Getting a PhilHealth ID number is an essential step for individuals in the Philippines who want to access healthcare benefits and services. This identification number, provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), helps ensure that citizens and residents can receive medical assistance and coverage.
To get a new PhilHealth ID number, you’ll need to go through a simple registration process, which involves submitting necessary documents and personal information. This ID number plays a vital role in securing your healthcare needs and is a fundamental part of the Philippine healthcare system.
In this guide, we’ll help you get a PhilHealth ID card, no matter if you are employed, self-employed, unemployed, or a senior citizen. We’ll tell you what you need and how to apply online or offline, so you can use your healthcare benefits without any hassle.
What is a PhilHealth ID?
A PhilHealth ID is a special identification card issued by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). This card is given to individuals in the Philippines and serves as proof of their membership in the national healthcare program. With a PhilHealth ID, people can access various healthcare benefits and services, including medical treatments and hospitalization, making it an essential document for ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for Filipinos.
Why You Should Have a PhilHealth ID?
A PhilHealth ID is essential for these reasons:
- Healthcare Benefits: It proves your membership in PhilHealth, granting access to financial aid for medical expenses, hospitalization, and necessary treatments.
- Healthcare Coverage: Having a PhilHealth ID means you’re covered by the national healthcare program, easing the burden of medical costs during illnesses or emergencies.
- Employment Requirement: Many Philippine employers mandate a PhilHealth ID for workers, offering it as part of employment benefits. It’s also vital for specific government transactions.
- Official ID: The PhilHealth ID doubles as an official government-issued identification card, serving various administrative and official purposes.
Types of PhilHealth IDs?
There are two types of PhilHealth IDs you can apply for, Regular PhilHealth ID card and the PhilHealth Insurance ID card.
1. Regular PhilHealth ID
- Free for all PhilHealth members
- Contains name, PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN), signature, and photo
- Can be used for PhilHealth transactions and healthcare benefits
- Accepted as a valid ID for some government transactions when accompanied by another valid ID
- Lacks security features, not widely recognized by government and financial institutions
2. Digitized PhilHealth Insurance ID
- Costs 90 pesos and valid for three years
- Features a magnetic stripe and QR code
- Includes personal details, photo, blood type, and fingerprints
- Provides access to health insurance benefits and various government services (e.g., SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG, NBI)
- Recognized as a valid ID by most government and financial institutions due to enhanced security features
Eligibility Requirements for PhilHealth Membership
PhilHealth membership is based on the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act (Republic Act 11223) with the aim of providing affordable healthcare for all Filipinos. There are two main categories of PhilHealth members:
1. Direct Contributors:
These are individuals who can pay premiums. They include those who are employed, self-employed, professionals, migrant workers, and lifetime members.
- Employed individuals covered by the Philippine Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
- Self-earning Filipinos aged 21 and above.
- Domestic workers (Kasambahay) according to RA 10361.
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) based on RA 10022 (Migrant Workers Act) and RA 10801 (OWWA Act).
- Filipinos living abroad.
- Filipinos with dual citizenship.
- Lifetime members, which includes retirees or pensioners under RA 10606.
2. Indirect Contributors:
These are individuals whose premiums are subsidized by the national government and include various groups.
- Indigents identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
- Beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Filipino Program (4Ps) & Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT).
- Senior citizens not covered by the Program.
- Persons with disabilities under RA 10754.
- Filipinos aged 21 and above who cannot afford premiums.
- Sangguniang Kabataan officials as defined in RA 10742.
- Filipinos not previously registered in the PhilHealth database and financially unable to pay premiums.
In addition to the main member, qualified dependents are also covered:
- Legal spouse who is not an active member.
- Unmarried and unemployed legitimate, illegitimate, legally adopted, or stepchildren below 21 years of age.
- Foster children under RA 10165 (Foster Care Act of 2012).
- Parents aged 60 and above who are not enrolled members.
PhilHealth ID Application Requirements
When applying for your PhilHealth ID, whether you’re a new member or a first-time registrant, you have two options:
Option 1 – In-Person Application:
- Visit your nearest PhilHealth office.
- Bring the following requirements:
- A completed PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF).
- Two recent 1×1 ID photos.
- At least two valid IDs (e.g., SSS ID, TIN, Passport, etc.).
- A photocopy of your PSA-issued Birth Certificate. For married females, include your Marriage Certificate.
- If you have qualified dependents, provide a photocopy of their PSA-issued Birth Certificate.
- Wait for the processing of your Member’s Data Record (MDR) and PhilHealth ID, which is usually released on the same day. Double-check all the information before leaving.
Option 2 – Online Application:
- Send an email to [email protected].
- Attach scanned copies of the following requirements:
- A completed PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF).
- At least two valid IDs (e.g., SSS ID, TIN, Passport, etc.).
- A photocopy of your PSA-issued Birth Certificate. If you’re married, include your Marriage Certificate.
- If you have qualified dependents, provide a photocopy of their PSA-issued Birth Certificate.
- In the email subject line, follow this format: “Register (Full Name) (City or Province) (Region).” For example, “Register Maria Makiling Manila, NCR.”
- PhilHealth will process your application and send your PhilHealth ID number to the email address you provided on the PMRF.
If you don’t want to visit the PhilHealth office and want to check if you’re a member or see your monthly contributions, you can sign up for a PhilHealth online account. It’s an easy way to handle your PhilHealth matters without leaving your home. To learn how new members can register online, take a look at our blog post called “A Guide for New Members: How to Register on PhilHealth Online.” It gives you step-by-step instructions to make the online registration process simple.
Applying for a PhilHealth ID Card:
Here is a step by step guide to get each type of PhilHealth ID card number.
Regular PhilHealth ID:
To obtain your PhilHealth ID card, follow these steps:
- Visit a Nearby PhilHealth Office: Head over to the nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) or PhilHealth Express office in your area.
- Complete the PhilHealth Request Form: Fill out the necessary PhilHealth Request Form provided at the office.
- Submit Your Request Form: Hand in the completed request form along with a valid ID for verification.
- Collect Your New PhilHealth ID: After processing your request, you can claim your newly issued PhilHealth ID card.
- Personalize Your ID: Attach a 1×1 photo and sign your ID card to make it official and uniquely yours.
PhilHealth Insurance ID Card:
To get your PhilHealth Insurance ID card, follow these easy steps:
- Go to a Convenient Location: Visit a nearby Bayad Center branch or SM Business Center.
- Pay a Fee: Pay a 90-peso fee at the counter.
- Get Your Papers: They’ll give you a receipt and a form to fill out.
- Add Your Photo: Complete the form and stick your 1×1 photo on it.
- Submit Everything: Take your filled form and receipt to any PhilHealth office.
- Wait for Delivery: Your new PhilHealth Insurance ID card will be delivered to your home address.
To Get a Lost, Stolen or Damaged Regular PhilHealth ID
- Go to any PhilHealth office with your PhilHealth number and two valid IDs.
- Obtain a request form and queue number.
- Fill out the form, checking the “PhilHealth Identification Card (PIC)” box.
- If lost or stolen, attach an affidavit of loss; if damaged, surrender the old ID card.
- Submit your form and documents.
- Receive your new ID after a short wait.
To Get a Lost, Stolen or Damaged PhilHealth Insurance ID Card
- Visit any PhilHealth office with your PhilHealth number and two valid IDs.
- Get an application form and queue number.
- Fill out the form and pay the 90-peso fee at the cashier.
- Attach an affidavit of loss for lost IDs; surrender damaged cards.
- Submit your form, receipt, and documents.
- Receive your new ID card after a brief wait.
How to know your PhilHealth Number in case you forgot?
If you’ve forgotten your PhilHealth Number, don’t worry; there are several ways to retrieve it:
- Member’s Data Record (MDR): Your PhilHealth Number is typically found on your Member’s Data Record (MDR). It’s a document that contains your important membership details.
- Contact PhilHealth Customer Service: You can call the PhilHealth hotline at (02) 8441-7442 to request your PhilHealth Number. Alternatively, you can also get in touch with PhilHealth’s Corporate Action Center at 0921-630-0009 through their callback channel. Be prepared to provide personal information such as your full name, birthdate, and address to verify your identity.
- Check Payslips or Employer Documents: Your PhilHealth Number may be printed on your payslip or other documents provided by your employer, especially if they deduct PhilHealth contributions from your salary. Consider reaching out to your current or former company’s HR Department.
- Visit a Nearby PhilHealth Office: If all else fails, pay a visit to the nearest PhilHealth office. Bring a valid ID and any documents that can confirm your identity, like a birth certificate or passport. They should be able to assist you in retrieving your PhilHealth Number.
Can I get my PhilHealth ID Online in 2023?
No, currently, there isn’t an online application system for PhilHealth ID cards. To obtain your PhilHealth ID, you will need to visit a PhilHealth office or PhilHealth Express branch in the Philippines in person. They will assist you in the application process and provide you with your ID card.
See Also: How to Pay PhilHealth Online using GCash?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the size of the photo for PhilHealth ID?
The size of the photo for a PhilHealth ID is 1 x 1 inch, which is equivalent to 2.54 x 2.54 mm.
2. How can I update my PhilHealth online?
To update your PhilHealth information online, download and complete the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) from the PhilHealth website. After filling it out, email the form to your local PhilHealth office. Ensure you include your personal details, address, contact information, declaration of dependents, member type, and any necessary updates or amendments.
Additionally, attach a scanned copy or photo of your valid ID and any supporting documents if required. Once PhilHealth processes your request, you can view or download your updated Member Data Record (MDR) through the PhilHealth member portal.
3. How can I pay PhilHealth voluntary contribution?
To pay your PhilHealth voluntary contributions, start by registering as a voluntary member. You can do this online using the PhilHealth Electronic Registration System or through email. Alternatively, you can register in person at your nearest Local Health Insurance or PhilHealth Express Outlet.
After successful registration, you can make your payments through various channels, including banks, payment centers, remittance centers, or online platforms. The amount of your contribution depends on your monthly income, with a minimum of Php 300 per month for 2020. Be sure to pay your contributions on time to maintain continuous coverage.
4. Can I still pay my PhilHealth contribution late?
Yes, you can pay your PhilHealth contributions late, but penalties and interest may apply depending on your situation. PhilHealth allows retroactive payments for up to three months if you have paid nine consecutive monthly contributions before the unpaid months and make the payment within one month after the unpaid months. Otherwise, a monthly interest of 2% compounded on the unpaid amount may be charged. You can pay your PhilHealth contribution online using the PhilHealth Member Portal or over-the-counter at any PhilHealth office or accredited collecting agent.
5. How to know if I am eligible to use PhilHealth benefits?
To use PhilHealth benefits, you must be an active member who has paid at least nine monthly contributions within the last 12 months before your hospitalization or outpatient service. You must also seek care at a PhilHealth-accredited healthcare institution (HCI) and provide required documents, such as your Member Data Record (MDR) or PhilHealth Benefit Eligibility Form (PBEF) and PhilHealth Claim Form 1.
6. How many times can PhilHealth be used?
The number of times you can use PhilHealth benefits varies based on the type of service and the benefit limit per year. For inpatient services, you can use PhilHealth benefits up to 45 days per year for yourself and an additional 45 days to be shared among your qualified dependents. For outpatient services, like day surgeries, radiotherapy, and hemodialysis, you can use PhilHealth benefits up to 90 days per year. The usage frequency also depends on the specific healthcare packages and guidelines.
7. Is PhilHealth mandatory in the Philippines?
Yes, PhilHealth membership is mandatory for all Filipinos, with few exemptions under Totalization Agreements. This includes both employed and self-employed individuals, who must register and pay premiums to avail themselves of the benefits provided by PhilHealth. These benefits encompass various health insurance packages for different health conditions and services.
8. Can PhilHealth be used abroad?
PhilHealth benefits can be used abroad under certain conditions. Filipino members and their dependents who are hospitalized abroad can request reimbursement for their medical expenses within 180 days after discharge. However, foreign members are not eligible for this benefit.
To claim reimbursement, members must submit specific documents, including a PhilHealth Claim Form 1 and translated versions of documents like the Statement of Account and medical certificates. PhilHealth also offers coverage to foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens who have retired in the Philippines, starting from July 1, 2017.
9. Who is a direct contributor in PhilHealth?
A direct contributor in PhilHealth is a member who pays monthly premium contributions. This category includes employees, domestic workers (Kasambahays), self-earning individuals, professional practitioners, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Filipinos living abroad, those with dual citizenship, and lifetime members, among others.
10. Does PhilHealth cover everyone?
PhilHealth aims to cover a broad spectrum of individuals through the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). This includes formal sector employees, informal sector workers, senior citizens, indigent families, sponsored members, overseas Filipino workers, and lifetime members. To access PhilHealth benefits, members must meet premium payment requirements and submit necessary documents to accredited healthcare institutions.
11. Who are the lifetime members of PhilHealth?
Lifetime members of PhilHealth are individuals who have reached retirement age and have paid at least 120 monthly contributions with PhilHealth and the former Medicare Programs of SSS and GSIS. This category includes individuals aged 60 and above, uniformed personnel aged 56 and above, and SSS underground miner-retirees aged 55 and above. These members
Leave a Reply