Every month, you see “SHIF” on your payslip. But do you know exactly how much you’re paying for health insurance? Or what medical benefits you get?
This free calculator shows your exact SHIF deductions in seconds.
Free SHIF Calculator – Know Your Health Insurance Cost
Type your gross salary above to see your monthly SHIF payment and health benefits.
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Why SHIF Deductions Confuse Everyone #
Meet Sarah. She earns Ksh 40,000 monthly as a teacher in Nairobi. Last month, her payslip showed “SHIF: Ksh 1,100” where NHIF used to be.
“Wait, what? I paid Ksh 750 for NHIF before. Now I’m paying Ksh 1,100? What’s SHIF anyway?” she texted her bestie.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Since October 2024, millions of Kenyans switched from NHIF to SHIF without understanding the new system. You see the deduction monthly but don’t know:
- How much you actually pay
- What health benefits you get
- Why your amount is different from colleagues
- If your family is covered
This calculator solves that confusion in 30 seconds.
How SHIF Works (The Simple Version) #
SHIF is easier to understand than NHIF was. Here’s how:
Old NHIF System:
- Fixed amounts based on salary brackets
- Confusing contribution tables
- Extra fees for family members
New SHIF System:
- Simple percentage: 2.75% of your gross salary
- Minimum payment: Ksh 300 per month
- Family covered at no extra cost
- Tax deductible
That’s it. No complicated brackets. No extra family fees.
Real Examples: What People Actually Pay #
Case 1: Junior Employee
- Salary: Ksh 20,000
- SHIF deductions: Ksh 550 per month
- Family coverage: Wife and 2 kids included
- Annual cost: Ksh 6,600
Case 2: Middle Manager
- Salary: Ksh 80,000
- SHIF deduction: Ksh 2,200 per month
- Family coverage: Husband and 1 child included
- Annual cost: Ksh 26,400
Case 3: Senior Professional
- Salary: Ksh 150,000
- SHIF deduction: Ksh 4,125 per month
- Family coverage: Wife and 3 kids included
- Annual cost: Ksh 49,500
Low Income Protection: If you earn below Ksh 10,909, you only pay Ksh 300 monthly but get full coverage.
What Your SHIF Payment Actually Covers #
Your monthly SHIF deduction pays for:
For You:
- Doctor visits at any government hospital
- Medicine when you’re sick
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Surgery if needed
- Emergency care anywhere in Kenya
For Your Family:
- Same coverage for your spouse
- All your children under 25 get full benefits
- No extra payments needed
- Works at government and private hospitals
Special Services:
- Pregnancy and delivery care
- Cancer treatment
- Diabetes and blood pressure management
- Mental health services
Think about it: private health insurance for a family costs Ksh 20,000+ monthly. SHIF gives similar coverage for much less.
Why Your SHIF Contribution Differs from Colleagues #
“My friend pays Ksh 800 for SHIF, but I pay Ksh 1,500. Why?”
Because SHIF is fair. It’s 2.75% of everyone’s salary:
- Friend earns Ksh 29,000 → pays Ksh 800
- You earn Ksh 55,000 → pay Ksh 1,500
Higher earners pay more because they can afford it. Lower earners pay less but get the same medical care.
This is different from NHIF, where people in similar salary ranges paid the same amount.
Your SHIF Questions Answered #
“Why is my SHIF higher than my old NHIF?” SHIF is income-based. If you earn more now or got promoted, your SHIF increases too. But you get better benefits and family coverage.
“What if I lose my job?” You can continue SHIF by paying directly. Or if you get a new job, it continues automatically with no waiting period.
“Can my parents use my SHIF?” No, only your spouse and children under 25. Parents need their own coverage.
“Which hospitals accept SHIF?” Most government hospitals and many private hospitals. The list keeps growing.
“What about dental and eye care?” Basic dental and eye services are covered. Check with your hospital for details.
How SHIF Saves You Money #
Tax Savings: SHIF deductions reduce your taxable income. If you pay Ksh 2,000 SHIF monthly, your PAYE tax drops too.
Family Savings: Before SHIF, adding family to NHIF cost extra. Now your spouse and kids are covered for free.
Medical Savings: Without health insurance, a simple hospital visit costs Ksh 2,000+. Surgery can cost Ksh 100,000+. SHIF covers these costs.
Smart Ways to Use Your SHIF Benefits #
Get Preventive Care: Don’t wait until you’re very sick. Use SHIF for:
- Regular checkups
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Diabetes screening
- Cancer screening
Know Your Hospitals: Find SHIF hospitals near your home and workplace. Save their contacts. Make sure you are registered with SHIF (if you aren’t already)
Register Your Family: Make sure your spouse and children are registered in the system with their IDs.
Keep Your Payslips: Your payslip proves you’re paying SHIF if there are any system issues.
When SHIF Isn’t Enough #
SHIF covers most medical needs, but you might want extra insurance for:
- Private hospital rooms
- Dental implants and cosmetics
- Some experimental treatments
- Faster service at private hospitals
Many people use SHIF as their main insurance and buy small private policies for extras.
Planning Your Healthcare Budget #
Monthly Healthcare Planning:
- Know your SHIF deduction (use the calculator)
- Always maintain an emergency fund for services not covered
- Save for any private services you want
- Consider accident insurance for emergencies
Family Planning: SHIF covers pregnancy and delivery. But budget for:
- Private maternity ward upgrades
- Baby items not covered by insurance
- Time off work during maternity leave
What Makes SHIF Better Than Private Insurance #
Cost: A family private medical plan costs Ksh 15,000-40,000 monthly. SHIF costs much less for similar coverage.
No Exclusions: Private insurance excludes pre-existing conditions. SHIF covers everyone regardless of health status.
Guaranteed: Private insurers can cancel your policy. SHIF continues as long as you work in Kenya.
Quick SHIF Facts to Share #
- SHIF replaced NHIF in October 2024
- You pay 2.75% of your gross salary
- Minimum payment is Ksh 300 monthly
- Family coverage is included for free
- It’s tax deductible
- Works at government and private hospitals
- No waiting periods when changing jobs
Ready to Calculate Your SHIF Deductions? #
Use the calculator at the top to see:
- Your exact monthly SHIF deductions amount
- Annual health insurance cost from SHIF deductions
- Tax savings from your SHIF deductions
- What your family coverage includes with SHIF deductions
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Your health is your wealth. Understanding SHIF deductions helps you protect both.