Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has gazetted the minimum benefit limits for Kenya’s mandatory inbound travel health insurance.
In a Special Issue Gazette Notice dated July 29, 2026, Duale stated that the new requirements require all policies to offer a cumulative cover of at least USD50,000 for international visitors entering the country.
“Cabinet Secretary for Health gives notice that the minimum policy benefits for mandatory inbound travel health insurance shall be as specified,” read part of the notice.
Duale said the mandatory insurance cover will provide a minimum of USD20,000 for medical expenses and USD25,000 for emergency medical transportation.
It will also include US$300 for prescribed medicines, USD1,000 for mental illness treatment and USD5,000 for the repatriation of mortal remains.
The notice states that while the benefit limits vary across the different categories, the total policy cover must not be less than USD50,000.
The mandatory inbound travel health insurance will be provided only by insurers approved and licensed under the Insurance Act.
What Benefits Will the Health Insurance Cover
According to the administrative framework for implementing the Mandatory Inbound Travel Health Insurance Programme 2025, travellers entering Kenya are entitled to a health benefits package designed to provide access to quality healthcare and financial protection during their stay.
The policy will offer both outpatient and inpatient cover, with a cumulative benefit limit of at least USD50,000, and remains valid for the duration of a traveler’s stay in Kenya, up to a maximum of 12 months.
The benefits will include emergency medical treatment, covering hospitalization, intensive care, surgeon’s fees and outpatient expenses arising from an insured event.
It will also provide for emergency medical evacuation by road, air or sea where medically necessary.
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In addition, the insurance covers inpatient and outpatient hospital services, including treatment for mental illness as well as illnesses related to pandemics and epidemics.
It also includes cover for prescription medicines prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.
Travellers are further entitled to personal accident benefits in cases of death or permanent total disability resulting from an accident, including related laboratory tests, imaging and ambulance costs.
The package also provides for the repatriation of mortal remains to an airport in the insured person’s country of origin.
The framework allows approved insurers to offer additional benefits beyond the mandatory minimum package as part of their insurance products.
Also Read: Duale Gazettes 36 Ailments that SHA Will Cover Abroad [FULL LIST]
What Happens In Case A Visitor Is Denied Entry
In addition, the administrative framework outlines the payment and customer support mechanisms for the programme. Travellers can pay their insurance premiums through several methods, including Visa, Mastercard, PayPal and M-Pesa.
It also requires insurers to provide refunds to travellers who have paid for the cover but are subsequently denied entry into Kenya.
To support travellers, the framework requires a 24-hour call centre offering assistance in at least four languages: English, German, French and Swahili.
Visitors will also receive client information packages containing guidance on the insurance cover and how to access services while in Kenya.
The framework further establishes a monitoring and evaluation system, with insurers required to submit monthly and quarterly performance reports to help ensure the programme remains efficient and aligns with international standards.
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And now you’ll see a drop on tourism in Kenya. Well done!
Asking tourist to have medical insurance is correct; to have to get it only from Kenyan approved companies, that looks more like some companies with connected friends in the goverment getting a good deal….