Guide To Kenya Mandatory Travel Insurance
Kenya issues new mandatory visitor health insurance. In accordance with Gazette Notice No. 11492, Vol. CXXVIII, No. 129 (30 July 2026), all travelers visiting Kenya are REQUIRED to have valid Inbound Travel Health Insurance issued under IRA. Get your Inbound Travel Health Insurance today from the official site and enjoy a cumulative policy benefit limit of up to US$50,000.
Below we share with you how much the insurance costs, who needs to buy it, who is exempt from it, what the travel insurance policy covers, and how it is checked.
About Kenya Inbound Travel Health Insurance
As of October 6, 2026, all travelers to Kenya must obtain travel health insurance through the government-sanctioned provider prior to entry and must present proof of coverage upon arrival. All visitors will be required to purchase the Kenyan travel insurance policy even if they already hold comprehensive travel insurance from their home country. The scheme provides benefits of up to USD 50,000 per person, including medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation.
The Kenya travel health insurance are to be purchased for USD$44 through the official eTA/eCitizen process or upon arrival by scanning a designated QR code and will be valid for one year.
Why Travel Insurance
Countries Exempted From Kenya Inbound Travel Health Insurance
Exemptions include Kenyan residents, citizens of East African Community partner states and children under three. Other exceptions to the Inbound Travel Health Insurance include the following people:
1. Kenyan citizens
2. Holders of a valid Kenyan residence status
3. Children aged less than 3 years
4. Citizens of East African Community Partner States
5. Refugees and Stateless persons
6. Diplomats
7. Transit passengers who do not seek entry into Kenya
Staying Safe
What The Travel Insurance Policy Covers
What Are The Are The Benefits And Limits Of The Insurance?
All limits apply per insured person. They are not shared across a family or travelling party.
The cumulative benefit limit is a maximum of USD 50,000 per insured person, distributed as follows:
1. Emergency Medical Transportation And Evacuation
A limit of USD 25,000 applies for serious medical emergency that requires evacuation to a different medical facility or back to your home country, travel health insurance covers the costs associated with medical evacuation.
2. Medical Expenses
A limit of USD 20,000 applies if you require hospitalization during your trip due to an illness or injury, travel health insurance covers the costs of hospital stays, surgeries, and other necessary medical treatments.
3. Prescribed Medicines (Sub-Limit Of Medical Expenses)
Travel health insurance reimburses the cost of prescription medications prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner during your trip to a limit of USD 300.
4. Prescribed Repatriation Of Mortal Remains
In the unfortunate event of death while traveling, travel health insurance covers the costs associated with repatriating your remains to your home country with a limit of USD 5000.
5. Treatment For Mental Illness (Sub-Limit Of Medical Expenses)
With a limit of USD 1000, the travel health insurance typically includes access to 24/7 emergency assistance including mental illness.
What Do The Medical Expenses Benefits Include?
Medical expenses cover reasonable and customary costs necessarily incurred for treatment of an accident or illness first occurring during the period of insurance, including:
-Hospitalisation, including intensive care
-Surgery and surgeons’ fees
-Outpatient emergency care
-Emergency dental treatment for the relief of pain
-Prescribed medicines, within the applicable limit
-Mental health emergencies, within the applicable limit
What Does Emergency Medical Evacuation Cover?
It covers medically necessary transfer of the insured person from the site of the incident, or from a facility with inadequate capability, to the nearest appropriate facility — by road ambulance, fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter as the case requires. It also covers repatriation to the home country where this is medically necessary. The mode of transport is determined by the insurer on the advice of its medical advisers.
What Does Repatriation Of Mortal Remains Cover?
It covers the preparation and transportation of the remains of an insured person to a port of entry in the country of origin.
Does The Policy Cover Other Infectious Diseases?
Yes, the policy covers COVID-19 and other infectious diseases under the medical expenses benefit.
Where Does The Insurance Cover Apply?
The territorial limit is Kenya. The policy responds to treatment required while the insured person is temporarily visiting Kenya.
What If The Cost Of Treatment Exceeds My Benefit Limit?
If the cost of treatment exceeds the benefit limit, the visitor will need to cater for the costs over and above the benefit limit.
What The Kenya Travel Insurance Does Not Cover
The Kenya inbound travel health insurance policy does not cover, among other things:
1. Pre-existing medical conditions, unless specifically accepted;
2. Ptical and dental services;
3. Travel undertaken for the purpose of obtaining treatment;
4. Elective, cosmetic, preventive or routine care;
5. Incidents arising from alcohol or drug misuse;
6. High-risk or professional sports;
7. Normal pregnancy and childbirth;
8. Treatment received after expiry of the period of insurance;
9. War, invasion, civil unrest and terrorism;
10. Nuclear and radioactive risks;
11. Sanctioned activities or territories;
12. Prosthetics and medical appliances;
13. Vaccinations
14. Medical check-ups
15. Family planning
16. Supplements
17. Weight loss treatment
18. Cosmetic or plastic surgery
19. Costs of donating an organ or incurred while donating an organ
20. Terminal illness diagnosed before travel
Does The Kenya Travel Insurance Cover Adventure Activities?
The policy covers any ailment or accidents that may be obtained during adventure activities, except for high-risk or professional sports which are listed as an exclusion.
What Counts As A Chronic Condition In The Health Insurance Cover?
A chronic condition is a disease, illness or injury which has at least one of the following characteristics;
-Has no known cure
-Is likely to recur
-Needs indefinite prolonged supervision and treatment by a specialist
-Is permanent in nature
-Is caused by changes in the body that cannot be reversed
What Counts As A Pre-Existing Condition?
A pre-existing condition is a medical condition; which can be proven that a member had, or was known by the member to exist prior to the commencement date or prior to the renewal of cover, whether or not treatment or advice or diagnosis was sought and received. It is any condition diagnosed before expiry of 90 days from the commencement date.
What Is Regarded As An Emergency In The Kenya Travel Insuarance?
A sudden and unforeseen medical condition requiring immediate treatment to preserve life, relieve acute pain or prevent serious deterioration, as determined by a qualified medical practitioner and accepted by the insurer.
What Happens If I Go To A Non-Panel Hospital In An Emergency?
In the event of visiting a non-panel hospital for an emergency that leads to hospitalization, one is required to inform the claims administrator through the contact centre number +254719044777 within 24 hours.
How Do I Make A Claim If I Have Paid For An Eligible Expense Myself?
Reimbursements for eligible expenses will only be considered for emergency cases where notification was made to the claims administrator within 24 hours. Guidance on how to submit the claims will be given through the contact centre number +254719044777.
Getting Treatment While On A Kenya Safari
Where Can I Be Treated In Kenya?
At any facility on the Programme’s accredited panel of medical service providers. The countrywide panel includes leading private hospitals as well as government and mission facilities, selected for geographical coverage, capacity, emergency and specialist services, evacuation capability, quality of care, licensing and accreditation.
How Do I Find The Nearest Accredited Hospital?
The panel is published through official Programme channels, including the Ministry’s website, the eCitizen portal and the administrator’s website. A visitor may also:
-Call the 24-hour contact centre on +254719 044 777and be directed to an appropriate provider
-Where a local mobile line is in use, dial the USSD service *202*15# and select “Find Hospital”, then the service type and county.
The results are also sent by SMS.
-Use the mobile App to identify the available medical service providers
What Do I Need To Present At The Hospital?
Your passport, together with your electronic evidence of insurance. The provider uses these to verify your eligibility on the administrator’s online portal.
How Does Authorisation Work — Will It Delay My Treatment?
Required medical services, including emergency stabilisation, are provided immediately while the authorisation request is logged in real time. Requests are handled on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and supervised against agreed turnaround times. For lifethreatening cases, a 24-hour window applies within which the admission must be notified to the administrator.
If I Am Admitted To The Hospital, Will Anyone Follow Up On My Care?
Yes. Admissions of over 24 hours are subject to case management. A qualified care manager confirms the admission, reviews the clinical findings and treatment plan with the attending clinician, and follows up daily until discharge. The purpose is to support appropriate, good-quality care and correct use of benefits.
Who Do I Call In An Emergency?
The Programme’s multilingual contact centre on +254 719 044 777 available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, including weekends and public holidays. The centre is staffed by clinical professionals and trained multilingual customer service agents and handles emergencies, evacuations, pre-authorisation requests, provider queries and general enquiries.
Who Decides Whether An Evacuation Is Necessary, And By What Means?
The need for evacuation is determined by the attending clinician, or by the severity of the incident, in liaison with the contact centre’s dedicated medical team. The team then releases the most appropriate mode of transportation. Air rescue is prioritised for critical casualties and is released on assessment by the medical response team.
What Happens In The Event Of A Visitor’s Death?
The contact centre coordinates with the family, the facility and the relevant authorities. The policy meets the cost of preparation and transportation of the remains to the port of entry in the country of origin, within the repatriation benefit limit.
What Is Kenya Inbound Travel Health Insurance Cover?
It is a visitor-protection arrangement established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023. The Cover requires non-Kenyan visitors falling within the applicable legal category to hold travel health insurance that meets the benefits prescribed by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Health. The cover is underwritten by insurance companies licensed in Kenya and authorized by the Insurance Regulatory Authority to offer the Inbound Travel Health Insurance Cover and is administered through a single common claims administrator.
What Are The Benefits Of Kenya Travel Health Insurance Cover?
The insurance cover is meant to do the following;
1. Protect visitors from unexpected medical and emergency expenses while in Kenya;
2. Support timely access to treatment through a countrywide network of accredited providers;
3. Protect Kenyan healthcare providers from unpaid medical bills; and
4. Strengthen Kenya’s positioning as a safe and well-prepared travel destination.
Who Must Have The Kenya Travel Health Insurance Cover?
It is a visitor-protection arrangement established under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023. The Cover requires non-Kenyan visitors falling within the applicable legal category to hold travel health insurance that meets the benefits prescribed by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Health. The cover is underwritten by insurance companies licensed in Kenya and authorized by the Insurance Regulatory Authority to offer the Inbound Travel Health Insurance Cover and is administered through a single common claims administrator.
Plan Ahead
Who Is Required To Obtain This Insurance?
The statutory requirement applies to a non-Kenyan intending to enter and remain in Kenya for less than twelve months, subject to any exemptions, special categories or implementation rules formally issued by the Government.
Is The Insurance Cover Required For Every Visitor, Or Is It Per Family Or Per Group?
Every visitor must be individually insured. Both the premium and the benefits apply on a per-person basis. There is no family, household or group policy. Where a family or an organised group travels together, a policy is required for each member of the party.
What Are The Age Limits For The Kenya Travel Insurance Cover?
Cover is available to persons aged three (3) years and above. For children aged less than three (3) years, the cover is not mandatory but may be purchased if the parents wish.
I Already Hold Travel Insurance Purchased In My Home Country. Do I Still Need This Policy?
Yes. It is a statutory requirement that all non-Kenyan visitors must have the Inbound Travel Health Insurance Cover. Holding this cover does not prevent a visitor from also maintaining a policy from their home country.
Safety First
What Happens If I Have Both This Cover And Another Travel Policy?
The Inbound Travel Health Insurance Cover will take care of emergency medical treatment and evacuation within the county within the policy period. Anyone with a different travel policy is free to utilize either one according to the different policy provisions.
What Happens If I Arrive In Kenya Without The Health Travel Insurance?
To be cleared at the port of entry, the visitor will need to show proof of the Inbound Travel Health Insurance Cover. If not purchased, one can be purchased through the official Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) portal accessed through the QR Code available at every port of entry.
Do Kenyan Citizens Or Residents Need To Buy The Cover?
No. The requirement is directed at non-Kenyans entering the country for a short stay. Kenyan citizens and residents are not within the category to which section 26(6) applies.
How Long Can I Stay In Kenya On A Single Policy?
The validity of the Inbound Travel Health Insurance cover is per eTA validity.
What Happens If My Visit Extends Beyond My Policy Validity?
If the visit extends beyond my policy validity, a new policy will need to be purchased.
I Will Leave Kenya And Return Later During The Same Trip. Am I Still Covered?
The validity of the Inbound Travel Health Insurance cover is per eTA validity. If the eTA allows for multiple entry, the Inbound Travel Health insurance policy will be valid during the same eTA validity period.
Kenya Family Safari
Can I Get An Insurance Refund?
A full refund is available when the policy is cancelled before the start of the insured’s travel. No refund is payable once a claim has been made under the policy.
What Happens If My Trip Is Cancelled/Postponed?
If your trip is cancelled, the Inbound Travel Health Insurance policy can be cancelled and a refund obtained.
How To Buy Kenya Travel Health Insurance Cover and Proof of Insurance
Where Do I Buy The Kenya Travel Insurance Cover?
The insurance cover is purchased through the official electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) process and paid for through the eCitizen portal. Visitors should use only the official eCitizen payment process and official channels.
The Steps To Buy A Kenya Inbound Travel Health Insurance
A visitor will ordinarily be required to:
1. Access the relevant service on the official portal (Kenya ETA portal) – buy only on Ecitizen Kenya.
2. Provide the required personal, passport and travel information
3. Declare the intended period of stay
4. Select an insurer from the list of approved and accredited underwriters presented
5. Pay the applicable premium; and generate, download and retain the electronic policy document as evidence of insurance
What Proof Of Cover Will I Receive?
After payment, the visitor receives electronic confirmation of insurance which can be verified by the relevant authorities, by the claims administrator and by participating healthcare providers. Visitors should retain the confirmation, or maintain access to it, for the duration of the visit.
What Happens If My Policy Confirmation Is Lost / I Cannot Access My Email?
In the event you cannot access the electronic confirmation of insurance, please contact the claims administrator through the contact centre number who will assist you in verifying your policy.
What Is The Cost Of A Kenya Travel Health Insurance?
The cost for a Kenya travel health insurance for an adult is US$44, and for a child costs US$22.
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