As more colleges and universities gradually resume face-to-face classes, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said that registration among students in higher education is now beginning to scale up and that they are closely collaborating with various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to facilitate the immediate issuance of PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) to their respective students. This effort is in line with the Commission on Higher Education and Department of Health Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001, which sets the guidelines on the gradual reopening of HEIs for limited face-to-face classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The said joint circular requires college students attending the limited face-to-face classes to have the necessary health insurance to cover their medical expenses in case they contract COVID-19.
There are two options by which students can be registered under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). For students below 21 years old, they can register as dependents of their biological/foster parents, if not yet registered. This is done by submitting a duly accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) together with clear copy of their birth certificate to the nearest PhilHealth office.
Meanwhile, students 21 years old and above shall apply either as Direct or Indirect Contributors under the Program. Students with the capacity to pay the contributions shall be registered as Direct Contributors while those belonging to families with no capacity to pay shall register as Indirect Contributors. Students under this category need to secure a Certificate of Indigency from the Local Social Welfare Office where they reside, which is then submitted to PhilHealth together with their filled-out PMRF. Their contributions for the applicable year shall be fully subsidized by the Government through the General Appropriations Act.
On the other hand, students who are foreign nationals need to submit acceptable proofs as authorized resident aliens in addition to the PMRF and payment of the prescribed contributions based on PhilHealth Circular No. 2017-0003.
PhilHealth reminds the public that registration is free, noting that parents and students should be cautious of online fixers and scammers who offer registration assistance for a fee, which it says is unauthorized. The agency also urged colleges and universities to coordinate with its 22 regional offices and branches for possible in-campus registration arrangements.
The State Health Insurer assures Filipino students of immediate eligibility pursuant to the Universal Health Care Law, not only for COVID-19 benefits but for more than 8,000 medical and surgical cases at any accredited healthcare facilities nationwide.
