The insurance policy must cover several categories of expenses, including emergency medical transportation in the amount of at least 3.2 million KSh ($25 thousand) for emergency evacuation. It also provides 2.5 million KSh ($20 thousand) for medical treatment, 644,823 KSh ($5 thousand) for the repatriation of remains, 128,964 Kenyan shillings ($1 thousand) for psychiatric care and 38,689 KSh ($300) for prescription drugs.
These standards were developed within the framework of the Law on Social Health Insurance of 2023 and the Regulations of 2024, based on section 26(6) of the Law and paragraph 70(2)(b) of the regulations. The new system sets mandatory minimum standards for the protection of health for those entering, covering therapeutic treatment, emergency transportation, psychiatric services, drug provision and repatriation. Insurance documents must be issued by licensed organizations in accordance with the Insurance Act of Kenya.
The initiative was supported by former Senator Gloria Ortega, stressing the importance of reciprocity towards foreign visitors. «Diplomatic reciprocity should be bilateral. If Kenyans are required to provide financial guarantees upon departure, then visitors to Kenya should undergo a similar check», she said. Ortega suggested that some categories of foreigners should be required to provide bank statements six months in advance to confirm financial viability, similar to the practice for Kenyans abroad.
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