
When you’re faced with a medical emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your insurance will pay. Unfortunately, many Kenyans and expatriates discover too late that local health insurance policies come with low limits, waiting periods, or exclusions that leave them exposed.
That’s why more families, professionals, and business owners are turning to International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI). Unlike local covers, IPMI provides reliable healthcare access not only in Kenya but also across the globe.
“Unlike local policies with low limits and exclusions, international plans offer coverage of up to USD 1 million per year, protecting your family from catastrophic medical costs.”
Amina Swaleh
Comprehensive Protection with Higher Limits
One of the biggest advantages of international medical cover is the higher annual limits. While local plans may cap at a few hundred thousand shillings—or at best a few million—this is rarely enough when dealing with serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, or organ transplants.
International plans, on the other hand, typically offer limits of USD 1 million or more per year, ensuring you’re covered for major treatments, chronic conditions, and long-term care without the fear of running out of benefits.
Key benefits include:
- Adequate coverage for costly procedures and ongoing treatments.
- Better accommodation, often in private hospital rooms.
- Lifetime continuity—your cover won’t be cut short or changed as you age
Global Access to Quality Healthcare
Unlike local insurance, which ties you to Kenyan hospitals, IPMI lets you choose where you get treated. This flexibility is invaluable when you need specialized or advanced care not available locally.
You can:
- Travel to India for affordable oncology and cardiac treatments.
- Access complex surgeries in South Africa.
- Get advanced therapies in Europe, the Middle East, or the U.S.
What makes this possible is a trusted international hospital network. In emergencies, insurers issue a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) directly to the hospital so you’re admitted without having to pay out-of-pocket.
Coverage that Starts When You Need It
Local covers often come with waiting periods or exclude pre-existing conditions. With IPMI, coverage is designed to begin right away once you’re accepted.
- Major conditions like cancer or heart disease are covered immediately.
- Pre-existing conditions can be included if accepted at underwriting.
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation benefits ensure you can be flown to the best hospital if treatment isn’t available locally.
This means you don’t lose precious time navigating restrictions when health emergencies strike.
Flexibility and Control Over Your Policy
Another reason people choose international medical cover is the ability to customize plans to fit both health and financial needs.
You can:
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Select deductibles or co-pay options to reduce premiums.
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Choose payment frequencies—annual, quarterly, or even monthly.
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Add specialized benefits such as fertility treatment, mental health care, and access to second medical opinions.
This flexibility makes IPMI a more practical and sustainable choice for families and professionals.
Strong Presence in Kenya with Global Backing
Kenya has become a regional hub for international insurers, giving clients global strength with local support.
- Bupa Global and Cigna have offices in Nairobi.
- Allianz operates through a local subsidiary and provider partnerships.
- Third-party administrators like Henner and Medilink handle claims and hospital coordination.
This growing presence ensures Kenyan clients get world-class medical cover with on-the-ground assistance, bridging the gap between local healthcare needs and international standards.
International Private Medical Insurance is more than just a safety net—it’s peace of mind.
It gives you and your family access to world-class hospitals, financial protection against high treatment costs, and the freedom to choose care wherever it’s best available. One illness should never be the reason your cover runs out.
How Covered Can Help
Choosing the right international medical plan can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. At Covered, we are experienced insurance agents who work with all the leading international providers. We take the time to understand your needs, compare the best options, and guide you to a plan that truly fits your lifestyle and budget.
We also offer free consultations and easy online appointments—so you can explore your options at your convenience.
Ready to secure your family’s health and peace of mind? [Book your free appointment with Covered today] (insert link).