SHIF Deductions Calculator

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.

Share this with friends who ask “how much SHIF do I pay?”

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. Use our PAYE Calculator to see how SHIF and other deductions affect your total net pay.

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.

Learn more at the Social Health Authority official website.

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.

Use our Net Pay Calculator to see your complete take-home salary after SHIF and other deductions.

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. Use our Severance Pay Calculator to plan your finances during job transitions.

“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. Visit the Social Health Authority hospital directory for updated lists.

“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. Check our PAYE Calculator to see exact tax savings.

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.

Understanding SHIF vs NHIF: What Changed #

Contribution Method #

• NHIF: Fixed rates by salary bracket (Ksh 150 – Ksh 1,700)
• SHIF: Percentage-based (2.75% of gross salary)

Family Coverage #

• NHIF: Extra fees for spouse and children
• SHIF: Free family coverage included

Tax Treatment #

• NHIF: Partially tax-deductible
• SHIF: Fully tax-deductible from taxable income

Coverage Quality #

• NHIF: Basic government hospital services
• SHIF: Expanded coverage including private hospitals

Learn more about the transition from the Ministry of Health.

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

Use our Compound Interest Calculator to see how your healthcare emergency fund can grow over time.

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.

Portability #

When you change jobs, SHIF continues automatically. No waiting periods or re-enrollment hassles.

SHIF Deductions and Your Overall Financial Picture #

Complete Payslip Breakdown #

See how SHIF fits with other deductions:

• PAYE tax – Use our PAYE Calculator
• NSSF contributions – Check our NSSF Calculator
• Housing Levy – 1.5% of gross salary
• SHIF – 2.75% of gross salary

Budgeting with SHIF #

Your actual take-home pay helps you plan:

• Housing costs – See our Rent Affordability Calculator
• Transportation – Factor in daily commute costs
• Savings goals – Check Best Money Market Funds Kenya
• Major purchases – Use our Lipa Mdogo Mdogo Calculator for phone financing

Career Planning #

Understanding SHIF helps during:

• Job negotiations – Calculate net salary offers accurately
• Promotion discussions – See how salary increases affect SHIF
• Career changes – Plan healthcare continuity during transitions

Special SHIF Scenarios #

Self-Employed Individuals #

Self-employed Kenyans can join SHIF voluntarily:

• Calculate 2.75% of your average monthly income
• Pay directly to SHIF
• Get full family coverage
• Claim as business expense

Part-Time Workers #

Multiple part-time jobs? Each employer deducts SHIF independently. Total contributions count toward your coverage.

Retirees #

If retired but earning pension:

• SHIF deductions continue if pension is formal
• Contributions based on pension amount (2.75%)
• Maintain full family coverage
• No age limit for coverage

Students and Youth #

First job after graduation? Understand:

• SHIF starts immediately with employment
• Even Ksh 15,000 salary builds health coverage
• Family coverage if you marry while employed
• See our How to Apply for HELB Loan if still studying

Maximizing SHIF Benefits: Advanced Tips #

For Young Families #

• Register newborns immediately
• Use maternity services fully
• Get children’s immunizations covered
• Access pediatric care at SHIF facilities

For Chronic Conditions #

• Register for chronic disease management programs
• Get regular medication refills
• Access specialist care through referrals
• Monitor conditions with covered lab tests

For Emergency Situations #

• Know nearest SHIF emergency center
• Keep SHIF card accessible
• Understand ambulance coverage
• Save emergency contact numbers

SHIF and Tax Planning #

Tax Deduction Benefits #

SHIF contributions reduce your taxable income directly:

Example:

• Gross salary: Ksh 100,000
• SHIF deduction: Ksh 2,750
• Taxable income: Ksh 97,250 (before other deductions)

This lower taxable income means less PAYE tax. Use our PAYE Calculator to see exact savings.

Year-End Tax Planning #

Keep records of:

• Monthly SHIF contributions
• Total annual SHIF payments
• P9 form from employer
• File returns via KRA iTax

Common SHIF Mistakes to Avoid #

Mistake 1: Not Registering Family Members #

Many employees pay SHIF but never register their spouse and children. Don’t waste free family coverage.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Preventive Care #

Using SHIF only when sick misses the value. Regular checkups prevent expensive treatments later.

Mistake 3: Not Knowing Covered Hospitals #

Don’t wait until emergency to find out which hospitals accept SHIF near you.

Mistake 4: Assuming Private Insurance is Better #

SHIF often provides equal or better coverage at lower cost for most families.

Mistake 5: Not Checking Payslip Accuracy #

Verify your SHIF deduction matches 2.75% of your gross salary monthly.

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

Additional Resources for SHIF Members #

Government Resources #

• Social Health Authority (SHA) – Official SHIF portal
• Ministry of Health – Health policy and services
• Kenya Revenue Authority – Tax implications of SHIF
• National Hospital Insurance Fund – Transition information

Healthcare Providers #

• Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council – Find registered doctors
• Nursing Council of Kenya – Nursing services information
• Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya – Medication information

Consumer Protection #

• Competition Authority of Kenya – Healthcare market oversight
• Health Services Consumer Organization – Patient rights advocacy

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

Found this SHIF deductions guide helpful?

Share with colleagues who ask about SHIF deductions

Bookmark this page – you’ll need it during salary negotiations and job changes

Send to your WhatsApp groups where people discuss salary and SHIF deductions

Related Financial Calculators #

Need other salary calculators?

• PAYE Tax Calculator Kenya – Calculate income tax deductions
• NSSF Deduction Calculator – See pension contributions
• Net Pay Calculator – See complete take-home salary
• Housing Levy Calculator – Calculate 1.5% housing deduction
• Rent Affordability Calculator – Plan housing budget
• How to Reduce Transaction Costs – Save on M-Pesa fees
• How to Send Money to Equity Bank – Automate savings transfers

Your health is your wealth. Understanding SHIF deductions helps you protect both.

Pro tip: When negotiating salary at a new job, factor in SHIF deductions. A Ksh 100,000 offer means Ksh 2,750 monthly for SHIF. Calculate your actual net pay using our PAYE Calculator before accepting any offer.