If you live in the Philippines, you must have this Philippine Health ID to help you get health benefits, such as reducing the financial burden of illness and hospitalization. Before you can obtain a PhilHealth ID, you must first become a PhilHealth member. If you don’t know how to get a PhilHealth ID, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you a complete guide to getting a PhilHealth ID. Read below and find the answer you need.
What is PhilGealth ID?
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), or PhilHealth, is a government-issued corporation that provides financial assistance to Filipinos for their medical treatment. PhilHealth members can obtain a PhilHealth identification to obtain primary health care and comprehensive PhilHealth benefits. In addition, when you have the PhilHealth ID, you can use it as a valid ID for various transactions with the government and other agencies. There is a unique and permanent PhilHealth Identification Number (or PhilHealth ID number) for your PhilHealth membership. It also contains your name, photo and signature on PhilHealth ID.
What are PhilHealth ID types?
There are two PhilhHealth ID cards available: the regular paper-based PhilHealth ID and the digital PhilHealth Insurance ID card. You can get either or both according to your needs.
Regular Paper-Based PhilHealth ID
This traditional PhilHealth ID is made of paper, which is free of charge to all members and has no expiration date. When you need to receive inpatient or outpatient benefits, it can quickly show your health membership status. However, due to its simple design, it cannot be considered a primary valid ID in most government and financial institutions.
Digital PhilHealth Insurance ID
This is a plastic card with more security features, such as a digital code and magnetic stripe, so it can be used in government and bank transactions. In addition, you can enjoy discounts on medical services and pharmacies that partner with PhilHealth. However, the digital ID is not free. It may cost you 90 Php and your dependents 358 Php/each.
Who is eligible for PhilHealth ID?
Under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, you must first be a PhilHealth member before applying for an ID card. There are two main categories of members:
Direct Contributors
- They have the ability to pay the required premiums.
- They are bound by an employer-employee relationship.
- They are self-employed professionals who manage their business.
- They are migrant workers with qualified dependents.
Indirect Contributors
- Membership premiums are usually subsidized by the Philippine government or supported by specific provisions in special laws.
Under Sec. 8.1 of the Act, direct or indirect contributors may have qualified dependents covered by Philheath:
- The legal spouse is not an active member.
- Unmarried and unemployed children under 21.
- Foster children as per RA 10165.
- Parents 60 years of age or older.
PhilHealth ID requirements
It is important for you to prepare the required Philihealth ID documents before applying. Here is the list of documents required for new members and first-time applicants:
- Two Philhealth ID pictures with a size of 1×1.
- Two completed copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF).
- A photocopy of your PSA-issued birth certificate or at least two valid IDs, such as passport, SSS ID, or TIN. If you are a registered married woman, you must provide a marriage certificate.
How to apply for PhilHealth ID?
Since you know the requirements of applying for Philihealth ID, here you can follow the steps below to get your ID card for free.
- You must visit the nearest PhilHealth office (LHIO) or PhilHealth express office with the necessary documents mentioned above.
- You must complete the PhilHealth Request Form with the required information, such as member name, PhilHealth number, date of birth, address, and membership category.
- You must submit your application form and other valid IDs to LHIO personnel.
- Get your new PhilHealth ID card after officials have checked your application. If you find anything wrong with your ID card, you must inform LHIO personnel to correct it.
- After double-checking your information, attach your 1×1 photo to your ID and sign your name on it.
- If you want to avoid unwanted tearing on the ID, you can laminate your card at the printing shop, which can cost you from ₱15 to ₱100.
In addition, you can apply on behalf of another person, but you must bring a letter of authorization signed by the applicant. Usually, it takes you a few hours to get a Philippine health card after you submit your application. It is best to file the application in the morning if you do not want to return to LHIO the next day.
Of course, if you want the digital PhilHealth Insurance ID card that is only available to employed members, you can ask your HR officer about it. If you are a senior citizen and need to apply for a PhilHealth ID, you can follow the steps above to get one at a PhilHealth office. Alternatively, you can go to the nearest Office of Senior Citizen Affairs with two copies of the registration forms and obtain the Member Data Record and Regular ID card.
How do I check my PhilHealth number?
While you are applying for a PhilHealth card, PhilHealth will issue a unique PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) to registered members of the program. The number will be shown on the PhilHealth card. If you forget your PhilHealth number, you can check your number by using the following methods:
- Check the Member’s Data Record (MDR) where your PhilHealth number is printed.
- Text to 09175129149 or email to ofp@philhealth.gov.ph. Or call the hotline at (02) 8441-7442.
- Ask your previous or current employer’s HR department or check your paylip or any employer documents.
- Visit a PhilHealth office near you if you tried all the above methods.
There are some warnings you need to know. When you call the hotline, you must provide your personal information such as your full name, birth date, and address to confirm your identity. When visiting the nearest PhilHealth office, you must bring a valid ID to verify your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
How to replace lost or stolen or damaged PhilHealth ID cards?
If your PhilHealth ID card is damaged, lost or stolen, you need to apply for a replacement as soon as possible. Here you can follow the same steps above to get a new PhilHealth ID card for free. When you go to your nearest PhilHealth office, remember to take at least two valid IDs, such as a passport and marriage certificate. If you lose your ID card, you are required to provide a notarized Affidavit of Loss. If your ID card is damaged, you must surrender it to Philhealth.
What happens if you stop paying for PhilHealth?
If you stop paying your PhilHealth contributions, your health insurance benefits will not be affected. This means that you always get PhilHealth benefits and benefits from coverage. In addition, the state insurance company will not force you to pay your premiums through legal action. Although you are not forced to pay, there are some repercussions. According to a statement from PhilHealth:
“While no one will be denied PhilHealth coverage due to non-payment of premiums, Morales also clarified that members lacking contributions will be billed for unpaid premiums with interest (compounded monthly) and penalties of at least 3% per month for employers, offshore OFWs, and kasambahays.”
According to the statement, professionals, migrant workers, and self-employed members will get a monthly interest of 1.5% for missed payments.
How to pay for PhilHealth ID?
If you don’t want to get extra interest on your missed payment, you can pay your contribution online. You must register for the Electronic Premium Remittance System and download the EPRS certificates to get your contribution.
What is the difference between a PhilHealth ID and a PhilHealth Insurance Card?
Although both regular PhilHealth ID and PhilHealth insurance cards have the same effect of availing health benefits, there are some differences between them.
- User: The regular ID is only available for the owner’s needs. But insurance cardholders and their dependents can get deals at pharmacies and other stores.
- Application fee: Regular PhilHealth ID is free, but insurance is not free.
- Function: Both cards can be viewed as valid IDs. The regular PhilHealth ID is not accepted in some banking institutions and even government transactions, while the insurance card can be used in transactions.
- Benefits: Regular ID can only be used for basic services and hospital transactions. However, if you have an insurance card, it gives you member discounts and deals at drug stores.
Conclusion
As a citizen of the Philippines, it is important and necessary for you to obtain a Philihealth ID to benefit from more health benefits to reduce the health burden and medical costs. With the simple and fast application process, you can have your PhilHealth ID card on the same day.