PhilHealth Direct Contributors Guide 2026: Voluntary & Self-Employed Members
Complete guide for PhilHealth direct contributors. Learn how self-employed, freelancers, and voluntary members can register, pay, and maintain active status.
If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or not formally employed, you can still get PhilHealth coverage as a direct contributor. This voluntary membership gives you and your family access to the same healthcare benefits as employed members.
This guide explains how direct contributors can register, pay contributions, and maintain active PhilHealth status in 2026.
Who Are Direct Contributors?
Direct contributors are PhilHealth members who pay their own contributions directly to PhilHealth, rather than through an employer. This category includes self-employed individuals such as business owners, sole proprietors, and professionals. It also includes freelancers and independent contractors, voluntary members who are not working or have no employer, overseas Filipinos including migrants and dual citizens, and informal sector workers.
Unlike employed members whose contributions are deducted from salary and remitted by employers, direct contributors are responsible for their own registration and payment.
Types of Direct Contributors
Self-Employed Members
These are individuals earning income from their own business or profession including business owners and entrepreneurs, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants, and those with licensed practice.
Voluntary Members
These are individuals who choose to enroll even without employment income including non-working spouses, former employees continuing coverage, and students or unemployed individuals.
Overseas Filipinos
This category includes OFWs (land-based and sea-based), immigrants and permanent residents abroad, and dual citizens living overseas.
Informal Sector Members
Workers in the informal economy include vendors and market sellers, tricycle and jeepney drivers, farmers and fishermen, and household service workers.
Contribution Rates for Direct Contributors 2026
Direct contributors pay the same 5% premium rate, based on declared monthly income.
The Income Floor is P10,000. If your income is below P10,000, you still pay based on P10,000. The Income Ceiling is P100,000. If your income exceeds P100,000, you pay based on only P100,000.
Monthly Premium Computation: Monthly Contribution = Declared Monthly Income × 5%
| Declared Monthly Income | Monthly Contribution |
|---|---|
| P10,000 and below | P500 |
| P15,000 | P750 |
| P20,000 | P1,000 |
| P25,000 | P1,250 |
| P30,000 | P1,500 |
| P50,000 | P2,500 |
| P100,000 and above | P5,000 |
Key difference: Unlike employed members who split contributions 50-50 with employers, direct contributors pay the full 100% of the premium themselves.
How to Register as a Direct Contributor
Online Registration
The easiest way to register is through the PhilHealth Member Portal.
Visit the PhilHealth Member Portal at www.philhealth.gov.ph. Click “Online Registration” or “Member Portal.” Select your membership category as self-employed or voluntary. Fill out the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) with personal information, contact details, and membership type. Upload required documents (valid ID, photo). Submit the application online. Wait for your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) via email or SMS.
At PhilHealth Offices
You can also register in person at any PhilHealth office.
Visit your nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO). Bring one valid government ID and fill out the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF). Submit the form and ID photocopy. Pay your initial contribution at the PhilHealth cashier. Receive your PhilHealth ID number.
Required Documents for Registration
You’ll need a completed PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF), one valid government ID such as passport, driver’s license, PhilID, voter’s ID, or PRC ID, a recent 1x1 ID photo, and proof of income for self-employed members (optional but recommended).
Payment Methods
Direct contributors have multiple convenient ways to pay their PhilHealth premiums.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Payments can be made at accredited banks including Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and commercial banks like BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and PNB.
Payment Centers
Over-the-counter payments are accepted at Bayad Center, SM Bills Payment, Robinsons Business Center, ECPay partners, and 7-Eleven stores.
E-Wallets and Online
For digital payments, you can use GCash, Maya (PayMaya), or online banking (through bank apps and websites).
PhilHealth Direct Payment
You can also pay directly at any PhilHealth LHIO, at PhilHealth Express kiosks, and through authorized collecting partners.
For OFWs
Overseas members can pay through PhilHealth-accredited collecting agents abroad, overseas remittance centers, and online payment facilities.
Payment Schedules and Deadlines
Unlike employed members with monthly remittances, direct contributors have flexible payment options.
Monthly Payment means paying every month. Quarterly Payment means paying every 3 months. Semi-Annual Payment means paying every 6 months. Annual Payment means paying once a year in advance.
There’s no strict deadline for voluntary contributions, but to maintain active status, ensure regular payments. For eligibility during hospitalization, you need at least 3 contributions within the last 6 months, or 9 contributions within the last 12 months.
How to Pay PhilHealth (Step-by-Step)
Generating Payment Reference
Log in to PhilHealth Member Portal or visit a PhilHealth office. Get your payment reference number or transaction slip. Note the exact amount due.
GCash Payment
Open GCash app and go to “Pay Bills.” Select “Government” then “PhilHealth.” Enter your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN). Enter the amount and period covered. Confirm and complete the payment. Save the receipt.
Bayad Center Payment
Visit any Bayad Center outlet. Tell the cashier you’re paying PhilHealth contribution. Provide your PhilHealth PIN and the amount. Pay in cash. Get and keep the official receipt.
Maintaining Active Status
To ensure your PhilHealth benefits are available when needed, pay contributions regularly without long gaps. Update your records if you have a change of address, civil status, or dependents. Keep all receipts of payment as proof. Check your contribution status periodically through the member portal.
Benefits Covered
As a direct contributor, you’re entitled to the same benefits as employed members.
Inpatient Benefits provide hospital confinement coverage including room and board, medicines, labs, and professional fees.
Outpatient Benefits cover day surgeries, dialysis, chemotherapy, and other ambulatory procedures.
Z-Benefits provide coverage for catastrophic illnesses such as cancer, kidney transplant, and coronary bypass.
Konsulta Package offers free primary care consultations, basic labs, and medicines.
Maternity Benefits provide coverage for normal delivery and cesarean section.
Special Provisions for Informal Sector
PhilHealth has special programs for informal sector workers.
KaSAPI (Kalusugan Sigurado at Abot-Kaya sa PhilHealth Insurance) is a program for informal sector workers with simplified registration and affordable premiums.
Point of Care Registration allows unregistered Filipinos to enroll at hospitals during medical emergencies and be immediately eligible for benefits.
Sponsored Program allows local government units (LGUs) to pay premiums for indigent and low-income residents.
Tips for Direct Contributors
Set reminders to pay regularly to maintain active status. Keep all receipts as proof of payment. Declare dependents by registering spouse, children, and parents for their coverage. Update information by notifying PhilHealth of any changes in status. Check eligibility before hospital confinement by verifying your active status.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the minimum contribution for self-employed members?
The minimum monthly contribution is P500, based on the income floor of P10,000. Even if your declared income is lower, the minimum remains P500 per month.
2. Can I pay PhilHealth contributions in advance?
Yes, you can pay several months or even a full year in advance. This is convenient for those with irregular income or OFWs who want to ensure continuous coverage.
3. How do I know if my PhilHealth is active?
You can check your status through the PhilHealth Member Portal, by calling the PhilHealth hotline at (02) 441-7442, or by visiting any PhilHealth office. You’re active if you have at least 3 contributions in the last 6 months or 9 contributions in the last 12 months.
4. Do I need to file income tax returns to register as self-employed?
No, ITR is not required for registration. However, you’ll need to declare your estimated monthly income for contribution computation purposes.
5. Can my family use my PhilHealth benefits as a direct contributor?
Yes, your qualified dependents are covered under your PhilHealth membership. These include your legal spouse, children under 21 (unmarried and unemployed), and parents aged 60 and above. Make sure to declare them in your PhilHealth records.
Sources
- PhilHealth Direct Contributors Information
- PhilHealth Member Registration
- PhilHealth Advisory No. 2025-0002
Last Updated: December 2025