As we dive into 2026, many of us are busy checking off New Year’s resolutions—eating healthier, saving more, and finally organizing that “tipid” budget. But there’s one “what-if” that often stays at the back of our minds: What happens if a health crisis hits?
In the Philippines, we have a culture of tingi (buying in small amounts). We buy shampoo in sachets and garlic by the piece because it’s practical. Now, the Palawan Group of Companies is bringing that same practical mindset to financial protection with Palawan ProtekTODO Critical Illness Insurance.
Partnering with OONA Insurance, Palawan is proving that you don’t need to be a millionaire to be protected against the country’s “Big Three” health threats.
The Reality Check: The ‘Big Three’ Illnesses in the PH
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the World Health Organization, three specific conditions remain the top causes of death and financial ruin for Filipinos:
- Heart Attack (Ischemic Heart Disease): The leading cause of mortality. A single heart surgery can cost anywhere from ₱148,000 to over ₱1 million.
- Cancer (Neoplasms): Whether it’s lung or breast cancer, treatment is a long-term battle. Chemotherapy sessions alone can range from ₱20,000 to ₱120,000 each.
- Stroke (Cerebrovascular Diseases): Beyond the emergency room cost of ₱600,000, the long-term rehabilitation can wipe out a family’s entire life savings.
For the ordinary Filipino, these aren’t just medical terms—they are financial disasters. Most families resort to pangungutang (borrowing) or selling assets just to keep up with hospital bills.
“No Filipino, no matter their socio-economic standing, should have to face critical illness alone or unprepared,” says Karlo M. Castro, President and CEO of the Palawan Group of Companies.
Enter Palawan ProtekTODO: Protection That Fits Your Budget
Palawan ProtekTODO Critical Illness Insurance is designed to bridge the gap between “I need help” and “I can’t afford it.” Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- 100% Cash Payout: Unlike traditional health cards (HMOs) that only pay the hospital, this gives you a lump-sum cash benefit upon diagnosis. Whether it’s detected at an early or advanced stage, you get the full amount to use for medicines, rent, groceries, or even to replace lost income while you recover.
- Affordability: True to the promise of “patingi-tingi ang presyo,” you can choose a plan that fits your wallet:
- Basic Plan: ₱50,000 coverage for only ₱550 per year.
- Plus Plan: ₱100,000 coverage starting at ₱1,100 per year.
- Stackable Benefits: You can buy multiple policies for an aggregate maximum benefit of up to ₱500,000.
- Zero Nosebleed Process: No long forms or intimidating medical exams. It’s designed to be “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos-balungos” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free).
Other Palawan ProtekTODO products include:
Personal Accident Insurance- Family Accident Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Property Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Compulsary Third Party Liability
- Pet Insurance
Insurance for Every ‘Juan’
Lisa Castro-Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of Palawan Group, emphasizes that this is for everyone—from household helpers and drivers to teachers and farmers. It integrates insurance into your daily life.
Whether you’re sending money at a Palawan Pawnshop branch, scrolling through the PalawanPay App, or shopping on Lazada and Shopee, getting protected is now as easy as buying a mobile load.
Start Your Year with Peace of Mind
Health is wealth, but financial readiness is the safety net that keeps that wealth intact. Don’t wait for an emergency to realize the value of protection.
Be financially ready with reliable protection that won’t break the bank. Get ProtekTODO Critical Illness today at any Palawan Pawnshop–Palawan Express Pera Padala branch, via the PalawanPay App, or through the official Palawan ProtekTODO stores on Lazada and Shopee.
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