It may be a cliché phrase to say that “health is wealth”. Apparently, the more people ignore their wellbeing, the more they realize the value of these words. Fortunately, the Filipino people could turn to PhilHealth.

What is PhilHealth?

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, commonly known as PhilHealth, was founded on February 5, 1995. It is a government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC). PhilHealth’s objective is to secure the wellness of every Filipino people no matter their status.

According to the mandate produced by PhilHealth that “the program shall include a sustainable system of funds… for financing the availment of a basic minimum package and other supplementary packages of health insurance benefits…” which further states what the health insurance wants to achieve for the nation.

It is also agreed that the program’s actions are limited to paying for the utilization of health services provided by beneficiaries. This means that PhilHealth does not practice health care directly—the purchasing and distributing of medications, the employment of health care professionals, and the ownership of (and investment in) health care facilities.

What are the powers and functions of PhilHealth?

To obtain a better understanding of what the program is capable of doing, you must first bear in mind that PhilHealth is a tax-exempted Government Corporation (Article IV, Section 15 of RA 7875).

Primarily, they administer the National Health Insurance Program: formulating and enforcing policies for the administration. As the wellbeing of the country is their main concern, PhilHealth also functions by providing health benefits. They set the standards, rules and regulations to ensure that members get the satisfaction they are expecting. Of course, part of this supervision means keeping track of the quality health care facilities perform towards members and regular patients alike.

Other than monitoring the services and rules promulgated by the program, it is also in their power to collect, deposit, invest, administer, disburse, receive, and manage grants and donations for the purpose of health care. This is a matter of how monetary property functions in the hands of PhilHealth for the sake of the Filipino people’s overall wellness.

Everything that PhilHealth does keeps the wellbeing of Filipinos as the utmost priority. Whether it’s the inspection of facilities, technologies, and medical equipment, or the allocation of funds with the Government or establishments; the powers and functions and PhilHealth secures the betterment of the country’s health and wellness program.

See also: SSS Unemployment Benefits: Everything you need to know

Who can avail PhilHealth?

  • It is a Mandatory Employee Benefit

Whenever you land a job, the company gives you a checklist of requirements you should submit: this includes the employee benefits whereas PhilHealth is a part of 6 benefits all employees are entitled to have. The Mandatory Employee Benefit is issued under the Philippine Labor Code.

In a nutshell, registering for PhilHealth is not just a part of a requirement to settle in your new work environment; rather, it is your right as a working Filipino to secure the future of your wellbeing.

  • Members in the Formal Economy

This category falls towards workers in the government and private sectors. The premium contribution payments are shared by both the employee and the employer.

  • Members in the Informal Economy

This category scopes a wide range of people and sectors—from self-earning to migrant workers.

  • Overseas Filipino Workers

All OFWs—those aboard international vessels, seamen, rig workers, and land-based migrants. Part of this category are students with a valid student visa, and other Filipinos who are living abroad. Priests and nuns serving religious missions are also part of this scope.

  • Lifetime Members and Senior Citizens

This category are for members who have reached the age of retirement stated in the law, and have paid at least 120 monthly premium contributions. This also goes for those aged 60 and above categorized as Senior Citizens.

  • Sponsored Members

This means the members which contributions are being paid by another person, government agencies, or private individuals.

  • Indigent Members

These are members which have no source of income/revenue or those whose income are insufficient for their family needs. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) identifies who falls under this category based on specific criteria.

How do you register for PhilHealth Voluntary Membership?

Now that you know what PhilHealth is and why it is a must that every (eligible) Filipino should be a member—how exactly do you register?

1. Fill-out 2 copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF). You can download and print a copy here: https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/members/

2. Submit your accomplished PMRF forms to your nearest Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO). Along with your PMRF, you should also bring the following requirements:

  • 2 1×1 recent ID photos
  • 2 valid IDs or a photocopy of your NSO Birth Certificate
  • For your beneficiaries, bring a photocopy of supporting documents
  • If you are a foreigner, bring a photocopy of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR). This is
  • issued by the Bureau of Immigrations.

After your application has been processed, you will now be given your PhilHealth Number, therefore you will be also asked to pay contributions. These contributions will be settled via your salary at work.

How to apply for PhilHealth Voluntary Membership online?

If you find it more convenient to apply for a membership through online registration—probably because of a busy schedule—then you can! Here’s how:

1. Visit the PhilHealth Electronic Registration System — https://eregister.philhealth.gov.ph

2. Click on the Register link located under Membership.

3. Once you’ve read the Terms and Conditions, click on Proceed. It should take you to an online application form you need to fill out. The important details to fill out are your Personal Information, Contact Details, Address, Dependents Information, Guardian Information, and Membership Category Information. You may upload files through the Upload Documents option for documents such as Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Passport, Driver’s License and other such important papers.

4. Be sure to review all your answers, making sure that you got all the details correct.

5. There will be boxes you will click to acknowledge all information you have given and sited above are correct. Once you have accomplished all this, you may now click on the Submit Registration button.

6. Wait for the confirmation email upon completing your registration. Your PhilHealth number should be sent to you.

What happens if I lose or forget my PhilHealth number?

It happens to a lot of people, but panicking is not an easy resolve for this issue. Instead, you should text 0917-512-9149 or send an email to PhilHealth directly at ofp@philhealth.gov.ph with these details, following the same format:

  • LAST NAME
  • FIRST NAME
  • MIDDLE NAME
  • BIRTHDAY

If you want action to be done immediately, you can try visiting these PhilHealth locations nearest to you:

  • Robinsons Manila
  • LRT North Mall, Caloocan
  • Robinsons Otis
  • Robinsons Malabon
  • Lucky Chinatown, Binondo, Manila

The Takeaway

If you care about your health, both the present and the future, PhilHealth is readily available to secure your wellbeing. Again, it is your privilege as a working Filipino, and it is a must that you should acquire your own PhilHealth number and ID (UMID).

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