via GRAPHIC PLUS — For many business owners and human resource leaders in 2026, the challenge is clear and urgent. Healthcare costs continue to rise, employees expect more meaningful protection, and organizations must balance these realities while preserving long-term sustainability.
In response to this evolving landscape, iCare HMO has partnered with AXA Philippines, a worldwide leader in insurance, to integrate Group Term Insurance into select iCare corporate HMO plans. The enhanced offering provides employer-sponsored life insurance coverage for death, permanent disability, and terminal illness for eligible employees, seamlessly embedded within iCare’s healthcare benefits.
For employers, the collaboration delivers a more cohesive protection strategy. For employees, it offers reassurance that their families remain financially secure beyond medical coverage alone.
“HR leaders today are navigating a delicate balance between protecting people and maintaining sustainability,” said Geronimo V. Francisco, President and CEO of iCare HMO. “Balancing care and cost is not merely a financial decision. It is a leadership responsibility. Our mission is to address medical inflation through affordable and sustainable healthcare solutions so more Filipinos can say yes to better health.”
Healthcare-related expenses have consistently outpaced general inflation in recent years, placing sustained pressure on corporate benefits budgets. While overall inflation remains within the central bank target range, hospital and medical service costs continue to trend upward. In this environment, employers are rethinking how to deliver deeper and more meaningful protection without adding administrative complexity or financial strain.
Now serving more than one million HMO members nationwide, iCare views this partnership as a strategic advancement toward stronger and more integrated workforce protection.
“Access to healthcare is essential. When a serious life event occurs, families also worry about financial stability,” Francisco added. “By embedding Group Term Insurance within select HMO plans, we enable companies to offer a more complete safety net while maintaining discipline in cost management.”
AXA Philippines President and CEO Ayman Kandil underscored the alignment of goals driving the partnership. “Protection, trust, and our customers are at the heart of everything we do. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering meaningful solutions that give Filipinos the confidence to face life’s many risks, knowing they have the financial protection and security they need.”
AXA Philippines is part of the global AXA Group, serving more than 95 million customers across 50 countries worldwide.
iCare’s approach combines Singaporean discipline and operational efficiency with Filipino compassion and service excellence. Supported by a nationwide network of more than 2,000 hospitals and clinics and over 50,000 accredited doctors, the company continues to design solutions that meet the dual demands of affordability and meaningful protection.
As the labor market grows more competitive and employee expectations evolve, benefits strategy is no longer about adding more. It is about integrating smarter.
For HR leaders, balancing care and cost is no longer optional. It is the new standard.
