We are facing a problem wherein we don’t know how our enemy will attack us because we can’t see them, we don’t know where they are and the only way to protect ourselves is by being healthy, follow strict health protocols and keep social distancing.
Covid-19 cases are ramping up in the Philippines and according to Malacañang, we might get another lockdown if it reaches 85,000 cases by July 31, 2020. Savings are not unlimited and so as our lives so it’s best to be ready in times like this. Having a Philhealth is really a must not just now that we have a pandemic but for emergency purposes, because no one knows when you will need it.
Many of us lost their jobs and doing our own hustle to keep up with life, so here’s a guide to help you continue your Philhealth contributions by Voluntary Membership.
Am I eligible for Voluntary Membership?
Anyone who doesn’t have fixed employment and is not a senior citizen, indigent member, or sponsored member can apply.
Informal Economy Members are listed below:
- Migrant Workers
Documented or undocumented Filipinos who are engaged in a remunerated activity in another country of which they are not citizens
- Informal Sector
Street hawkers, market vendors, pedicab and tricycle drivers, small construction workers, and home-based industries and services.
- Self-Earning Individuals
These are people who we call “freelancers. Rendering services or selling goods as a means of livelihood without an employer. These include professional practitioners: doctors, lawyers, engineers, artists, architects, and the like, businessmen, entrepreneurs, actors, actresses and other performers, news correspondents, professional athletes, coaches, trainers, and such other individuals.
- Filipinos With Dual Citizenship
Filipinos who are also citizens of other countries.
- Naturalized Filipino Citizens
Those who have become Filipino citizens through naturalization as governed by Commonwealth Act No. 473 or the Revised Naturalization Law.
- Citizens of other countries working and/or residing in the Philippines
Foreign citizens living in the Philippines with valid working permits and/or Alien Certificate of Registrations (ACRs)
What are the requirements?
All you need is a fully accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF).
How to register online?
Philhealth’s online registration system is currently offline. For membership Inquiry and other concerns, you may reach them through:
Trunkline: 441-7444
Call Center: 441-7442
Email : [email protected]
Photo | Philhealth
How to register in the Philhealth office?
- Go to the nearest Local Health Insurance Office or PhilHealth Express outlet.
- Check branches near you: here
- Fill out two PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF).
- You may also want to bring 2 1×1 latest ID picture
- Submit your accomplished and signed forms.
- Wait for your Member Data Record (MDR) and ID card.
- Using your PhilHealth ID number (PIN), pay your premium contribution to the cashier.
How OFWs can apply for PhilHealth Voluntary Membership
Earlier this year, President Rodrigo Duterte suspends the higher Philhealth premium payments for OFWs and contributions will be voluntary.
- If you are currently having your vacation in the Philippines, you can go to the nearest PhilHealth office and apply following the same application procedure as that of other potential members.
- If you are in another country, there are three ways for you to apply for Voluntary Membership:
- Applying at any branch of PhilHealth-accredited collecting partners:
- Using the PhilHealth online registration facility (Currently not available)
- Download and print the PMRF, complete & sign the form and send it to [email protected].
How much is the contribution?
For Voluntary/Self-employed members that are earning a monthly income of P25,000 and below will need to pay the contribution of P200 per month or P2,400 per year.
For Voluntary/Self-employed members that are earning a monthly income of P25,000 above will need to pay P300 per month or P3,600 yearly.
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) with land-based employment, they will need to pay the minimum contribution of P2,400 per year. It can be payable in advance up to 5 years depending on the employment contract.
For Seaman / Seafarers, their contributions are based on computation similar to the formal economy. For those who are earning P10,000 and below, they need to pay a minimum monthly fee of P275.00. A Seaman earning P40,000 and above will need to pay a maximum of P1,100.00 per month.
If you have any question or request, you may contact PhilHealth’s Overseas Filipino Program (OFP):
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
OFW mobile phone: (63) 917 8512 9149
OFW landline: (02) 8441 7442
When can I use my Philhealth?
To enjoy the benefits of your Philhealth, a member should have at least paid 9 months premium contributions within the immediate 12 months period prior to the first day of hospitalization. You can check your Philhealth contribution online to keep track of your contributions.
For newly registered PhilHealth members (membership is less than 9 months), they will be required to pay at least 3 months premium contribution within 6 months prior to hospitalization.
I hope this guide has helped those of you who have questions on Philhealth Voluntary Membership! Always remember, health is wealth.
