San Lazaro Hospital Rates & Fees 2026: Zero Balance Billing & Free Services
Quick Answer: San Lazaro Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila is the country's national government referral hospital for infectious diseases (rabies exposure, dengue, leptospirosis, measles, HIV, and more). Since July 2025, patients in the basic ward pay ₱0 under Zero Balance Billing — regardless of income. Its Animal Bite Treatment Center provides free anti-rabies vaccines, many public-health services are program-funded and free, PhilHealth covers admissions, and a Malasakit Center handles one-stop financial aid. Private rooms and elective services are still billed.
About San Lazaro Hospital
San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) in Sta. Cruz, Manila is a DOH-retained government hospital and the Philippines' premier referral center for communicable and infectious diseases. It manages cases like rabies exposure, dengue, leptospirosis, measles, tetanus, HIV/AIDS, and emerging outbreaks, and plays a national role in epidemic response.
If you're searching "San Lazaro Hospital rates and fees," you likely need infectious-disease care, an anti-rabies shot after a bite, or an admission — and you want to know the cost. In 2026, government programs make most of that care free or near-free.
Free anti-rabies vaccine at the animal bite center
San Lazaro is one of Metro Manila's major Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs). The anti-rabies vaccine is provided free of charge, regardless of your PhilHealth status, income, or residency — you generally don't need to show an ID. If you've been bitten or scratched by a dog or cat, wash the wound with soap and water for 10–15 minutes and go the same day. See our animal bite centers in Metro Manila guide and free anti-rabies vaccine centers guide.
Zero Balance Billing: ward patients pay ₱0
Since July 2025, San Lazaro implements the DOH's Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) policy:
- Patients in basic/ward accommodation pay ₱0 — PhilHealth and government subsidy cover the bill.
- It applies regardless of income — the only requirement is using basic ward accommodation in a covered DOH hospital.
- Ward beds make up roughly 90% of DOH hospital capacity, and DOH allocated ₱1 billion for ZBB under the 2026 budget.
Nationwide, more than 1.3 million patients paid no hospital bill in 2025 under this program.
| Accommodation | Who pays what (2026) |
|---|---|
| Basic ward | ₱0 out-of-pocket under Zero Balance Billing |
| Private / pay room | Billed; PhilHealth case rate deducted, balance is yours |
| Elective / amenity services | Billed separately |
Program-funded public-health services
As an infectious-disease hospital, many of San Lazaro's services run on government public-health programs that are free to patients — anti-rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, TB-DOTS, HIV testing and antiretroviral programs, immunizations, and outbreak response. These are funded by DOH and partner programs rather than billed per patient.
PhilHealth coverage
San Lazaro is PhilHealth-accredited. Admissions for covered conditions (dengue, leptospirosis, pneumonia, etc.) are paid through PhilHealth's case-rate system, deducted directly from the bill. Keep your membership active and submit CF1/CF2 before discharge. See our PhilHealth hospitalization benefits guide.
The Malasakit Center
San Lazaro hosts a Malasakit Center — the one-stop financial-assistance office under Republic Act 11463 combining DOH (MAIFIP/MAIP), PhilHealth, DSWD, and PCSO aid. It's free, with assistance usually released as a Guarantee Letter applied to any remaining balance.
How to consult or get admitted
- Outpatient/infectious-disease consults and the animal bite center are accessed through the hospital's OPD/ER; arrive early as it's high-volume.
- Bring any referral, a valid ID, and your PhilHealth details (not required for the free anti-rabies service).
- For costly admissions, engage Medical Social Services and the Malasakit Center early.
- Check official channels for current schedules and contact numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the anti-rabies vaccine free at San Lazaro Hospital?
Yes. San Lazaro's Animal Bite Treatment Center provides the anti-rabies vaccine free of charge, regardless of PhilHealth status, income, or residency.
Is admission free at San Lazaro Hospital?
For ward patients, Zero Balance Billing plus PhilHealth coverage can bring the out-of-pocket cost to ₱0 or near-zero. Private rooms and some elective services are still billed, with Malasakit aid for the rest.
What diseases does San Lazaro Hospital treat?
It is the national referral hospital for infectious and communicable diseases — rabies exposure, dengue, leptospirosis, measles, tetanus, HIV/AIDS, and outbreak response.
Does San Lazaro accept PhilHealth?
Yes. It is PhilHealth-accredited, and admissions are covered through PhilHealth case rates.
Do I need to be poor to get Zero Balance Billing?
No. ZBB applies to any patient in basic ward accommodation at a covered DOH hospital — income is not a factor.
Conclusion
For "San Lazaro Hospital rates and fees" in 2026, the answer is reassuring: the ward is effectively free under Zero Balance Billing, the anti-rabies vaccine and many public-health services are free, PhilHealth covers admissions, and the Malasakit Center closes any gap. San Lazaro keeps essential infectious-disease care within reach for every Filipino.
Compare other facilities in our best hospitals in Metro Manila guide, and see PGH rates & fees and East Avenue Medical Center rates. To find clinics and animal bite centers near you, search ClinicFinderPH.
Figures reflect 2026 DOH Zero Balance Billing and PhilHealth policies. Programs can change — always confirm current details with the hospital and PhilHealth.