Rabies is a commonly known disease in the Philippines. You may go through life not getting it, but you most likely know someone who had to get treated for it. We’ll help you gain a better understanding of this preventable disease and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from it.

Understanding Rabies: Causes and Symptoms

Rabies is a virus found in animals, both domesticated and wild, and is transmitted to humans through bites or scratches. Rabies cases in the Philippines are often from dogs (strays or household pets), which are the biggest sources of incidents, but you can also get it from cats, rats, bats, and cows.

From January to August 2025, more than 200 cases were reported in the country, with 57 percent of the animals involved having an unknown vaccination status, even among domesticated ones.

The disease becomes dangerous once the virus reaches the brain, with onset often linked to how close the bite or scratch is to the head. If untreated with vaccination, symptoms of rabies include fever, hyperactivity, and difficulty swallowing. The last one gives the disease its other name, “hydrophobia,” as someone experiencing the effects of the virus exhibits a fear of water due to the inability to swallow.

In nearly all cases of rabies progressing to the brain, the disease is fatal.

What To Do: Care and Prevention Steps

When someone is bitten or scratched, prompt medical care is key. Thoroughly cleaning the bite or scratch with soap and water is the best immediate first aid, including, of course, staunching the wound. Immediately proceed to the ER or see your doctor, as time is of the essence. The sooner a rabies victim can get professional medical attention and a vaccine, the higher the chances of them surviving the incident.

The rabies vaccine is the best and only effective way to counteract the disease. In the Philippines, the best-known source for the vaccine is the Department of Health (DOH) hospital of San Lazaro in Manila. The vaccine can be acquired for free there, but there are usually long lines. Most hospitals and clinics should have a supply on hand, but it is always best to visit them promptly in case the rabies vaccine is low in one area.

Taking the vaccine after a bite or scratch incident is called post-exposure prophylaxis treatment. It is possible to get pre-exposure prophylaxis, but this is often only given to people at risk of rabies exposure, like veterinarians.

Preventing rabies incidents is best done by having animals vaccinated. If you have a pet dog, cat, or any animal that might carry the virus, have them vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure your safety and theirs.

How Insurance Protects You from Rabies

Insurance helps you deal with rabies in several ways:

• Vaccination. Suppose you qualify for pre-exposure prophylaxis or require it post-exposure. In that case, your health plan can cover the cost of the vaccine, which can be expensive depending on availability and normally requires some wait time. Having rabies insurance coverage can help expedite getting the vaccine when you need it.
• Emergency incidents. In case you or a loved one is bitten or scratched by an animal, whether domesticated, a stray, or in the wild, your insurance coverage will most definitely handle the emergency. You don’t need to journey all the way to San Lazaro in north Manila, as you can be confident of going to any hospital or clinic for prompt and proper medical attention.
• Pet protection. Insurance for pets is now available in the Philippines. Depending on the coverage you get for your furbabies, you can have them vaccinated in advance or be assured they can get prompt treatment in case of an attack.

Stay Protected, Stay Confident

Rabies is a deadly disease, but it is both preventable and treatable if you act promptly. With the proper protection, you and your loved ones need not be anxious about bites and scratches from your pets, strays, or wild animals.

Our agents at Reliable Insurance Brokers will help make sure that you and your loved ones, including the ones with fur, get the best protection with our extensive list of providers and products. Just give us a call, and we’ll help you through the selection process.

Contact Information for Inquiries and Support

If you have any questions or need assistance with your insurance, feel free to reach out to us:

• Call: +63 2 8631 9285 to 86
• Mobile: +63 917 138 5120
• Email: info@reliable-insurance.ph
• Messenger: m.me/reliable.insurancebrokersph 

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic (No Date), Rabies.
• World Health Organization (2024, June 5), Rabies.
• Mayo Clinic (No Date), Rabies Vaccine,
• Philippines Daily Inquirer (2025, Aug. 16), DOH logs 211 rabies cases from January to August 2025.