PhilHealth clarifies docs for OFW coverage

INDIVIDUALS applying for health insurance coverage under PhilHealth’s Overseas Workers Program (OWP) must show proof of active status as OFW upon registration or renewal of coverage.

OWP covers active land-based OFWs. Sea-based contract workers are covered under the Employed Sector Program.

Following concerns regarding supporting documents admissible for OWP registration or renewal, PhilHealth issued Circular 19-2011 to further shed light on relevant policies.

According to the circular, PhilHealth will accept any of the following: valid overseas employment certificate, valid e-receipt, valid work visa or permit, valid employment contract, valid company ID issued by the employer abroad, certificate of employment from current employer abroad, cash remittance receipt from the member abroad at least two months prior to the date of registration or renewal, other valid certificates or IDs issued to OFWs by a host country or any other equivalent proof approved by an authorized PhilHealth officer.

PhilHealth accepts photocopies or scanned copies of the said documents.

OFWs who cannot present the supporting documents may instead register under the Individually Paying Program and pay the corresponding premium for individually paying members. Family members include spouse, children of legal age, parents, siblings and other relatives.

Authorized representatives who are not family members must bring an authorization letter from the OFW allowing him to transact on his behalf.

Family members and authorized representatives may also sign the claim form 1 on behalf of the OFW for purposes of benefit availment.