NHIF Reactivation for Defaulting Members. If a member of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in Kenya defaults on their contributions for more than 12 months, they will be treated as a new entrant to the scheme. To reactivate their NHIF cover, the member must follow these steps:
- Reactivation Payment:
- The member must pay KES 1,500, which serves as their contribution for three months.
- Waiting Period:
- After making the payment, the member must wait for a period of 2 months (60 days) from the date of payment for their cover to become active again.
- Subsequent Payments:
- The member is advised to continue making monthly contributions regularly to avoid any penalties or further disruptions in coverage.
By adhering to these steps, members can ensure their NHIF cover remains active and avoid any lapses in their health insurance benefits.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official NHIF guidelines or visit their website.
What is NHIF in Kenya?
The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is Kenya’s primary health insurance scheme, established to provide affordable and accessible healthcare coverage to its members. Here is a comprehensive overview of NHIF:
History and Structure
- Established: The NHIF was established in 1966 under the Ministry of Health.
- Legislation: It operates under the National Hospital Insurance Fund Act No. 9 of 1998.
- Mandate: NHIF’s primary mandate is to provide medical insurance cover to all its members and their dependents (spouse and children).
Membership
- Eligibility: NHIF membership is mandatory for all Kenyans above the age of 18 with a monthly income. It is open to both formal sector employees and informal sector workers (self-employed).
- Contribution Rates:
- Formal Sector: Contributions are made through payroll deductions, with rates varying based on the employee’s income.
- Informal Sector: Members contribute a fixed monthly amount of KES 500.
Benefits
NHIF offers various benefits to its members, including:
- Inpatient Services: Covers costs of hospital admission, including bed charges, nursing care, and doctor’s fees.
- Outpatient Services: Includes consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments.
- Specialized Services: Such as dialysis, cancer treatment, and surgical procedures.
- Maternity and Reproductive Health: Provides coverage for maternity services, including deliveries and caesarian sections.
How to Register
- Online Registration: Individuals can register for NHIF online through the NHIF self-care portal.
- Physical Registration: Members can also register at any NHIF branch office or Huduma Centre.
Reactivation of Defaulted Membership
If a member defaults on their NHIF contributions for more than 12 months, they can reactivate their cover by:
- Paying KES 1,500, which covers three months’ contributions.
- Waiting for 2 months (60 days) for the cover to become active.
- Ensuring regular monthly payments thereafter to avoid penalties.
Contact Information
- Head Office: NHIF Building, Community Area, Ragati Road, Nairobi.
- Phone: +254 20 272 3255 / 56
- Website: NHIF Kenya
For more detailed information about NHIF, including specific benefits, contribution rates, and registration processes, you can visit the official NHIF website.
