Important adulting news: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has implemented an increase in PhilHealth contribution rates this 2024. It’s now 5% compared to last year’s 4%. This is based on the updated contribution schedule released by the organization, detailing a steady increase over the past five years.

If you’re employed, you’ve probably noticed this increase on your payslip, since PhilHealth contributions are automatically deducted by your company—with the amount equally divided between you and your employer. If you’re a voluntary contributor (like a freelancer), however, be sure to take note of your new monthly payable, which will be based on your income for each month.

PhilHealth is the country’s national health insurance program,  officially created in 1995. It aims to secure affordable and accessible health care for all citizens. Through contributions from employees, employers, and the government, PhilHealth works to ensure your financial protection against medical expenses.

The contribution increase aligns with the Universal Health Care (UHC) law, aimed at sustaining the program amid rising healthcare costs and demand. PhilHealth expects around ₱17 billion worth of additional funds from the 5% hike. This will be used for the organization’s plans for 2024, including substantial increases in benefit packages.

This will also help improve benefits for PhilHealth’s indirect contributors, a.k.a. individuals who aren’t employed or don’t earn any income, such as indigent families and senior citizens.

PhilHealth’s main purpose is to provide financial assistance for your medical needs. This includes in-patient and outpatient services, Z benefits (for severe conditions, like cancer and kidney disease), SDG-related benefits (for members with malaria, HIV-AIDS, etc.), and maternity benefits. Just this 2023, the Department of Health announced the addition of a mental health package to PhilHealth’s roster of services, empowering you to prioritize your overall well-being.

To avail of these benefits, you need to visit an accredited healthcare provider and present your PhilHealth ID or membership number. The clinic or hospital will directly process your claim with PhilHealth. For example, if you’re hospitalized, PhilHealth will foot a portion of the bill (separate from the coverage of your private health insurance, if any) before you’re discharged.

To find out exactly how much you need to pay for your PhilHealth contribution this 2024, refer to the table. It covers direct contributors: formally employed individuals, kasambahays, self-employed professionals, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Filipinos living abroad and those with dual citizenship, lifetime members, and all Filipinos 21 years old and above with the capacity to pay. 

Here’s a sample computation:

Monthly salary: ₱50,000 gross

Contribution rate: 5%

So, if you're earning ₱50,000 a month, your PhilHealth contribution would be ₱2,500. This will be divided between you and your employer: ₱1,250 from your company, ₱1,250 from your salary.

If you’re a freelancer or self-employed individual, you have to shoulder the whole amount yourself. 

Also worth noting: The payable for low-income earners, or those earning below ₱10,000, is fixed at ₱500. Meanwhile, PhilHealth has set an income ceiling of ₱100,000 for 2024, which means that those earning above ₱100,000 will only need to pay ₱5,000 monthly.

The good news? Online payment options like GCash are now available for voluntary members through the PhilHealth member portal.

Whether you’re already a PhilHealth member or just about to become one, it helps to be in the know, especially when it comes to crucial info such as PhilHealth contribution rates and other government benefits you’re entitled to.

To stay on top of updates concerning everything adult-related—your local healthcare and insurance coverage, included—make sure you have a reliable internet connection at home by applying for a fiber plan or installing prepaid fiber WiFi. You can also avail of Prepaid promos and Postpaid plans, so you can log into your PhilHealth online account even while on the go.