The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a government social intervention program in Ghana that offers financial access to quality healthcare for residents. The program is primarily funded by the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), and members are required to renew their membership annually by paying a fee. In the past, members had to visit NHIA centres to renew, but now, thanks to technological advancements, NHIS members can renew their memberships from the comfort of their homes using their phones. The benefits of renewing health insurance online cannot be overemphasized, just as paying electricity bills online and this article will throw more light on that.
Requirements for Renewing Health Insurance on Phone
To renew health insurance on phone, here are the requirements:
1. Ghana card / NHIS card
2. A mobile number
3. A decent amount of money in your online wallet.
Renewing Health Insurance Using the Mobile App
Members can renew their health insurance using the non-biometric authentication service can be accessed by downloading the NHIS authentication app on Play Store and the App Store. The app is user-friendly for easy navigation, hence you don’t need to be an IT expert to leverage to your satisfaction. First, create an account on the app with your mobile number to access the app features. After, create a profile using your Ghana card and your existing information on the NHIA’s database will be retrieved. For the purpose of this guide, the next section shows the step-by-step method for renewing NHIS using the app.
Steps to renew health insurance using the mobile app
Step 1: Download the NHIS mobile app on Play Store or the App Store.
Step 2: Launch the app and create an account using a mobile number. An OTP via that number for verification.
Step 3: Create a profile by providing the details on your Ghana card such as surname, other names, date of birth and the Ghana card number.
Step 4: From here, proceed to renew your NHIS. You have two options: renew for yourself or another person. A SSNIT pensioner should enable and input his/her SSNIT number. Such people will be renewed for free.
Step 5: Proceed on making payment by choosing a payment option.
Step 6: Provide the necessary details for any payment option you choose to renew.
Step 7: After renewing, go to the homepage to see the reflection of your payment.
Renewing Health Insurance Using the Short Code
Although using the NHIS mobile app is better, as you can access more features, some phones cannot run the app. Non-smartphone users (“yam” users) can also complete the task of renewing using the USSD code *929# on all networks. Let’s walk through the process in the next section.
Steps to Renew Health Insurance Using the Short code
Step 1: Dial *929# on all networks
Step 2: Use option 1 to check the current status of your NHIS. If it’s inactive, it confirms you need to renew.
Step 3: Use option 2 to renew your NHIS.
Step 4: Enter either NHIS or Ghana card details and proceed with the payment.
Step 5: The payment method is mobile money only when using the USSD code. Make a payment of the required amount to complete the process.
Benefits of Renewing Health Insurance Online
- It offers convenience as you can renew NHIS without stepping out.
- It is time-saving as it requires a few minutes to renew.
- It is cost-effective as it exempts travel expenses.
- The process is user-friendly as it provides step-by-step guides to follow.
As previously discussed, there are numerous benefits to renewing your NHIS membership via phone for both you as members and for NHIA as a whole. Take advantage of this technology and enjoy its benefits along with those of NHIS. If you encounter any problems during the process or if you have any questions, please contact the NHIS call center for further assistance.
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