How to check your NHIF status in Kenya (2023)
The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a medical insurance program backed by the government. It’s designed to provide healthcare coverage to individuals aged 18 and above, earning a monthly income exceeding Kshs. 1000. NHIF enrollment is mandatory for those employed in the formal sector. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of checking your NHIF status online.
Originating in 1966, NHIF was established by the Kenyan government to shield citizens from unforeseen and exorbitant medical expenses. Employers operating within the formal sector are obligated to enrol their workforce into NHIF. Meanwhile, individuals who are self-employed or engaged in the informal sector have the flexibility to make a voluntary decision regarding NHIF registration. For a similar post, read our comprehensive article on How to apply for a new smart driving license in Kenya.
It’s essential to be aware of NHIF’s penalties for delayed payments. Once you settle the outstanding balance along with the associated penalties, your membership will be reinstated. Additionally, a fee for reactivating your NHIF card will be incurred. Regularly monitoring your monthly NHIF contributions is advisable, as it allows you to keep track of your balance, outstanding payments, and any applicable penalties.
To conveniently access your NHIF information, several options are available. You can visit the nearest Huduma Centre or NHIF branch. Alternatively, you can retrieve information via email, SMS, the official NHIF website, or the NHIF App. These accessible avenues ensure that you stay well-informed about your NHIF status and contributions.
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Ways to check your NHIF status
You can check your National Hospital Insurance Fund status by using the following methods:
How to check NHIF status online on the website
NHIF members can directly log into the NHIF self-care portal and check their status. You do not re-register when checking your status. Please follow this guide to check the NHIF account status:
- Visit NHIF’s official website.
- Click the “Self-Care” button.
- NHIF status
- The system will take you to the NHIF status login page.
- Enter your national ID number.
- Click “Get One Time Pin.”
- Use the Pin to log into your NHIF account within 24 hours.
- Proceed to check your NHIF status.
- You will see your monthly contributions, penalties, and arrears.
How to check NHIF balance online on the app
You can check your NHIF account status online through the ‘My NHIF‘ mobile app. The app is available on Google Play and App Store. Download and install it on your phone, then register or log in to check your NHIF status.
How to check the NHIF status via SMS
You can easily check your National Hospital Insurance Fund status or get your details by sending an SMS with the format: (ID {space} Your ID Number) e.g. (ID 12345678) to 21101.
You will pay Kshs. 10 from your airtime to check the NHIF account status. Please use the phone number to register for this medical insurance scheme.
How to check the NHIF status with the USSD code
Dial NHIF USSD code *155# from any network and follow the prompts to check your status. You can also dial the same code to register with NHIF. You do not need credit to use this service. For a similar post, read our comprehensive article on How to Check Driver’s License Expiry Date in Kenya.
What are the most common NHIF payment options?
M-PESA and established banks such as Equity Bank, National Bank (NBK), Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and Cooperative Bank stand out as the prevailing NHIF payment choices frequently utilized by Kenyan individuals.
Typically, NHIF monthly contributions are subtracted by employers directly from their employees’ pay slips and remitted to NHIF. However, if you are self-employed or prefer not to have your employer handle your NHIF payments, various methods allow you to manage these contributions independently. Here’s a breakdown of how you can make payments for your monthly NHIF contributions, any applicable penalties, and outstanding dues, using different NHIF payment alternatives:
- NHIF online self-care platform and app
- Personal bank account
- NHIF PayBill Number
- Safaricom Bonga points
- Equitel Money
For a similar post, read our comprehensive article on the updated list of all Paybill numbers for banks in Kenya.
NHIF rates for employees in 2023
Members under the existing NHIF payment arrangement are expected to remit their monthly contributions no later than the 9th day of each subsequent month to prevent incurring penalties. Here are the NHIF rates for the year 2023:
| Salary range (Kshs.) | Monthly contributions (Kshs.) |
|---|---|
| 0-5,999 | 150 |
| 6,000-7,999 | 300 |
| 8,000-11,999 | 400 |
| 12,000-14,999 | 500 |
| 15,000-19,999 | 600 |
| 20,000-24,999 | 750 |
| 25,000-29,999 | 850 |
| 30,000-34,999 | 900 |
| 35,000-39,999 | 950 |
| 40,000-44,999 | 1,000 |
| 45,000-49,999 | 1,100 |
| 50,000-59,999 | 1,200 |
| 60,000-69,999 | 1,300 |
| 70,000-79,999 | 1,400 |
| 89,000-89,999 | 1,500 |
| 90,000-100,000 | 1,600 |
| 100,000 and above | 1,700 |
| Self-employed (special type) | 500 |
