Medical cover is not just for the wealthy, anyone can take advantage of a medical cover in Kenya – no matter your financial situation or status in life. Whether you live in a big city in Mombasa, Nairobi, or Kisumu -medical cover will provide you with peace of mind should the unthinkable happen.
Having a family is one of the most life-changing things that can ever happen to anyone- and being able to have medical cover gives you peace of mind that if things don’t go as planned – you won’t be left buried under insurmountable debt.
If you have tried researching great medical plans in Kenya, you know it’s a hustle to arrive at your desired one. Hopefully, this comprehensive guide should make the process smoother, simpler, and easier.
1. Find the best medical cover in Kenya that suits your lifestyle
The best medical insurance in Kenya for you is the one that suits your lifestyle and meets your health needs.
There are many health insurance companies in Kenya, some of which offer affordable medical insurance plans for individuals, families, and corporates. The most affordable health insurance in Kenya can cost as low as Kshs 1000 per month.
Most healthcare providers in Kenya offer both outpatient and inpatient cover. While it’s not always mandatory to have a medical cover, healthcare costs can be quite high, especially on long-term illnesses or injuries requiring hospitalization.
But if you are relatively young and without a history of falling ill, you might opt to go with an inpatient cover if you are pressed for cash. As you get older, it’s advisable to get both outpatient and inpatient.
Ultimately, choose a cover that fits your budget and that covers any health risks that might arise.
2. Consider how many people you want to include in your plan
Your family is important and it’s always good to think of their health as well when looking for the best medical cover in Kenya. Consider how many people you want to include in the plan and settle for one that will cater to all their needs at an affordable cost. For example, if you have a family of five members and you have set aside Ksh 5,000 per month, then look for a cover that will cater to all your needs at this amount of money
Most insurance companies will provide family plans where they cover parents and their children until they reach a certain age. These plans often offer better value than if you were to get separate covers for each person.
If you’re planning on having more kids, it’s best to go with a plan that allows you to add them later when they are born as most insurance companies won’t allow new members after the policy has been issued.
3. Compare multiple covers and benefit plans
When searching for an insurance company and plan that suits your needs, compare different covers with various benefit plans offered by each company. This will help you avoid missing out on any essential benefits. You’ll also avoid paying more than what is required by taking a plan that offers more benefits than what you need.
When searching for an insurance company and plan that suits your needs, compare different covers with various benefit plans offered by each company. This will help you avoid missing out on any essential benefits. You’ll also avoid paying more than what is required by taking a plan that offers more benefits than what you need.
For example, if you have a spouse, it is beneficial and money-saving to take out a family cover as opposed to taking out individual covers for each of you.
4. Know if you can use it outside Kenya
Most medical insurance covers in Kenya allow you to use the cover outside the country. However, some attach a few caveats before they can allow you to do so, such as:
- The medical cover should be at least a certain value
- You should have paid premiums consistently for a certain minimum period of time
You definitely need to check with your insurance agent or the provider to make sure you meet their conditions if you intend to use your cover abroad. AAR Insurance, for example, covers you for a period of 45 days outside Kenya, which can be renewed for another final 45 days before it lapses- till you are back in the country.
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5. Check what the waiting period is for pre-existing conditions
With most insurers, there’s typically a one-year waiting period before coverage starts for any pre-existing health condition. However, some plans waive this waiting period after six months, so look out for them if you have an existing condition that might require treatment soon (like Type 2 diabetes).
Check what maternity services are covered and how long you have to wait before you can use them. Many insurance plans don’t cover maternity at all; others do but only after a 12-month waiting period and/or with an annual cap on benefits.
6. Know for how long a cover is valid
How long is the cover valid? This is a very important question to ask yourself before getting medical cover. You need to know for how long your insurance company will be offering you the cover or whether or not your medical insurance policy will be renewed after its expiration date or if it can be terminated at any time.
Usually, your medical insurance policy lasts for one year from the date you purchase it. Each year, you must complete a renewal application and pay the required fees. You can also choose to opt out of the plan at any time.
Takeaway
There are so many different policies to choose from and each comes with its own advantages, disadvantages and of course, an associated price tag. So make sure you consider all these factors before purchasing a medical cover. Instead of picking the first option you come across, do some research and talk to a few different insurance companies- you should ultimately end up with a very good policy that is convenient and affordable. Your local agent is your best bet because they will have already done all this research for you.