How to Transfer PhilHealth Membership Category
Life changes -- you resign from your job, start a business, get hired by a new company, return from working abroad, or transition from being an indigent beneficiary to a direct contributor. When your employment or economic status changes, you need to transfer your PhilHealth membership category to match your current situation. This ensures that your contributions are correctly computed, your benefits remain active, and your Member Data Record (MDR) reflects your true status. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of transferring your PhilHealth membership category, including the requirements, step-by-step procedures, how your contributions carry over, and what to expect.
Transfer of Membership at a Glance
Cost
FREE. There is no fee for transferring your PhilHealth membership category. You only need to submit the updated PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) and supporting documents at no charge.
Processing Time
1 to 2 weeks for the transfer to be reflected in PhilHealth's system. Some Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIOs) may process the update within a few days if documents are complete.
Key Fact
Your previous contributions and benefits are NOT lost when you transfer membership categories. All accumulated contributions are retained in your PhilHealth record, and you simply continue paying under the new category rate.
Common Transfer Scenarios
PhilHealth members may need to transfer their membership category for various life events. Below are the most common scenarios that require a category transfer:
Employed to Self-Employed / Voluntary
Resigned, Retired, or Freelancing
When you resign from your job, retire, or become a freelancer or independent contractor, your employer stops remitting PhilHealth contributions on your behalf. You must transfer to the Self-Employed, Professional, or Voluntary category to continue your coverage and pay contributions directly.
Self-Employed to Employed
Got Hired by a Company
When you get hired by an employer who is a registered PhilHealth contributor, your new employer will handle your premium remittance. You need to update your membership category from Self-Employed or Voluntary to Employed so that contributions are properly shared between you and your employer.
OFW to Employed / Voluntary
Returned to the Philippines
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who return to the Philippines permanently or temporarily need to transfer their membership from the OFW category to either the Employed category (if they get a local job) or the Voluntary/Self-Employed category (if they start a business or are not yet employed).
Indigent to Direct Contributor
Got a Job or Started Earning
Members enrolled under the Indigent program (whose premiums are paid by the government through the National Health Insurance Program) who find employment or start earning must transition to a Direct Contributor category (Employed, Self-Employed, or Voluntary) and begin paying their own premiums.
Employed to OFW
Going Abroad for Work
If you are leaving the Philippines to work abroad, you need to transfer your membership to the OFW category. This ensures you remain covered while overseas and that your contributions are recorded under the correct category with the appropriate premium rate for OFWs.
Requirements for Transferring Membership Category
Prepare the following documents before visiting your nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO). Requirements may vary slightly depending on your new membership category.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) | The updated PMRF (also known as Form PMRF-01 or the PhilHealth Registration Form). Fill out a new PMRF indicating your new membership category. This form can be downloaded from the PhilHealth website or obtained at any LHIO. Ensure all fields are completed accurately. |
| Valid Government-Issued ID | At least one valid government-issued ID with photo and signature. Accepted IDs include: Philippine passport, driver's license, PhilSys/National ID, UMID, SSS ID, PRC ID, postal ID, or voter's ID. Bring the original and one photocopy. |
| Certificate of Employment or Separation | If transferring from Employed to another category (e.g., Self-Employed or Voluntary), bring a Certificate of Employment/Separation from your previous employer showing your last day of work. If transferring to Employed, bring your Certificate of Employment from your new employer. |
| Business Permit or DTI Registration | If transferring to the Self-Employed category, bring your DTI Business Name Registration, Mayor's Permit, or Business Permit. If you are a freelancer or professional, a Tax Identification Number (TIN) certificate or proof of income may be accepted. |
| OFW Contract or OEC | If transferring to or from the OFW category, bring your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) issued by POEA/DMW, or your employment contract verified by POLO. Returning OFWs should bring proof of return (e.g., passport stamps or travel records). |
| PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) | Your existing PhilHealth Identification Number. This is the 12-digit number assigned to you during your initial registration. You can find this on your PhilHealth ID card, MDR printout, or any previous PhilHealth document. Your PIN does not change when you transfer categories. |
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Your PhilHealth Membership Category
Follow these steps to successfully transfer your PhilHealth membership to a new category. The process is straightforward and free of charge.
Determine Your New Membership Category
Before visiting a PhilHealth office, identify which membership category you need to transfer to based on your current situation. PhilHealth has several member categories under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act:
- Direct Contributors - Employed: For those working for an employer who remits PhilHealth premiums (premium is shared 50/50 between employer and employee)
- Direct Contributors - Self-Employed / Professional: For business owners, freelancers, and licensed professionals who pay their own premiums
- Direct Contributors - Voluntary: For individuals who are not employed or self-employed but wish to maintain PhilHealth coverage (e.g., between jobs, housewives/househusbands with earning capacity)
- Direct Contributors - OFW: For Overseas Filipino Workers who pay premiums based on the OFW premium rate
- Indirect Contributors: For indigent members, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors whose premiums are subsidized by the government
Tip: If you are unsure which category applies to you, visit or call your nearest PhilHealth LHIO. They can advise you on the appropriate category and the corresponding premium rate based on your income.
Fill Out a New PMRF with Your Updated Category
Obtain a blank PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) from your nearest LHIO or download it from the PhilHealth website (www.philhealth.gov.ph). Fill out the form completely with your personal information, and make sure to indicate your new membership category in the appropriate section. Key fields to complete include:
- Your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) -- this remains the same
- Full name, date of birth, and address
- New membership type/category (check the correct box)
- Employer information (if transferring to Employed category)
- Business information (if transferring to Self-Employed)
- Dependents information (if updating dependents)
Important: Write legibly using black ink. Any errors on the form may cause delays. Double- check that your PIN is written correctly.
Gather Your Supporting Documents
Prepare the supporting documents that correspond to your transfer scenario. The specific documents depend on which category you are transferring from and to:
- If leaving employment: Certificate of Separation or Resignation acceptance letter from your former employer
- If starting new employment: Certificate of Employment from your new employer (with PhilHealth Employer Number/PEN)
- If becoming self-employed: DTI Business Registration, Mayor's Permit, or proof of professional practice
- If returning from abroad: Passport with entry stamps, OEC, or POLO-verified contract
- For all transfers: Valid government-issued ID (original + photocopy)
Tip: Bring photocopies of all your documents. PhilHealth will keep the copies and return your originals. Having extra copies can speed up the process.
Submit at the Nearest PhilHealth LHIO
Visit the nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) or PhilHealth Express outlet. Submit your accomplished PMRF together with all supporting documents. The PhilHealth officer will:
- Verify your identity and check your existing PhilHealth records
- Review your PMRF and supporting documents for completeness
- Process the category transfer in the PhilHealth Information System
- Provide you with a transaction slip or acknowledgment receipt
Note: There is no fee for transferring your membership category. The service is completely free. PhilHealth LHIOs are typically open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no noon break.
Wait for Processing
After submission, PhilHealth will process your category transfer. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for the update to be fully reflected in the PhilHealth system. During this period:
- Your existing coverage remains active -- there is no gap in benefits during the transfer
- You can verify your updated status by checking your Member Data Record (MDR) online through the PhilHealth Member Portal or by visiting any LHIO
- If transferring to the Employed category, your new employer should begin remitting contributions on your behalf immediately
Tip: Keep your acknowledgment receipt or transaction slip as proof of your transfer request. If the update is not reflected after 2 weeks, follow up at the LHIO where you submitted your documents.
Start Paying Contributions Under Your New Category
Once your transfer is processed, begin paying your PhilHealth premium contributions under the new category rate. The payment method depends on your new category:
- Employed: Contributions are automatically deducted from your salary by your employer (shared 50/50 between employer and employee). The premium rate is 5% of your basic monthly salary, with a floor of P10,000 and a ceiling of P100,000.
- Self-Employed / Voluntary: Pay directly at any PhilHealth-accredited collecting agent (banks like Land Bank, RCBC, BDO; payment centers like Bayad, SM Business Center, 7-Eleven; or online through GCash, Maya, and the PhilHealth Member Portal). Monthly or quarterly payments are accepted.
- OFW: Pay at the PhilHealth LHIO before departure, through Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs), or via authorized collecting agents. OFW premium rate is P5,100 per year (as of 2024).
How Your Contributions Work After Transfer
One of the most common concerns when transferring PhilHealth membership categories is whether previous contributions will be lost. The answer is no -- your contributions are fully retained.
PhilHealth maintains a single lifetime record for each member, identified by your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN). When you transfer categories, PhilHealth simply updates the category field in your record. All your previously paid contributions remain credited to your account.
After the transfer, you start paying contributions at the rate applicable to your new category. For benefit eligibility, PhilHealth checks whether you have at least three (3) monthly contributions within the last six (6) months prior to your confinement. This qualification period applies regardless of your category, so as long as you continue paying under your new category, there should be no gap in eligibility.
Important: If you have a gap in contributions during the transition (e.g., you resigned but did not immediately register as Voluntary or Self-Employed), you may need to pay the missed months to maintain continuous eligibility. PhilHealth allows payment of contributions for prior periods to avoid coverage gaps.
Real-World Example: Pedro Transfers from Employed to Self-Employed
Pedro had been working as an IT specialist at a BPO company in Makati for 5 years. His PhilHealth contributions were automatically deducted from his salary every month. In March 2025, Pedro decided to resign and become a freelance web developer. Here is how he transferred his PhilHealth membership:
Pedro Resigned and Got His Separation Documents
Pedro submitted his resignation and served his 30-day notice period. On his last day, he received his Certificate of Employment/Separation from HR. He also confirmed with his company's HR department that his last PhilHealth contribution was remitted for March 2025. Pedro noted his PhilHealth PIN (which he found on his payslip) and kept it for reference.
Filled Out a New PMRF and Gathered Documents
Pedro downloaded the PMRF from the PhilHealth website and filled it out, indicating his new category as "Self-Employed / Professional." He entered his existing PIN and updated his contact information. He prepared his supporting documents: his Certificate of Separation from his former employer, his DTI Business Name Registration (he registered his freelance business "Pedro Web Solutions"), and a photocopy of his Philippine passport as his valid ID.
Visited PhilHealth LHIO and Submitted Documents
Pedro went to the PhilHealth LHIO in Makati City on a Tuesday morning. He submitted his accomplished PMRF along with his Certificate of Separation, DTI registration, and ID photocopy. The PhilHealth officer verified his records, confirmed his PIN, and processed the transfer. The entire visit took about 30 minutes. He was given a transaction slip as acknowledgment.
Transfer Reflected and First Self-Payment Made
About 10 days after his visit, Pedro checked his status on the PhilHealth Member Portal (member.philhealth.gov.ph) and confirmed that his category had been updated to "Self-Employed." He then made his first monthly contribution payment for April 2025 through GCash, paying P500 per month (based on his declared monthly income as a freelancer of P10,000). His 5 years of previous contributions from his employment were fully retained in his account.
Summary of Pedro's Transfer
Pedro's previous 5 years of employer-remitted contributions remain in his PhilHealth record. He simply continues paying under the Self-Employed rate. No benefits were lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my previous contributions if I transfer categories?
No. All your previously paid contributions are permanently recorded under your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN). Transferring your membership category only updates your member classification -- it does not delete, reduce, or reset your contribution history. Whether you paid as an Employed member, OFW, Self-Employed, or Voluntary, all those contributions count toward your benefit eligibility. You simply start paying under the new category rate going forward.
Do I need a new PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) when I transfer?
No. Your PhilHealth PIN is a lifetime number that stays with you regardless of how many times you change membership categories. You will use the same PIN whether you are Employed, Self-Employed, OFW, or Voluntary. Never apply for a new PIN -- having multiple PINs can cause complications in your records and benefit claims. If you are unsure of your PIN, you can retrieve it at any PhilHealth LHIO by presenting a valid ID.
How long does the transfer process take?
The actual visit to the PhilHealth LHIO typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the queue. After submission, it takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks for the category update to be fully reflected in PhilHealth's system. Some LHIOs with digital systems may process the update within a few working days. You can verify your updated status through the PhilHealth Member Portal at member.philhealth.gov.ph.
Can I transfer my PhilHealth membership category online?
As of now, the full category transfer process requires a personal visit to a PhilHealth LHIO because original documents need to be verified and the PMRF must be submitted physically. However, PhilHealth has been modernizing its services under the UHC Act. You can download the PMRF form online, check your contribution status, and verify your MDR through the PhilHealth Member Portal. For updates on online transfer services, check the PhilHealth website or call the PhilHealth Action Center at (02) 8441-7442.
What if I am between jobs -- do I still need to transfer?
Yes, it is highly recommended. If you resign from your job and do not have a new employer yet, you should transfer to the Voluntary category and continue paying contributions on your own. This prevents a gap in your contribution record and ensures you remain eligible for PhilHealth benefits in case of hospitalization. If you do not transfer and stop paying, your benefit eligibility may lapse after your last employer-remitted contribution falls outside the qualifying period (3 months of contributions within the last 6 months before confinement).
Do I need to transfer if I just change employers (but remain employed)?
If you are simply moving from one employer to another and your category remains "Employed," you do not need to file a category transfer. However, you should inform your new employer of your PhilHealth PIN so they can register you under their company's PhilHealth Employer Number (PEN) and begin remitting contributions on your behalf. Your new employer's HR department will handle the reporting of your membership to PhilHealth. It is a good practice to verify that your new employer has correctly reported your membership by checking your MDR after a month or two.
What happens to my dependents when I transfer categories?
Your registered dependents remain covered under your PhilHealth membership regardless of your category transfer. The transfer only changes your member classification and premium payment arrangement -- it does not affect your dependents' coverage. However, it is a good idea to verify that your dependents' information is still correctly reflected in your MDR after the transfer. If you need to add or update dependents, you can do so at the same time by submitting the dependent enrollment section of the PMRF.
Can my employer process the transfer for me?
If you are transferring to the Employed category, your new employer can submit your PMRF to PhilHealth as part of their employer reporting process. Many companies handle this through their HR department when onboarding new employees. However, if you are transferring from the Employed category to another (e.g., after resigning), you will need to process the transfer yourself at a PhilHealth LHIO. Your former employer is only responsible for remitting your final contributions up to your last month of employment.
Important Reminders
- Transfer as soon as your status changes: Do not wait months after resigning, returning from abroad, or starting a business. The sooner you transfer, the fewer months of missed contributions you will need to catch up on, and the less risk of losing benefit eligibility.
- Never apply for a new PhilHealth number: Your PhilHealth PIN is for life. If you register again with a new number, you will create duplicate records that can cause problems when filing benefit claims. If you forgot your PIN, visit any PhilHealth LHIO to retrieve it.
- Keep paying contributions to maintain eligibility: PhilHealth requires at least 3 monthly contributions within the last 6 months before hospitalization for benefit eligibility (for Direct Contributors). Continuous payment ensures you are always covered.
- Verify your MDR after the transfer: Check your updated Member Data Record (MDR) through the PhilHealth Member Portal (member.philhealth.gov.ph) or at any LHIO to confirm that your new category is correctly reflected.
- Employers are required to enroll employees: Under the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223), all employers are mandated to register their employees with PhilHealth and remit contributions. If your new employer is not doing this, remind them of their legal obligation.
- OFWs should transfer before returning permanently: If you are an OFW planning to return to the Philippines, process your transfer at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or at a PhilHealth LHIO upon arrival. This ensures a smooth transition of your membership.
- Indigent members transitioning to Direct Contributors: If your financial situation has improved and you are no longer classified as indigent, proactively transfer to a Direct Contributor category. Continued enrollment as indigent when you are already earning can lead to issues with benefit claims.
- Contribution rates may change: PhilHealth periodically adjusts premium rates as mandated by the UHC Act. After transferring, check the latest premium schedule on the PhilHealth website to ensure you are paying the correct amount for your new category.
Need Help?
Contact PhilHealth
- PhilHealth Action Center: (02) 8441-7442
- Hotline: 0917-898-7442 (Smart) / 0998-857-7442 (Globe)
- Email: actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph
- Website: www.philhealth.gov.ph
- Member Portal: member.philhealth.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (no noon break)
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the PhilHealth you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest PhilHealth first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.