Working overseas has many benefits, but we all know that this is not going to be a permanent thing. That’s why it’s important to take care of oneself and prepare for situations that could cost you money for you or your loved ones’ hospitalization.
In the Philippines, the most common and most accessible form of health insurance offered by the government is the PhilHealth. However, OFWs are among the groups which are not automatically enrolled in this system along with those that work in the informal sector as well as self-employed individuals.
Guide to Applying for PhilHealth Voluntary Membership Online for OFWs
It for this reason that OFWs should know how to apply for voluntary membership even when they are based abroad.
Of course, before we avail something, it’s also important to understand what the benefits are in becoming a PhilHealth Member. Aside from getting a private insurance policy, being a member of PhilHealth entitles you to the following benefits, which can help lessen your financial burden in case you or any of your enrolled dependent/s get sick:
- Inpatient Benefits: PhilHealth shall reimburse a portion of your hospital bill if you get confined for a condition which requires admission in a PhilHealth-accredited facility.
- Outpatient Benefits: PhilHealth shall cover a portion of the cost for day surgeries, where patients are sent home within the same day for post-operative care; radiotherapy; haemodialysis; outpatient blood transfusions; as well as primary and expanded care benefits.
- Z-Benefits: These cater to certain cases of cancer and other serious illnesses for both children and adults living in the Philippines.
- SDG-related Benefits: These include voluntary surgical contraception procedure, malaria packages, HIV-AIDS package, anti-tuberculosis treatment, and animal bite treatment package.
Considering the above-listed benefits, we can say that PhilHealth, though not as comprehensive as other private insurance packages, is important for every working Filipino whether based in the Philippines or not, to say the least.
Therefore, in order to claim the benefits that come along with the PhilHealth membership, you must first register voluntarily as an OFW, through any of the following ways:
- Land-based OFWs may apply at any branch of PhilHealth-accredited collecting partners: iRemit and Ventaja Corporation.
- Apply online via the PhilHealth Online Registration Facility through the following steps:
- Go to the PhilHealth Electronic Registration System.
- Click “Proceed”.
- Read the Terms and Conditions, tick the small box at the bottom, and click “Accept”.
- Enter all the required details on the PhilHealth Online Registration Form.
- (Optional) Upload your document in jpeg, pdf, gif, or png format.
- Enter the provided Captcha code, tick the small box, and then click “Submit Registration”.
- Check your inbox for an email notification message with the instructions on how to complete your PhilHealth membership application. Copy the transaction number, which serves as a reference to your registration.
- Download and print the PMRF, fill it out completely, and send it via email to ofp@philhealth.gov.ph.
Whichever method you choose, you will have to pay PHP 2,400 at any PhilHealth office, collecting agents, or the PhilHealth Operations Center at the POEA Central Office.
Should you have any concerns or requests, you may contact PhilHealth’s Overseas Filipino Program (OFP) via email (ofp@philhealth.gov.ph OR actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph), OFW mobile phone (+63 917 512 9149), or landline (02 441 7442).
Registering yourself as well as your dependents under the PhilHealth program will greatly benefit you in times of emergency or when an unexpected illness affects your family. If you wish to know more about the member benefits and updates from PhilHealth, feel free to check out their official website.
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