Foreigners and former Filipino citizens who are retiring in the Philippines will be eligible to apply for PhilHealth benefits starting July 1, 2017.
As PhilHealth members, foreign nationals and their dependents can avail of inpatient and outpatient benefits and other medical packages available in PhilHealth-accredited healthcare institutions in the country.
However, the Z benefit packages for prolonged hospitalization and expensive treatments, reimbursement for all confinements abroad, as well as benefits for women about to give birth are excluded from the benefits that foreign retirees can avail from PhilHealth.
The new policy is provided under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between PhilHealth and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) signed in 2015. The memorandum aims to “promote the country as a retirement haven for qualified foreigners.”
To be able to enroll as member, the applicants must submit a properly filled out PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMFR) for Foreign Nationals to the PRA Head Office in Makati City, or to any satellite offices nationwide. They should also submit a Special Resident Retiree’s Visa and should be granted permanent residency status pursuant to Section 9-d of Executive Order 1037.
Foreigners currently working or residing in the country with a valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity card from the Bureau of Immigration can submit their PMFR for Foreign Nationals to a local health insurance office nearest them.
Once all documentary requirements are submitted, the PRA will facilitate the application.
According to PhilHealth, the annual premium contribution rate for foreign retirees is P15,000. For foreign citizens, annual contribution is P17,000.
credit: PMA
Photo credit: Philippine Medical Association (https://www.philippinemedicalassociation.org/news.php?newsid=49)
