How long does NHIF card take to be active?

  NHIF

National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) was established as a department in the Ministry of Health in 1966. It was later transformed into a state corporate so as to optimize its effectiveness and efficiency. Today, many needy Kenyans have registered with NHIF so that they and their dependents can access medical services when in need.

Anyone who earns a minimum of KSh 1,000 per month and is of 18 years or more is eligible to register for NHIF. Furthermore, both formal and informal employees can register. For the formally employed, registration is compulsory while informal employees only register by choice. This article will inform you about the period it takes for your NHIF card to be active.

Waiting period for NHIF

After you have started making payments, you should wait for some time before you are able to access NHIF services. The waiting period differs depending on the type of membership one is subscribed to. The formal employers will wait for 30 days before their NHIF cards are active. Voluntary members and the self-employed should wait for up to 60 days.

Read Also: How to check NHIF statement online

NHIF registration period

Now that you have known about the NHIF waiting period, let’s go through the process of NHIF membership registration:

  • Visit the nearest NHIF branch
  • Fill the application form. You should carry the documents below:
    • A copy of your national ID
    • A copy of your spouse’s national ID (where applicable)
    • Your employers NHIF code (for the employed)
    • Copies of birth certificates for your spouse(s) or dependents (where applicable)
    • Your coloured passport photo
    • Your spouse(s) or dependent’s passport photos
    • Copies of passport photos, passports or alien certificates and work permits plus those of dependents where applicable. (for foreign residents and foreign students studying in Kenya).
  • Submit the duly filled application form together with the above documents.
  • You will be issued an NHIF number.

You can find more information on this NHIF registration guide.

Once you have the NHIF number, you should start the payment to top up your NHIF account. Failing to pay in time may result in your NHIF card remaining inactive for a long time and may also lead to fines. For the employed, payment is up to the employer while voluntary members pay KSh 500 monthly.

In conclusion

That is all about how long it takes for the NHIF card to be active. Please consider paying in time to avoid delays in activating your card and fines.