Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Kenya
- Nairobi is East Africa's healthcare hub—Aga Khan Hospital and Nairobi Hospital are excellent.
- AMREF Flying Doctors essential for safari/rural areas—medical evacuation can save your life.
- NHIF/SHIF transitioning to new social health insurance—expats mostly use private coverage.
- English is official language—no language barrier in healthcare.
- Digital Nomad Permit available—work remotely while enjoying Kenya's lifestyle.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Kenya?
Kenya doesn't require health insurance for visas, but private coverage is essential for quality care. NHIF (transitioning to SHIF) is the public scheme but provides limited coverage at public facilities. Expats use private insurance—either local Kenyan insurers (Jubilee, AAR) or international plans. Nairobi has East Africa's best healthcare; outside the capital, medical evacuation coverage becomes critical.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Everyone in Kenya—private coverage is essential for quality care
- Safari travelers and rural residents—AMREF Flying Doctors membership is lifesaving
- Mombasa coast residents—good private options but limited compared to Nairobi
- Those with chronic conditions—reliable specialist access requires coverage
- Digital nomads—new permit requires proof of income but not insurance; get it anyway
Public vs Private Healthcare in Kenya
Public Healthcare
NHIF/SHIF (National/Social Health Insurance Fund)
- Access: Kenyan citizens and legal residents
- Cost: KES 500-1,700/month (~$4-13) depending on income
Public healthcare is underfunded. Kenyatta National Hospital (Nairobi) is the main public facility—overcrowded but has specialists. NHIF transitioning to SHIF with expanded coverage goals. Public facilities outside Nairobi are basic. Expats almost universally use private facilities and insurance—public system is a safety net, not a primary option.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $50-120/month local, $100-250/month international
Nairobi has excellent private hospitals: Aga Khan University Hospital (best overall), Nairobi Hospital, MP Shah, Karen Hospital. East Africa's medical hub—patients fly in from Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia. Local insurers: Jubilee Health, AAR, Britam, Resolution. English everywhere. Mombasa: Aga Khan Mombasa, Coast General (public). Outside major cities: very limited—evacuation coverage essential.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Kenya. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Kenya
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Kenya
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Kenya
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Outside Nairobi = evacuation coverage is critical. Safari injuries, remote area emergencies require air evacuation.
- AMREF Flying Doctors membership ($75-150/year) provides evacuation across East Africa—essential for safari travelers.
- Mombasa healthcare is adequate but not Nairobi-level—complex cases often transferred to capital.
- Traffic in Nairobi can delay ambulances—choose accommodation near major hospitals if you have health concerns.
- Blood supply can be limited—if rare blood type, register with your embassy and Nairobi hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How good are Nairobi's private hospitals?
Excellent by regional standards. Aga Khan University Hospital is world-class—handles complex surgery, oncology, cardiology. Nairobi Hospital and MP Shah are also very good. Kenya is East Africa's medical hub—patients fly in from neighboring countries. For most conditions, you don't need to leave Kenya. Very complex cases (organ transplants, advanced cancer) may require South Africa, India, or Europe.
Do I need AMREF Flying Doctors membership?
If you travel outside Nairobi—absolutely yes. AMREF Flying Doctors provides air ambulance evacuation across East Africa. Safari emergencies, road accidents in rural areas, medical crises in remote locations—AMREF can mean the difference between life and death. Cost is $75-150/year depending on coverage level. Many international insurers partner with AMREF, but verify.
Should I use local or international insurance?
Local insurers (Jubilee, AAR, Resolution) offer good value for Kenya-based care and understand the local hospital network. International insurers (Cigna, BUPA, Allianz) add worldwide coverage, evacuation to South Africa/Europe for complex cases, and often better customer service. Many expats combine: local for routine care, international for travel and catastrophic coverage.
What's the Digital Nomad Permit and do I need insurance for it?
Kenya's Digital Nomad Permit (2022) allows remote workers to live in Kenya for 1 year, renewable. Requirements: $24,000/year income proof, clean background check, application fee. Insurance isn't officially required, but strongly recommended. You're responsible for your own healthcare costs—without insurance, a major medical event could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
How is healthcare on the Kenyan coast (Mombasa)?
Good but not Nairobi-level. Aga Khan Mombasa is the best facility—handles most conditions. Coast General Hospital is the main public option. For complex cases, expect transfer to Nairobi (1-hour flight). Beach resorts and Diani have basic clinics for minor issues. If you live on the coast, ensure your insurance covers Nairobi treatment and evacuation if needed.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.