OFWs told to renew PhilHealth coverage

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) urged overseas Filipino worker members to renew their annual coverage on or before its expiry to avoid suspension of benefits.

Members under the Overseas Workers Program of PhilHealth pay a premium of P900 for an annual coverage. Entitlement to benefits will begin on the date of payment until the date of expiry, which is one year from the date of payment.

Upon registration or renewal of coverage, OFWs are required to present any document proving status as land-based OFW. The document must show that the worker is an OFW at the time of registration or renewal. A recent date or current validity period must also be clearly indicated.

Any of the following documents may be presented: existing employment contract, recent employment certification, current work permit/visa or residence permit/visa, latest pay slip, valid company ID, valid alien residence certificate (Taiwan OFWs) or Permit of Stay (Italy OFWs). Other documents may be presented in lieu of the above.

Documents executed in a foreign language must be translated to English.

Relatives or representatives may renew an OFW’s coverage if the latter is still abroad at the time of its expiry. Payment for coverage of more than one year may also be allowed if an OFW’s employment contract indicates a specific contract period of more than one year.

OFWs who are returning to the country for good and those who are temporarily out of contract are encouraged to continue paying as voluntary or individually-paying members to continue availing of their benefits.

As individually-paying members, their premium rate is pegged at P300 per quarter. — PR/LPM   (THE FREEMAN)