How to Register with PhilHealth as an Informal Economy Member
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) provides accessible health insurance for Filipinos, including those in the informal economy. If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or a foreign citizen with a valid working permit in the Philippines, you can register as an Informal Economy Member to access PhilHealth’s benefits. This guide outlines the registration process, eligible dependents, data amendments, continuing coverage, and payment options.
Who Qualifies as an Informal Economy Member?
Informal Economy Members include individuals who work for themselves, such as freelancers, self-employed professionals, and foreign citizens with valid working permits or Alien Certificate of Registrations (ACRs) residing in the Philippines. Migrant workers, whether documented or undocumented, also qualify.
Registration Process
Registering with PhilHealth is straightforward:
- Visit a PhilHealth Office or Express Outlet: Go to any Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) or PhilHealth Express outlet nationwide.
- Complete the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): Fill out two copies of the PMRF, available at PhilHealth offices or online at eregister.philhealth.gov.ph. Ensure all information, including declared dependents, is accurate, as you certify this under oath.
- Submit the PMRF: Hand in the completed forms to the LHIO or PhilHealth Express outlet.
- Await Your Member Data Record (MDR) and PhilHealth ID Card: These will be issued after processing.
- Pay the Premium Contribution: Use your PhilHealth ID number to pay the required premium at any accredited collecting partner, such as banks or payment centers. Payments can be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, based on your declared income.
Online registration is also available at eregister.philhealth.gov.ph for those with internet access, simplifying the process further.
Eligible Dependents
As an Informal Economy Member, you can declare dependents who will enjoy PhilHealth coverage without additional premiums. Qualified dependents include:
- Legal spouse who is not an active PhilHealth member.
- Children under 21, unmarried, and unemployed (including legitimate, illegitimate, legally adopted, or stepchildren).
- Children over 21 with congenital or acquired disabilities rendering them dependent on the member.
- Foster children as defined by Republic Act 10165 (Foster Care Act of 2012).
- Parents aged 60 and above who are not enrolled in PhilHealth and have a monthly income below the threshold set by the NHI Act of 2013.
- Parents with permanent disabilities, regardless of age, as determined by PhilHealth.
Dependents are entitled to up to 45 days of hospital confinement coverage per year, shared among them. Ensure dependents are listed in your Member Data Record (MDR) for seamless benefit availment.
Amending Member Data
To update your information or add dependents:
- Download the PMRF from the PhilHealth website .
- Check the “FOR UPDATING” box on the upper right-hand corner.
- Fill out the form with the updated details.
- Submit the PMRF to the nearest PhilHealth office.
- Await the updated Member Data Record.
For overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), you can email the scanned PMRF along with a valid ID and supporting documents to actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph , using the subject format: “PHIC MEM INCOME UPDATE Name Province/Region.”
Continuing Your Coverage
To maintain uninterrupted benefits:
- If transitioning to formal employment: Provide your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) to your employer for premium remittance under the Formal Economy.
- For migrant workers: Indicate your existing PIN during registration and payment.
- For retirees: Register under the Lifetime Member Program if you’ve completed at least 120 months of contributions.
Premium contributions are based on your declared income and can be paid at any PhilHealth office, accredited payment center, or through the PhilHealth Member Portal.
Payment Options
PhilHealth partners with accredited collecting agents, such as banks and payment centers, to facilitate premium payments. You can pay using your PhilHealth ID number, ensuring flexibility with monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual schedules. Check the list of accredited collecting partners on the PhilHealth website for convenient locations.
Why Register with PhilHealth?
PhilHealth offers comprehensive health care services, from primary care to catastrophic packages, ensuring financial protection against costly medical expenses. The simplified registration process makes it easier for informal economy members to secure coverage for themselves and their dependents.
By following these steps, you can register with PhilHealth, declare dependents, and maintain coverage to access affordable health care services in the Philippines.