Why You Should Register with NHIF

The National Hospital Insurance Fund(NHIF) is the body governed by providing health insurance in Kenya. 

NHIF in partnership with Radio Vuna 102.0 fm, in a past Road Show that took place from Monday 6th to Saturday 12th, June 2022 provided a platform for respective residents (Nyamira County) to have a bite of knowledge on National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) under Universal Health Coverage Program (UHC).

Majority of the residents swung into action and asked questions regarding the program which in our survey put together to enlighten the public.

Can I use my NHIF card in any hospital?

The question at the back of the mind of most Kenyans is whether they can use their NHIF card in any hospital. You can access inpatient services in any of the NHIF accredited hospital/ facility countrywide. However, you cannot walk-in to any hospital and demand outpatient services with your NHIF card. 

Why do I need NHIF?

It main mandate is to enable all Kenyans to access quality and affordable health services. It is established under Section 3 of the National Hospital Insurance Fund Act. For those who are employed (formal sector), it is compulsory to be a NHIF member.What do I need for NHIF Registration?1.NHIF registration form (original + 2 copies)

2.Passport photo (original)
Of the applicant and the beneficiaries if any

3.Identity card (copy)
Of the applicant and their spouse if any

4.Birth certificate (original + copy) Of dependant children between 7 months and 17 years if anyor

Birth notification (copy) Of dependant children of 6 months and below if any

Waiting Period for NHIF
People in the employment sector wait for only 30 days before their membership cards are active and can access all NHIF benefits. On the other hand, voluntary members must wait for 90 days before accessing NHIF services. 

How much does one pay for NHIF registration?

The application is free of charge. For members under the voluntary category, they pay Kshs.500 per month (Kshs.6000 per annum) as contributions.

What are the NHIF Cover Limits?

The Kenya Essential Package for Health (KEPH) is modeled alongside NHIF to ensure there are different packages for everyone.There are different types of NHIF Cover limits that are available. For instance,

• Inpatient cover
• Outpatient cover
• Maternity cover and reproductive health
• Ex-Gratia Payments
• Last expense cover
• Group Life cover

As a result, there are those covers that are common among Kenyans as discussed below:

Inpatient Cover

This cover under the NHIF Cover limit includes all medical treatment and services provided by or on the order of a clinician to the member. Also, this happens when the member is admitted to NHIF accredited hospitals. The package covers the following:

• Hospital bed charges
• Nursing care
• Diagnostic
• Laboratory
• Operating theatre charges
• Specialist’s consultation
• All drugs and medications
• Dressing charges

Outpatient cover

Out-patient service was launched under the National Scheme in July 2015. The NHIF cover limit is eligible to all NHIF members and their declared dependents at NHIF accredited hospitals. So, the essentials of the cover include:

• Consultation
• Laboratory
• Drug administration
• Radiology
• Nursing services
• Dental health services
• Optical care
• Physiotherapy services
• Occupational therapy services
• Minor surgery services
• Referrals

Maternity and Reproductive Health Cover

Firstly, the maternity cover is fondly known as the “Linda Mama” Cover. The health scheme certainly, ensures pregnant women and infants have access to quality and affordable health services. Moreover, the overall aim of the Linda Mama Initiative by the Kenyan government is, “Achieve Universal cases to maternal and child health services and contribute toward’s the country’s progress towards UHC(Universal Health Care). Similarly, the cover is accepted in NHIF accredited hospitals. Further, the NHIF cover limit offers the following:

• All Ante Natal Services – Some of the services covered are, for example, antenatal profile where tests are done and the preventive services.
• All Post Natal Services

Reproductive health cover on the other hand includes family planning services, excluding fertility treatments.

Get more information at: https://www.youtube.com/c/VunaTV2021/videos