Simple Steps to Securing a PhilHealth ID
by Mayee Gonzales, on category "Government Services"
January 11, 2019
Before claiming any PhilHealth benefits, members have to provide their Member Data Record (MDR) and/or PhilHealth ID. The latter, however, is often overlooked by PhilHealth members even if the ID usually comes for free.
Apart from having a valid ID, which you can use for government and non-government transactions, owning a PhilHealth ID also allows you to maximize your PhilHealth contributions. Here are the steps to take when getting one.
Apply as a PhilHealth Member First
Instagram photo by @chrislei_cutie
If you are currently working for a company, expect your human resource department to accomplish your PhilHealth membership. However, unemployed and self-employed individuals need to register as a “Voluntary Member” to receive a PhilHealth ID and avail of the organization’s benefits.
To apply as a PhilHealth member, you must submit the following requirements at any PhilHealth Local Insurance Office (LHIO).
- Two (2) accomplished copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF)
- Two (2) latest 1×1 ID pictures
- Two valid IDs or a photocopy of your NSO Birth Certificate
You will receive your PhilHealth number afterwards, which you should use when paying for monthly contributions.
Read More: A Complete Guide to PhilHealth Voluntary Membership Registration
PhilHealth ID and PhilHealth Insurance ID Card
Do you know that there are two kinds of PhilHealth IDs?
First is the regular ID, a paper ID that you can use when claiming inpatient or outpatient hospital benefits. Members can claim this ID without charge at any PhilHealth LHIO.
The second ID is the PhilHealth Insurance ID Card, a digitized ID issued to members in the Formal Economy and Informal Sector. Members can claim this ID for PHP 90 at any PhilHealth LHIO. However, if you wish to declare a dependent for your ID card, head to any Bayad Center outlet and pay PHP 358. You also need to present at least two (2) valid IDs of your dependent.
Members can also process dependent ID cards at any SM mall for PHP 360.
Benefits of Owning a PhilHealth Insurance ID Card
Instagram photo by @anggemiraflor
Apart from hospital discounts, members with a PhilHealth Insurance ID Card can avail of the following perks:
- 15% discount on generic drugs on Watson’s, Rose Pharmacy, South Star Drug, and The Generics Pharmacy
- 20% to 80% discount on flu vaccines on PQ Health Shield and GSK
- Free eye exam from Vivian Sarabia Optical
- 20% discount on regular items in Vivian Sarabia Optical
- 10% discount on drug testing services at JNW Drug Testing sites
Also, note that this PhilHealth ID is a valid government ID, which you can use for bank account applications and other organizations that require proof of identity.
What to Remember:
PhilHealth only issues PhilHealth Insurance IDs to active members so make sure that your records are up-to-date before applying for one. This will not only save you time but also makes your application legitimate.
Read More: Ways to Check if Your Employer is Paying Your Contributions
Final Thoughts
Don’t discount the importance of having an ID for PhiHealth. It’s one of the most effective ways to claim benefits in private and public health care institutions. Always update your PhilHealth membership and secure your ID for medical emergencies.
