How to Add Dependants to SHA: Spouse, Child and Adopted Child

This guide shows how to add dependants to SHA from start to finish. Adding a dependant means your spouse or child is linked to your SHA account, so they can use your cover. Your monthly contribution does not cover a family member until they are added to your profile.

You can add a spouse, a biological child, an adopted child, or a child under your legal guardianship (loco parentis). Each one needs different documents, so read the section that matches your family.

Before You Start Adding Dependants to SHA

Have these ready so the process takes minutes, not days:

• Your own SHA account, active and verified.
• Your National ID number and your Afya Yangu PIN.
• The phone number registered to your account, because the OTP goes there.
• The documents for each dependant, such as a birth certificate number, National ID number, adoption order, court document or proof of marriage.
• For a spouse, access to their phone, because SHA sends them an OTP for consent.

Lost the registered phone number? Visit our SHA phone number update guide first. Forgot your PIN? Use our forgot SHA PIN guide.

How to Add Dependants to SHA Step by Step

On a phone, you can also use the Afya Yangu app or the *147# menu. The steps above are the same.

Find Your Dependant Type: Child, Adopted Child, Guardian Child or Spouse

To get how to add dependants to SHA right, answer these two questions. Each answer leads to one page with the exact documents for that case.

Who are you adding?	Under 18	18 and above
Your biological child	Add a child under 18	Add a child above 18
Your adopted child	Add an adopted child under 18	Add an adopted child above 18
A child under your legal guardianship	Add a child under loco parentis, under 18	Add a child under loco parentis, above 18
Your spouse	Add your spouse to SHA

Documents Needed to Add Dependants to SHA

Dependant	Documents SHA asks for
Child under 18	Birth certificate number, or birth notification reference number
Child 18 and above	The child’s own National ID number
Child 18 to 25 still in school	Proof of school or college enrolment, in addition to the ID
Adopted child	Adoption order, plus the birth certificate or National ID
Child under loco parentis	Court document giving you guardianship, plus the birth certificate or National ID
Spouse	Proof of marriage, and an OTP sent to the spouse’s phone
Child with a disability, any age	Disability documentation, and the child must be under your care

What Happens After You Add a Dependant to SHA

Once you save, SHA verifies the details you entered. A dependant who has not been verified shows as Pending. Wait for the confirmation before you rely on the cover.

You can return to My Profile, then Dependants, at any time to check the status or to add another family member. If a dependant is rejected, check that the ID or certificate number matches the document exactly, then submit again.

If you are not sure which page applies to you, start with the table above. It takes you to the exact guide for your child’s age and type. Still stuck on how to add dependants to SHA? Message us on WhatsApp and we will point you to the right documents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Dependants to SHA

How do I add a child to SHA?

Log in to Afya Yangu, open My Profile, then Dependants, then Add Dependant. Choose Child, Child (adopted) or Child (loco parentis), then choose below 18 or above 18. Each case needs different documents, listed on the matching page.

What documents do I need for a child under 18?

A birth certificate number, or a birth notification reference number. For an adopted child, you also need the adoption order. For a child under loco parentis, you need the court document that gives you guardianship.

What documents do I need for a child above 18?

The child’s own National ID number. If the child is still in school, you also need proof of enrolment.

Can I add a child over 25?

Only if the child has a disability and is under your care. SHA’s published rule for disability is what applies here.

Can I add my spouse here too?

Yes. Choose Spouse under Add Dependant. You need proof of marriage, and SHA sends an OTP to your spouse’s phone. The full spouse guide is linked below.

Why is my dependant showing Pending?

Pending means SHA is still verifying the details. Wait for the confirmation before you rely on the cover.

Related Guides