The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is a government-affiliated agency tasked with providing affordable health insurance and benefits to every Filipino. Members are required to pay premiums based on their monthly income. In January 2014, PhilHealth introduced a new contribution schedule applicable to employees, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), self-employed individuals, and those in the sponsored program. This schedule remained effective until 2015.
For Employees
Employees covered by PhilHealth are entitled to the full range of benefits under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). These include:
- Hospitalization assistance.
- Coverage for major illnesses, such as cancer.
- Access to other health benefits provided by the NHIP.
Contributions for employees are calculated as a percentage of their monthly income, and these are equally shared between the employee and the employer.
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
OFWs fall under PhilHealth’s Overseas Workers Program (OWP). They are required to pay an annual premium of ₱2,400.00. Payments can be made either:
- In full: ₱2,400.00 annually.
- In installments: ₱1,200.00 every six months.
These contributions ensure that OFWs and their dependents have access to PhilHealth benefits while abroad and when they return to the Philippines.
For Self-Employed and Individually Paying Members
Self-employed individuals and voluntary contributors are categorized under self-paying members. Contributions are based on the member’s monthly income, as follows:
- Monthly income of ₱25,000 or less: ₱2,400.00 annually.
- Monthly income above ₱25,000: ₱3,600.00 annually.
Payment options for this category include:
- Quarterly: Every three months.
- Semi-annually: Every six months.
- Annually: Full-year payment.
These contributions provide full PhilHealth coverage, including benefits for hospitalization and treatment of serious illnesses.
For Sponsored Members
Sponsored members are individuals whose premiums are subsidized, either partially or fully, by sponsors such as local government units (LGUs), private entities, legislators, or other government branches. The annual contribution for sponsored members is ₱2,400.00.
Benefits for sponsored members include:
- Full PhilHealth Benefits: Coverage for hospitalization and treatments for severe illnesses like cancer.
- No Balance Billing (NBB) Policy: Sponsored members are not required to pay out-of-pocket expenses for inpatient care in government hospitals.
- Primary Care Benefit 1 (PCB1) Package: Access to basic healthcare services, including consultations and medications, provided by accredited health facilities.
Final Thoughts
PhilHealth contributions ensure that members across all categories have access to essential healthcare services, reducing the financial burden of medical expenses. Whether you are an employee, OFW, self-employed individual, or a sponsored member, PhilHealth’s comprehensive coverage supports your health needs and provides security for unexpected medical situations.
If you are unsure of your PhilHealth membership category or contribution requirements, consult your employer, a local government unit, or PhilHealth directly for assistance.
