Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions by OFW's about PhilHealth Membership

OFW PhilHealth Membership and premiums concerns

1. How do I enroll with PhilHealth and renew my membership thereafter?

If in the Philippines, submit the following documents to any PhilHealth office:

·       Properly accomplished duplicate copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF);

·        Supporting documents for legal dependents to be declared;

·        Any proof of being an active OFW and;

·        Pay the corresponding premium contribution to any PhilHealth office

If overseas, submit the following documents to any PhilHealth office:

•       Properly accomplished PhilHealth Premium Payment Slip (PPPS);
•       Duplicate copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) - for initial registration only;
•        Any of the following documents: Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, POEA ECARD/SSS/Company ID, Passport, Any valid ID / document acceptable to the Corporation and;
•        Pay the corresponding premium contribution of P1,200.00 (for Year 2012) or its equivalent in the local currency of the host country to any accredited collecting agent

2. Are we going to use the same PhilHealth Identification Number ( PIN) if we are shifting to another membership category ?

Your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) is your PhilHealth number for life. Hence, if you are shifting to another membership category, you will be using the same PIN.

3. Why do I Have to renew my PhilHealth membership everytime I leave the countryand work as an OFW?

It's not actually renewal of membership but an updating of your premiums, which shall be equivalent to the length (in years) of your fresh contract. It will also ensure your continuous eligibility to PhilHealth benefits.

4. I am already an immigrant here in the US. Can I still continue my PhilHealth membership?

You can still continue paying for your PhilHealth coverage as an Individually Paying Member and not as an Overseas Worker Member.

5. How about those granted with dual citizenship ? Can they still continue their PhilHealth membership?

Those with dual citizenship still have the option to continue paying for their PhilHealth coverage also as Individually Paying Members.

6. What is the effectivity date of PhilHealth coverage?

PhilHealth benefit coverage starts upon payment of premium (no waiting period) and is valid for one year from the date of payment.

7. I am currently abroad and my PhilHealth coverage is about to expire. How do I continue paying for my PhilHealth in case that there are no available centers where I am?

You may ask your relatives in the Philippines to pay your premiums on your behalf to avoid any lapses or delays. They only need to present a valid ID & an authorization letter from you as the member and any document that would attest that you are still an active OFW.

8. Are the payments for OWWA contribution and PhilHealth Premiums different?

OWWA contributions serve as a life insurance of the OFW abroad while PhilHealth premiums ensure the health benefits of the OFW and his/her dependents in case of illness or injury requiring hospitalization.

9. I am a PhilHealth member sponsored by LGU, is it still necessary for me to pay for my PhilHealth as an OFW?

If a member is sponsored by an LGU and the membership is still active, the member shall pay for his/her PhilHealth membership as an OFW when the coverage of his/her sponsored membership expires.

If in case the member already paid his/her membership as an OFW while his/her sponsored membership is still active, the member is advised to go to any PhilHealth office to make necessary adjustments on his/her membership coverage.

10. Where can I pay my PhilHealth Contribution?

Overseas, you may pay at any PhilHealth Overseas Accredited Payment Center. In the Philippines, you or your immediate family or representative may pay at any PhilHealth Office and Accredited Collecting Partner.

11. How much is the Premium contribution?

OFW members are required to pay the one-year premium of Php1,200.00 for CY 2012. However, they may pay more than one year depending on the number of years provided in their contract.

12. What is the grace period of OWP memebership renewal ?

OFWs are allowed to pay the applicable premium within one (1) month from the date of expiry. Payment within this period shall retroactively commence the coverage of membership from date of expiration.