How to Update PhilHealth Member Data Record (MDR)
Your PhilHealth Member Data Record (MDR) contains all your personal information on file with PhilHealth -- your name, address, civil status, employer details, and membership category. Keeping your MDR up to date is essential to ensure smooth claims processing, avoid delays in benefit availment, and maintain the accuracy of your PhilHealth records. Common reasons for updating your MDR include a change of name after marriage, change of address, change of civil status, change of employer, correction of errors in your records, or updating your membership category. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of updating your PhilHealth MDR, including the requirements, step-by-step procedure, online options, and what to expect.
MDR Update at a Glance
Cost
FREE. There is no fee charged by PhilHealth for updating your Member Data Record. You may only incur costs for obtaining supporting documents (e.g., PSA certificates).
Processing Time
1 to 3 weeks for the update to be fully reflected in PhilHealth's system. Simple updates (address, employer) may be processed faster. Name changes or corrections may take longer due to document verification.
Key Fact
An updated MDR ensures smooth claims processing. If your records do not match your current information (e.g., your married name differs from your MDR), your PhilHealth claims may be delayed or denied.
When to Update Your MDR
You should update your PhilHealth Member Data Record whenever there is a change in your personal information. Below are the most common situations that require an MDR update:
Change of Name (Marriage)
After getting married, you need to update your surname in your PhilHealth records to match your PSA marriage certificate. This ensures your name matches when filing claims or when your employer remits contributions.
Change of Address
If you have moved to a new residence or relocated to a different city or province, update your address so that PhilHealth correspondence and records reflect your current location.
Change of Civil Status
When your civil status changes (single to married, or married to widowed), your MDR should be updated to reflect this. Civil status affects dependent registration and benefit eligibility.
Change of Employer
When you transfer to a new company or change your employment status (e.g., from employed to self-employed or OFW), you need to update your employer information and membership category.
Correction of Errors
If your PhilHealth records contain errors in spelling of your name, wrong birthdate, incorrect PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN), or any other inaccurate data, you should request a correction.
Adding/Updating Dependents
When you have a new dependent (newborn child, newly married spouse, or parents who qualify), you need to update your MDR to register them for PhilHealth coverage.
Change of Membership Category
If your membership type changes -- for example, from Employed to Voluntary, from Voluntary to OFW, or from Informal Economy to Employed -- your MDR needs to be updated to reflect the correct category.
Requirements by Type of Update
The documents you need to submit depend on the type of update you are requesting. Below is a detailed breakdown of requirements for each type of MDR update:
| Type of Update | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Change of Name (Marriage) | Updated PMRF (PhilHealth Member Registration Form), PSA Marriage Certificate (original and photocopy), valid government-issued ID with photo (original and photocopy). If updating through employer, submit documents to your company's HR department. |
| Change of Civil Status | Updated PMRF, PSA Marriage Certificate (for married), PSA Death Certificate of spouse (for widowed), Court Order/Decree of Annulment (if applicable), valid government ID. |
| Change of Address | Updated PMRF, valid government-issued ID showing the new address, or any proof of new address (utility bill, barangay certificate, lease contract). |
| Change of Employer | Updated PMRF, Certificate of Employment from new employer, valid government ID. Your new employer typically handles this during onboarding by submitting the updated PMRF to PhilHealth. |
| Correction of Errors | Updated PMRF, PSA Birth Certificate (for name/birthdate corrections), PSA Marriage Certificate (if applicable), valid government ID, any supporting documents that show the correct information. |
| Change of Membership Category | Updated PMRF indicating the new membership category, Certificate of Employment (if moving to Employed), OFW documents/OEC (if moving to OFW category), DTI Business Registration (if self-employed), valid government ID. |
| Adding/Updating Dependents | Updated PMRF, PSA Birth Certificate of dependent child, PSA Marriage Certificate (for spouse), PSA Birth Certificate of member (for parents as dependents), valid government IDs of member and dependent. |
Note: The PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF) is the standard form used for both new registration and updating your MDR. You can obtain a blank PMRF at any PhilHealth office or download it from the PhilHealth website. Make sure to check the appropriate box indicating that you are updating your record (not registering for the first time).
Step-by-Step: How to Update Your PhilHealth MDR
Follow these steps to update your PhilHealth Member Data Record. The process is straightforward and free of charge.
Determine What Information Needs Updating
Before visiting a PhilHealth office, identify exactly which information in your MDR needs to be changed or corrected. Check your PhilHealth ID, previous PMRF, or any PhilHealth correspondence to see what is currently on file. You can also verify your current records by logging in to the PhilHealth Member Portal at memberinquiry.philhealth.gov.ph or by calling the PhilHealth Action Center at (02) 8441-7442.
Tip: Knowing exactly which fields need updating will help you gather the right supporting documents from the start and avoid multiple trips to the PhilHealth office.
Get and Fill Out the PMRF (PhilHealth Member Registration Form)
Obtain a copy of the PhilHealth Member Registration Form (PMRF). You can pick one up at any PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO), or download it from the official PhilHealth website at www.philhealth.gov.ph. Fill out the form completely, making sure to:
- Write your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) at the top of the form
- Check the box for "Updating/Amendment" (not "New Registration")
- Fill in the updated/corrected information clearly using block letters
- Indicate your current membership category (Employed, Self-Employed, Voluntary, OFW, Indigent, etc.)
- Sign the form and write the date
Important: Use black ink and write legibly. Avoid erasures. If you make a mistake, get a new form rather than using correction fluid.
Gather Your Supporting Documents
Prepare all the required documents based on the type of update you are requesting (refer to the requirements table above). For most updates, you will need:
- Completed PMRF with updated information
- PSA-issued certificate relevant to your update (Marriage Certificate for name change, Birth Certificate for corrections)
- Valid government-issued ID with photo and signature (original and photocopy)
- Additional supporting documents as applicable (Certificate of Employment, proof of address, court order, etc.)
Tip: Bring both the original and a photocopy of each document. PhilHealth will verify the originals and keep the photocopies on file.
Submit at the Nearest PhilHealth Office (LHIO)
Bring your completed PMRF and all supporting documents to the nearest PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO). You can submit your MDR update at any PhilHealth office nationwide -- you are not required to go to the branch where you originally registered. Upon arrival:
- Get a queue number and wait for your turn at the Member Services window
- Present your completed PMRF and supporting documents to the PhilHealth staff
- The staff will review your documents and process the update
- You may be asked to fill out additional forms or provide clarifications if needed
For employed members: You may also submit your updated PMRF through your employer's HR department. Your employer is required to submit the updated PMRF to PhilHealth on your behalf.
Wait for Processing
After submitting your documents, PhilHealth will process the update. The processing time varies depending on the type of update:
- Simple updates (address, employer change): Usually reflected within 1 week
- Name changes (marriage): 1 to 2 weeks as documents require verification
- Corrections (errors in name, birthdate): 2 to 3 weeks due to additional verification
- Membership category change: 1 to 2 weeks
You will receive an acknowledgment receipt or reference number. Keep this for tracking your update.
Verify the Updates in Your Record
After the expected processing time, verify that your MDR has been updated correctly. You can do this by:
- Logging in to the PhilHealth Member Portal to check your updated information
- Calling the PhilHealth Action Center at (02) 8441-7442 to inquire about the status
- Visiting the PhilHealth LHIO where you submitted the update to confirm
Important: If the update is not reflected after 3 weeks, follow up with the PhilHealth office where you submitted your documents. Bring your acknowledgment receipt or reference number for faster assistance.
Online MDR Update via PhilHealth Member Portal
PhilHealth has been expanding its online services to make member transactions more convenient. Some MDR updates can now be initiated through the PhilHealth Member Portal. Here is how:
Step 1: Register or Log In to the Member Portal
Go to memberinquiry.philhealth.gov.ph and log in with your registered account. If you do not have an account yet, click "Register" and follow the prompts to create one using your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN), name, and date of birth.
Step 2: Navigate to Member Data Update
Once logged in, look for the "Update Member Information" or "Member Data Record" section in your dashboard. Click on it to view your current information on file.
Step 3: Edit the Fields That Need Updating
Update the relevant fields (address, contact number, email, etc.). Note that some changes -- such as name changes and birthdate corrections -- may still require in-person submission with supporting documents due to verification requirements.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents (If Required)
For certain updates, you may be asked to upload scanned copies of supporting documents (e.g., PSA certificates, government IDs). Ensure that the scanned copies are clear and legible.
Step 5: Submit and Track Your Request
After making the changes, submit the update request. You will receive a reference number that you can use to track the status of your update online. Processing time for online updates is typically the same as in-person submissions.
Note: The online portal may not support all types of updates. For major changes like name corrections or membership category changes, you may still need to visit a PhilHealth office in person. Check the portal for the latest available online services.
Real-World Example: Ana Updates Her MDR After Marriage
Ana, a 28-year-old private employee in Makati City, recently got married. Her PhilHealth records still show her maiden name, "Ana Marie Santos," and she needs to update it to her married name, "Ana Marie Reyes." Here is how she updated her PhilHealth MDR:
Gathered Documents
Ana already had her PSA Marriage Certificate (obtained 4 weeks after her wedding). She downloaded the PMRF from the PhilHealth website and filled it out with her updated married name, "Ana Marie Reyes." She checked the "Updating/Amendment" box and indicated "Change of Name" and "Change of Civil Status" as the reasons for the update. She also prepared a photocopy of her company ID and her PhilHealth ID card.
Submitted Through Her Employer
Since Ana is an employed member, she submitted her completed PMRF, PSA Marriage Certificate (original and photocopy), and photocopy of her government ID to her company's HR department. Her HR officer reviewed the documents and confirmed they would forward everything to PhilHealth along with the next batch of employee updates.
HR Submitted Documents to PhilHealth
Ana's HR department submitted her updated PMRF and supporting documents to the PhilHealth LHIO in Makati City. They received an acknowledgment receipt with a reference number. HR shared the reference number with Ana so she could track the update.
Update Verified and Processed
PhilHealth verified Ana's PSA Marriage Certificate and processed the update. Her MDR was amended to reflect her married name "Ana Marie Reyes" and her civil status was changed from "Single" to "Married."
Confirmed the Update
Ana logged in to the PhilHealth Member Portal at memberinquiry.philhealth.gov.ph and verified that her name now shows as "Ana Marie Reyes" and her civil status as "Married." She also took the opportunity to add her husband as a dependent by submitting a separate PMRF with their PSA Marriage Certificate. The entire process was free of charge and took approximately 2 weeks from submission to confirmation.
Summary of Ana's MDR Update
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my PhilHealth MDR online?
Yes, some updates can be done through the PhilHealth Member Portal at memberinquiry.philhealth.gov.ph. Simple updates such as change of address, contact number, and email address can typically be done online. However, major changes like name corrections (due to marriage or error), birthdate corrections, and membership category changes usually still require in-person submission with original supporting documents for verification. PhilHealth continues to expand its online services, so check the portal regularly for newly available online transactions.
How long does it take to process an MDR update?
Processing time varies depending on the type of update. Simple updates like address or contact information changes may be reflected within 1 week. Name changes due to marriage typically take 1 to 2 weeks. Corrections requiring document verification may take 2 to 3 weeks. If you submitted through your employer, add a few extra days for your HR department to forward the documents to PhilHealth. If your update has not been reflected after 3 weeks, follow up with the PhilHealth office where you submitted.
Do I need to update my MDR after changing jobs?
Yes. When you change employers, your new employer should submit an updated PMRF to PhilHealth on your behalf. This updates your employer information and ensures that your new employer's contribution remittances are properly linked to your PhilHealth account. If you are transitioning from employed to self-employed, voluntary, or OFW status, you will also need to update your membership category by submitting a new PMRF directly to PhilHealth.
Is there a deadline for updating my MDR?
There is no strict legal deadline for updating your PhilHealth MDR. However, it is strongly recommended to update your records as soon as possible after any change in your personal information. Delays in updating may cause problems when filing claims -- for example, if your hospital admission uses your married name but your PhilHealth records still show your maiden name, your claim may be delayed or require additional documents for processing.
What if my name is misspelled in my PhilHealth records?
If your name is misspelled in your PhilHealth MDR, you need to submit an updated PMRF along with your PSA Birth Certificate (which shows the correct spelling of your name) and a valid government-issued ID. Bring these documents to any PhilHealth LHIO. The correction process is free of charge. Processing may take 2 to 3 weeks as PhilHealth needs to verify the documents. If the misspelling was caused by PhilHealth's encoding error, inform them so they can prioritize the correction.
Can I update my MDR at any PhilHealth office?
Yes. You can submit your MDR update at any PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) nationwide. You are not required to go to the specific branch where you originally registered. PhilHealth has a centralized database, so any branch can process your update. This is especially convenient for members who have relocated to a different city or province.
What is the difference between MDR update and getting a new PhilHealth ID?
An MDR update changes the information stored in PhilHealth's database (your personal records). Getting a new PhilHealth ID card is a separate process -- it provides you with a physical card showing your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN). If you update your MDR (e.g., change your name after marriage), your existing PhilHealth ID card will still show the old name. You may request a new PhilHealth ID card to reflect the updated information, though the card itself is not strictly required for availing PhilHealth benefits as long as you have your PIN.
Can my employer update my PhilHealth MDR for me?
Yes. For employed members, your employer can submit your updated PMRF and supporting documents to PhilHealth on your behalf. In fact, employers are required to report changes in their employees' information to PhilHealth. Simply submit your completed PMRF and supporting documents (original and photocopy) to your HR department, and they will process the update with PhilHealth. This is often the most convenient option for employed members since HR departments regularly transact with PhilHealth.
Important Reminders
- Always use your PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN): When filling out the PMRF for updating, make sure to write your 12-digit PhilHealth Identification Number at the top of the form. This ensures the update is applied to the correct record.
- Update as soon as possible after any life change: Do not wait until you need to file a claim. Mismatched records between your MDR and your current documents can delay or even result in denial of PhilHealth benefits.
- Bring original documents for verification: PhilHealth requires sight of original documents (PSA certificates, government IDs) before accepting photocopies. Always bring the originals along with the photocopies.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents: Before submitting, make an extra photocopy of your completed PMRF and all supporting documents for your personal records. Also keep the acknowledgment receipt or reference number.
- Employed members can submit through HR: If you are employed, your company's HR department can process the MDR update for you. This is often faster and more convenient than visiting a PhilHealth office yourself.
- Check the PhilHealth Member Portal after updating: After the expected processing time, log in to memberinquiry.philhealth.gov.ph to verify that your MDR reflects the correct, updated information.
- No fees for MDR updates: PhilHealth does not charge any fee for updating your Member Data Record. If anyone asks you to pay for an MDR update, report it to the PhilHealth Action Center.
- Update other government records too: If you changed your name after marriage, remember to also update your records with SSS, Pag-IBIG, BIR, DFA (passport), LTO (driver's license), COMELEC (voter's registration), and your bank accounts.
Need Help?
Contact PhilHealth
- PhilHealth Action Center: (02) 8441-7442
- Toll-Free Hotline: 0917-898-7442 (Smart) / 0921-297-0567 (Globe)
- Email: actioncenter@philhealth.gov.ph
- Website: www.philhealth.gov.ph
- Member Portal: memberinquiry.philhealth.gov.ph
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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.