International health insurance in Kenya
Health insurance for expats & foreigners
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Why get private health insurance in Kenya?
Kenya's public system is stretched, with one of the lowest numbers of doctors per person in the world. And while resident foreigners must pay into the public scheme (the Social Health Authority, at 2.75% of salary with no cap), it isn't enough on its own, so most expats rely on the top private hospitals in Nairobi.
That's where private cover comes in. Without it, a private GP visit runs about KES 2,250 (€15), and a hospital stay can reach KES 425,000 (€2,850). And for anything serious, the norm is medical evacuation.
Plus, the Class N digital nomad permit and the Student Pass both require insurance.
How does the healthcare system work in Kenya?
The public system
Kenya's public scheme, the Social Health Authority (SHA), replaced the old NHIF in 2024. Resident foreigners on long-stay permits have to enroll, but the coverage is limited, and rollout delays, claim disputes, and overcrowding mean it isn't enough on its own. So most expats use the top private hospitals in Nairobi.
Kenyan pharmacies & medication
Pharmacies are easy to find in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The main chains are Goodlife, Haltons, Pharmaplus, and Portland, with 24-hour branches in areas like Westlands and Karen. Dispensing is in English, and generics cost a good deal less than brands. The public scheme only covers a basic list of medicines at lower-level facilities.
Emergency services in Kenya
Dial 999, 112, or 911 for emergencies. The Red Cross E-Plus service runs 24/7 on 1199, and AMREF Flying Doctors handles air ambulance from Wilson Airport. Urban response is 15–30 minutes, but rural ground ambulances are unreliable, so air evacuation is the standard, and all services operate in English.
What expats need health insurance?
Digital nomads
Kenya's digital nomad permit (Class N) explicitly requires health insurance, and proof of around USD 55,000 a year in foreign income.
Retirees
On an ordinary residence permit, you'll want private cover for the gaps the public scheme leaves.
Gap year & job seekers
On a tourist travel authorisation, you're not enrolled in the public scheme, so every visit is out of pocket.
Visa applicants
The Class N and Student visas require proof of private insurance, and all long-stay residents must also enroll in the public scheme once resident.
Get global health insurance that works in Kenya
Plans from €42/month. Sign up online in minutes.
How much is health insurance in Kenya?
Without cover: a private GP visit costs about KES 2,250 (€15), a day in intensive care at Nairobi Hospital costs around KES 39,000 (€261), and a C-section costs about KES 265,000 (€1,775).
Public healthcare in Kenya
Enrollment in the public scheme is legally required for all resident foreigners, at 2.75% of your gross salary (minimum KES 300, no upper cap). It covers a range of facilities, but rollout delays, claim disputes, and overcrowding make it insufficient on its own.
Private medical insurance
Our international plans start at €42/month for Essential and €63/month for Plus, with worldwide coverage for treatment, dental, maternity, and medical evacuation.
Visa & health insurance requirements for Kenya
Kenya's Class N digital nomad permit and the Student Pass both require proof of health insurance. All other long-stay residents must enroll in the public scheme (SHA).
Accepted for all major Kenyan visas
Both Feather plans meet the requirements for the Class N digital nomad permit, Student Pass, Class D, G, and K permits, and the Dependent Pass.
Documents ready when you sign up
All your documents (proof of coverage, English versions) instantly in your account. Accepted by Kenyan Immigration.
How does Feather's international health insurance work?
Choose your plan
Compare Essential and Plus, pick your deductible, and sign up in under 5 minutes. No paperwork, no medical exams.
Get your documents instantly
Your confirmation and visa-ready proof-of-coverage documents land in your account straight away.
Visit any doctor
See any licensed doctor, specialist, or hospital. No referrals, no network restrictions, no pre-approval.
Upload your bill in the app
Already paid? Open the Feather app, snap a photo of your invoice, and submit your claim in under a minute.
Get reimbursed to your account
We review your claim and reimburse you directly to your bank account. Most claims are processed within two weeks.
Cancel anytime after year one
There's a one-year minimum term. After that, cancel whenever you want. No penalties.
Join 200,000+ expats covered with Feather
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Why choose Feather?
200,000+ happy customers
Experience insurance crafted by expats, for expats.
100,000+ claims processed
Paid out in three weeks on average.
4.8 Star rating
On over 2,500 reviews.
English-speaking support
Our team speaks your language.
All digital
Sign up, file claims, and manage your policy in our app.
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Michal
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