Since its October 1 launch, millions of Kenyans have registered for the Social Health Authority (SHA) as the go-to solution for affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage.

But hold on a second—are you sure you’ve added all your loved ones? These could be your children, spouse, parents, or any other loved ones you care for. If you’ve registered but forgotten to include your dependants, worry not — we’ve got you covered with a simple, step-by-step guide.

Follow along as we walk you through how to register your dependants on SHA. We’ll keep it easy and even throw in a few friendly reminders along the way!

Step 1: Log In and Get Started

First things first, head over to the SHA website (www.sha.go.ke). Once you land on the homepage, click Login and enter your registered credentials. If you haven’t created an account yet, take a minute to register—quick and easy!

Once logged in, you’ll find yourself in your profile section. From here, you can access all the details about your healthcare coverage, contributions, and yes, your dependants.

Step 2: Navigate to the Dependants Section

Now that you’re in, let’s head over to the “My Profile” section. Look for the Dependants Tab and click on it—this is your gateway to managing everyone under your healthcare coverage.

Whether it’s your kids, spouse, or even your parents who need to be listed, you can add them all here. Having dependants registered means they get the same access to healthcare services you enjoy, including inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and specialized treatments.

Step 3: Adding a Child as Your Dependant

Let’s say you’re adding your little one. Here’s what you’ll do:

Click “Add Dependant”.

Choose your relationship: “Child”.

Select the age group: Either Below 18 or Above 18.

Now, enter their date of birth. Start with the year, then the month, and finally, the day.

You’ll need to provide either a birth certificate number or notification number (if the child is under six months). Make sure the details match exactly with the official documents!

Pro Tip: Got a baby photo ready? Upload a passport photo along with the documents to complete this section.

Step 4: Input Essential Details

SHA asks for a few more details to finalize the child’s registration. This ensures all the information is accurate for future medical services:

Sex: Select male, female, or intersex.

Disability Status: Does your child have a disability? Mention it to ensure access to any necessary specialized care.

Legal Status: Is the child in conflict with the law? (Hopefully not, but SHA covers this scenario too).

Once everything looks good, hit “Save”. You’ll see a notification confirming that your child has been successfully added.

Step 5: Adding Your Spouse or Other Dependants

Now, let’s switch gears. If you’re adding a spouse, there’s just a slight tweak to the process:

Select “Spouse” from the relationship dropdown.

Enter their ID number and phone number.

A verification code will be sent to their phone to confirm consent.

You’ll also need to provide proof of marriage—a marriage certificate, an affidavit, or a letter from the local Chief will do. This ensures the system stays fair and transparent.

But that’s not all! Parents, siblings, or disabled relatives can also be listed as dependants. In such cases, all you need is their ID number and, if applicable, disability certification. The system makes sure those under your care get the same healthcare privileges as you.

Step 6: Review and Approval

Once all dependants are added, SHA reviews the information. This verification process helps prevent fraud and ensures dependants meet eligibility criteria. After approval, they become part of your healthcare coverage—simple as that!

Healthcare benefits for dependants include:

Outpatient services: Routine check-ups, diagnostics, and consultations.

Inpatient services: Hospitalization for medical or surgical needs.

Maternity care: Pre-natal, delivery, and post-natal care.

Specialized treatments: For chronic conditions, neonatal care, or disability-related services.

SHA is not just a replacement for NHIF—it offers a more affordable and streamlined package for everyone under your plan. Here’s what sets it apart:

Unified platform: All personal and dependant information is accessible online 24/7.

Broader coverage: SHA offers more comprehensive healthcare benefits without extra premiums for dependants.

Digital-first approach: The entire registration and management process is handled through a user-friendly website, minimizing paperwork and physical visits to offices.

Targeted services: Specialized care for maternity, disability, and chronic conditions ensures inclusivity for vulnerable populations.

Adding your dependants on SHA is as easy as ABC—and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to do it! Just log in, follow the prompts, and ensure you have the right documents at hand. Before you know it, your loved ones will have full access to quality healthcare, just like you.

By Creatorhub