Ask NHIF: Your burning questions answered

What role does NHIF play in the attainment of Universal Health Coverage? -The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a critical vehicle that the government is using under the Ministry of Health to scale up Universal Health Coverage. For close to six decades, NHIF has been working to ensure Universal Health Coverage for all by providing affordable, accessible, sustainable, and quality health insurance through strategic resource pooling and healthcare purchasing in collaboration with stakeholders.

Thus, NHIF works to secure financial risk protection against the cost of health care services for all Kenyan residents while ensuring Kenyans are not exposed to financial hardships due to catastrophic medical expenditures.  Let us realize UHC by leaving no one behind.

What is the NHIF Supa Cover? NHIF SUPA is Kenya's largest, affordable, accessible, sustainable, and quality medical insurance cover that enables you and your family to enjoy an unparalleled benefits package. This covers members in the formal and informal sectors, the Health Insurance Subsidy Programme (HISP) for Elderly & Persons Living with Severe Disabilities, Orphans & Vulnerable children, among other sponsored programs. 

How to Join?  To register your family, visit www.nhif.or.ke and attach a copy of your ID, coloured passport size photograph and fill out the online form. To add your dependants, visit any Huduma Center or branch countrywide, fill an application form and attach your spouse’s photo and copy of ID, copy of the birth certificate for children over 6 months (birth notification for under 6 months) and their coloured passport size.

Can my dependents benefit immediately once I add them? Yes, your children below 18 years benefit immediately. For your spouse, it will take 28 days to benefit.

How do I choose/change my outpatient facility? Facility choice/change is no longer being done at NHIF offices, to select or change the Preferred out-patient hospital, kindly do so via USSD code *155#, or Mobile App “My NHIF” on Play Store and Apple Store or Website (http://www.nhif.or.ke/healthinsurance/nhifselfcare/)

Facility of choice: How long should I wait to use my hospital of choice?  Choice or selection of facility is a continuous process that is carried out throughout the year, but implementation is done quarterly. You can only choose one hospital per beneficiary on your card.

Do I need to choose my inpatient facility? No, you do not. Inpatient services can be accessed in any of the NHIF accredited facilities countrywide.

List of hospitals - Where can I get the list of accredited hospitals?

Visit the NHIF website (http://www.nhif.or.ke/healthinsurance/outpatientServices) or the nearest branch office or Huduma centre. If you do not see a facility in the list, it means it is not NHIF accredited.

Can I check my NHIF account status via phone? Yes. Compose a new SMS, Type the letters “ID”, a space, then your ID number e.g., ID 12345678 Send to 1550. You can also check ‘MY NHIF’ app or dial *155#.  Note: Subscriber charges apply

Mobile number - Do I need to update it with NHIF? Yes, you do. You can visit the nearest NHIF service point or Huduma Centre or call the toll-free number 0800 720601. You can also send an email to customercare@nhif.or.ke. This will enable you get real time information when your NHIF card is used.

OTP -What Is It? One Time Password/pin (OTP) is sent to your registered phone number to log into the NHIF selfcare system to manage your account.

I have not received my OTP - That is very possible! The most likely reason is your phone details with NHIF may be incorrect. Contact NHIF through our toll-free number, 0800720601 or customercare@nhif.or.ke. Visit any NHIF service point or Huduma Centre.

Reimbursements - I have never been sick. Can I get my money back? NHIF is a social insurance fund, which means monies are pooled from different contributors to save you on a rainy day. This way you not only benefit from the protection of not using your money for your medical needs, but you also get to help another in need.