The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a temporary waiver of the mandatory one-month waiting period for new NHIS enrollments and for members renewing their cards after more than three months of expiry. The waiver, which forms part of activities marking the NHIS Active Month, takes effect immediately and will run until December 14, 2025.
In a public notice issued by the Corporate Affairs Directorate, the Authority said the initiative is designed to expand access to healthcare and increase active membership on the Scheme. Under normal circumstances, newly registered members and those whose cards have expired for over three months wait 30 days before accessing NHIS services. However, with the waiver in place, all eligible members who enroll or renew within the campaign period will enjoy instant access to healthcare services.
According to the NHIA, the special arrangement is a deliberate effort to remove barriers that prevent lapsed members and new subscribers from benefiting from the Scheme, especially as the country works to improve healthcare coverage and protect vulnerable groups.
The Authority encouraged the public to take advantage of the window by renewing or enrolling at any NHIS district office, or by using digital channels such as the MyNHIS App and the mobile short code *929#, where members can also activate the Auto-Renewal feature for continuous coverage.
“Everyone, particularly those whose membership has been inactive for more than three months, is urged to renew promptly and continue enjoying quality, affordable healthcare,” the statement added.
For inquiries, members may contact the NHIS Call Centre on 6447 for MTN and Vodafone users, or 054-444-6447.
The NHIA expressed its commitment to ensuring that “no one is left behind,” reinforcing the campaign’s message: Stay Active. Stay Protected. Stay Healthy. NHIS – Your Access to Healthcare.
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