s what to focus on in your first few weeks to stay on top of your medication needs.
| ✔️ Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Consult a local doctor | Book an appointment soon after arrival. Bring your existing prescriptions and medical history. Discuss how to manage ongoing treatment, renew prescriptions locally, and what to do if your usual brand isn’t available — including safe alternatives or generic equivalents. |
| Visit a local pharmacy early | Find a well-stocked pharmacy near your home — ideally a large chain like Mercury Drug or Watsons. Ask if your medication or its generic version is available, and whether it’s regularly in stock. |
| Emergency Contacts | Write down or save contact numbers for your doctor, the nearest hospital, and emergency services (dial 911 in the Philippines). Make sure you know how to reach help quickly if needed, and ensure you have a list of your current medications available to share with medical staff. |
Medication Access During Emergencies in the Philippines
When you’re hit by an unexpected illness or accident in the Philippines, accessing the right medication quickly becomes critical — but it may not always be straightforward.
Government hospitals often provide a prescription only, leaving you to locate and purchase the required meds yourself. In rural areas, stock limitations and transport delays can make this even more challenging.
For expats, it’s important to understand how emergency care works, what steps to take if medication is out of stock, and how to stay prepared for the unexpected.
How Emergency Medication Is Handled in Public vs Private Hospitals
Emergency access to medication works differently depending on the type of hospital. Private facilities usually provide treatment and medication on-site.
By contrast, government hospitals often issue a prescription and expect the patient or a relative to find and purchase the drugs themselves. This contrast can catch expats off guard during a crisis.
The table below highlights the key differences to help you prepare in advance.
| Aspect | Private Hospitals | Government Hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medication Availability | Often available on-site and administered immediately as part of your treatment. | Usually not provided directly; a prescription is given and you must purchase the meds yourself. |
| Pharmacy Access | Most private hospitals have their own in-house pharmacies stocked with common drugs. | No in-house pharmacies; you need to go to an external pharmacy, often offsite. |
| Who Buys the Medication | Hospital staff or caregivers may assist, and the cost is added to your bill. | You or a family member must leave and buy the medication from a pharmacy, sometimes urgently. |
| Drug Availability Issues | Imported and branded drugs are more likely to be in stock. | Generic options are more common, but stock may be inconsistent, especially in rural areas. |
| Costs | Higher, but more convenient and faster access to required drugs. | Lower overall, but added burden of sourcing and delays can impact treatment. |
Final Thoughts: Plan Around Your Health, Not Just Your Lifestyle
Every expat’s situation is different. Some move to the Philippines in good health and just want peace of mind in case something goes wrong. Others arrive with chronic conditions that require ongoing medication or regular treatment. No matter where you are on that spectrum, the key is upfront planning — before you arrive, not after.
Understanding the limitations of the local pharmaceutical system is essential. Not all medications are available, and not every hospital carries the drugs you may need. That’s why your healthcare needs should factor into where you choose to live — especially if you rely on specific medications or need fast access to emergency care.
Healthcare in the Philippines puts more responsibility on you as the patient. Know what’s available locally, choose your location with medical access in mind, and plan for gaps in the system.
If you’re opting for health insurance, be aware that not all policies are fit for purpose. Whether you’re considering PhilHealth or a private plan, getting the right coverage can mean the difference between a manageable issue and a serious disruption. You’ll find two in-depth guides below to help you explore your options in more detail.
Understand how PhilHealth works for expats — who can join, what it covers, and how to enroll.
Compare private, public, and international insurance options to protect your health in the Philippines.
Helpful Next Steps
Now that you understand more about how medication access works in the Philippines — from planning before you move to navigating emergencies — it’s time to take a step forward and look at the bigger picture. If you're thinking seriously about a long-term stay, there’s a lot more to consider — from banking and budgeting to housing and lifestyle choices.
Visit Get In Focus - Here you will find all our articles for deeper insights into life here, or explore our featured guides on transferring money from overseas and applying for the SRRV visa.