The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a health insurance product offered by the Kenyan government to all citizens. It provides comprehensive health coverage to NHIF members and their dependents, covering various medical services such as inpatient and outpatient care, maternity services, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic illnesses. In this blog post, we will discuss the NHIF comprehensive cover, its benefits, and how it has impacted healthcare in Kenya.
NHIF Comprehensive Cover
The NHIF comprehensive plan is an upgraded product from the basic NHIF cover, offering more benefits and higher limits. Some of the key features of the NHIF comprehensive cover include:
- Inpatient hospitalization: This benefit covers expenses related to hospitalization, such as accommodation, meals, nursing care, and doctor attendance.
- Outpatient services: The outpatient cover includes consultation with a general practitioner, laboratory and radiological investigations, day-care procedures, drugs and dispensation, health education, mental and behavioral health services, counseling, physiotherapy services, antenatal and postnatal care, immunization/vaccines as per KEPI schedule, anti-snake venom, and anti-rabies.
- Maternity services: The cover includes facilities for labor, delivery through normal delivery or caesarean section, and aftercare for the mother.
- Surgical procedures: The surgical procedure benefit package covers a range of procedures, including diagnostic imaging services for MRIs and CT scans.
Benefits of NHIF Comprehensive Cover
The NHIF comprehensive cover provides peace of mind by covering a broad range of medical expenses, ensuring quality healthcare for you and your family. Some of the benefits include:
- Access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all members.
- Financial protection against unexpected medical expenses.
- Coverage for a wide range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, maternity services, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic illnesses.
- Choice of hospital, with some hospitals offering comprehensive inpatient cover and others offering non-comprehensive cover.
How to apply for nhif comprehensive cover
To apply for the NHIF comprehensive cover in Kenya, you can follow these steps:
- Eligibility: Ensure that you are eligible for the NHIF comprehensive cover. This cover is available to all Kenyan citizens, including those in formal employment, self-employment, and retirees.
- Registration: You can register for the NHIF comprehensive cover as a self-employed individual by paying Ksh 500 monthly or Ksh 6,000 yearly. This will cover you and your dependents, such as your spouse and children.
- Choice of Hospital: Understand that the benefits of the NHIF comprehensive cover depend on your choice of hospital. Comprehensive hospitals provide a comprehensive inpatient cover, meaning that members will not pay out of pocket for any inpatient services. This category includes all public hospitals and some select faith-based and private hospitals.
- Application Process: To apply, visit the nearest NHIF office and fill out the NHIF registration form (NHIF 2). You will need to attach a copy of your National ID and pay the applicable monthly or yearly contribution based on your chosen plan.
By following these steps, you can apply for the NHIF comprehensive cover and gain access to quality and affordable healthcare services for you and your family.
Impact of NHIF Comprehensive Cover
The NHIF comprehensive cover has had a significant impact on healthcare in Kenya. Since its introduction, the number of NHIF members has increased, with the total number of members reported to be 15.4 million, out of which 6.7 million are active. The cover has enabled more Kenyans to access quality healthcare services, as evidenced by the increased number of hospital visits and utilization of healthcare services by NHIF members.
However, there have been concerns about the affordability of the NHIF comprehensive cover. The contribution rates for the NHIF comprehensive cover range from KES 500 to KES 1,700, depending on the type of cover and income generated by a holder. Despite these concerns, the NHIF comprehensive cover remains a valuable option for Kenyans seeking comprehensive health coverage.
Conclusion
The NHIF comprehensive cover is a valuable health insurance product that provides comprehensive health coverage to Kenyans and their dependents. It covers a wide range of medical services, ensuring quality healthcare for all members. However, it is essential to consider the cost of the cover and the choice of hospital when selecting the appropriate plan for your needs.
As the number of NHIF members continues to grow, the fund will need to address the affordability concerns and ensure that the cover remains accessible to all Kenyans.
Read also:
- Latest NHIF Contribution Rates
- How to Change Your NHIF Facility
- Best NHIF Outpatient Hospitals in Nairobi
- NHIF Accreditation Application Form Download + Guide
- Latest NHIF Application Requirements