The Real Cost of a Cigarette


June 20, 2025

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In the Philippines, smoking is a national health issue with serious consequences. Whether you smoke or know someone who does, it's important to understand the true cost of each stick.

In 2025, a pack of cigarettes in the Philippines ranges between ₱100 and ₱200, depending on the brand and region. If you smoke a pack a day, it will cost you ₱700 to ₱1,400 per week, ₱3,000 to ₱6,000 per month, and ₱36,500 to ₱73,000 annually. That's enough to cover school tuition, monthly groceries, and start an emergency fund. Aside from buying cigarettes, smokers face increased medical expenses and decreased productivity due to illness.

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. Every year, more than 110,000 Filipinos die from tobacco-related diseases, including:

  • Lung cancer

  • Heart disease and stroke

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Tuberculosis (TB), which worsens with smoking

The health risks go beyond the smoker. Secondhand smoke in crowded homes and public places is harmful to children, pregnant women, and non-smoking adults, increasing their risk of respiratory infections and long-term illnesses.

This is why health insurance is so important. Medical expenses can quickly add up, especially when treating chronic or serious illnesses that are frequently caused or worsened by smoking. Health insurance serves as a safety net, covering the costs of hospital stays and treatment, reducing the financial strain on people and families. With the right coverage, you are more likely to receive preventative care and treatment, resulting in better health outcomes and peace of mind. For more information on the different plans, visit https://plgic.ph/PDHealthInsurancePlans.

This No Smoking Month, ask yourself: What could I do with an extra 73,000 pesos a year and better health? 




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