Health Insurance in Kenya, Africa
Information expatriation
Capital City: Nairobi
Total area: 580,367 km2
Population: 37,538,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +254 XXX
Practical Information:
Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information
Key points about Kenya's healthcare system:
· Kenya follows a mixed public-private system with government-run facilities existing alongside private providers and insurance plans.
· About 30-40% of healthcare expenditures are paid by the government, with the rest coming from private sources like insurance,employers, and direct out-of-pocket payments.
· Publicly funded care is available through dispensaries, health centers and public hospitals but chronic underfunding has led toinfrastructure and staffing shortages.
· Private hospitals, clinics, and insurance are used more commonly by those who can afford to pay either directly or through private employer-provided plans.
· Major health issues include HIV/AIDS, malaria, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases.
· Critical reforms have aimed to increase primary care access through programs like Community Health Strategy.
· Geographic disparities exist between urban/rural facilities and regions.
· Out-of-pocket costs continue to pose financial barriers, though national insurance subsidy programs have expanded coverage.
· Kenya has a growing medical tourism industry thanks to well-regarded private providers and continued healthcare sector investment/development.
· Overall health outcomes have improved but Kenya still faces healthcare access and quality challenges common to developing nations.
Here are some health considerations for expatriates in Kenya:
· Get comprehensive international health insurance before arrival that covers medical evacuation if needed. National insurance may have limited coverage/providers.
· Stay up-to-date on all routine vaccinations like hepatitis A/B, typhoid, yellow fever (if from affected country), and ensure polio/measles boosters are current.
· Be aware of disease risks like malaria (take anti-malarial drugs as prevention), dengue, zika, ebola, HIV, respiratory illnesses, and diarrhea. Use insect repellent, nets, and condoms.
· Bottled or purified water only for drinking. Avoid ice in drinks except from major hotels. Peel all fruits and vegetables.
· Air pollution and traffic accidents pose risks; use masks if needed and drive defensively.
· Wildlife encounters can transmit rabies - avoid contact and get post-exposure prophylaxis immediately after bites.
· Local medical care quality varies; seek urban international-standard facilities for serious issues.
· Import any necessary prescription medications and bring copies of prescriptions.
· Jet lag, heat, and new food/water can cause short-term issues like stomach bugs; come prepared.
· Stress of a new country/culture may affect mental wellbeing - seek social and professional support networks.