# Can we ask SHA patients for a deposit before treatment?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-we-ask-sha-patients-for-a-deposit-before-treatment
For: Finance | Billing and payments | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** No, where eligibility and any required pre-authorisation are confirmed. SHA's insurance fund contract says providers must not require a deposit, admission bond, guarantee or pre-payment from such beneficiaries. If an inpatient's benefit limit is close to running out, you must notify SHA and must not discharge, stop treatment or demand payment until SHA decides whether another fund covers the episode. If you fail to obtain a required pre-authorisation, the claim may be rejected and you cannot pass that cost to the patient.

Sources: Social Health Authority: https://new.sha.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PART-B2-Social-Health-Insurance-Fund-Contract.pdf - Social Health Authority: https://www.sha.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PART-A-Master-General-Terms-Conditions.pdf

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