Hmmm.. I'll see if I could shed some light on a few of your questions po. I'm handling compensation and benefits at my office and based on what I've read from Philhealth and Pag-ibig (and also experiences of my colleagues):
@polykarblush:
1. Contributing to Pag-ibig and Philhealth, I guess is worth it at some point. Most especially if you do not have any other type of fall back (no insurance, etc.) Every little bit helps right?
You do not need to wait for 10 years before availing your pagibig benefits. Depending on the type of benefit you wish to avail (be it housing loan, muti-purpose loan, etc.), you would just need to meet a required number of monthly contributions.
There is also an option for you to "withdraw" all you Pag-ibig contributions, including that of your employer in case of retirement, migration to another country, etc. There are some more situations but it escapes me as of the moment. The way I see it, its similar to the US' 401K program.
2. Yes, you can avail of a housing loan provided you meet the required number of monthly contributions. The maximum loan amount does not depend on the number of contributions. It will depend on the amount of contributions.
Ex: the min contribution today is P200 (100 for employer and 100 for employee share). Thsi amount entitles you a max of 200K or 300K loanable amount. I might be wrong about the actual figures though, but the principle is the same. Please check the website for an update.
3. Philhealth covers other medical cases as well. Hindi lang Maternity. They provide a certain amount as assistance everytime you are confined, etc. Philhealth benefits, provided you have submitted complete requirements upon release from the hospital, will be automatically deducted from your pay. Compared to SSS, reimbursement type. SSS is more general, Philhealth more specifc.
As for the question if it is worth paying for it, then it is up to you to answer that.
@gilenn:
Yes PhilHealth and Pag-ibig contritions are mandatory. Not voluntary.
@jeanv
The amount covered by Philhealth are not always assured to that much. Baka sinuwerte lang kayo thata time. Good for you.
Philhealth benefits are categorized so bka in your case, you were able to claim the max amount for each category.

Skipping payments, in a way can affect your ability to claim for Philhealth benefits. Considering that a member should have at least 3 monthly contributions within the 6 month period prior to the availment of the benefit.
In the long term, in order for you to be an assured Philhealth member is not based on your retirement but as to the number of monthly contributions, wether broken or continuous yung paghulog mo. If you are retired but have not reached the required number of monthly contributions, then wala ka rin makukuha.
@chardonnay
Yes, there is a required number of contributions, as mentioned kay jeanv. Even if you are married, you may still claim your mother as your depednet provided she is at least 60 years old and has not been a member of Philhealth before.
Hope this helps.
