NHIF hospital selection: how to choose or change outpatient hospitals online

The National Hospital Insurance Fund, commonly known as NHIF Kenya, has come to the rescue of millions of Kenyans requiring medical help. The scheme caters to in and outpatient hospital bills, depending on the set terms and conditions. The NHIF hospital selection process is fairly simple, and you can do it online.

The NHIF hospital selection process is easy, especially now that you can do it online. It allows registered members to choose an outpatient healthcare facility of their choice. This makes it seamless for NHIF members to utilise various services without having to visit an NHIF office as was the case in the past.

All about the NHIF hospital selection process

NHIF cards are widely accepted across many public and private outpatient hospitals. Kindly note that not all private healthcare facilities accept NHIF.

This national health insurance scheme allows members to change their preferred hospitals quarterly for super cover members (i.e. March, June, September, and December), and biannually for civil servants in job groups A to K.

In the past, members could only change their preferred outpatient facilities manually. Today, they can make changes online.

How to change your NHIF hospital online

The online NHIF hospital selection is fairly straightforward. You can do it via the official portal, USSD code, or the NHIF app.

How to change your NHIF hospital via the NHIF portal

The NHIF self-care website allows you to choose new, confirm existing or change preferred outpatient hospitals for yourself and your dependents. Here is a step-by-step procedure on how you can select an outpatient hospital using the NHIF self-care website.

• Visit the self-care portal and click Log In Now.
• Type your ID number, and press enter.
• Next, click Continue.
• Enter the one-time PIN (OTP) that will be sent to your phone. Enter the OTP to verify your identity.
• Click on Change Outpatient Facility or Choose Outpatient Facility on the dashboard.
• Follow the subsequent steps to select or choose a facility for yourself and all your registered dependents.

NHIF hospital selection via a phone app

Members can now choose their preferred outpatient hospitals from the comfort of their homes using the NHIF app. The app is available on your Apple or Play store. Follow the steps below to complete the process.

• Download my NHIF self-care App from Google Play Store or Apple Store.
• Open the app and tap on other services.
• Enter your ID number.
• Request for a one-time PIN (OTP) to be sent to your phone number immediately.
• Enter the OTP to log in.
• Once logged in, select Choose Outpatient Facility or Change Outpatient Facility, depending on what you want.
• You will be presented with your name and a list of all your dependents. Click Change the Outpatient Facility for yourself and each dependent, then select your preferred facility.

NHIF change of facility via USSD

You can choose, change, or confirm your existing outpatient hospital quarterly using the official USSD code. Below are the steps to follow to complete the process.

• Dial *155# on your mobile phone.
• Select your preferred language (English or Kiswahili).
• Enter your ID number. You will receive an OTP via SMS.
• Enter the OPT code received, then press Send.
• Select Choose Outpatient Facility or Change Outpatient Facility from the pop-up screen that appears.
• Choose a facility from the list. If you have dependents, select your dependent and search for the name of the hospital you want to register them.
• Continue with the on-screen directions to choose a healthcare facility for all your dependents.

Can NHIF work in any hospital?

No, NHIF does not work in any hospital facility. Before choosing a facility, confirm it is NHIF-accredited.

How can I choose a hospital under NHIF?

You can choose your preferred facility using the NHIF app, self-help portal, or USSD. The step-by-step instructions are documented in the sections above.

How many hospitals can you choose for NHIF?

Note that members can choose one outpatient facility per beneficiary.

How many times can you change your outpatient hospital in NHIF?

Changing your NHIF hospital is normally done quarterly for all Supa Cover members in March, June, September, and December. Civil servants in Job Groups A to K can make the changes bi-annually.

How much does it cost to apply for NHIF in Kenya?

It does not cost you anything to apply for NHIF. However, your application should be accompanied by a KES 1,500 monthly fee to cover a period of three months. The monthly rate is KES 500 for self-employed persons. The amount varies for employed persons, depending on their job group or salary scale.

The NHIF hospital selection process allows members to choose their preferred healthcare facilities. Should one fall ill, their medical costs will be covered by the scheme in the chosen facility.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

READ ALSO: How to check your NSSF number online and via SMS in Kenya

Tuko.co.ke recently published how to check your NSSF number online and via SMS in Kenya in 2023. The National Security Social Fund (NSSF) is a Kenyan agency created in 1965 through an Act of Parliament Cap 258 of the Laws of Kenya.

The agency collects, keeps, responsibly invests, and distributes employees' retirement funds in formal and informal sectors. When you register for this scheme, you get an NSSF number for identification and record-keeping.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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