The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a Kenyan government agency that provides health insurance services to Kenyan citizens.
NHIF was established in 1966 under the Act of Parliament Cap 255 of the Laws of Kenya. Its headquarters are located in Upper Hill, Nairobi, and it has several branches throughout the country.
NHIF is responsible for providing medical insurance coverage to all employed Kenyans, as well as their dependents.
It also provides coverage to self-employed individuals and informal sector workers, as well as those who are retired or disabled.
NHIF is overseen by a board of directors, which is appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Health. The board is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the fund.
The current CEO of NHIF is Dr. Peter Kamunyo. He was appointed to the position in 2021. Before joining NHIF, Dr. Kamunyo served as the CEO of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.
Some of the previous CEOs of NHIF include;
- Mr. Simeon Ole Kirgotty (2012-2018)
- Mr. Geoffrey Mwangi (2018-2020)
- Ms. Nicodemus Odongo (Acting CEO, 2020-2021)
During their tenure, the previous CEOs oversaw the implementation of several reforms at NHIF, aimed at improving the quality of services provided to members, as well as ensuring the fund’s financial sustainability.
Some of the key reforms implemented included the introduction of biometric registration of members, the launch of an electronic claims system, and the establishment of a medical audit unit to investigate fraudulent claims.
How to apply for NHIF membership
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an NHIF card in Kenya.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before applying for an NHIF card, it is important to confirm your eligibility. NHIF membership is open to all Kenyan citizens, permanent residents, and foreigners with valid work permits.
If you are employed, your employer should also be registered with NHIF, and they will deduct the required monthly contributions from your salary.
If you are self-employed or unemployed, you can also register for NHIF by making voluntary contributions.
Step 2: Obtain an NHIF application form
To apply for an NHIF card, you need to obtain an application form. You can download the form from the NHIF website, or you can get it from any NHIF branch office near you.
You can also get the form from Huduma Centers, post offices, or from the Ministry of Health offices.
Step 3: Fill in the application form
Once you have the application form, fill in all the required information. Ensure that you provide accurate information to avoid delays in the processing of your application.
Some of the information required in the application form include your full names, ID number, date of birth, phone number, postal address, employment details, and the names of your dependents.
Step 4: Attach supporting documents
After filling in the application form, attach the necessary supporting documents. These documents include a copy of your national ID or passport, a copy of your PIN certificate, and a passport-sized photo.
If you are applying as a dependent, you will also need to attach a copy of the principal member’s NHIF card.
Step 5: Submit your application
Once you have filled in the application form and attached all the required documents, submit your application to any NHIF branch office near you.
You can also submit your application through Huduma Centers, post offices, or the Ministry of Health offices. NHIF will process your application within 14 working days and issue you with an NHIF card.
Step 6: Activate your NHIF card
Once you receive your NHIF card, you need to activate it before you can start enjoying the benefits. To activate your card, dial *155# from your phone and follow the prompts.
You will be required to enter your NHIF card number, your full names, and your ID number.
Once you have activated your card, you can start using it to access medical services from any NHIF accredited healthcare provider.
How to apply for NHIF Card online in Kenya
The procedure for applying for NHIF card online is as follows;
- Visit: http://www.nhif.or.ke/healthinsurance/registeronline/
- Select Employed or self employed
- Employee application form will load
- Fill the form details
- Attach copy of ID, Passport photo, marriage certificate if you are married,
- Click Save
- You will be notified of your status upon payment
- You will also receive an SMS to your number
To receive your NHIF card after successfully completing the above application and being approved, visit any NHIF office or Huduma centre near you and get your card printed for you.
How to add your spouse or child to your NHIF Card
To add your spouse to your NHIF card or beneficiaries, present a  copy of your ID and marriage certificate or affidavit from the magistrates’ court to your NHIF center or huduma enter.
For your child, avail his or her birth certificate or a birth notification if they are 0 to 6 months old.
How to reactivate NHIF Card for self employed
If you are self-employed and have not contributed for 12 months and beyond your card will be deactivated.
To reactivate your NHIF card, pay at least Ksh 1,500 and resume usage of the card after 2 months (60 days).
You can pay through M-PESA paybill 200222 or at the bank.
How to remove spouse from NHIF beneficiaries in case of divorce or separation
In case of separation or divorce, you will need to present a divorce certificate or a sworn affidavit from the Magistrate’s court and not from an advocate or a lawyer.
How to check NHIF status online
- Visit the official NHIF online portal.
- Sign up to gain access to the self-service portal. If it’s your first time visiting the website, you’ll be required to register an account to access the services. Alternatively, if you already have a registered account with NHIF, you can sign in to your account,
- If you’re registering for the first time, you’ll be required to input your NHIF card number, email address, and working phone number in case they need to contact you. Once you’ve submitted your details, you’ll receive an SMS on your phone with a One-Time Password (OTP). The password is valid for 24 hours only.
- Create a password. Using the OTP, you can create the password that you’ll use to access the NHIF self-service portal. The password should be easy to remember but not so obvious that someone else can guess it. If you forget your password, you can easily reset it using your email address.
- Log in to the account and proceed to check your NHIF contribution status. You’ll be able to view your last contributions, the months you’ve defaulted, and your activation.
- Log out. After you’ve finished checking your NHIF contribution status, you need to log out. Leaving your account without logging out exposes your biodata to hackers.
How to check NHIF status via SMS
- Go to your phone’s main menu and tap on the messaging icon
- Once the messaging application opens, compose a new SMS
- Type ID, add space, and then type your ID number or passport number in the message space. For instance, ID 46464646
- Send the message to 21101
- You will receive a message with information about your NHIF account status after a short while
The NHIF will send you a text message with your employer’s name and the last time you made your monthly payment.
While this service is simple and effective, it will cost you Ksh 10 in airtime as a service charge. It works for Safaricom and Airtel customers.
How to Check Your NHIF Status Via EmailÂ
An alternative way of checking your NHIF status is by emailing customercare@nhif.or.ke.
However, this service usually takes a while since it requires a human correspond to check your details and email them back.
After a few hours or days, you’ll receive a statement in PDF form bearing your NHIF status.
How to pay for NHIF via M-PESA
Below are steps on how to pay for NHIF contribution via the M-Pesa paybill.
- Choose the Pay Bill option
- Enter the NHIF Business no.200222
- Enter the contributor’s national ID number as the account number
- Enter amount
- Enter your M-PESA pin and confirm the details.
- Choose the Pay Bill option
- Enter the NHIF Business no.200222
- Enter the contributor’s national ID number as the account number
- Enter amount
- Enter your M-PESA pin and confirm the details.
How to replace a lost NHIF card
Visit an NHIF branch or Huduma Centre
To replace your lost NHIF card, you need to visit an NHIF branch or a Huduma Centre. You can find the nearest branch or Huduma Centre on the NHIF website.
Once you locate the office, you need to carry your identification documents, such as a national ID, passport, or driving license.
Fill the NHIF card replacement form
Once you get to the NHIF office, you need to fill out the NHIF card replacement form.
The form is available at the office, and you can also download it from the NHIF website and fill it beforehand.
Make sure to fill in all the required information correctly to avoid any delays in processing your replacement card.
Pay the replacement fee
You will be required to pay a fee of Ksh 100 to replace your lost NHIF card.
The fee can be paid at the NHIF office or via Mpesa using the NHIF paybill number 200222. After making the payment, ensure you keep the receipt as proof of payment.
Wait for processing
After submitting your NHIF card replacement form and paying the fee, you will be required to wait for some time for the card to be processed.
The processing time can take up to 21 days, so you should be patient.
Collect your new NHIF card
Once your new NHIF card is ready, you will receive a notification to collect it from the NHIF office or the Huduma Centre where you applied for the replacement.
You will need to carry your identification documents, such as your national ID, to collect your new card.
