NAIROBI, Kenya — The Social Health Authority (SHA) has clarified that children who attain the age of 18 do not automatically lose their health insurance cover, provided they are still pursuing their education and are below the age of 21.
The clarification seeks to address widespread confusion among parents and students who believe that turning 18 automatically disqualifies a child from remaining a dependant under a parent’s or guardian’s SHA account.
Students Must First Register as SHA Members
According to the Authority, students aged above 18 but below 21 remain eligible for cover, but they must first register as SHA members before they can be added as dependants.
SHA said parents or guardians should log into their SHA accounts and submit proof that the student is enrolled in a recognised school, college or other learning institution when adding them as a dependant.
The clarification is expected to benefit thousands of students transitioning from secondary school to colleges and universities, helping them maintain uninterrupted access to healthcare services.
SHA Continues Public Awareness Campaign
The Authority said the guidance forms part of a broader public awareness campaign aimed at helping Kenyans better understand registration procedures and eligibility requirements under the national health insurance scheme.
SHA has recently introduced several measures to simplify the registration of dependants and improve access to healthcare services.
Simplified Registration for Children
Previously, the Authority streamlined the process of registering biological children by allowing parents to add them through the SHA online portal using the child’s birth certificate number.
For newborns below six months, parents are required to provide either a birth notification or birth certificate together with a passport-size photograph before completing registration.
The Authority also requires parents to notify SHA within 14 days of registering a newborn to facilitate approval before the child is added to the scheme.
New Rules for Alternative Care Arrangements
SHA has also introduced additional documentation requirements for healthcare claims involving children under alternative care arrangements, including adoption, legal guardianship and kinship care.
According to the Authority, the revised guidelines are intended to minimise documentation gaps, improve claims processing and ensure eligible children continue receiving healthcare services without unnecessary delays.
