Pre-Employment Medical Exam (PEME) Cost & Requirements Philippines [2026]

Quick Answer: A standard Pre-Employment Medical Exam (PEME) in the Philippines costs ₱800–₱3,500 at DOH-accredited clinics — covering physical exam, CBC, urinalysis, chest X-ray, drug test, and vision test. Executive packages run ₱5,000–₱15,000 (add ECG, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, Hepatitis B, HIV, audiometry). Seafarers Medical Exam (PEME for OFW seafarers) under DOH and DMW rules is estimated at ₱3,000–₱8,000 at DOH-accredited maritime clinics (a June 2026 P&I club price list shows ₱4,600–₱6,871 at six Philippine clinics for seafarers under 40). Results are typically released in 1–3 business days; the certificate is typically valid 3–6 months for standard PEME (set by the employer), 90 days for overseas work applicants, and up to 2 years for seafarers. Top nationwide providers: Hi-Precision Diagnostics, Healthway QualiMed, FastMed, SLMC Extension Clinics, and hospital-based employee health centers.

About these figures: PEME package prices on this page are estimates for budgeting. Hi-Precision, Healthway and FastMed do not publish PEME package prices that we could find. Where a facility publishes a price for a single test, we give it with its source date. Confirm the current price with the clinic. Last checked: October 2026.

What Is a Pre-Employment Medical Exam?

A Pre-Employment Medical Exam (PEME) — also called a Pre-Placement Medical Exam or fitness-to-work exam — is a structured clinical evaluation to certify that a candidate is medically fit for the physical, mental, and environmental demands of a specific job. It is distinct from:

• Annual Physical Exam (APE): periodic employee wellness check, typically once hired. See our annual physical exam cost guide.
• Drug Test (standalone): RA 9165 screening only. PEME usually bundles drug test, but a standalone drug test does not meet PEME requirements. See our drug test centers guide and drug test + medical certificate cost.
• Medical Certificate (basic): a physician-signed note of a specific clinical fact. Does not include labs or diagnostics.

PEME is mandated by:

• RA 11058 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law): employers must comply with OSH standards, including medical examination where the workplace requires it.
• PNP firearms licensing: a drug test is required for firearms license applicants (RA 9165, Section 36(b)).
• DOH and DMW: all overseas work applicants, including seafarers, take the PEME at a DOH-accredited clinic (RA 10022 and DOH Administrative Order No. 2013-0006).
• Company policy — virtually all BPO, manufacturing, logistics, aviation, healthcare, and hospitality employers require PEME before onboarding.

Standard PEME Components

A DOH-accredited "standard" PEME covers the following:

Add-Ons for Age 30+ and Specific Industries

Most employers add these based on age, role, and industry:

Important: We found no Philippine law that expressly names pregnancy tests in pre-employment exams, but the Labor Code bars an employer from discharging a woman on account of her pregnancy. A pregnancy test done only for radiation shielding before an X-ray should not affect the hiring decision. Ask HR why a pregnancy test is required.

PEME Cost: What to Budget in 2026

Many employers issue a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to their partner clinic — if so, you pay nothing out of pocket. Clarify with HR before scheduling. If you pay yourself, keep the official receipt for possible reimbursement.

Where to Get Your PEME

Hi-Precision Diagnostics

Nationwide diagnostic chain whose drug testing laboratory holds a DOH accreditation certificate for January to December 2026 (per Hi-Precision's certifications page). Hi-Precision lists the contents of its Pre-Employment and Basic APE package (CBC with platelet count, complete urinalysis, fecalysis, full medical exam, chest X-ray PA, optional methamphetamine/THC drug test) but does not publish a package price, so ₱1,800–₱3,500 is our estimate. Its Metro Manila price list (updated July 4, 2023) shows CBC ₱280, urinalysis ₱110, fecalysis ₱100 and the methamphetamine/THC drug test ₱300.

• Hi-Precision Diagnostics Plus – The Fort Branch — BGC
• Hi-Precision Diagnostics Plus – SM Aura — Taguig
• Hi-Precision Diagnostics Plus – Ortigas Branch — Pasig
• Hi-Precision Diagnostics Plus – SM Mall of Asia Branch — Pasay
• Hi-Precision Diagnostics Plus – Alabang Branch — Muntinlupa
• Hi-Precision Diagnostics – Cebu Main (J. Llorente St.)
• Hi-Precision Diagnostics – Kawit, Cavite Branch
• Hi-Precision Diagnostics Plus – Biñan Branch — Laguna

Full branch list and pricing in our Hi-Precision price list.

Healthway QualiMed / Healthway Medical

Metro Manila-anchored chain with mall branches and corporate clinics. Strong HMO integration. Standard PEME estimated at ₱2,500–₱4,500 (we found no published price).

• Healthway Medical Laboratory — Makati
• Healthway – Festival Mall — Muntinlupa
• Globe Lab by Healthway — Mandaluyong

Full rate card in our Healthway QualiMed price list.

FastMed Diagnostics (Central Luzon)

Regional chain serving Clark, Angeles, and BPO/manufacturing employers in Pampanga. Standard PEME estimated at ₱1,500–₱2,800 (we found no published price).

• FastMed – Angeles Branch
• FastMed Diagnostics – Mabalacat

See FastMed Angeles rates for full pricing.

Company-Accredited / On-Site Clinics

Large BPOs, manufacturing plants, hotels, and hospitals operate their own in-house medical departments or partner with a specific clinic chain. If your offer letter names a clinic, go there — any other provider may require re-testing.

Hospital-Based Employee Health Clinics

Tertiary hospitals run dedicated Occupational Health Services, useful for executive PEME and complex cases.

• Makati Medical Center — Corporate Health Clinic — see Makati Medical Center rates
• St. Luke's Extension Clinics (various) — see St. Luke's rates
• The Medical City Corporate Health — see The Medical City rates
• Asian Hospital Wellness Center (Alabang)
• Chong Hua Hospital Corporate Clinic (Cebu) — Chong Hua rates

DOH Hospitals (Budget Option)

Government hospitals charge the lowest rates for the individual tests that make up a PEME. PGH lists CBC ₱180, urinalysis ₱100, chest X-ray PA ₱165 and a dual-panel (methamphetamine/THC) drug test ₱250 (page undated). SPMC listed CBC ₱130, routine urinalysis ₱110, chest X-ray PA ₱105 and a drug test ₱225 (as of August 31, 2022). We could not confirm that these hospitals sell a single PEME package, so ₱400–₱1,200 for a full package is our estimate. Expect half-day queues.

Seafarer Medical Exam (DMW / STCW)

The Seafarers PEME is regulated by the Department of Health (DOH), which accredits the clinics (DOH Administrative Order No. 2013-0006), while the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), successor to POEA, sets the deployment and fee rules for manning agencies. It follows the IMO STCW Convention medical fitness standards. It must be performed at a DOH-accredited maritime clinic.

Required Tests

• Physical and psychiatric evaluation (Panel physician certified by DMW)
• CBC, urinalysis, stool ova/parasite, HBsAg, HIV, VDRL (syphilis), HCV
• Drug test (DOH 2-drug panel)
• Chest X-ray (PA + lateral), ECG (the 2003 DOH order requires an ECG only for applicants aged 40 and above, but many P&I club packages include it for everyone)
• Vision: Snellen, Ishihara, visual field (deck/navigational officers)
• Hearing: audiometry (bridge crew)
• Dental exam, immunization review (Yellow Fever if destination requires)
• Fitness to work at sea declaration

Cost: ₱3,000–₱8,000

This range is an estimate. A June 2026 price list from the American Club (a P&I club) shows PEME prices at six Philippine clinics from ₱4,600 to ₱6,871 for seafarers under 40, and ₱5,400 to ₱8,218.77 for those over 40 who need a stress test. Under the 2016 Revised POEA Rules for seafarers, the pre-employment medical exam is a processing fee chargeable to the principal and employer, and no other charges may be imposed on the seafarer (DMW Advisory No. 20, s. 2025). If you advance a fee, keep your receipts.

Validity

A fit-for-duty seafarer PEME certificate is valid for a maximum of 2 years, as long as the seafarer is deployed within 90 days of the date of fitness. It is 1 year for applicants below 18 and for those with health-related limitations (DOH Administrative Order No. 2013-0006). Re-exam is often required before each new deployment.

DOH-Accredited Maritime Clinics (Metro Manila hubs)

• Ermita / Malate area — highest concentration, near T.M. Kalaw
• Makati — several near PRC and DMW offices
• Cebu — Mactan and Cebu City clinics serving Visayan seafarer pipeline

Ask your manning agency for their accredited clinic list. Going to a non-accredited facility wastes the money — the certificate will not be honored by DMW.

OFW (Land-Based) PEME: GAMCA

For deployment to Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman), the GAMCA (GCC Approved Medical Centers Association) exam is required. Estimated cost ₱4,500–₱7,500 at GAMCA-accredited clinics (we found no published fee). Under DOH rules, a fit-to-work PEME certificate for overseas work is valid for 90 days from the date of fitness, or less if the host country requires.

Common tests: CBC, HBsAg, HCV, HIV, VDRL, hCG (female), chest X-ray, ECG (30+), urine (drugs and pregnancy), fasting blood sugar, height/weight/BP.

Validity: 3 months.

For destinations outside the GCC (Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, Europe), the destination country dictates panel rules — your recruitment agency or embassy medical panel will direct you to the right accredited clinic.

The PEME Process — Step by Step

1. Receive LOA or scheduling instructions from HR. Most employers specify the clinic, date, and fasting requirements.
2. Fast 8–10 hours before the test if FBS, lipid profile, or UTZ abdomen is included. Water is okay; no coffee, no food. Skip fasting only for walk-in basic PEME.
3. Bring: valid government ID, 2 recent 2x2 ID photos, employer LOA or cash, list of current medications, eyeglasses/contacts if you use them for the vision test.
4. Arrive 30 minutes early. Most DOH-accredited clinics open 7 AM and prefer walk-ins in the morning for same-day lab processing.
5. Sequence: registration → vitals (BP, weight, height) → physical exam → labs → imaging → drug test → discharge. Expect 2–4 hours onsite at a private clinic, half-day at a government hospital.
6. Pickup or online release. Results are typically ready in 1–3 business days. Many chains now deliver results via email or online portal. For paper copies, bring your claim stub and ID.
7. Submit to HR. Most employers want the original. Keep a photocopy or scanned PDF for your files.

Validity of a PEME Certificate

• Standard PEME: 3–6 months, depending on employer policy.
• Seafarer Medical Certificate: up to 2 years (1 year for applicants below 18 or with health limitations).
• GAMCA (GCC): 3 months.
• CAAP Aviation (Pilot Class 1): 1 year.
• Drug test component: valid for 1 year from the date of issue under RA 9165 Section 36 (some agencies and employers ask for a more recent one).

If you are changing jobs and your PEME is recent, ask HR whether they will accept the existing certificate or require a repeat test. Most corporates require a fresh PEME dated within 30 days of onboarding.

What PEME Cannot Do

• PEME results cannot be used to discriminate. The HIV and AIDS Policy Act (RA 11166, Section 49) prohibits rejecting a job applicant solely or partly because of actual, perceived or suspected HIV status, and DOLE Department Advisory No. 5, s. 2010 says workers cannot be discriminated against because of their hepatitis B status.
• Pregnancy should not be a ground for refusing a woman a job. We found no law that expressly names pregnancy tests, so ask HR why one is required.
• A positive drug test (screening) alone is not legally actionable: RA 9165 Section 36 requires a confirmatory test to confirm a positive screening result. See our drug test centers guide.
• PEME findings are confidential medical data under RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act). An employer receives a "fit to work" / "not fit" summary, not the underlying labs, unless you expressly consent.

PhilHealth & HMO Coverage

We found no PhilHealth benefit for a pre-employment medical exam. PhilHealth's Konsulta package lists laboratory tests such as CBC, urinalysis, fecalysis, chest X-ray and ECG only when needed as part of case management by your primary care team (PhilHealth Circular 2024-0013, Annex B), and drug tests are not on that list. For a PEME, you or your employer pay out of pocket.

HMO coverage is conditional:

• Pre-employment PEME for a new hire: usually not covered (no existing HMO plan yet).
• Annual physical exam of an active HMO member: covered under the wellness rider, typically once per year.
• HMO "Well Adult" or "Executive Check-Up" packages: fully covered if your plan includes it.

If HR tells you the PEME is "covered by HMO," confirm whether it's the company's pre-hire rider or just the post-hire annual physical — the two are different.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a pre-employment medical exam cost in the Philippines?

Standard PEME ranges ₱800–₱3,500 at DOH-accredited diagnostic chains; ₱5,000–₱15,000 for executive packages; ₱3,000–₱8,000 for seafarers; ₱4,500–₱7,500 for GAMCA. Many employers pay directly via LOA, so your out-of-pocket is zero when going through the company-assigned clinic.

How long does PEME take and when will I get results?

Onsite time: 2–4 hours at private clinics, half-day at government hospitals. Results: 1–3 business days. Some private clinics offer rush same-day results for an extra fee.

Can I fail a PEME? What happens if I do?

Yes. Common causes: active pulmonary TB on chest X-ray, positive drug test, severe hypertension (>180/110), uncontrolled diabetes, contagious skin disease, serious cardiac findings. You will receive a "not fit for work" or "conditional" result. You have the right to: request the full lab panel, get a second opinion, treat and re-test, and contest discriminatory use of the findings. HIV alone is not a lawful basis for refusal under RA 11166.

Is PEME the same as drug test?

No. The DOH drug test is typically one component of a PEME, but a standalone drug test does not replace PEME. Employers mandating PEME will require physical exam, CBC, urinalysis, and chest X-ray in addition to the drug panel. See our drug test centers guide for standalone drug testing.

Does PEME cover dental?

Basic dental screening is included in some PEME packages (especially for food handling and healthcare) but is often not. Dental certification is commonly a separate ₱300–₱800 service. Ask HR whether they require "dental clearance" — if so, bring the form to a dentist before your PEME appointment.

Is PEME valid for LTO driver's license application?

PEME has some overlapping components (vision, drug test) but the LTO specifically requires a medical certificate from an LTO-accredited clinic (estimated ₱300–₱500). A standard employment PEME certificate is not accepted by the LTO; get the LTO-specific medical separately.

Can the employer require me to pay?

We found no official DOLE rule on who pays for a local pre-employment medical exam, so it depends on your employer. By law, the employer pays for the random drug tests of its employees (RA 9165 Section 36(d)) and for the seafarer PEME, while other overseas work applicants pay the DOH-accredited clinic directly (RA 10022 Implementing Rules, Rule XI). Many employers do cover it via LOA; some reimburse upon passing and onboarding; a minority require the candidate to pay. You can negotiate — a ₱2,000 PEME should not be a deal-breaker for a senior hire.

Is PEME covered by SSS or GSIS?

No. SSS and GSIS are social security systems for pensions and benefits, not healthcare financing. PhilHealth also does not cover PEME. This is always out-of-pocket or employer-paid.

How do I know if a clinic is DOH-accredited for drug testing?

Ask to see the DOH accreditation certificate for drug testing at the front desk. It should be current: a screening drug testing laboratory's accreditation is valid for one year (DDB Board Regulation No. 2, s. 2003). An unaccredited clinic's drug test result is not valid under RA 9165 Section 36. For details see our drug test centers Philippines guide.

Can a pregnant woman undergo PEME?

Yes, with accommodations: chest X-ray is postponed (or replaced with a clinical chest exam) until after delivery, and she should not be denied employment based on pregnancy. Inform the clinic and employer in writing before the exam. A pregnancy test is allowed for safety (radiation avoidance) but not for hiring decisions.

Find a PEME Clinic Near You

ClinicFinderPH lists DOH-accredited diagnostic centers, hospital-based clinics, and maritime health providers nationwide. Browse the diagnostic directory or see related guides:

• Drug Test Centers Philippines
• Annual Physical Exam Cost Philippines
• Drug Test & Medical Certificate Cost
• Hi-Precision Price List
• Healthway QualiMed Price List
• FastMed Angeles Rates

Bottom Line

A standard PEME in the Philippines costs ₱800–₱3,500, scales to ₱5,000–₱15,000 for executive packages, and an estimated ₱3,000–₱8,000 for DOH-accredited seafarer exams. Most employers pay directly via LOA at their partner chain — Hi-Precision, Healthway QualiMed, or FastMed in Metro Manila and Clark; hospital-based clinics for executive hires. Budget a half-day of your time, bring ID and fasting (if required), and know that the certificate is valid 3–6 months for most roles. If HR specifies a clinic, go there — a PEME from a non-designated or unaccredited facility means a repeat exam and a delayed start date.