How to Register for NHIF in Kenya

National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is health insurance in Kenya that helps Kenyans access affordable health care services. It is owned by the government and employed and self-employed people can register. It is compulsory for those who are employed while it is voluntary for self-employed people. In this article, you will learn how to apply for NHIF and the benefits you will enjoy when you become a member.

If you want to register for NHIF, you can use any of the three methods; visit Huduma Center, NHIF office near you, or NHIF online registration.

Requirements for NHIF Registration

To register for NHIF through either of the above methods, you need to have the following requirements:

A copy of your ID
A passport-size photograph
A copy of spouse ID for married people
A copy of the marriage certificate or affidavit for married people
A copy of birth certificates for children below 18 years
Registration fee of Ksh 3,000, this being six months NHIF contributions
A letter of appointment for employees

How to Register NHIF Online

You can register for NHIF in Kenya online since the process is straightforward. You can register online as self-employed or employed individual.

NHIF Online Registration for Self Employed

Follow these simple steps to register for NHIF online as self employed:

Visit the NHIF website and select “Register”
You will be redirected to a new page. Select “Self employed”
Enter your details like name and identification number
Scan and upload a copy of your ID and passport size photograph
Confirm your details and then click “confirm your details”
Once the process is complete, the system will generate an NHIF number
You can then go ahead to make NHIF contributions

Read also: How to file tax returns in Kenya.

NHIF Online Registration for Employees

To register online for NHIF as an employee, follow these simple steps:

Visit the NHIF website and select “Register”
You will be redirected to a new page. Select “Employee”
Enter your details like name and identification number
Enter your employer code which you can get from your company's HR
Enter the name of your employer and their KRA PIN
Scan and upload a copy of your ID and passport size photograph
Confirm your details and then click “confirm your details”
Once the process is complete, the system will generate an NHIF number
You can then go ahead to make NHIF contributions

How to Pay NHIF via Mpesa

To make NHIF contributions through Mpesa, follow these simple steps:

Open your Mpesa app
Select Lipa na Mpesa and then Paybill
Enter NHIF Paybill number: 200222
Enter your ID number as your account number
Enter the amount, your Mpesa PIN, and confirm payment

NHIF Monthly Contributions and Registration Cost

It is free to register for NHIF membership. It is voluntary for self-employed people. Those under the self-employment category pay Ksh 500 every month or Ksh 6,000 per year. For those in employment, their contributions are made based on their income bracket.

NHIF Rates and Premiums for Employees

Gross Income (Ksh)	Premiums (Ksh)
5,999	150
6,000 - 7,999	300
8,000 - 11,999	400
12,000 - 14,999	500
15,000 - 19,999	600
20,000 - 24,999	750
25,000 - 29,999	850
30,000 - 34,999	900
35,000 - 39,999	950
40,000 - 44,999	1,000
45,000 - 49,999	1,100
50,000 - 59,999	1,200
60,000 - 69,999	1,300
70,000 - 79,999	1,400
80,000 - 89,999	1,500
90,000 - 99,999	1,600
100,000 & above	1,700
Self employed	500

NHIF Coverage

The NHIF provides a wide coverage towards medical expenses. The coverage includes:

Inpatient cover
Outpatient cover
Maternity and reproductive cover

How to Open NHIF Account

Once you have registered as an NHIF member, you can go ahead to open your NHIF account. You can access your NHIF account through the NHIF app available on Play Store and App Store. Besides, you can also dial *155# on any phone toll-free and access services. This way, you can access NHIF self-care services, payment of monthly contributions, and penalties.

How to Select Outpatient Hospital for NHIF

Once you have registered to be an NHIF member, you need to choose an outpatient facility before 2 months are over. You can select an NHIF hospital via the NHIF website or NHIF app. If you use the NHIF website:

Enter your ID number
The system will send you an OTP via SMS
Enter the OTP and click “Verify”
Click on the facilities Menu and select county
Choose or change a hospital of your choice
Repeat these steps for your dependents

Can I Use NHIF in any Hospital?

You can access inpatient services in any NHIF accredited hospital across the country. However, for outpatient services, you can only use NHIF in the hospital you have selected in your NHIF account. To select a hospital, you must have an active NHIF account. You can check NHIF accredited hospitals here.

NHIF Services and Benefits

Members of the NHIF scheme have a lot to enjoy. The following are the benefits you can enjoy with the NHIF cover.

Supa cover. Your family gets to enjoy in-patient and out-patient services, maternal care, cancer treatment, surgery expenses, renal dialysis and overseas treatment. Ensure that the hospital you visit is NHIF accredited.
Linda mama. The Linda Mama is an initiative by the NHIF that covers the needs of pregnant women and infants by allowing them to access affordable healthcare.
Civil servant scheme. This is an initiative for civil servants that provides in-patient, out-patient, maternity group and last expense for civil servants.
EduAfya. This is a service offered by NHIF to provide affordable healthcare to public secondary students in course of their study.

NHIF Benefits for Self-Employed

You get to enjoy the following NHIF benefits, whether you are employed or self-employed:

An inpatient cover for the contributor and dependents in NHIF accredited hospitals
Comprehensive maternity and Caesarean services in government hospitals
Hospital admission and treatment and then the hospital makes a claim to NHIF for reimbursement

NHIF Payment of Claims

Claims are made directly to NHIF after a patient has been discharged from hospital. The NHIF then reviews the claim to check its validity. The NHIF can reject a claim in case of an abnormality. NHIF strives to make payment within 14 days upon receipt of a claim. Members who pay their hospital bill can make a claim directly to NHIF for a reimbursement.

How to Apply for NHIF Card Online

Once you have registered for NHIF online, you can visit any NHIF office or Huduma center near you to have your card printed. Usually, it takes around 14 days to have your NHIF card ready.

Once you have registered for NHIF, self employed people have to wait for 2 months before they can start enjoying NHIF benefits. Employees can start using NHIF to access healthcare services after 30 days from the day of registration.

Summary of How to Register for NHIF in Kenya

The NHIF cover is beneficial and I can recommend it to any Kenyan citizen. There are many benefits can enjoy from the cover, especially if you have the Supa cover that covers a wide range of health services. It goes ahead to cover cancer treatment. Initially, the cover was only meant for employed people, but currently, it is available to self-employed individuals.