Kenya’s largest and most trusted public health insurer, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) is playing important roles in by assisting in health and medical services. If you are facing health issues and need financial help then get NHIF membership. Let’s explore what NHIF is, how to sign up, and what benefits you get from it.

National Health Insurance Fund

Health emergencies can happen to anyone, anytime. To make sure Kenyans get medical care without struggling financially, the government set up the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF); a public medical insurance plan available to citizens and legal residents. Kenya’s government-backed health insurance program design to make medical care affordable and accessible for all citizens and legal residents aged 18 and above.

Whether you are formally employed, self-employed, or retired, NHIF offers a safety net that covers a wide range of health services; from hospital stays and surgeries to maternity, cancer care, dialysis, and mental health support. Enrolling is simple through online, mobile, or in-person channels, and contributions are tailor to your employment status. With NHIF, Kenyans can protect themselves from high cost of treatment and move closer to achieving universal health coverage.

What is NHIF?

NHIF is a state-run health insurance scheme created in 1966 to help Kenyans access medical treatment at affordable costs. It operates under the Ministry of Health and supports both salaried and self-employed individuals by paying for inpatient and outpatient care through registered hospitals and clinics across the country. Whether you are employed, run a business, or retired; NHIF offers a healthcare safety net to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

What Benefits Does NHIF Offer?

NHIF provides a wide range of health services under the SupaCover plan. The table below covers all the NHIF benefits as per service name.

Service	Benefits Covered
Inpatient Care	Hospital stays, surgery, drugs, tests, and hospital bed charges
Outpatient Services	Doctor checkups, lab tests, maternity, dental, and mental health care
Maternity Cover	Prenatal care, normal delivery, and C-section
Dialysis	Regular kidney dialysis sessions
Cancer Treatment	Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, PET scans
Surgery	Approved operations (excluding cosmetic surgery)
Imaging	Advanced scans like CT, MRI
Emergency Care	Ambulance services in emergencies
Overseas Treatment	Medical referrals abroad (if treatment unavailable locally)

Who Can Join NHIF?

NHIF membership is open for peoples who fall under some specific criteria. Those who full fill the following eligibility criteria can apply for membership of NHIF.

• All Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above.
• Foreign nationals with legal residency.
• Formal workers, automatically enrolled through payroll deductions.
• Informal sector workers, like small business owners, farmers, and freelancers, who can register voluntarily.
• Retired persons or those without jobs, as long as they’re adults and have valid documents.

Documents Required

• Kenyan National ID or valid residency documents for foreigners
• Passport-size photo
• Birth certificates for children, marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for spouses
• Employer letter (only for employed people)

How to Enroll in NHIF?

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) registration follows various methods. Here are is all about NHIF Apply Process –

Options For Registration

• NHIF Website (Self-Care Portal) – You can fill your details online through their registration portal.
• Mobile USSD Code – Dial *155# on your phone and follow the steps shown.
• My NHIF App – Download it on Android or iPhone and register through your phone.
• In Person – Visit any NHIF office or nearby Huduma Centre to get help with registration.

Biometric Registration

Once registered, you’ll need to go to an NHIF branch or Huduma Centre for fingerprint and photo capture to finalize your enrollment.

How to Get Started?

• Confirm your eligibility (age 18+, Kenyan/legally resident).
• Gather your ID, passport photo, and supporting documents.
• Choose a sign up method; website, mobile app, USSD, or in person.
• Complete your biometric registration and select a payment method.
• Begin your health journey with NHIF support.

For help, call the NHIF toll free number is 0800 720 601 or visit the official NHIF website. With NHIF, healthcare is not just for the rich. It’s for everyone.

NHIF Contribution Rates

Member Type	Monthly Contribution
Formal employees	Based on salary (deducted at source)
Self employed or informal sector	KSh 500 per month
First time voluntary sign-up	KSh 1,500 (covers first 3 months)
Note – If you miss payments for a while, you may face a short waiting period or minor penalty.

Tips For NHIF Members

• Activation Period – Benefits usually start 30 days after joining for salaried members, and 60 days for voluntary members.
• Adding Family Members – You can include your spouse and children later by updating your details at an NHIF office.
• Payment via M Pesa – Use Pay bill 222222, Account: NHIFM-[your ID number] to pay contributions.
• Status Check –  To know your NHIF status, send a text saying ID [your ID number] to 1550, or dial *155#.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why NHIF is So Important?

Medical expenses can destroy a family’s finances. NHIF protects people from high treatment costs by offering comprehensive health coverage. Whether you’re seeking surgery, giving birth, or getting cancer treatment, NHIF helps reduce financial stress by paying part or all of the cost depending on the hospital. With over 7 million registered members, NHIF plays a key role in Kenya’s dream of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).