How to Change Your YAKAP Clinic Provider (2026 Guide)
Learn how to transfer or change your PhilHealth YAKAP clinic provider. Step-by-step guide with transfer rules, deadlines, and requirements for 2026.
Need to switch your YAKAP clinic to one closer to your home or work? Whether you’ve moved to a new location or simply prefer a different healthcare provider, PhilHealth allows you to transfer your YAKAP registration—but there are specific rules and deadlines you need to follow.
This guide explains exactly how to change your YAKAP clinic provider, including transfer rules based on your status, step-by-step instructions, and important deadlines.
Transfer Rules Based on Your Status
Your ability to transfer depends on whether you’ve completed your First Patient Encounter (FPE):
| Status | When You Can Transfer | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Have NOT completed FPE | Anytime during the year | Immediately upon approval |
| Have already completed FPE | Only during Q4 (October–December) | January 1 of the following year |
What is FPE? The First Patient Encounter is your initial check-up at your YAKAP Clinic where the doctor takes your health history and creates a personal health plan.
How to Change Your YAKAP Clinic
Option 1: Visit a PhilHealth LHIO (In-Person)
- Go to any PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office
- Complete a Primary Care Selection Form (PCSF)
- Undergo verification through the PhilHealth Check Utility (PCU)
- If PCU verification isn’t possible, bring:
- One valid government-issued ID, AND
- A duly accomplished PhilHealth Konsulta Registration Form (PKRF)
- Wait for email confirmation of your new clinic assignment
Option 2: Call the PhilHealth Action Center
- Hotline: (02) 8662-2588
- Available for transfer requests
- Have your PhilHealth ID Number (PIN) ready
Authorizing a Representative
If someone will file on your behalf, they must bring:
- Authorization letter from you (the beneficiary)
- Your valid government-issued ID or acceptable alternative documents
- Accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) or PhilHealth Claim Form (PCF)
Important Deadlines
| Deadline | Details |
|---|---|
| For transfers effective January 1, 2026 | File by December 26, 2025 at PhilHealth offices |
| Via Action Center hotline | File by December 31, 2025 |
| Annual transfer window | October to December each year (for those with completed FPE) |
After Your Transfer is Approved
Once your transfer is processed:
- You’ll receive an email confirmation of your new clinic assignment
- Visit your new YAKAP Clinic to complete registration
- If you haven’t had your FPE yet, schedule it with your new provider
- Your YAKAP benefits (medicines, lab tests, screenings) will be available at your new clinic
YAKAP Benefits Reminder
When you transfer, you keep all your YAKAP benefits:
Free Medicines (PhilHealth GAMOT)
- Up to P20,000 worth of free medicines per member annually
- Covers 75 essential medicines for hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and more
- Available at PhilHealth-accredited GAMOT pharmacies
Free Laboratory Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) with platelet count
- Lipid profile
- Fasting blood sugar
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin)
- Creatinine
- Chest X-ray
- Sputum microscopy
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Urinalysis
- Pap smear
- Fecalysis
- Fecal occult blood test
Free Cancer Screenings
- Mammogram
- Breast ultrasound
- Low-dose chest CT scan (lung cancer)
- Alpha-fetoprotein test (liver cancer)
- Liver ultrasound
- Colonoscopy (colorectal cancer)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer to any YAKAP clinic I want?
Yes, you can choose any PhilHealth-accredited YAKAP clinic nationwide. Check the YAKAP Clinic Directory for accredited facilities.
Will I lose my medicine credits if I transfer?
No. Your P20,000 annual medicine credit follows you to your new clinic. Any remaining balance will still be available.
How long does the transfer process take?
If you file in person at a PhilHealth LHIO, transfers are typically processed within a few days. You’ll receive email confirmation once approved.
Can my dependents transfer to a different clinic than mine?
Yes. Each qualified dependent can register at their own preferred YAKAP Clinic independently.
What if I miss the Q4 transfer window?
If you’ve already completed your FPE, you’ll need to wait until the next Q4 (October-December) to request a transfer. The change will take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Contact Information
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| PhilHealth Action Center | (02) 8662-2588 |
| Smart Mobile | 0998-857-2957 / 0968-865-4670 |
| Globe Mobile | 0917-127-5987 / 0917-110-9812 |
| Website | philhealth.gov.ph/yakap |
| YAKAP Clinic Directory | Download PDF |
Last Updated: December 2025
Sources: PhilHealth Official Website, PhilHealth Circulars