The Social Health Authority (SHA) has clarified that children who turn 18 years old do not automatically lose their health insurance cover as long as they are still in school and below the age of 21.
The clarification seeks to address concerns among parents and students who believe that reaching adulthood immediately disqualifies children from remaining dependants under their parent’s or guardian’s SHA account.
According to SHA, students aged above 18 but below 21 years can continue accessing health cover, but they must first be registered as SHA members before they can be added as dependants.
The Authority advised parents and guardians to log into their SHA accounts and add eligible students as dependants by submitting proof that the child is enrolled in a recognised learning institution such as a school, college or university.
The guidance is expected to benefit thousands of students who complete secondary school and continue with college or university education before attaining the age of 21, allowing them to maintain access to healthcare services without interruptions.
SHA has continued issuing public advisories to help Kenyans understand eligibility requirements, registration procedures and how dependants can remain covered under the national health insurance scheme.
Previously, SHA simplified the process of adding biological children by allowing parents to register them through the online portal using the child’s birth certificate number.
For newborn children below six months, parents are required to provide a birth notification or birth certificate together with a passport-size photograph before completing registration.
Parents must also notify SHA within 14 days when registering a newborn to allow approval before the child is added to the scheme.
The Authority has also introduced new documentation requirements for healthcare claims involving children under alternative care arrangements, including adoption, legal guardianship and kinship care.
SHA said the updated guidelines are aimed at reducing documentation challenges, improving claims processing and ensuring eligible children continue receiving healthcare services without unnecessary delays.
The latest clarification is part of SHA’s ongoing efforts to help families understand who qualifies for cover and the steps required to keep dependants enrolled under the national health insurance programme.