Remember that the PhilHealth ID and MDR are both free of charge. Below are the procedures to become a member of PhilHealth.
Registration procedures
- Visit any of the Local Health Insurance Offices or PhilHealth Express outlets nationwide.
- Fill out (2) copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF)
- Submit PMRF to the LHIO or PhilHealth Express
- Await Member Data Record (MDR) and PhilHealth ID Card
- Pay the necessary premium contribution using your PhilHealth ID number
- Schedule of payment:
| Monthly | Quarterly | Semi-annual | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay until the last working day of the month being paid for. Example: Month: January Deadline: January 31 | Pay until the last working day of the quarter being paid for. Example: Period: January to March Deadline: March 31 | Pay until the last working day of the first quarter of the semester being paid for. Example: Period: January to June Deadline: March 31 | Pay until the last working day of the first quarter of the year being paid for. Example: Period: January to December Deadline: March 31 |
FAQs on PhilHealth ID
1. What is the difference between PhilHealth ID and PhilHealth Insurance Card?
The regular PhilHealth ID card is a paper ID that you can use when claiming inpatient or outpatient hospital benefits. Members can claim this ID without charge at any PhilHealth LHIO.
Although it’s one of the valid IDs in the Philippines, the regular ID from PhilHealth is not accepted in some banking and government transactions, like DFA passport application. It is limited to getting basic services or filing insurance claims at hospitals.
You can request your HR officer to process this for you. You can also claim this ID for free at any PhilHealth LHIO. Just follow the steps above.
On the other hand, the PhilHealth Insurance ID Card[3] is a digitized ID issued to employed members. It’s a PVC plastic card that you don’t need to laminate like the paper PhilHealth regular ID.
Getting this card is optional and can cost some fees, but it has more use than the regular ID card. For one, it’s accepted as a valid ID.
In addition, you can also enjoy exclusive member discounts and deals at participating drug stores, optical shops, laboratories, and drug testing sites.
If you have dependents, you can also let them use the card to avail of these discounts on medicine purchases at affiliated drugstores or pharmacies.
2. When is the PhilHealth ID number required to use?
The PhilHealth number is a requirement for claiming benefits should you get sick with COVID-19 or when you experience adverse reactions from the COVID-19 vaccine.[4]
Also, college students above 21 years old who are returning to limited face-to-face classes are now required to register with PhilHealth[5] so that their expenses are covered in case they get sick with COVID-19. So if you or your sibling will be joining in-person classes, help them by sharing the steps above on how to get PhilHealth ID.
3. How can I get my PhilHealth ID online?
PhilHealth doesn’t have an online ID application facility, which means you have to personally secure a PhilHealth ID only at any PhilHealth office or PhilHealth Express branches in the Philippines.
4. Can I get PhilHealth ID immediately?
Yes, you don’t have to wait for days or weeks to get your PhilHealth ID. You can easily claim your PhilHealth ID on the same day of your PhilHealth registration. You just need to secure your PhilHealth ID number and attach a 1×1 photo to your ID card.
5. How to replace lost PhilHealth ID?
Unfortunately, there is no shortcut for replacing your ID. You need to go through the application process again and submit the same PhilHealth membership requirements. Only this time, you’ll need to provide an affidavit of loss as well.
Head down to your nearest PhilHealth office to get a new PhilHealth ID. The same applies if your ID is damaged. Surrender your damaged ID during your new ID application process.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to get PhilHealth ID, are you going to get one anytime soon? We know it can be a hassle to queue up for hours to get government IDs like this one, but don’t discount the importance of having this particular government-issued ID.
It’s one of the most effective ways to claim benefits in private and public health care institutions, especially during this pandemic. Aside from having your PHIC ID with you for medical emergencies, make sure to always update your PhilHealth membership.