How to get a NHIMA card in Zambia

The NHIMA card is a recent initiative by the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) aimed at streamlining healthcare access for its members. This membership card simplifies the verification process at health facilities, ensuring faster and more efficient service.

Benefits of the NHIMA Card

Previously, verifying NHIMA membership at healthcare facilities could be a time-consuming process, often leading to delays in receiving medical services. The introduction of the NHIMA card has been positively received by many healthcare providers associated with the NHIMA system, as it helps enhance service delivery.

How to Obtain Your NHIMA Membership Card

Getting an NHIMA membership card is straightforward:

1. Register with NHIMA: The first step is to become a member. For government employees, this process is automatic, similar to the NAPSA payroll system.
2. Visit an NHIMA Card Issuance Center: After registration, head to the designated NHIMA offices where membership cards are issued.
3. Required Documents: Bring your National Registration Card (NRC) and ensure that all dues are settled.

To accommodate busy schedules, NHIMA card centers are now open on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Here are some locations where you can collect your NHIMA card:

1. Levy Mwanawasa Medical University – Lusaka
2. Kitwe Regional Office – Sanlam Building, Oxford Road, Kitwe CBD
3. Ndola Provincial Office – First Floor, Telnor House, Buteko Avenue, Ndola CBD
4. Luapula Provincial Office – Caritas Mansa House, Junction of Chembe-Samfya Roads, Mansa
5. Northern Provincial Office – Compensation House, Zambia Road, Kasama
6. Southern Provincial Office – Butala House, Second Floor, Choma
7. Muchinga Provincial Office – Chinsali Civic Centre Building, Second Floor, Chinsali
8. Central Provincial Office – Mukuni House, First Floor, Kabwe
9. Western Provincial Office – Mongu NAPSA Building, Mongu
10. Eastern Provincial Office – NAPSA Building, Second Floor, Great East Road, Chipata
11. North-Western Provincial Office – Chikola Complex, Ground Floor Office No.1, Independence Avenue, Solwezi
12. Livingstone Southern Provincial Office – Liso House, Second Floor, Livingstone

Using Your NHIMA Card

The NHIMA card acts as an essential tool for accessing healthcare services within the NHIMA network. With this card, members can quickly verify their eligibility for medical services at affiliated hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Simply present your card upon arrival, and the healthcare facility will take care of the rest.

Moreover, the card serves an electronic function, allowing members to check their membership details, dues, and the services they have utilized.

Who Is Eligible for NHIMA Cards?

The NHIMA card is provided free of charge; there are no fees associated with obtaining one. To qualify, you need to be an NHIMA member and possess your NRC for verification.

Both individuals and organizations are eligible for NHIMA membership cards. For more information about card processing locations, you can contact NHIMA at 8080.

Important Considerations

When applying for your NHIMA card, ensure there are no outstanding payments owed to the organization.

Conclusion

The NHIMA membership card is more than just an identification tool; it is an electronic record of the healthcare services you have received. By facilitating faster access to medical care, the NHIMA card significantly improves the healthcare experience for its members. As long as you are a registered NHIMA member, obtaining your card is a seamless process, with no additional costs involved.