Private insurance firms recognize the principal member, one registered spouse and up to four children for medical covers, especially those backed by employers
The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has published regulations to present before the national assembly for debate and adoption. That will allow men to get medical cover for multiple wives, if Parliament approves the proposed law, marking a departure from medical insurance norms.
If the new regulations are passed men in polygamous relationships will only be required to add an extra 500 to cover the rest of their wives. This will take their monthly NHIF pay to sh.1000
A few months ago the government had announced that it would introduce a plan that would compel every Kenyan above the age of 18 to start paying ksh.6000 per year
The NHIF’s move to recognise multiple wives comes more than eight years after former President Uhuru Kenyatta signed into law a marriage Bill legalizing polygamy.
This is a departure from the current NHIF rules that cover one spouse and a maximum five children.
Members with two wives are often forced to have another cover for the second wife who is listed as the principal member.