PhilHealth: types of ID, cost, how to get it

If you are a PhilHealth member in the Philippines, you may be interested in learning how to get a PhilHealth identification card in 2023. The PhilHealth ID card is an important document that proves your membership and eligibility for health benefits and services. It can also be used as an official identifier for various transactions with the government and other organizations.

Members must provide their Member Data Record (MDR) and/or PhilHealth ID before claiming any benefits from PhilHealth. However, it is often the case that PhilHealth members neglect to obtain this ID, even though it is easily and freely available. In most cases, only the member number is required to make transactions.

In this article, we’ll tell you how to get a PhilHealth ID card whether you’re employed, unofficially employed, unemployed or a senior citizen. We will also provide you with information on the requirements and tips for applying for a PhilHealth ID card online or offline.

In addition, having a valid ID card that can be used for public and private transactions allows you to maximize your PhilHealth benefits. That’s why it’s important to know how to get your PhilHealth ID number and card so you can effectively take advantage of the program.

PhilHealth ID – what is it?

The PhilHealth Identification Number (also known as a PIN or PhilHealth ID) is a unique and permanent number given to everyone who enrolls in PhilHealth. This number is used to identify, verify eligibility for PhilHealth benefits and privileges provided by the National Health Insurance Program.

Along with the PhilHealth identification number, you will also receive an ID card when you enroll in the program. This ID card confirms that the cardholder and their dependents are eligible for the benefits and privileges provided by the state’s National Health Insurance Program.

The PhilHealth ID is also a valid ID that can be used for a variety of state and non-state transactions. It provides the convenience of paying monthly premiums or filing claims online.

Is PhilHealth mandatory for all

PhilHealth participation is mandatory for all Filipinos except under certain mutual supplementary insurance agreements in the Philippines. This means that all Filipinos, whether employed or self-employed, must register for PhilHealth and pay premiums to have access to its benefits. PhilHealth benefits include the basic minimum package and other optional health insurance packages available for various diseases and services.

PhilHealth ID types

You have the option of applying for two types of PhilHealth ID cards: the regular ID card and the PhilHealth Insurance ID card.

The PhilHealth Identification Card is a paper card that all PhilHealth members get for free. It has your name, PhilHealth identification number (PIN), signature and photo space. This card can be used for transactions with PhilHealth and accredited healthcare providers (HCIs), and for inpatient and outpatient benefits from accredited healthcare providers. It can also be used as a valid identifier for other government transactions, as long as another valid identifier is provided. However, it should be noted that most government and financial institutions do not consider it a valid ID because of its lack of security features.

The PhilHealth Insurance ID card, on the other hand, is a more advanced card with a magnetic stripe and QR code. It also contains your personal information, photo, blood type and fingerprints. This card costs 90 pesos and has an expiration date of three years. It can be used not only to get health insurance, but also to access other government services, such as the SSS, GSIS, Pag-IBIG and NBI. Most government and financial institutions consider it a valid ID because it has security features.

How do I get a PhilHealth ID?

There is no online application to obtain a PhilHealth ID. This means that you have to go in person to a PhilHealth office or PhilHealth Express branches in the Philippines to get a PhilHealth ID.

The application process for the PhilHealth ID is slightly different for employed and unemployed/self-employed individuals, but the requirements for the PhilHealth ID are the same:

• Two completed copies of the PhilHealth Participant Registration Form (PMRF).
• Two recent photographs (photo size for PhilHealth ID is 1 x 1 inch or 2.54 x 2.54 mm).
• At least two valid ID cards or a copy of a PSA-issued birth certificate.
• Barangay Certificate.

PhilHealth ID for working members

If you work for a private company and don’t have a PhilHealth number, then wait for your Human Resources person to process your PhilHealth membership and provide you with an ID card. Here’s what it takes:

1. Complete two copies of the PMRF.
2. Send the PMRF to your Human Resources Department.
3. Wait until your employer gives you your Participant Data Record (MDR) and PhilHealth ID card. 

PhilHealth for self-employed and unemployed participants

If you are not officially employed or self-employed, you must first register as a voluntary member and then apply for a PhilHealth ID card:

1. Fill out two copies of the PMRF.
2. Contact your nearest health insurance office or PhilHealth Express office.
3. Send the PMRF.
4. Wait for your MDR and PhilHealth ID to be processed, printed and issued to you within minutes. Double-check all the data.
5. Write down your PhilHealth ID number – you will use it when you pay your monthly dues or apply.

PhilHealth for the Elderly

The procedure for applying for a PhilHealth ID card from the Office of Senior Services (OSCA) is as follows:

1. Complete two copies of the PMRF.
2. When you are finished filling out the forms, send both completed forms to OSCA in the city or municipality where the chapter resides.
3. Wait for the MDR and ID card to be issued.

How to get a PhilHealth Insurance ID card

To apply for a PhilHealth Insurance digitized ID card, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Visit any branch of the Bayad Center or SM Business Center.
2. Pay a fee of 90 pesos to process the application.
3. Get a receipt and an application form.
4. Fill out the application form and attach a 1×1 photo.
5. Mail the completed application form and receipt to any PhilHealth office.
6. Wait for your new PhilHealth Insurance ID card to be delivered to the address you specify.

PhilHealth contribution amount

The PhilHealth contribution for 2023 will remain at 4%, the same as the previous year. This means that an employed member’s monthly contribution will depend on their base monthly salary.

For example, if an employee earns up to 10,000 pesos per month, his monthly contribution will be 400 pesos, but he will pay only half of that amount (200 pesos), since the other half is paid by his employer. The same applies to those who earn between PHP 10,000.01 and PHP 79,999.99. However, for those earning PHP 80,000 or more, their monthly contribution will be capped at 3,200 pesos, with the employee and employer contributing 1,600 pesos each.

Replacing a lost or damaged PhilHealth card

To replace a lost, damaged or stolen PhilHealth ID you need to follow these steps:

1. Visit any PhilHealth office, including those in malls, and bring your PhilHealth number and two valid ID cards.
2. Get a request form and queue number from an officer.
3. Fill out the request form and check the “PhilHealth Identification Card (PIC)” box.
4. If your ID card has been lost or stolen, attach a statement of loss to your application. If your ID card has been damaged, give your old ID card to an officer.
5. Wait your turn and present the completed form and necessary documents to the officer.
6. Wait a few minutes while your new ID card is printed and issued to you.

Follow these instructions to replace PhilHealth Insurance:

1. Visit any PhilHealth office, including those in malls, and bring your PhilHealth number and two valid ID cards.
2. Get an application form and queue number from an officer.
3. Fill out the application form and pay a fee of 90 pesos at the cashier’s desk.
4. If your ID card has been lost, attach a statement of loss to your application form. If your ID card has been damaged, give your old ID card to an officer.
5. Wait your turn and present the form, receipt and documents to the officer.
6. Wait a few minutes while your new ID card is printed and issued to you.

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