Kenya has launched the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Established under the Social Health Insurance (SHI) Act, SHIF is designed to facilitate universal health coverage. According to the Ministry of Health, the full transition from NHIF to SHIF takes place on 1st October 2024. Every person residing in Kenya, including foreigners, must register for SHIF.
If you’re looking for ways to register for SHIF fund, this article is for you. But first, let’s discuss why you should even register for SHIF.
Why Register for SHIF?
IIlneses can come unexpectedly and they can impose a substantial financial burden on you. Since we can’t predict when unforeseen illnesses come knocking, it’s always best to have health insurance. The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) gives you access to a wide range of quality health services without a significant financial burden. Under the new fund, you’ll enjoy various benefits including promotive, preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services.
Ways to Register for the Social Health Insurance Fund
Generally, you can register for SHIF online or you can visit your nearest Hudama Center. There are three ways you can register with the Social Health Authority.
Web self-registration
The Social Health Authority has an official website (https://sha.go.ke/) with key information about its operations and services. You can register for SHIF via the SHA official website. Here is a step-by-step process on how to complete the web self-registration.
- Visit the SHA website (https://sha.go.ke/)
- On the website, click on the “Register” button at the top right-hand corner to start the registration process.
- Read and accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, then click on “Proceed.” Not that by clicking proceed, you’ve consented to the collection, use, and sharing of personal information as described in the terms.
- On the next page, enter your details including identity type (Kenya citizen or Foreign Resident), ID number, and phone number with their identity card number.
- Enter your details on the subsequent pages to complete self-registration.
- Check the details for accuracy and finish the application.
USSD Self-registration
You can also register for the Social Health Insurance Fund via USSD. Here are the steps on how to go about it.
- Dial *147# on your phone or tablet and proceed to accept the provided terms and conditions.
- Enter your Kenyan ID number. Then select proceed after confirming your name.
- Enter your details including marital status, civil status, and details of dependants in the subsequent prompts. It’s important to ensure all your details are accurate.
- You’ll receive a message to confirm the completion of your registration.
Assisted enrollment
An alternative way to register for SHIF is assisted enrolment. This method is ideal if you experience problems with the web self-registration or USSD self-registration. Here is the procedure on how to complete the assisted enrollment.
- Visit your nearest Huduma Centre or authorized SHA agent. Request for assisted enrollment to the Social Health Insurance Fund. Ensure you have the National ID card.
- All necessary personal details, including dependents, and civil status will be captured.
- Review the details you’ve provided. Your application will be submitted if all the details are correct.
Conclusion
If you want to enroll in the Social Health Insurance Fund, the above information offers reliable methods to complete the application. Of course, the web self-registration and USSD self-registration make it easier for you to register with the new insurance fund. It’s important to register with SHA to avoid loss of insurance cover for you and your dependants.
Read more: Kenya Launches FoTMIS to Track Foreign Travels by Public Servant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to register for the SHIF/Social Health Authority?
Every Kenyan resident including foreigners is required to to register with the SHIF. Unlike the National Health Insurance Fund which did not require mandatory registration for non-salaried persons, SHIF requires every person to register.
What identification documents do I require to complete the registration?
You require your National ID number to apply for SHIF. For children, you’ll need to provide the birth certificate. Foreign residents can use their Alien ID (Foreign Resident Certificate) whereas refugees can use a Refugee ID.
Can I register my children for the Social Health Authority?
Yes, you can register your children for the Social Health Authority. You’ll be required to provide the documentation provided by the State Department for Children Protection for a child without any form of identification.
How much contributions should employers make to the Social Health Authority for their employees?
Under SHA, employers contribute 2.75% of the employees’ salaries to the Social Health Insurance fund.
