Comparison · Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Public health insurance compared: SHA, NHIF, CBHI and Uganda
Short answerChecked 23 September 2026
Each country organises public health cover differently. Kenya's SHA charges 2.75% of income (minimum KES 300 a month). Tanzania's NHIF runs universal health insurance with a TZS 150,000 basic household package. Ethiopia's CBHI reached 63 million people in 2024/25. Uganda has no national scheme in law yet — health cover is private.
Side by side
| Kenya | Uganda | Tanzania | Ethiopia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public scheme | Social Health Authority (SHA) | None in law yet | NHIF — universal health insurance | Community-based health insurance (EHIS) |
| Since | 1 October 2024 (replaced NHIF) | Bill passed 2021, not signed | Universal cover from 26 January 2026 | Scaling up; 1,195 districts in 2024/25 |
| What you pay | 2.75% of income, min. KES 300/month, no ceiling | Private premiums only | Basic package TZS 150,000/household a year; other packages from TZS 168,000 per adult | See the Ethiopian Health Insurance Service |
| Private cover | On top of SHA | Insurers and HMOs | Five NHIF packages + private insurers | Private insurers |
Details: Kenya (and our SHA calculator), Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Uganda have national health insurance?
Not yet. A bill passed in 2021 was not signed, and IRA's 2024 report still describes the scheme as proposed.
How much is SHA compared with NHIF Tanzania?
SHA in Kenya is 2.75% of income with a KES 300 monthly minimum. Tanzania's NHIF basic universal package is TZS 150,000 a year per household of up to six people.