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How To Change Facility in NHIF Online | Step-to-step Guide
Since they automated their services, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has enabled users to select, edit or approve their selected hospitals remotely. It is no longer a headache to switch your NHIF hospital. You can now simply find out how to change facility in NHIF online without having to enter an NHIF office or stand in long queues.
All you require is your laptop or phone, and within minutes you can choose NHIF hospital online, update your information, and even confirm how to update NHIF status with ease. NHIF Kenya has made this process so easy that anyone can carry it out, whether you live in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, or a small town upcountry.
Think about it—you may have just moved, or your preferred hospital once no longer meets your requirements. Maybe you’d rather have one nearer to home or one that treats you more gently.
No matter what your reason is, NHIF makes it possible for you to do so hassle-free online. And in this article, I will walk you through the very steps so you wouldn’t know where to start.
What is NHIF Kenya and Why Does It Matter?
National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a Kenyan state corporation established in 1966 through an Act of Parliament to provide all citizens with quality, sustainable and affordable health care regardless of their economic status.
The NHIF health insurance scheme has the mandate to provide its services to members and dependents, and anyone over the age of 18 years may register at an NHIF registration fee of Ksh1,500.
During the registration process, a person selects an NHIF facility that is convenient for them to visit so that they can access medical care that does not involve staying overnight. Outpatient facilities are predominant in their place of residence.
But to be able to take advantage, you need to be with a specific hospital or facility. That’s why it matters to make the proper decision when it comes to the hospital—and why it is so essential to learn how to change facility in NHIF online.
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Can You Change Facility in NHIF Online?
Yes. In a bid to improve the services to their customers, NHIF moved all its services online, among them is changing NHIF facilities. One may be prompted to shift from one outpatient facility to the other because of factors such as; relocation or simply dissatisfaction with their current facility.
This can be done online using either the NHIF self-care portal or the NHIF app.
Requirements to Change NHIF Facility Online
Before you log onto the portal, there are a few things that you will be required to have prepared. NHIF Kenya has taken the process online, but you will still be required to have some details in case of verification. Here are the requirements:
- Member ID Number
- Registered Phone Number: Should be active and registered with NHIF.
- Preferred Outpatient Facility: The facility’s name and county of the new one.
- NHIF Self Care Portal Access
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How to Change Facility in NHIF Online: Step-by-Step
Changing the facility on your NHIF card is required to enable you or your dependents to be treated at a preferred facility. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Open Your Web Browser
Open a browser using your smartphone or computer.
2. Access the NHIF Self Care Portal
Go to the NHIF website and navigate to the “Self Care” menu, or go directly to the NHIF Self Care Portal at https://nhifcare.co.ke/.
3. Login to the NHIF Self Care Portal
When at the Self Care Portal, you can log in with NHIF or eCitizen. They both work just as well.
Select “Sign in with NHIF”.
4. Enter Your ID Number
Put in your ID number and click on “Get OTP”.
5. Confirm OTP
An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered phone number.
Use the OTP to log in into the NHIF Self Care Portal.
6. Go to Facilities
After logging in, glance at the left panel and click on “Facilities”.
7. Choose County and Hospital
Choose the county in which your preferred outpatient facility is situated.
From the list of populated hospitals, pick your desired facility.
8. Save Changes
After choosing the facility, confirm and save the changes.
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How to Change Facility in NHIF via NHIF App
Alternatively, the following is how to change NHIF outpatient hospital via the NHIF app:
1. Download the NHIF app on Google Play Store or Apple Store
2. Open the app on your phone and click ‘Other Services’
3. Key in your ID number and click ‘Request OTP’
4. Verify the code sent in the SMS inbox of your registered phone number
5. Enter the code and press ‘Login’
6. Go to ‘Change Outpatient Facility’
7. Select your county and preferred facility from the options
8. Confirm
How to Change Facility NHIF using USSD
You can choose, change, or confirm your current outpatient hospital every quarter using the official NHIF USSD code. Please follow the following steps:
- Dial *155# on your phone.
- Select your preferred language – English or Kiswahili.
- Input your ID number.
- You will be asked to send a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS.
- Enter the OTP code you received and click Send.
- From the menu, select either: Select Outpatient Facility or Modify Outpatient Facility
- Browse through the list of listed facilities and choose the desired hospital.
- In the event that you have dependents, select the dependent, then search and select the hospital you would like to register the dependent at.
- Then proceed with the on-screen instructions to complete the process for yourself and all your dependents.
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How Much Will It Cost Me to Apply for NHIF in Kenya?
It will cost you nothing to enroll for NHIF in Kenya. However, when you submit your application, you are required to pay an initial fee of KES 1,500, which lasts for three months. Later on, self-employed members pay KES 500 per month for their membership.
For those in the formal workforce, their contribution is differentiated based on the job group or salary level. More is deducted from the high earners and less from the low earners, with their specific deductions ascertained by the NHIF contribution table.
Once you have become a registered member, the selection of your own hospital under NHIF means that you can select your own facility. When you fall ill, your hospital bills will be handled by the scheme under your selected facility.
How to Update NHIF Status
Your NHIF account may become dormant at some instance, especially if you’ve missed payments. Before you make any alteration to your facility, it is advisable to know how to check and update NHIF status.
- Call *155# on your phone and follow the prompts.
- Log in to the NHIF self-care portal and check your contribution history.
- Visit an NHIF branch or Huduma Centre to confirm your account status.
If inactive, make sure you settle the prescribed penalties or arrears to reactivate.
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When Can You Change Your NHIF Outpatient Hospital?
You can change your NHIF outpatient facility whenever you want. Choice and selection of new facilities is continuous, but there is only implementation of the new facility choice in January and July every year (biennially).
How Many Times Can You Change Your NHIF Facility?
Members who are self-employed in Supa Cover NHIF can request a change of NHIF facility once in a quarter, while formally employed members (civil servants) may request a change of outpatient facility twice within a year.
NHIF Payment Using Cooperative Bank
Payment of your NHIF contributions is a prerequisite to maintaining an active account. Paying using Cooperative Bank of Kenya is one of the most convenient. This is how it is done:
How to Pay NHIF via Cooperative Bank USSD (*667#)
- Dial *667# on your phone, if you don’t have an account, find out how to open one here
- Select “Pay Bill” or “NHIF.”
- Select NHIF number as account.
- Select the amount (self-employed Ksh 500).
- Confirm payment.
How to Pay NHIF via Cooperative Bank App
- Log in to your MCo-opCash app.
- Select Pay Bill → NHIF.
- Select NHIF membership number.
- Confirm and pay details.
Why Co-op Bank is Convenient
- 24/7 accessible
- Instant confirmation
- No need to visit an NHIF office
- Easily accessible across the country
- Current payments guarantee your facility change occurs seamlessly.
You can also pay for NHIF using Mpesa. Find out how to do so here
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Pro Tips for Changing NHIF Facility Online
Here are some helpful tips that can make the whole process smoother and save you unnecessary frustration:
- Double-Check Info: Be sure all the information you provide is correct to avoid issues.
- Save Confirmation Records: Store any confirmation messages or emails that relate to your updates for future reference.
- Regular Updates: Periodically update your outpatient facility information as required to have access to medical care services wherever you require them.
By following these easy steps, you can easily alter your NHIF outpatient facility online, and you and your dependents enjoy medical coverage at your chosen location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I request NHIF facility change at any time?
No. The change is only done at the start of every quarter—January, April, July, or October.
How long does it take for the new facility to be effective?
It takes effect in the subsequent quarter after you request it.
Do my dependents also change hospitals when I change?
Yes, your spouse and children under NHIF will be moved to the new hospital.
Can I choose a private hospital under NHIF?
Yes, as long as the hospital is NHIF accredited.
What happens if I don’t pay my NHIF contributions?
Your account will be suspended, and you won’t receive services until arrears are settled.
Final Thoughts
Changing your NHIF facility is no longer as intimidating an affair as it used to be. Now, through the online system, you can easily find out how to change facility in NHIF online, choose NHIF hospital online that suits you best, and even find out how to update NHIF status from your home.
NHIF Kenya has gone on to make access to health more convenient for the members, and with easy payment options like NHIF payment via Cooperative Bank, being in an active account has never been easier.
Regardless of where you live, city or far in the village, NHIF has brought you good quality health within reach. Just ensure your accounts are active, make smart decisions, and make use of the system designed to help every Kenyan to the fullest.
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References
- nairobiwire.com – How To Change Your NHIF Outpatient Facility
- kahawatungu.com – How to Choose, Change NHIF Outpatient Facilities Digitally
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