The Kenyan government was able to launch a health insurance scheme in order to improve healthcare. This is known as the NHIF, or the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
Every Kenyan citizen over the age of 18 is required to contribute to this fund. The minimum amount is Shs.500, and it can go up for the working class depending on their job group.
However, there are times when you want to know how your contributions are progressing. And there is always the option of visiting the office for the service.
This can either wear you out or you won’t even have the time spared to go for such inquiries. As a result, a better alternative solution is to use your phone.
Are you one of the guys who is trapped in this situation? Do you want to double-check that the amount you pay each month is reflected in the NHIF records?
With the advancement of technology, you can now check the status of the NHIF online. Alternatively, you can request the statement via text message from your phone.
This article will cover both methods for checking nhif status online. Let’s take a walk together.
1. Checking NHIF Account Status Account Online Via Web
The NHIF has a website that you can obtain information regarding their services and operations among other things. All terms and conditions about the NHIF can also be found on their website.
So, how do I check my NHIF account?
To check your account online via the web, follow the procedure below:
- Go to the NHIF official website here, nhif.or.ke
- Sign up to the self-service portal
- You are required to register in case of a newcomer. This makes you be able to possess an online account with NHIF. But if you registered already, simply sign in your account.
- If you are registering for the first time, ensure that you have the NHIF number, email address, and your phone number.
- You will be needed to fill in the prompts as required; enter the details, save and then submit
- Create your own password – you will use it every time you want to do something on the portal. Choose a password that’ll be simple for you to remember.
- (it is possible to retrieve a forgotten password in case you forgot)
You have the account, now you need to log into the account and start doing what you were after.
Check your NHIF account status online with details that show how you contribute monthly. You will also be able to see the balances, which months you defaulted and activation among other things.
Having finished everything with the account, you need to log out. Don’t leave your account open as your bio would be insecure.
2. Checking the NHIF Status Online via a Phone
The other alternative is the use of a mobile phone. This is a little different but here’ how it goes;
- With your phone in hand, select the message icon.
- Once the message thread for inbox is opened, compose the message.
- Simply type ID in the message compose. Follow it with single space, then your actual national identification number or passport number (if it does matter).
- With the message complete and done, send it to the shortcode number 21101
- You will be sent back a text message bearing your NHIF accou nt status after just a short while.
This method is convenient and effective. But just remember you need some airtime on your phone, about 10 bob airtime as service charge.
How To Make NHIF Payment
The NHIF payment for those who are employed in the Government of Kenya or in the Private sector is done by the employers. The charges are deducted directly from their salaries according to the pools they fall in.
I can say that’s pretty easy for them. They don’t have to hassle paying on their own.
But for self-employed peoples, how do you go about NHIF payments and how much do you pay each month?
There are different means of paying for your NHIF.
You can go and pay from their website nhif.or.ke. You will be prompted on what to do until you finish the payment.
The second one is via the Mpesa. Many people are familiar with Mpesa. Follow the following steps to pay your NHIF amounts using Lipa na mpesa.
- Go to the Mpesa Menu
- Go to Lipa na Mpesa
- Enter the Business Number as 200222 (NHIF Pay bill)
- Enter your ID card number as the account number
- Enter the amount you want to pay for the month
- Key in the Mpesa pin and send
You will receive the confirmation message from both Mpesa and NHIF
How Do You Know You’ve Paid for NHIF?
It’s important that you follow up with your NHIF records or account status. This has to be regular.
Otherwise, you might get yourself in problems of late payment not because that was the case, but because, the system didn’t just update your records. Or perhaps your employer didn’t submit the payment in time.
In the end, you get unnecessary penalties.
When you pay via mpesa, the NHIF statement will take between 24-48 hours before it reflects in the system. Although in some cases, you will get it instantly.
You can get your statement by either sending an SMS to 21101 or requesting through the email by sending the insurer your ID number to customercare@nhif.or.ke
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