Philhealth Guidelines on Premium Payments for Overseas Filipinos

Overseas Filipinos living and working abroad are covered by the National Health Insurance Program under the Universal Healthcare Act (R.A. No. 11223), and are therefore required to pay premium contributions as direct contributors under Philhealth Circular No. 2020-0014.

“Overseas Filipinos” refers to land-based migrant workers; seafarers and other sea-based workers; Filipinos with dual citizenship; Filipinos living abroad; overseas Filipinos in distress; and other overseas Filipinos not previously classified elsewhere.

The premium shall be computed based on their monthly income, to be paid in Philippine peso using the reference exchange rate bulletin issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

For the current year 2020, initial premium payment shall be Php 2,400.00 with the balance to be paid in full or quarterly within the calendar year. For 2021 and thereafter, three months’ premium will be paid initially, based on the regular premium schedule, with the balance also to be settled in full or quarterly within the calendar year.

For sea-based Overseas Filipinos, the mode of payment is thru monthly salary deduction by their Manning Agencies/ Employers. For land-based Overseas Filipinos, the Implementing Rules of R.A. 11223 provides that the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency will only issue their Overseas Employment Certificate upon showing proof of payment of their Philhealth premiums. Advance payment is allowed based on the length of contract and current premium rates.

A member who fails to pay the premium after due date will be required to pay all missed contributions with monthly compounded interest.

N.B.

The Spokesman for the Office of the President has since announced that the President has directed Philhealth not to enforce mandatory contributions for Overseas Filipinos and not to require payment of Philhealth premiums for issuance of an overseas employment certificate.

Click hereto read entire text of Philhealth Circular No. 2020-0014.