Kenya introduces mandatory health insurance for tourists

Kenya is set to introduce mandatory health insurance for all foreign tourists, with the new regulation taking effect from late July. The Kenyan Ministry of Health published an official notice detailing the requirements for this compulsory coverage, which currently is recommended but not obligatory. Under the new directive, travelers will need to secure a policy with a minimum total guarantee of $50,000. This comprehensive coverage includes specific minimum limits for different types of medical services: $20,000 for medical treatment costs, $25,000 for emergency medical transport, $5,000 for repatriation of remains, $1,000 for psychiatric care, and $300 for prescription medications. Importantly, tourists will have the option to purchase their insurance policies in their country of residence, provided these policies meet Kenya's stipulated requirements. This means travelers who already possess travel insurance, such as annual policies, may not need to buy a separate Kenyan policy. However, they must verify that their existing coverage meets the specified minimums. This differs from the system in Zanzibar, where foreigners must buy a local policy regardless of existing insurance. The mandatory insurance is expected to be integrated into the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. Applicants for a Kenyan ETA will likely need to submit proof of adequate insurance before their travel. While the exact date for this integration is unclear, and the current ETA portal does not list insurance as a required document, authorities plan to verify policies at border crossings for those exempt from ETA. For tourists arriving without the required insurance, a solution will be available: policies meeting the standards can be purchased at the point of entry from a licensed Kenyan insurer. Only then will the traveler be permitted to enter the country. The idea of mandatory insurance for foreign tourists is not new, with authorities having considered it previously.