PhilHealth

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, commonly known as PhilHealth, is a government-owned and controlled corporation that administers the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) in the Philippines. It operates under the Department of Health and serves as the country’s major public payer for health care, providing financial protection against medical costs and supporting universal health coverage.

PhilHealth was created by Republic Act 7875 in 1995. It is funded by member contributions, employer shares, and government subsidies, with provisions for indigent and sponsored members. Membership is open to employed and self-employed individuals, overseas Filipino workers, and their dependents, with government support to extend coverage to those in need. The program aims to be universal and progressive, helping to subsidize health care for those who cannot afford it.

The NHIP offers a range of inpatient and outpatient benefits, including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services. Benefits are delivered through accredited health care facilities, and payments are made by PhilHealth either as reimbursements or direct payments up to established benefit rates. Members file claims using their PhilHealth number or ID to access services.

Under the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, PhilHealth serves as the primary payer for health service delivery, with the goal of expanding coverage and simplifying benefits to achieve universal health coverage. The corporation is governed by a Board and overseen by the Department of Health, with a mandate to promote financial risk protection and improve access to quality health care.