Which Documents Required for Philhealth Registration?

To register with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), there are specific documents you need to submit, depending on your membership category. Here’s a detailed guide on what is required to register under various categories, as well as additional documents that may be needed depending on specific circumstances.

General Document Requirements for PhilHealth Registration

While each category has specific document needs, some basic documents are generally required across categories:

PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): This form, available on the PhilHealth website or at local offices, is required for all new registrations. It collects personal information, category of membership, and other relevant details.

Valid Identification (ID): You must provide at least one government-issued ID for identification. The most commonly accepted IDs include:

• NBI ID
• Philippine passport
• Driver’s license
• Postal ID
• UMID (Unified Multi-Purpose ID)
• Voter’s ID
• National ID (PhilSys ID)

Registration Categories

PhilHealth registration has different requirements based on the type of membership category, as people may apply as employees, self-employed individuals, sponsored members, indigent members, or lifetime members. Each type has its own set of eligibility requirements and document checklist. The most common categories include:

• Employed Members: Those working in the private sector or government service.
• Self-Employed or Voluntary Members: Freelancers, professionals, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
• Sponsored Members: Individuals whose health insurance premiums are subsidized by the government or private sponsors.
• Indigent Members: Members who fall under the poverty threshold as assessed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
• Lifetime Members: Senior citizens and retirees who have paid their PhilHealth contributions for at least 120 months before retiring.

Specific Document Requirements by Category

Below is a breakdown of the documents needed for each PhilHealth membership category.

A. Employed Members

If you are employed, your employer is responsible for facilitating your PhilHealth registration. The documents required for employed individuals include:

1. PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): Filled out by the employee and signed by both the employee and the employer.
2. Company ID or Certificate of Employment: To confirm your employment status.
3. Valid Government ID: An ID is needed to confirm identity; this could be any of the accepted IDs mentioned above.
4. Marriage Certificate (if applicable): For married employees who wish to register their spouse or dependent.

The employer will submit these documents to PhilHealth, register the employee, and ensure that monthly premium contributions are deducted from the employee’s salary.

B. Self-Employed or Voluntary Members

For freelancers, professionals, small business owners, and OFWs, registration as a voluntary member requires:

1. PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): Completed and signed by the applicant.
2. One Valid Government ID: For identification purposes.
3. Proof of Income (for some self-employed professionals): This could be an income tax return (ITR) or business permit. However, it’s not always required for all voluntary members.
4. Affidavit of Income Declaration (optional): For those who do not have an ITR or formal proof of income.
5. Overseas Employment Certificate (for OFWs only): Provided by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), this document is necessary to confirm that the applicant is working abroad.

Self-employed members are responsible for remitting their contributions quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

C. Sponsored Members

Sponsored members are often registered by a sponsor, which could be a local government unit (LGU), private entity, or government organization. Common documents include:

1. PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): Filled out by the member or sponsor.
2. Certification of Indigency: This certificate, issued by the DSWD or LGU, proves that the applicant belongs to a low-income bracket and qualifies for sponsorship.
3. Valid Government ID: Required to confirm the identity of the applicant.
4. Barangay Certification (if applicable): In some cases, a barangay (village) certification may also be needed to confirm residency or indigency.

The sponsor, often a government entity, will handle the payment of the sponsored member’s PhilHealth contributions.

D. Indigent Members

Indigent members are those who fall below the poverty threshold and are assessed through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). These members receive PhilHealth coverage without premium payments.

1. PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): Completed by the applicant.
2. Certification from DSWD: This certification confirms that the applicant qualifies as an indigent member.
3. Barangay Certificate or Residency Proof: This is usually required to verify the member’s residence.
4. Valid ID: Any acceptable government-issued ID.

E. Lifetime Members

Lifetime members include retirees and senior citizens who have already completed at least 120 months of PhilHealth premium payments during their working years. This category ensures they continue receiving benefits without further payments.

1. PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF): Required to update their records to lifetime status.
2. Senior Citizen ID or Any Valid Government ID: To verify the member’s identity and age.
3. Proof of Contributions: Documents that prove at least 120 monthly contributions have been made, such as PhilHealth Contribution Receipts or Certificate of Employment.
4. Retirement or Pension Document (if applicable): For retirees, this could be a pension document from the SSS or GSIS to confirm the applicant’s retirement status.

Senior citizens can also register under the Senior Citizen’s category if they don’t meet the 120-month contribution requirement. They will need a Senior Citizen ID or any valid government ID to prove their age.

Additional Documentation for Dependents

PhilHealth membership covers dependents without additional cost, so it’s essential to register dependents during the initial application or update later. Eligible dependents include a spouse, children under 21, and parents above 60 (if they are financially dependent on the member). Required documents may include:

1. Birth Certificate: For children of the member, a birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is required.
2. Marriage Certificate: For a legally married spouse.
3. Senior Citizen ID or Birth Certificate of Parents: For elderly parents, proving age and relationship to the principal member.
4. Adoption Papers: For legally adopted dependents.

How to Submit Documents for PhilHealth Registration

After gathering the required documents, applicants can submit them in person at a PhilHealth office or through a partner registration facility. For employed members, the employer typically facilitates this process. Self-employed individuals can register online or visit a PhilHealth office to submit their documents. OFWs can also submit applications at PhilHealth satellite offices abroad or through accredited collecting agents.

Processing Time and PhilHealth ID

After submitting the registration requirements, processing generally takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the membership category and submission method. Once approved, members will receive their PhilHealth ID number (PIN) and may request a PhilHealth ID card for identification and access to services.

Summary Checklist of Documents

By ensuring you have the appropriate documents ready for your category, you’ll simplify the registration process and gain timely access to PhilHealth benefits for yourself and your dependents.