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Simple Steps to Securing a PhilHealth ID

This article was originally published on January 11, 2019 and was updated on February 13, 2020.

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 an ID also allows you to maximize your PhilHealth contributions. Here are the steps to take when getting one.

How to Get a PhilHealth ID

Apply as a PhilHealth Member First

Instagram photo by @chrislei_cutie

If you are currently working for a company, expect your HR representative to accomplish your PhilHealth membership and deliver your ID. Unemployed and self-employed individuals need to register as a “Voluntary Member” to receive an ID and avail of the organization’s benefits.

PhilHealth Requirements

To apply as a PhilHealth member, you must submit the following requirements at any PhilHealth Local Insurance Office (LHIO). You will receive your PhilHealth number afterwards, which you should use when paying for monthly contributions.

• Two (2) accomplished copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form^[1]
• Two (2) latest 1×1 ID pictures
• At least two valid IDs or a photocopy of your NSO Birth Certificate

As of of this writing, the PhilHealth ID online application is currently down, so you’ll have to apply manually.

Read more: A Complete Guide to PhilHealth Voluntary Membership Registration

How to Apply for a PhilHealth ID

If you’r already a PhilHealth member but you didn’t receive an ID due to a recent shortage, you can now claim it from any PhilHealth branch nationwide.

1. Visit your nearest PhilHealth office. Don’t forget to bring two valid IDs.
2. Fill out a request form and make sure to tick “PhilHealth Identification Card (PIC)” box.
3. Submit your form to the PhilHealth officer once your number is called.
4. Wait for your ID to be printed and issued. Double-check all the information.

PhilHealth ID and PhilHealth Insurance ID Card

Do you know that there are two kinds of PhilHealth cards?

First is the regular PhilHealth ID card, 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.

Second is the PhilHealth Insurance ID Card^[2], a digitized ID issued to employed members. You can request your HR representative to process this for you. You can also claim this ID for free at any PhilHealth LHIO.

Read more: Guide to Bills Payment Centers in the Philippines

Benefits of Owning a PhilHealth Insurance ID Card

Instagram photo by @anggemiraflor

Note that you don’t need to present your ID in order to avail of the PhilHealth benefits^[3], thanks to the Universal Health Care Law. However, members with a PhilHealth Insurance ID Card stll need to present their ID to avail discounts from drug stores and other participating establishments.

Also, note that this ID is a valid government ID^[4], which you can use for bank account applications and other organizations that require proof of identity.

PhilHealth only issues PhilHealth Insurance IDs 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 makes your application legitimate.

How to Replace Lost PhilHealth ID

In case you lost your ID, you have to go through the application process again. You have to submit the same requirements, only this time, you have to submit an affidavit of loss as well.

Head down to your nearest PhilHealth office and have your ID replaced. If you damaged your ID, surrender it along with your new application.

Read more: How to Check if Your Employer is Paying Your Contributions

Final Thoughts

Don’t discount the importance of having this government ID. 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.

Sources:

• ^[1] Registration Form for PhilHealth Member
• ^[2] PhilHealth Insurance ID Card
• ^[3] PhilHealth Benefits
• ^[4] Memo for PhilHealth Insurance ID