Travellers entering Kenya will now be required to have health insurance with a minimum cover of KSh6.4 million (US$50,000) under new government regulations issued by the Ministry of Health.
The new requirements are contained in Gazette Notice No. 11492, signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, as part of the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, and the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.
Under the new framework, every inbound traveller must have a health insurance policy providing at least KSh3.2 million (US$25,000) for emergency medical transportation and KSh2.5 million (US$20,000) for medical expenses incurred while in Kenya.
Emergency medical transportation carries the largest single benefit and is intended to cover travellers who require urgent evacuation or transfer to access medical treatment during their stay in the country.
The mandatory insurance package also includes a minimum benefit of KSh644,823 (US$5,000) for the repatriation of mortal remains should a traveller die while in Kenya.
In addition, the policy must provide at least KSh128,964 (US$1,000) for mental health treatment and KSh38,689 (US$300) for prescribed medicines.
The government has directed that all qualifying policies must be issued by insurance companies approved and licensed under Kenya’s Insurance Act.
According to the Ministry of Health, 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 rules establish minimum health insurance standards for all inbound travellers, ensuring they are covered for medical treatment, emergency transportation, prescription medication, mental healthcare and the repatriation of remains in the event of death while in Kenya.
