Kenya mandates $50,000 travel health insurance for visitors

Kenya’s Ministry of Health, led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, clarified that all non‑Kenyan travellers entering the country for less than 12 months must hold travel health insurance with a minimum benefit of Sh 6.4 million (about US $50,000). The policy, anchored in the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 and its 2024 regulations, requires coverage for emergency medical evacuation, medical expenses, repatriation of remains, mental‑health treatment and prescribed medicines. Travellers with existing policies that meet the minimum limits can upload proof through the eTA system; those without compliant cover may purchase it on arrival.

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has filed a legal challenge in the Milimani High Court, arguing that the mandatory scheme was introduced without transparent, constitutional procedures and could deter tourism. The petition alleges the programme favours Kenya Reinsurance Corporation and a small group of private insurers, citing possible price‑fixing and exclusion of competitors. The court will consider the case on 29 September, with COFEK seeking a suspension of the requirement.