Kenya Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance in Kenya for Expats

Expats should secure international health insurance for their time in Kenya to grant them protection and access to quality healthcare,  as well as understand how the healthcare system operates within the country.

This Pacific Prime article provides information about Kenya’s healthcare system and further outlines the key health insurance options available in the country. Read on to learn more, or click below to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Kenya

Allianz Care Health Insurance

• World-leading Health Insurance Provider for Expats
• Extensive Network With Over 1.9 Million Medical Providers
• Quick and Efficient Claims Process
• Maximum Plan benefit up to USD $5,000,000

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Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna's trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

Plan Details Get a Quote

Overview of Kenya’s Public and Private Healthcare

The Kenyan healthcare system can be divided into three categories: public providers (48%), private non-profit organizations (including faith-based and mission hospitals (8%) as well as local and international NGOs (3%)), and private for-profit healthcare providers (41%).

Public Healthcare in Kenya

The Ministry of Health runs the government-funded public healthcare system across all primary healthcare centers and dispensaries. For patients who require prescribed medication, the government-backed pharmaceutical chain KEMSA provides drugs and supplies to government dispensaries. 

All public health centers provide free services for simple ailments, such as the common cold and flu, uncomplicated malaria, minor skin conditions, and more. Patients who require specialist support are referred to clinics and national hospitals.

While expats can use public healthcare services in Kenya, the standards and experience can be subject to long wait times and service bottlenecks. Public healthcare facilities tend to be understaffed, poorly equipped, and lacking essential medical supplies. 

Here are some of the top public hospitals in Kenya:

• Kenyatta National Hospital (Nairobi): The largest referral and teaching hospital in Kenya, known for providing a wide array of services including emergency care, specialized surgeries, and cancer treatment.
• Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (Nairobi): A state-of-the-art facility offering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services, including an oncology center and ICU units.
• Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital (Nairobi): Specializes in mental health care and is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the country.
• Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (Mombasa): Serves as a major referral center for the coastal region, offering a variety of medical and surgical services.
• Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (Eldoret): A leading hospital for specialized medical training and research, offering services like oncology, pediatrics, and cardiology.
• Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital (Nairobi): A modern facility primarily serving Nairobi’s Eastlands area, providing maternal and emergency healthcare services.

Private healthcare in Kenya

Private healthcare facilities in Kenya offer high-quality, specialized medical care, making them attractive to expatriates and international patients. These facilities often feature shorter wait times, advanced technology, and a higher standard of patient amenities. 

Expats in the country typically head to private hospitals where healthcare treatment is significantly better and widely respected. As the cost of treatment can be expensive to pay directly out of pocket, expats and travelers are encouraged to secure a comprehensive health insurance plan. 

Below are some of the most renowned private hospitals in Kenya:

• The Aga Khan University Hospital: A leading private, non-profit hospital known for its state-of-the-art medical services and as a teaching institution. It offers comprehensive healthcare, including specialized services such as oncology, cardiology, and advanced diagnostics. 
• The Nairobi Hospital: Established in 1954 and located in Upper Hill, Nairobi, this facility is a top-tier healthcare provider offering general and specialized care. Its personalized approach to patient care and reputation for excellence makes it a preferred option for international patients​.
• MP Shah Hospital: Located in Parklands, Nairobi, this ISO-certified facility is recognized for its high-quality services, including cancer treatment, orthopedics, and internal medicine. It also offers outpatient clinics at additional locations​.
• The Nairobi Women’s Hospital: Originally focused on obstetrics and gynecology, this hospital now offers a full range of medical services. With branches across Kenya, it is known for compassionate care and support services, especially for survivors of gender-based violence​.
• Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital: The most advanced pediatric care facility in Eastern and Central Africa, Gertrude’s serves children and teens through a network of hospitals and clinics in Nairobi. It provides specialized care for younger patients with an emphasis on quality and compassion​.

Health Insurance Options for Expats in Kenya

Expatriates are recommended to secure private health insurance for their lives in order to access high-quality medical services and specialist treatment. Public healthcare, while affordable, is subject to long wait times and bottlenecks. 

Public Health Insurance in Kenya

Kenya’s public healthcare system is supported by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Expats legally employed in Kenya are required to contribute to the NHIF. This fund covers basic medical treatments, maternity care, outpatient consultations, and inpatient services at select facilities. 

However, NHIF coverage is often insufficient for more specialized treatments or private healthcare options, is subject to long wait times and bottlenecks, and many expats choose to supplement it with private insurance​.

Private Health Insurance in Kenya

Expats in Kenya commonly opt for private health insurance due to the higher quality of care, shorter wait times, and access to advanced facilities. Private insurers in Kenya offer flexible plans tailored to individual needs, ranging from routine checkups and hospitalization to international medical coverage.

The key features of private health insurance are as follows: 

• Access to Top-Tier Hospitals and Specialists: Private health insurance provides access to premium facilities such as Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, and Karen Hospital. These hospitals offer advanced diagnostic tools, experienced specialists, and shorter wait times.
• Comprehensive Coverage for Chronic Conditions: Insurance plans often include coverage for chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Services may encompass consultations with specialists, ongoing monitoring, and prescription medication.
• Dental and Optical Care: Private insurance typically includes benefits for routine dental checkups, orthodontics, corrective lenses, and eye surgeries. These services, which are usually excluded in public healthcare, ensure comprehensive care for oral and visual health.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Plans often feature emergency evacuation services, vital for those in remote or rural regions. These services include air or road ambulance transport to urban hospitals, ensuring timely access to life-saving medical interventions during safaris or expeditions.
• Customizable Plans: Insurers like Jubilee Insurance and APA Insurance offer tailored packages to meet individual or family needs, including options for regional or international coverage, making them ideal for expats or frequent travelers.
• Mental Health Support: Increasingly, private insurance providers are including mental health services such as therapy sessions and counseling for stress, anxiety, or trauma, reflecting a holistic approach to healthcare.
• Wellness Programs: Some plans incorporate wellness initiatives like health checkups, gym memberships, and vaccinations, encouraging policyholders to prioritize preventive care and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Direct Billing Options: Private insurance often facilitates direct billing at in-network hospitals, reducing the out-of-pocket financial burden during medical emergencies.
• Travel and International Coverage: For expatriates or frequent travelers, many private health insurance policies include global healthcare coverage, medical evacuation from abroad, and repatriation services, providing peace of mind wherever you are.
• Telemedicine Services: Some plans offer access to telehealth platforms, allowing policyholders to consult with doctors remotely for non-emergency issues, saving time and effort.

International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Kenya

Expats in Kenya can choose from a variety of policies offered by international insurance companies such as Cigna, AXA, Allianz, April International, Bupa Global, and many more. Below, we will discuss each provider and provide a summary of the features offered by each plan.

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

Cigna offers global health plans with different tiers (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) that cover services such as hospitalization, inpatient and day patient treatments, emergency evacuation, and preventive care. This flexibility makes Cigna a preferred option for those needing adaptable coverage.

Some examples of shared coverage by all Cigna insurance plans include:

• Hospitalization
• Inpatient and daypatient treatments
• Cancer treatments
• Physiotherapy
• Accidental death or total permanent disability compensation

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AXA

AXA Global health insurance provides various levels of customizable coverage, including options for hospitalization, outpatient treatments, emergency care, and medical evacuation. AXA’s plans are popular among expats for their flexibility, with coverage for a wide range of health services across multiple levels. 

Some examples of shared coverage by all AXA insurance plans include:

• Hospital charges and surgery
• Virtual doctor service
• Mind health service
• Emergency coverage
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Wide range of cancer treatment
• Ambulance transport
• CT, PET and MRI scans

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Allianz

Allianz offers international insurance plans that can cover hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostics, and outpatient care. Expats in Kenya can add riders for dental and optical services to any basic plan, providing a tailored insurance experience that accommodates different health needs.

Some of the basic coverage for their plans includes:

• Inpatient costs
• Diagnostics and laboratory tests
• Surgeries
• Ambulances transport
• Cancer treatment

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April International

April International specializes in health insurance tailored to expats, offering plans that cover hospitalization, outpatient services, dental, and maternity. Known for user-friendly mobile claims and support, April International also has a 24/7 telemedicine service and a vast direct billing network.

Some of the shared coverage across their plans are:

• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Emergency repatriation
• Emergency evacuation
• Maternity coverage
• Vision and dental coverage

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance in Kenya 

When choosing health insurance as an expat in Kenya, it's essential to evaluate your coverage and budget pre-existing conditions carefully to ensure you have sufficient coverage for both routine and emergency situations. 

Here are the key factors to consider:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Look for plans that provide coverage for inpatient and outpatient care, including consultations, diagnostic tests, and prescriptions. Comprehensive policies often include coverage for maternity care, dental, and optical services.
• Emergency Evacuation: Since healthcare facilities in rural areas or less-developed regions of Kenya may lack resources or expertise, ensure your plan includes emergency evacuation services.
• Cost of Private Healthcare: While private healthcare in Kenya offers superior quality and shorter wait times, it can be expensive. Health insurance that covers treatment at top-tier private hospitals, such as the Aga Khan University Hospital and Nairobi Hospital, can help manage costs​.
• International Coverage: For expats who travel frequently or may require medical attention outside Kenya, international health insurance plans are recommended. These plans often include global emergency medical evacuation, repatriation, and access to facilities abroad​.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Review the policy’s terms regarding pre-existing conditions. Some insurers impose waiting periods, adjust premiums, or exclude certain conditions. Check with insurers to ensure clarity on what is covered​.
• Policy Add-ons and Limits: Assess additional benefits, such as vaccinations, routine health checks, or mental health support. Pay attention to co-payments, deductibles, and overall benefit limits, as these impact out-of-pocket costs​.
• Reputable Providers and Support: Choose an insurer that has partnerships with Kenya's leading private hospitals and clinics. Providers offering direct billing and multilingual support services can streamline the claims process and enhance convenience​.

Health and Safety Tips for Expats and Travelers in Kenya

In regards to health and safety, expatriates and travelers are urged to check up on their vaccinations, practice food safety, check their health insurance coverage, and read up on criminal activity in Kenya. Here are some key tips tailored to Kenya:

• Vaccinations: With reference to the CDC, all expats and travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before traveling to Kenya. Ensure you are vaccinated against diseases such as yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. 
• Food and Water Safety: Drink bottled or boiled water, especially in rural areas. Avoid eating raw or undercooked food, unwashed fruits, and vegetables to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses such as cholera​.
• Health Insurance: Secure comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation. Healthcare costs, especially in private facilities, can be significant​.
• Crime Awareness: Major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa have high crime rates, including muggings and carjackings. Stay vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and travel in groups when possible. Walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas is discouraged​.
• Wildlife Safety: When on safari or visiting national parks, adhere to park regulations and avoid approaching wild animals on foot. Keep a safe distance to prevent potential harm​.
• Road Safety: Driving conditions can be hazardous due to poor road maintenance and reckless driving. If driving, avoid nighttime travel and always wear a seatbelt. Alternatively, consider using a local driver familiar with the terrain​.
• Terrorism and Unrest: Certain areas, such as the Kenya-Somalia border and some coastal regions, face a higher risk of terrorist activity. Avoid these areas and monitor local news for updates on demonstrations or unrest​.
• Identification and Etiquette: Always carry valid identification, such as a passport or a copy. Understanding local customs, such as greeting with a handshake or respecting elders, can enhance your interactions​.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need private health insurance in Kenya as an expat?

Private insurance ensures access to high-quality medical services, shorter wait times, and advanced treatment options available at reputable private hospitals like Aga Khan University Hospital and Nairobi Hospital.

What does Kenya’s public healthcare system offer?

Kenya’s public healthcare system provides free or low-cost treatment for basic ailments, such as minor infections and malaria, through government-funded facilities. It also includes coverage under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for those employed in Kenya.

Conclusion

Expats in Kenya should understand their healthcare needs, the healthcare system, and the safety tips required to thrive in the country. While securing a health insurance plan can seem like a handful, getting the help of an insurance broker like Pacific Prime is the easiest way forward. 

No matter what your budget is, our professional consultants can match you with a policy that best fits you or your group. Our policies can also cover a wide range of services, including dental, maternity, specialist consultation, health emergency transportation, inpatient services, and many more.

Expatriates with family members can also secure international cover for the whole family. For international students or travelers in search of international health insurance or travel insurance, Pacific Prime is the go-to insurance brokerage for the best impartial advice and guidance.

Contact us today for a free consultation!