Getting medical clearance shouldn’t cost PHP 5,000 when legitimate DOH-accredited clinics charge as low as PHP 1,800 for the complete package. This guide lists the absolute cheapest medical clinics in each major city for OFW pre-employment medical examinations (PEME), including exact prices, what’s included, and insider tips to avoid unnecessary add-on tests that can double your costs.

Metro Manila: Lowest Prices for OFW Medical Exams

Quezon City – St. Luke’s Medical Extension Clinic (SLEC Global)

Price: PHP 1,800 (Basic Package) Address: 1177 J. Dela Costa St., Brgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City Contact: (02) 8521-0020 Schedule: Monday-Saturday, 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM

SLEC Global consistently offers Metro Manila’s lowest legitimate prices for GCC countries (Saudi, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman). The PHP 1,800 basic package covers all mandatory tests: CBC, urinalysis, chest X-ray, physical examination, and basic vaccinations record. Results release within 24-48 hours. Avoid their “premium” package at PHP 3,500 which adds unnecessary tests. The clinic processes 300+ OFWs daily, so arrive before 6 AM to avoid three-hour waiting times.

Manila – Manila Doctors Hospital OFW Clinic

Price: PHP 2,100 (Complete Package) Address: 667 United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila Contact: (02) 8558-0888 local 7010 Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Located near the DFA and embassy district, Manila Doctors provides convenience worth the slightly higher price. Their package includes Hepatitis B and HIV testing required by most countries. The clinic offers free repeat tests if initial results show borderline findings, saving PHP 800-1,200 compared to clinics charging for re-tests. Schedule appointments online to skip queues. They provide official receipts accepted by all agencies for reimbursement.

Pasay – Perpetual Help Medical Center

Price: PHP 1,950 (Standard Package) Address: 1240 Balagtas St., Pasay City Contact: (02) 8831-9731 Schedule: Monday-Saturday, 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM

This hospital-based clinic near POEA offers legitimate medical exams at competitive prices. The PHP 1,950 package includes all basic requirements plus stool examination often charged separately elsewhere. They provide free pregnancy tests for female applicants (usually PHP 200-300 at other clinics). The downside: longer processing time of 3-4 days for results.

Provincial Clinics: Hidden Savings Outside Metro Manila

Pampanga – Angeles University Foundation Medical Center

Price: PHP 1,500 (Basic Package) Address: MacArthur Highway, Angeles City Contact: (045) 625-2838 Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Angeles City’s proximity to Clark Airport makes this an ideal choice for Central Luzon OFWs. At PHP 1,500, it’s PHP 300-800 cheaper than Manila clinics with identical DOH accreditation. Results are available within 48 hours. The medical center provides free shuttle service from Dau Terminal, saving PHP 100-150 in transportation.

Cavite – De La Salle University Medical Center

Price: PHP 1,650 (Complete Package) Address: Dasmariñas, Cavite Contact: (046) 481-8000 Schedule: Monday-Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

DLSU Medical Center offers Metro Manila quality at provincial prices. Their PHP 1,650 package includes all standard tests plus ECG for applicants over 35 (usually PHP 500 extra elsewhere). Online appointment system prevents long waiting times. The clinic accepts credit card payments with 0% installment for 3 months, helpful for cash-strapped applicants.

Cebu – Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital

Price: PHP 1,400 (Standard Package) Address: Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City Contact: (032) 255-5555 Schedule: Monday-Saturday, 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Cebu offers the Visayas’ most competitive prices for OFW medical exams. The PHP 1,400 package covers all basic requirements with same-day results for urgent deployments (additional PHP 200). The hospital provides 20% discount for group applications of 10 or more OFWs, bringing costs down to PHP 1,120 per person.

Country-Specific Requirements and Hidden Costs to Avoid

Middle East Countries (Saudi, UAE, Kuwait)

Mandatory Tests: CBC, urinalysis, chest X-ray, HIV, Hepatitis B & C, VDRL Legitimate Total Cost: PHP 1,800 – 2,200 Avoid: “Special Saudi panels” costing PHP 4,000+ (standard tests are sufficient)

Clinics often push unnecessary add-ons claiming Middle East countries require “comprehensive screening.” The truth: GCC countries accept standard GAMCA-approved tests costing under PHP 2,200. Any clinic charging over PHP 2,500 for basic Middle East requirements is adding unnecessary tests or inflating prices.

Hong Kong and Singapore

Mandatory Tests: CBC, urinalysis, chest X-ray, pregnancy test (females) Legitimate Total Cost: PHP 1,500 – 1,800 Avoid: “Psychological evaluation” at PHP 1,000 (not required for domestic workers)

Hong Kong and Singapore have simpler requirements than Middle East countries. Some clinics exploit first-time domestic workers by adding psychological assessments or “employer preference tests” that aren’t actually required. Stick to basic packages under PHP 1,800.

Japan and South Korea

Mandatory Tests: Standard panel plus stool examination Legitimate Total Cost: PHP 2,000 – 2,300 Avoid: “Cultural adaptation assessment” at PHP 800 (complete fabrication)

East Asian countries require stool examination for parasites, adding PHP 200-300 to standard packages. Some clinics invented “cultural fitness evaluations” that have no medical or legal basis. Japanese employers never require these fictional assessments.

Red Flags: Overpriced Clinics and Unnecessary Tests

Watch for clinics charging over PHP 3,000 for basic packages. Legitimate DOH-accredited facilities maintain prices between PHP 1,500 – 2,500 for complete examinations. Higher prices don’t indicate better quality or faster processing. The most expensive clinics often have agreements with recruitment agencies, sharing profits from inflated fees.

Avoid “express processing” fees exceeding PHP 500. Standard results take 24-48 hours, and paying PHP 1,000-2,000 for “same-day results” rarely impacts deployment schedules. Plan medical exams three days before needing results rather than paying rush fees.

Refuse “comprehensive packages” exceeding PHP 4,000. These include tests like tumor markers, cardiac enzymes, or advanced imaging never required for overseas employment. Clinics push these claiming “better safe than sorry,” but employers only require standard panels. Save PHP 2,000-3,000 by sticking to basic packages.

Question repeat testing requirements. Legitimate clinics repeat tests only for borderline results, usually free or at minimal cost. Clinics demanding full payment for re-testing exploit worried applicants. If results are clearly normal or abnormal, repeat testing is unnecessary.

Tips for Minimizing Medical Examination Costs

Schedule medical exams on Tuesday-Thursday mornings for shortest waiting times and fastest processing. Mondays and Saturdays see highest volumes, potentially adding hours to your wait. Mid-week appointments often receive priority processing without express fees.

Bring your own medical records if you’ve had recent tests. Some clinics accept CBC or urinalysis results from the past 30 days, saving PHP 300-500. Hospital-based clinics more readily accept external results than standalone facilities.

Form groups with fellow OFWs for bulk discounts. Clinics offer 10-20% discounts for groups of 5-10 applicants. Coordinate through social media or barangay OFW associations. Group rates can reduce individual costs to PHP 1,200-1,400.

Fast for 10-12 hours before examination to avoid repeat tests. Many applicants fail initial blood sugar tests due to inadequate fasting, requiring repeat visits costing PHP 200-400. Proper fasting ensures accurate results on first attempt.

Wear comfortable clothing without metal accessories. This prevents delays during X-ray procedures and avoids changing room fees some clinics charge (PHP 50-100). Simple clothing speeds your process through multiple examination stations.

What to Do If You’ve Already Overpaid

If you’ve paid over PHP 3,000 for basic medical examinations, request an itemized receipt showing all tests performed. Compare this against DOH requirements for your destination country. File complaints with DOH if charged for non-required tests marketed as mandatory.

Document excessive charges and report to the DMW, particularly if recruitment agencies mandated specific expensive clinics. The DMW investigates collusion between agencies and medical facilities, potentially recovering overcharges and preventing future exploitation.

Share your experience in OFW Facebook groups, warning others about overpriced clinics. Include specific amounts paid and unnecessary tests pushed. Collective awareness reduces these clinics’ ability to exploit uninformed applicants.

Consider switching clinics if your agency insists on facilities charging over PHP 3,000. No law requires using agency-specified clinics. DOH accreditation is standardized, meaning any accredited clinic’s results are valid for deployment. Assert your right to choose affordable options.

Emergency Situations: When You Need Results TODAY

For genuine emergencies requiring same-day results, three clinics provide legitimate rush services:

Health Metrics Inc. (Quezon City) – PHP 2,800 total with guaranteed 4-hour results Contact: (02) 8789-7777

New World Diagnostics (Makati) – PHP 3,000 total with 6-hour results Contact: (02) 8811-0000

Las Piñas Doctors Hospital – PHP 2,500 total with same-day results before 3 PM Contact: (02) 8825-1656

These prices include rush processing for legitimate urgent deployments. Avoid clinics charging over PHP 3,500 for express services or claiming 2-hour results (technically impossible for accurate testing).

Your Medical Exam Checklist

Before choosing a clinic, verify:

• Current DOH accreditation (check DOH website)
• Total package price in writing
• Exact tests included
• Results release timeframe
• Accepted payment methods
• Operating hours and appointment availability

Bring these documents:

• Valid ID (passport preferred)
• 2×2 pictures (4 pieces)
• Previous medical records if available
• Cash or credit card
• Pen and paper for notes

Remember: Medical clearance is just one step in your OFW journey. Saving PHP 1,000-3,000 by choosing affordable clinics provides funds for other deployment requirements. Don’t let clinics or agencies pressure you into expensive packages that provide no additional value for your overseas employment application.