1. SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund)
✅ Replaces NHIF under new Universal Health Coverage reforms
✅ Mandatory for all Kenyans with enhanced benefits
✅ Expected coverage:
- Inpatient & outpatient care
- Chronic disease management
- Emergency services
- Maternity & newborn care
Key Changes from NHIF:
- Lifetime cover (not employment-dependent)
- Household contributions instead of individual
- Digital claims processing for faster service
2. Private Health Insurance Options
AAR Healthcare
- Best for outpatient & telemedicine
- SME-friendly packages from Ksh 2,500/month
- 24/7 doctor consultations
Britam Health
- Comprehensive coverage including cancer
- International emergency evacuation
- Corporate plans for 10+ employees
Jubilee Health
- Affordable family plans
- Wide hospital network (200+ facilities)
- Chronic disease management
CIC Health
- Best value-for-money plans
- Specialized maternity & HIV coverage
- Low-cost options from Ksh 2,800/month
2025 Cost Comparison
| Provider | Starting Price | Key Benefit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHIF | Expected Ksh 600-2,000/household | Basic universal care | All Kenyans |
| AAR | Ksh 2,500 | Outpatient focus | Young professionals |
| Britam | Ksh 4,000 | Full coverage | Families & corporates |
| Jubilee | Ksh 3,200 | Wide network | SMEs |
| CIC | Ksh 2,800 | Chronic care | Budget-conscious |
How SHIF Works for Employers
- Registration:
- Enroll through SHIF digital portal (replacing NHIF)
- Submit employee details & household data
- Contributions:
- Employer pays 1.7% of salary
- Employee contributes 1.3%
- Government subsidizes vulnerable groups
- Benefits:
- No co-payments at public hospitals
- Cover continues after employment exit
Smart Insurance Strategies
✔ Combine SHIF with Private Cover for complete protection
✔ Negotiate Corporate Rates for 10+ employees
✔ Use Telemedicine to reduce outpatient costs
Did You Know? SHIF will allow cross-border treatment in EAC countries
Getting Started
- Register for SHIF at [shif.go.ke] (launching 2024)
- Compare 3+ Private Insurers for top-up coverage
- Consult a Broker for corporate plans