Kenya sets Ksh.6.4M mandatory health insurance cover for foreign visitors

The mandatory cover will include at least Ksh.3.2 million (US$25,000) for emergency medical transportation and Ksh.2.5 million (US$20,000) for medical expenses, according to Gazette Notice No. 11492 issued by Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale.

The requirements form part of the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.

Emergency medical transportation carries the largest individual benefit under the framework, covering travellers who require urgent evacuation or transportation to access medical treatment while in Kenya.

Beyond emergency transportation and medical expenses, the mandatory insurance package provides at least Ksh.644,823 (US$5,000) for the repatriation of mortal remains in the event that a traveller dies while in Kenya.

The framework also provides a minimum benefit of Ksh.128,964 (US$1,000) for mental health treatment and Ksh.38,689 (US$300) for prescribed medicines.

Qualifying policies must be issued by insurers approved and licensed under Kenya’s Insurance Act.

The requirements were issued pursuant to Section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, read together with Regulation 70(2)(b) of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.

The new framework establishes minimum health insurance standards for inbound travellers, covering medical treatment, emergency transportation, prescription medicines, mental health care and repatriation in the event of death.

The new requirements have drawn political reaction, with former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba backing the move while calling for greater reciprocity in how Kenya treats foreign visitors.

“Diplomatic reciprocity should be a two-way street. If Kenyans are required to prove they can afford to travel abroad, visitors to Kenya should be subjected to the same scrutiny,” Orwoba said.

She argued that Kenya could go further by subjecting some foreign visitors to financial checks similar to those Kenyans face when applying for visas abroad, including requiring applicants to provide six months of bank statements to demonstrate their ability to finance their stay.