NHIF Registration

The National Hospital Insurance Fund, popularly known as NHIF, is Kenya’s primary provider of health insurance. Section 3 of the National Hospital Insurance Fund Act establishes its main mandate to enable Kenyans to access affordable health care.

Having NHIF for employed Kenyans is mandatory, while it is voluntary for those in the informal sector. You can apply for your NHIF in two means; online and offline application.

Who can I add to my NHIF Card?

You can only add your children and spouse to your NHIF Card. The card will not cover your siblings or parents. You can opt to pay for them separately.

In circumstances where the husband has two wives, NHIF will not cater to the extra spouse. It only allows for the legally wedded wife.

Requirements for NHIF Registration

• A copy of National ID (Spouse as well if applicable)
• Recent colored passport photos (Include spouse and dependents where applicable)
• Original and photocopies of Birth certificates for dependents (Those with no ID)
• A copy of the employer appointment letter (Applicable to the employed Kenyans)

Application Requirements for Foreign Residents

• A photocopy of passport, alien certificate, or work permit
• Colored passport photo

Online application

1. Go to the official website of NHIF -https://www.nhif.or.ke/
2. Choose employed or self-employed
3. Select your Identification type
4. Fill in all the required details without any mistake
5. Attach all documents; a scanned copy of your ID
6. If married, attach the marriage certificate or marriage affidavit
7. Click save to apply
8. To get your NHIF card, wait for the documents to be approved and visit any NHIF office or Huduma Centre.

NHIF system will notify you via mobile SMS of your application status. You can also check the status on NHIF Self-Care Portal.

You will physically submit the documents to the NHIF office for offline applications. They will give you a date to collect your NHIF Card.

How to Include your Spouse and Children in Your NHIF Card

To add your children or spouse to your NHIF Card, visit any of your nearest NHIF branch offices or Huduma Centre for the service. You will require these documents;

• A photocopy of your ID and that of your spouse
• A copy of your marriage certificate or a marriage affidavit from a magistrate court (in cases where you do not have a certificate)
• Copies of children’s birth certificates or a birth notification if the child is below 6 months
• Colored passports of all the dependent (spouse and children)

How to make NHIF Payments via MPESA

For self-employed Kenyans, your NHIF monthly contribution is Ksh. 500. You can decide to pay annually, KSH. 6000, to avoid forgetting, which attracts a penalty. Late NHIF payment attracts a penalty of KSH. 250 per month.

1. Go to MPESA and select Lipa na MPESA- Pay Bill
2. Enter Business Number 200222
3. Enter the Account Number (Contributor’s ID Number)
4. Enter the amount you wish to pay
5. Enter your MPESA pin
6. Confirm details and press ok
7. Receive your confirmation SMS, and you are done.
8. Check your updated status on the NHIF self-care portal.

To pay for the NHIF Penalty, add ‘Y’ to your account number. For example, 33356787y. You can always check the penalties on the NHIF Self-care portal.  Alternatively, you can send an SMS to 21101 with the letters, ID, add space, then your National ID number.

How to Reactivate your NHIF Card

You have not been contributing to your NHIF account for some time, and you feel it’s time to reactivate it? Normally your card is deactivated after failing to contribute for 12 months.

Pay 1500 via MPESA pay bill number 200222. However, you will be restricted from receiving NHIF benefits for two months. Pay the arrears and penalties if you want to receive the NHIF benefits immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does NHIF pay for delivery? NHIF pays 10,000 for normal delivery and 30,000 for a C-section delivery.

Can I use NHIF for a pregnancy ultrasound? No, NHIF does not cover ultrasound services.