How To Apply OWWA’s Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs (MEDplus)

If an overseas Filipino worker is diagnosed with a severe disease while working abroad, they can get up to PhP50,000 as cash assistance through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Designed in partnership with PhilHealth in 2016, the program aims to cover a significant amount of costs for hospitalization, treatments, surgeries, and medications for OFWs and their dependents suffering from severe and chronic illnesses, such as diseases in the heart, kidneys, liver, or lungs.

You can apply for the MedPlus program at any time if you are an active OWWA OFW member abroad undergoing medication, or if you know someone who may need it. Here is a guide to ensuring your transaction goes smoothly.

Detailed Overview

Filipino workers rely heavily on some sort of assurance so they can fully perform their duties. While it’s prudent to prepare for the worst-case scenario, accidents and emergencies are inevitably going to interrupt, delay, or stop us in our tracks. These are the times when insurance can help.

It is a one-time grant exclusively catering to active OWWA OFW members and PhilHealth members and supplements the benefits provided by PhilHealth, but do be aware that it may seem like a health maintenance organization (HMO), but is actually only a one-time grant for active OWWA OFW members and PhilHealth members.

The Benefits

In addition to availed PhilHealth benefits, MedPlus-approved beneficiaries are eligible for a one-time cash aid amounting to a maximum of PhP50,000 per member.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, an applicant must be an active member of OWWA and PhilHealth, the disease must be classified as dreaded by PhilHealth, and necessary documents must be presented verifying the diagnosis.

The Requirements

In order to continue in their application, eligible applicants must prepare the following documents:

• A completed MedPlus application
• Passport-size photo of the ID holder
• A passport that is valid
• An identification card issued by the government or by the company
• Proof of active OWWA membership, or official receipt of membership contribution
• PhilHealth Benefit Payment Notice (BPN)
• Member Data Record From PhilHealth
• Certificate issued by a doctor or health care professional attending to the patient.

Please submit the following requirements if you are the next of kin of an OFW abroad.

• Special Power of Attorney signed by OFW contact and notarized

Applicants with deceased OFW contacts:

• For certifying the applicant’s relationship with OFW, the applicant must provide a death certificate and any of the following:

In the case of applicants who are children of OFWs, their birth certificates are required

• A copy of the marriage certificate of the applicant, if the applicant is the OFW’s spouse
• Applicant’s birth certificates and an applicant’s Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) if they are parents or siblings of OFWs.

Steps On How To Process OWWA Supplemental Medical Assistance for OFWs

Applicants should follow these steps once all documentary requirements have been met;

1.  Visit your regional or satellite OWWA office, if you’re a local applicant, or POLO OWWA in your country of employment if you’re an international applicant.
2.  Complete the necessary documentation.
3. Provide supporting documents along with your requirements.
4. Your application will be reviewed by an authorized OWWA representative.