National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) – Kenya

What is National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)?

National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) Kenya is a State Parastatal that was established in 1966 under the Ministry of Health. It was transformed to a state corporate to operate more efficiently. The NHIF’s core mandate is to provide medical insurance cover to all its members and their declared dependants (spouse and children). The NHIF membership is open to all Anyone who has attained the age of 18 years and have a monthly income of more than Ksh 1000. NHIF has 61 fully autonomous branches across the country. Each of these branches offers all NHIF services including payment of benefits to hospitals or members or employers. Smaller satellite offices and service points in district hospitals also serve these branches.

Eligibility

Anyone employed in Kenya at the age of 18 and above is eligible to register for this medical support system as long as they receive a minimum of ksh 1,000 monthly. Both formally employed and informal employees can register for the Fund. For those who are formally employed, registration as an NHIF member is compulsory. Those in informal employment and retirees have a choice either to register or not to register.

- Kenyan residents including both foreigners allowed to study or work in Kenya.
- Minimum age of 18 years. There is no upper age limit for NHIF.
- Earns an income from Kenya (employed/self employed)
- Earns an income of more than KSH1000 in any given month or KSH12,000 per year
- Works under contract or casual basis. It also includes the voluntary contributors.
- Voluntary contributors

Contributions & Deductions

Formal sector employees’ contributions are deducted and remitted to the Fund by their employers. This is done by Cheque or through E-banking.
For members under the voluntary category, they pay Kshs.500 per month (Kshs.6000 per annum). For those in formal employment, contributions are made as per their income.