Government health insurance officials in Davao Region have made a crucial clarification that brings significant relief to millions of Filipinos: every citizen is technically a PhilHealth member and can access healthcare services regardless of their premium contribution status.
Immediate Eligibility Under Universal Health Care Act
During the recent Year-End Pakighinabi Media Forum in Davao City, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation-Davao (PhilHealth-Davao) healthcare delivery and management division OIC chief Dr. Marie Alexis Campaner explained that Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, mandates immediate eligibility for all Filipinos.
"By virtue of immediate eligibility, all Filipinos are already considered PhilHealth members. There is really no such thing as a non-PhilHealth member because everyone is already covered, some just have yet to register," Campaner stated emphatically.
She provided reassuring guidance for those needing immediate medical attention: "If you are in the hospital and not yet registered, simply register, and PhilHealth will cover you."
No Premium Contribution Required for Access
Germaine M. Tan, PhilHealth-Davao field operations OIC chief, elaborated on how the UHC Act has transformed access to healthcare services. Unlike previous requirements that demanded three months of premium contributions before availing benefits, the current system operates differently.
"There's no need for premium contribution to access services," Tan clarified. "With UHC complementation, we have no requirements because we already have immediate eligibility."
This policy extends even to individuals who were previously employed but have since resigned or stopped working, resulting in discontinued contributions. However, Tan emphasized that these individuals need to update their records with PhilHealth.
Registration Process and Regional Coverage Statistics
For those capable of paying premiums, changing membership category to self-earning individuals is necessary. Those without payment capacity should update their records as indirect members, allowing the national government to subsidize their contributions.
"All you have to do is submit a certificate of indigency as proof that your income is insufficient or that you have no income to pay your premium contribution, and the government will then subsidize it for you," Tan added.
Both officials stressed the importance of proper registration, noting that many members mistakenly assume their beneficiaries are automatically covered when the primary member registers.
"While we do have immediate eligibility, it's still important that all members are properly entered into the PhilHealth database," Tan emphasized.
The public can register through PhilHealth's online platforms via the Membership Portal or the eGov app, or by visiting the nearest PhilHealth or Local Health Insurance Office.
As of September 2025, PhilHealth-Davao recorded impressive coverage statistics across the region:
- Davao City: 100.72% coverage rate (2,066,714 members and dependents)
- Davao del Sur: 111.20% coverage rate (845,818 members and dependents)
- Davao del Norte: 100.72% coverage rate (1,094,947 members and dependents)
- Davao de Oro: 95.25% coverage rate (765,405 members and dependents)
- Davao Oriental: 93.54% coverage rate (592,471 members and dependents)
- Davao Occidental: 34.36% coverage rate (122,502 members and dependents)
The overall Davao Region achieved a 96.4% coverage rate with 5,487,857 members and dependents registered, though Davao Occidental's significantly lower numbers indicate areas needing improved registration efforts.
