Kenya has introduced a mandatory travel health insurance policy for all international visitors, requiring a minimum coverage of KSh 6.4 million (USD 50,000). The directive was formalised through Gazette Notice No. 11492, published by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on 29 July 2026.
The policy specifies that the minimum cumulative benefit limit must cover five key medical expense categories for visitors staying up to 12 months. These include:
- Medical expenses: USD 20,000
- Emergency medical transportation: USD 25,000
- Prescribed medicines: USD 300
- Mental illness treatment: USD 1,000
- Repatriation of mortal remains: USD 5,000
This insurance must cover both outpatient and inpatient care, including hospitalisation, intensive care, and surgery. Emergency evacuation by road, air, or sea is also included when medically necessary, as well as coverage for illnesses related to pandemics and epidemics.
The move aligns Kenya with other regions such as the Schengen Area and certain Gulf states, which require proof of health insurance for entry. The policy aims to protect public health systems and taxpayers from the financial burden of treating uninsured foreign nationals.
This mandatory cover is rooted in the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023 and the Social Health Insurance Regulations of 2024. However, the initiative has experienced delays due to procurement and legal challenges since its initial proposal in 2023.
Unlike allowing travellers to independently secure insurance abroad, Kenya has adopted a designated approach where the government selects the insurance product and provider through a tender process.
