What National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) Kenya Is

What National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) Is

National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), a state of parastatal, was established in 1966 as a department in the Ministry of Health. It was later transformed from just a department in the ministry of health to a state of corporation aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the health sector.

Original act of parliament that was setting up the health insurance funds has over the years been reviewed to accommodate the ever-changing health care needs of the Kenyans and also improving the health sector.

National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is an insurance scheme that was established to secure financial risk protection under the NHIF Act No. 9 of 1998. It is the current Act that still governs the Fund.

The Fund’s membership is open to all Kenyans who are of 18 years and above and earn 1,000 KES per month or 12,000 KES per year. Its main purpose is to provide medical insurance to all their members and all their declared dependents, their spouses and up to five children.

For those who are formal sector employees, being a member of National Hospital Insurance Fund is compulsory and their contributions are deducted and sent to the Fund by their employers. Contributions are made as per the employee’s income.

Members who are registered under the self employment category pay 500 per month through MPESA using their pay bill number (200222) or at any KCB, Equity Bank, Co-operative Bank or National Bank.

NHIF has over 30 branches all over the country and each branch offers all the NHIF services.

Requirements To Register For National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)

For Kenyan residents:

1. A copy of National ID and the spouse’s National ID and marriage certificate where applicable.
2. A letter from your employer or introduction letter. Or your employer’s NHIF code (This excludes those self employed and voluntary contributors.)
3. A colored passport size photo including for the spouse and dependents if applicable.
4. Original and copies of Birth Certificate for your children who will be registered as your dependants.

For foreign students:

1. A colored passport photo.
2. A copy of your passport.
3. Pay required amount under the voluntary or the self-employed category.

For foreign residents:

1. Copies of passports.
2. Certificates or your work permit including those of your spouse where applicable
3. Colored passport size photo, including one for spouse and the dependents (kids).

Read our article: How to Register NHIF Online: 10 Simple Steps and know the easy steps to register for NHIF.

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