In Kenya, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) provides essential healthcare coverage to millions of citizens.
One of the most important documents required for accessing NHIF services is the NHIF card.
Unfortunately, it’s common for individuals to misplace or lose their NHIF card, leaving them unable to access the benefits of the program.
If you’ve lost your NHIF card, don’t worry – it’s not the end of the road. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to replace a lost NHIF card and get back to enjoying the benefits of the program.
NHIF
The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a government agency in Kenya that provides affordable health insurance to Kenyan citizens.
NHIF was established in 1966 as a department under the Ministry of Health, and it was later transformed into a state corporation in 1998.
The primary objective of NHIF is to ensure that Kenyans have access to affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare.
Membership to NHIF is mandatory for all formal sector employees in Kenya. This means that if you are employed in the formal sector, your employer is required by law to deduct a percentage of your salary and remit it to NHIF on your behalf.
However, membership to NHIF is not limited to formal sector employees only. Self-employed individuals, retirees, and students can also voluntarily register and contribute to NHIF.
The benefits of NHIF membership are numerous.
Firstly, NHIF members are entitled to a wide range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, maternity care, specialized surgeries, and chronic illnesses.
Secondly, NHIF provides cash benefits to members who are hospitalized for more than 24 hours. The cash benefit is intended to cater to incidental expenses such as transport, meals, and accommodation.
The contribution rates to NHIF vary depending on the member’s income. The lowest contribution rate is Kshs 500 per month, while the highest contribution rate is Ksh 1,700 per month.
The contribution rates are reviewed periodically to ensure that they remain affordable to members while at the same time ensuring that NHIF has adequate resources to meet its obligations.
NHIF has made significant strides in expanding access to healthcare to Kenyans. For instance, the fund has partnered with various healthcare providers across the country to increase the number of healthcare facilities available to NHIF members.
Additionally, NHIF has introduced various initiatives to improve the quality of healthcare services provided to members.
How to replace a lost NHIF card
Here are the simple steps to follow to get back your NHIF card;
- Go to any National Bank, Equity Bank, Co-operative Bank or Equity Bank and make a payment of Kshs 100. This is the fee charged for replacing a lost NHIF card.
- Ensure you inform the bank teller that you are paying for a card replacement.
- You will be issued a bank slip after successfully making the payment.
- Once you have paid, take the banking slip to any NHIF branch or Huduma Centre near you.
- A new card will be printed for you instantly upon presentation of the banking slip.
Requirements
The following are the necessary requirements for the replacement of a lost card.
- Photocopy of National Identity Card.
- Kshs 100, which is the fee charged.
How to check NHIF account contributions status
Here is a simple guide on how to check your NHIF account contribution status.
- On your phone, compose a new text message with the letters ID followed by space and then your ID number eg. ID 32688811
- Send the SMS to 21101
- You will receive a reply immediately with your NHIF account contributions status.
This service costs Ksh 10 and can be used by both self-employed and employed Kenyan citizens.
NHIF penalties for late payments in Kenya
If you fail to pay your monthly NHIF payments or pay late you accrue a penalty of Ksh 250/= per month, which must be paid at any of these branches; Kenya Commercial Bank, Equity Bank, National bank and, Cooperative bank.
Please note that the penalties have to be paid at the bank branches and not the agents.
In addition, you will also pay the premiums, which is Khs 500 every month missed.
The premiums can be paid via Mpesa.NHIF Mpesa pay bill number is 200222 and the account number is your Id number.
You can also contact NHIF via their Twitter handle @nhifkenya for a quick response if you have any queries regarding your late payment.