PhilHealth members now allowed to transfer to preferred YAKAP clinics

Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) members can now request to be transferred to their preferred Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (Yakap) clinic during the fourth quarter of 2026.

The health insurance company announced the move on Saturday to give members greater freedom and flexibility in accessing primary healthcare services.

Beneficiaries who have yet to avail their First Patient Encounter (FPE) may apply for a clinic transfer at any time during the year, with approved requests taking effect immediately.

Those who have completed their FPE may only request a transfer during the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2026. Approved transfers will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Here are the steps in requesting a transfer:

1-Visit any PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) for member verification and liveness checking via the PhilHealth Check Utility (PCU).

2-Applicants unable to complete PCU verification, including those with pending PhilSys registration, may present a valid government-issued ID, along with a duly accomplished Primary Care Selection Form.

3-Beneficiaries unable to request a transfer in person may authorize a representative by submitting an authorization letter and valid IDs for both parties.

4-Once the request is approved, beneficiaries will receive an email confirming their assignment to their new YAKAP Clinic.

For inquiries and assistance, PhilHealth members may contact the PhilHealth Action Center at (02) 8662-2588 or visit the nearest PhilHealth Regional Office or Local Health Insurance Office.

YAKAP is an enhanced primary care benefit package covering consultations, indicated laboratory and cancer screening tests, and even prescribed essential medicines.

Earlier this year, PhilHealth included screening tests for the four most common types of cancer: breast, liver, lung, and colorectal.

YAKAP also offers free consultations, 13 free laboratory procedures, and 75 free medicines. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News