PhilHealth Requirements When You're a Self-Employed First-Time Parent

If you've just had a baby (or you're expecting) and it's your first time handling PhilHealth requirements, it can feel overwhelming. But taking care of your membership means you and your child can access medical benefits when you need them most.

Whether you're enrolling as a first-time parent or updating your status because you recently started freelancing, this guide can help you sort it out.

Note that PhilHealth requirements and procedures for registering or updating membership are subject to change. Always check PhilHealth's Facebook and website for the latest updates.

What Is PhilHealth?

PhilHealth, or the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, was established through Republic Act No. 7875, creating the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). This law aimed to give every Filipino access to affordable healthcare.

Also known as the National Health Insurance Act of 1995, RA 7875 was later amended by Republic Act No. 10606 in 2013 to strengthen the program and expand coverage for more families.

Today, PhilHealth operates under Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. It ensures that all Filipinos are automatically enrolled in the NHIP and entitled to health benefits. You can check out this guide to PhilHealth benefits for new moms and babies.

How Does PhilHealth Membership Work?

If you've worked for a company before, your membership was likely registered for PhilHealth. Your employer handled the paperwork and regularly deducted PhilHealth contributions from your salary. The company also paid a share of your monthly premium. 

Filipinos with formal employment fall in PhilHealth's Direct Contributor category. This membership type also includes self-employed professionals, freelancers, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The PhilHealth contribution for a freelancer, OFW, or self-employed individual is based on your declared income.

PhilHealth Requirements for Membership

Keep your PhilHealth identification number safe. It's required for all future PhilHealth transactions, including benefit claims.

If you're dealing with PhilHealth for the first time, you'll need to register your membership yourself as a freelancer or self-employed professional. Here are the PhilHealth requirements to prepare based on PhilHealth's registration procedures.

1. PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF)

You can download PMRF online or get a copy from the nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO). Complete two copies of the form with your personal details and those of your dependents.

Under the member type of direct contributors, check the box for self-earning individual. You'll also need to enter your declared monthly income in the space provided.

Make sure you also check the "registration" box in the top right corner under the purpose section.

2. Valid government-issued ID

This can be a passport, driver's license, national ID, or any other valid form of identification that includes your full name and a photo.

3. Your birth certificate

A birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority can serve as a supporting document, especially if you are being asked for additional IDs.

Once you have your requirements ready, you can submit them at an LHIO or PhilHealth Express outlet near you. You should be given a Member Data Record (MDR) with your PhilHealth identification number (PIN) right after. Some outlets may provide PhilHealth ID if available.

Applying for PhilHealth Identification Number Online

You can also apply for a PIN online. Go to the PhilHealth Online NHIP Registration website to upload all your PhilHealth requirements. Read the instructions carefully, as the system won't process the application if any requirements are missing.

Use an active email address for your application to ensure you receive notifications about your registration status. It can take at least a week to receive your PIN via your email address once your registration has been processed.

When using PhilHealth's online registration, always check the agency's official channels to see if the online system is up and running.

PhilHealth Requirements to Change Membership Type

If you've recently transitioned from a company job to freelancing and became a parent, you'll need to update your membership type to self-employed.

• Fill out a PMRF, but this time, tick the box that says "Updating / Amendment" under purpose. 
• Fill out your PIN at the top of the form and indicate your new status as a self-earning individual.
• Your updated PMRF should now list your baby as a dependent. Prepare a copy of your child's PSA-issued birth certificate.

Right now, you can only submit these PhilHealth requirements for membership update by going to an LHIO. You should receive an updated MDR with your updated membership type right after.

PhilHealth Contribution for Self-Employed Members

PhilHealth has maternity and newborn care packages, including ones for premature infants.

PhiHealth's premium rate is set at 5.0% with a minimum income of ₱10,000 and a maximum of ₱100,000. How much is the PhilHealth contribution for self-employed? It depends on your declared monthly income on the PMRF.

If you declare ₱30,000/month, the monthly premium is ₱1,500/month. You can give ₱500 to PhilHealth if you declare an income of ₱10,000 or below.

You can make your PhilHealth voluntary payments at Philhealth LHIOs, select banks, and authorized payment centers. To make online payments, you must sign up for an account at My PhilHealth Portal, where you can view your membership details and contributions.

However, the "Payment Management" in your account will only become enabled if your membership type is set to "self-earning indvidual." This also allows you to generate a Statement of Premium Account (SPA). To set this up, you have to update your membership in person at an LHIO.

Take Advantage of Your PhilHealth Benefits

Having an active PhilHealth membership means you can get financial support when you’re hospitalized or need medical care. PhilHealth helps reduce the out-of-pocket costs for maternity or newborn care, and even treatments—expenses that can easily add up for families.

So, don't wait until you or your child gets sick to sort out your PhilHealth requirements. Keep your PhilHealth record updated to ensure you and your baby stay protected when it matters most.