Simple Steps on How to Get PhilHealth ID
Published: August 4, 2021 | Updated: August 10, 2021 | Posted by: Mayee Gonzales | Government Services
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 one can easily get the ID without charge. After all, you usually only need to provide your membership number for most transactions.
Apart from having a valid ID that you can use for government and non-government transactions, owning an ID from PhilHealth also allows you to maximize your PhilHealth contributions.
More importantly, Filipinos should know and have their PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) ready, as it is now a requirement prior to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.[1] It will also be required to claim benefits should you get sick with COVID-19 or if you experience adverse reactions from the COVID-19 vaccine. Thus, it’s important to know how to get PhilHealth ID number.
In case you’re one of those members who don’t have the ID yet, here are the steps for getting one.
Table of Contents
How to Get PhilHealth ID
Be a PhilHealth Member First
If you are currently employed in a private company, expect your HR officer to accomplish your PhilHealth membership and provide you with an ID.
However, unemployed and self-employed individuals need to register as a “Voluntary Member” and then apply to get a PhilHealth ID card.
PhilHealth Requirements for Membership
The following are the documents that you need to prepare and submit at any PhilHealth Local Insurance Office (LHIO). These are also the PhilHealth ID requirements for unemployed and self-employed individuals.
- Two accomplished copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF)[2]
- Two latest 1×1 ID pictures
- At least two valid IDs or a photocopy of your PSA-issued Birth Certificate
After reviewing your documents and registration, you’ll be given your PhilHealth Identification Number. This is the membership number that you will use when paying for your monthly contributions or filing claims.
Read more:
- A Complete Guide to PhilHealth Voluntary Membership Registration
- Complete PhilHealth Online Registration Guide for New Members
How to Get PhilHealth ID for Employed and Voluntary Members
- Visit the nearest PhilHealth office. Don’t forget to bring two valid IDs.
- Fill out a request form and make sure to tick the “PhilHealth Identification Card (PIC)” box.
- Submit your accomplished form.
- Wait for your MDR and PhilHealth ID to be processed, printed, and issued to you after a few minutes.
- Double-check all the information before you leave.
How to Get PhilHealth ID for Senior Citizens
PhilHealth ID Application Procedure at the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA):
- Fill out two copies of the PMRF.
- Once you’re done filling out the forms, submit both accomplished forms to the OSCA in the city or municipality where the elder resides.
- Wait for the MDR and ID card.
PhilHealth ID Application Procedure at a PhilHealth office:
- Fill out two copies of the PMRF.
- Attach a 1×1 photo of the senior citizen requesting for an ID.
- Present the senior citizen’s OSCA-issued ID or any valid government ID.
- Submit the filled out PMRF.
- Wait for the MDR and ID to be issued.
How to Get PhilHealth ID Online
Wondering where to get your PhilHealth ID online? Currently, you can apply for your PhilHealth ID only at any PhilHealth office or PhilHealth Express branches in the country.
But don’t worry because you can easily get your PhilHealth ID on the same day. You just need your PhilHealth ID number and a 1×1 photo.
Back to the main article: PhilHealth Benefits Guide for Regular and Voluntary Members
PhilHealth ID and PhilHealth Insurance Card: What is the Difference?
The regular PhilHealth ID card is 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.
Although it’s included in the list of valid IDs in the Philippines, it cannot be used for banking or government transactions. It is limited to getting basic services or filing insurance claims at hospitals.
You can request your HR officer to process this for you. You can also claim this ID for free at any PhilHealth LHIO. Just follow the steps above.
On the other hand, the PhilHealth Insurance ID Card[3] is a digitized ID issued to employed members. It’s a PVC plastic card that you don’t need to laminate like the paper PhilHealth regular ID.
Getting this card is optional and can cost some fees, but it has more use than the regular ID card. For one, it’s accepted as a valid ID.
In addition, you can also enjoy exclusive member discounts and deals at participating drug stores, optical shops, laboratories, and drug testing sites.
If you have dependents, you can also let them use the card to avail of these discounts on medicine purchases at affiliated drugstores or pharmacies.
Reminders for Getting PhilHealth ID
The digitized ID card is not yet available for distribution in all regions. You may want to check with your LHIO to see if it’s already available in your area.
Note that you don’t need to present your ID in order to redeem PhilHealth benefits,[4] thanks to the Universal Health Care Law. However, members still need to present their ID for hospital transactions and to get discounts from drug stores and other participating establishments.
The PhilHealth Insurance ID Card is issued only to employed and 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 make your application legitimate.
Lastly, transact only with the staff at a PhilHealth branch. Avoid fixers that offer PhilHealth ID assistance on social media for a fee. Remember that the PhilHealth ID and MDR are both free of charge.
Read more: What is Universal Healthcare Act and How Will It Benefit Us?
How to Replace Lost PhilHealth ID
Unfortunately, there is no shortcut for replacing your ID. You need to go through the application process again and submit the same PhilHealth membership requirements. Only this time, you’ll need to provide an affidavit of loss as well.
Head down to your nearest PhilHealth office to get a new PhilHealth ID. The same applies if your ID is damaged. Surrender your damaged ID during your new ID application process.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to get PhilHealth ID, are you going to get one anytime soon? We know it can be a hassle to queue up for hours to get government IDs like this one, but don’t discount the importance of having this particular government-issued ID.
It’s one of the most effective ways to claim benefits in private and public health care institutions, especially during this pandemic. Aside from having your PHIC ID with you for medical emergencies, make sure to always update your PhilHealth membership.
Sources:
- [1] PhilHealth ID number required for vaccination vs. COVID-19
- [2] Registration Form for PhilHealth Member
- [3] PhilHealth Insurance ID Card
- [4] Membership Benefits
Mayee is an experienced writer, editor, and content strategist. She enjoys writing about personal finance and lifestyle topics. On her free time, she reads, travels, and watches a lot of movies. She’s also a proud cat-mom. Follow Mayee on LinkedIn.
