How to Get Your NHIF (Now SHA) Membership Number and Check Your Cover
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Looking for your NHIF number? Here is the news: NHIF no longer exists. In October 2024 it was replaced by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which runs the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The old “SMS your ID to 21101” trick for getting an NHIF number belongs to the past. Under SHA, your National ID number is what identifies you, and you can check your cover in under a minute.
What You Need
- Your National ID number (or birth certificate number for a child, or Alien ID / Refugee ID for foreign residents).
- A phone or internet connection.
How to Check Your SHA Membership Online
- Go to the SHA eligibility page: eligibility.sha.go.ke.
- Under Identification Type, choose National ID (other options include Birth Certificate Number, Alien ID, Refugee ID and CR Number).
- Type your ID number and click Check.
- Your coverage status will be shown. If you are not found, you need to register (see below).
You can also log in to the SHA member portal, Afya Yangu, to see your details and dependants.
How to Register if You Are Not on SHA
- Dial *147# and accept the SHA terms and conditions.
- Enter your ID number and first name for verification.
- Fill in your details and wait for a confirmation SMS.
You can also register on the SHA website, or visit an authorised SHA agent with your National ID for help.
Tips
- When paying contributions, your National ID number is your account number. See how to pay SHA using M-Pesa Paybill.
- Add your spouse and children as dependants so they are covered too.
- Stuck? Call SHA’s toll-free line 0800 720 601.
Only use official SHA channels (sha.go.ke, afyayangu.go.ke, *147#). Never send your ID number and M-Pesa PIN to anyone who calls claiming to “update your NHIF”.
