PhilHealth

How to Register with PhilHealth as an Informal Economy Member

Step-by-step guide to register with PhilHealth as an informal economy member. Learn requirements, premium payments, and dependent coverage for freelancers.

By Pinoy Benefits Team

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) provides accessible health insurance for Filipinos in the informal economy. If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or a foreign citizen with valid working permit, you can register as an Informal Economy Member.

Who Qualifies as Informal Economy Member?

Informal Economy Members include:

  • Freelancers and independent contractors
  • Self-employed professionals
  • Small business owners
  • Foreign citizens with valid working permits or ACR
  • Migrant workers (documented or undocumented)
  • Street vendors and informal workers

Registration Process

Step 1: Visit PhilHealth Office

Go to any of the following:

Step 2: Complete the PMRF

Fill out two copies of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF):

  • Available at PhilHealth offices
  • Download from philhealth.gov.ph
  • Include all declared dependents

Step 3: Submit Your Documents

Hand in the completed forms with:

  • One valid government ID
  • One 1x1 photo

Step 4: Receive Your Credentials

After processing, you’ll receive:

  • Member Data Record (MDR)
  • PhilHealth ID Card
  • 12-digit PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN)

Step 5: Pay Your Premium

Use your PIN to pay at any accredited collecting partner.

Eligible Dependents

As an Informal Economy Member, you can declare dependents without additional premiums:

Dependent TypeRequirements
Legal SpouseNot an active PhilHealth member
Children under 21Unmarried and unemployed
Children over 21With congenital/acquired disabilities
Foster ChildrenAs defined by RA 10165
Parents 60+Not enrolled in PhilHealth, below income threshold
Parents with disabilityRegardless of age

Note: Dependents share up to 45 days of hospital confinement coverage per year.

Premium Contribution (2025)

Income BracketMonthly Premium
₱10,000 and below₱500
Above ₱100,000₱5,000
Between ₱10,000-₱100,0005% of declared income

Payment Options:

  • Monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
  • Pay at banks, payment centers, or online

Amending Your Member Data

To update information or add dependents:

  1. Download PMRF from philhealth.gov.ph
  2. Check “FOR UPDATING” box on upper right corner
  3. Fill out updated details
  4. Submit to nearest PhilHealth office
  5. Receive updated Member Data Record

For OFWs: Email scanned PMRF with valid ID to actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph with subject: “PHIC MEM INCOME UPDATE [Name] [Province/Region]“

Continuing Your Coverage

Transitioning to Formal Employment

Provide your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) to your employer for premium remittance.

For Migrant Workers

Indicate your existing PIN during registration and payment.

For Retirees

Register under the Lifetime Member Program if you’ve completed at least 120 months of contributions.

Payment Channels

PhilHealth accepts payments through:

ChannelExamples
BanksBDO, BPI, Metrobank, LandBank
Payment CentersBayad Center, SM, 7-Eleven
OnlineGCash, Maya, online banking
PhilHealth Portalmember.philhealth.gov.ph

See the full list at philhealth.gov.ph/partners/collecting/

Benefits of PhilHealth Membership

As a member, you gain access to:

  • Inpatient and outpatient care
  • Maternity benefits
  • Dialysis and cancer treatment packages
  • Konsulta primary care benefits
  • Preventive healthcare services

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register if I’m unemployed? Yes, you can register as an Informal Economy Member regardless of employment status.

How long before I can use my benefits? Benefits are available immediately upon registration and payment.

Can my dependents avail benefits separately? Yes, once they’re listed in your MDR, they can use benefits at any PhilHealth-accredited facility.

What if I become employed? Simply provide your PIN to your employer. Your membership continues seamlessly.


For assistance, contact PhilHealth at (02) 866-225-88 or email actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph.