How To Get Your NHIS number (2024)
Looking to get health insurance coverage in Nigeria? Wondering how to sign up and get your own NHIS number?
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) provides Nigerian citizens access to affordable and quality healthcare services across the country. But first, you need to register and obtain a unique NHIS enrolment number to start enjoying covered medical care.
So how do you get this important 10-digit ID that lets you and your family benefit from health insurance?
This article will walk you through the step-by-step process of registering for NHIS either online or through the quick USSD code. Read on to find out everything you need to know about getting your own NHIS number.
HOW TO GET YOUR NHIS NUMBER IN NIGERIA
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a health program implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide citizens access to quality and affordable healthcare services. The scheme aims to protect families from financial hardship associated with large medical bills while increasing their access to healthcare.
To access care under the NHIS program, you need to first register and obtain an NHIS enrollment number. This unique 10-digit ID number is used to identify your membership status whenever you visit an NHIS-accredited health facility to receive care. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your NHIS number in Nigeria:
HOW TO REGISTER FOR NHIS ONLINE
The fastest and most efficient way to get your NHIS number is to register online via the National Health Insurance Scheme portal at nhis.gov.ng.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the NHIS portal and click on the “Get Your NHIS No” button. This will take you to the enrollment page.
Step 2: Select your category for registration (formal sector, informal sector, voluntary contributor, etc.)
Step 3: Enter your personal details such as full name, date of birth, gender, contact information, residential address, etc.
Step 4: Upload scanned copies of your ID card, passport photo, and marriage certificate (if married).
Step 5: Make payment online using your ATM card, mobile money, electronic wallet or pay directly at a designated NHIS bank. Formal sector enrollment is pre-paid by your employer.
Step 6: Upon successful payment, you will receive an acknowledgement slip containing your 10-digit NHIS number.
That’s it! Within 24 hours, your enrollment details will be updated in the NHIS database and you can start accessing care at accredited hospitals and clinics nationwide. Make sure to keep your NHIS number safe for future use.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR NHIS VIA USSD
If you do not have easy internet access, you can easily obtain your NHIS number by dialing the NHIS USSD code *616# on your mobile phone and following the prompts.
Here is a step-by-step overview:
Step 1: On your mobile phone, dial *616#
Step 2: Select your preferred language to continue (english, pidgin, hausa, igbo or yoruba)
Step 3: Enter your NIN number when prompted
Step 4: Select your category (formal, informal, vulnerable, tertiary institution or retiree)
Step 5: Enter additional details such as residential state, LGA, email, phone number etc
Step 6: Review all entered details and edit if necessary
Step 7: Confirm registration
Step 8: Make payment online by selecting a payment channel
Step 9: Upon payment completion, your NHIS number will be displayed on the confirmation prompt.
It’s that simple! The *616# registration method allows you to securely obtain your unique NHIS number from anywhere in the country by following the USSD prompts. Your enrollment data will be instantly updated after payment.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR NHIS ENROLLMENT STATUS
After obtaining your NHIS number either online or via USSD, you can verify if your enrollment is active by:
- Visiting any NHIS office nationwide with your ID card
- Asking at the reception/records department of an NHIS-accredited hospital
- Checking online at nhis.gov.ng with your NHIS number
- Dialing *616*YourNHISnumber# to use the USSD verification service
If your enrollment shows as “inactive”, simply pay the prescribed premium/fee to activate it. Formal sector enrollment is usually activated automatically.
BENEFITS OF OBTAINING AN NHIS NUMBER
Registering for the NHIS program comes with many benefits including:
- Access to quality healthcare services at accredited hospitals across Nigeria
- Protection from financial catastrophe due to high medical bills
- Cover for pre-existing medical conditions
- Access to prescribed drugs & medications
- Maternity care for expectant mothers
- Preventive care and medical checkups
- Minimum waiting time at hospitals with convenient access
With an NHIS number, you don’t need to pay out-of-pocket each time you need medical care. Get enrolled today to enjoy these benefits!
NHIS COVER FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES
The NHIS program has been designed to cover different profiles of Nigerians based on their work sector or demographics. This includes:
- FORMAL SECTOR
For public/civil servants and private company employees. Premium is pre-paid by employer.
- INFORMAL SECTOR
For self-employed individuals, traders, artisans etc. Members pay their premium themselves.
- VULNERABLE GROUP
For disabled people, prison inmates, elderly citizens etc under government sponsorship.
- TERTIARY INSTITUTION STUDENTS
For undergraduates of Federal Universities and colleges of health sciences. Premium paid from school fees.
- COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIAL HEALTH INSURANCE
Micro health insurance scheme for people in rural areas or urban self-help groups.
- RETIREES
All retirees from Federal establishments can enroll under the formal sector category.
No matter your work category, age, employment status or location, the NHIS program has a suitable cover tailored just for you. Simply obtain your unique NHIS number to get started.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NHIS REGISTRATION
Here are answers to some common questions about registering for the NHIS program:
HOW MUCH IS NHIS REGISTRATION?
- Formal sector is free, employer pays the premium
- Informal sector pay ₦7,000 – ₦40,000 based on your chosen cover
IS NHIS NUMBER THE SAME AS NIN?
No, NHIS number is different from NIN. The NHIS number provides access to health insurance while NIN number enables access to government services.
CAN I REGISTER MY FAMILY?
Yes, you can register your spouse and 4 biological children under 18 years for an additional fee.
IS ANTENATAL CARE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN FREE?
Yes, NHIS covers antenatal visits, delivery and postnatal care. But other non-pregnancy consultations or tests may require co-payment.
DOES NHIS COVER MEDICAL TESTS LIKE MRI, X-RAYS, ETC?
Yes, prescribed medical tests or scans are covered up to a limit per year. Some exclusions apply.
DOES NHIS COVER DENTAL AND EYE CARE?
Mostly no. Some health plans may offer limited dental and eye care benefits. Enquire before registration.
WHEN DOES MY NHIS COVERAGE EXPIRE?
Formal sector enrollment expires when you leave your employment. For informal sector, enrollment expires after 365 days from activation.
CONCLUSION
That’s the size of this article on how to get your NHIS number.
With this comprehensive guide, you can now easily obtain your NHIS number by registering online at nhis.gov.ng or dialing *616# to use the convenient USSD method.
Get enrolled to access quality, affordable healthcare nationwide!
