Kenya sets USD 50,000 travel health insurance requirement for foreign travellers

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has clarified the implementation of mandatory travel health insurance for non-Kenyan travellers, following the publication of minimum benefit requirements under Gazette Notice No. 11492 dated July 30, 2026.

The notice, published in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette and signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, prescribes a cumulative travel health insurance coverage limit of USD 50,000 for foreign visitors.

The prescribed benefits include coverage of up to USD 20,000 for medical expenses, USD 25,000 for emergency medical transportation, USD 300 for prescribed medication, USD 1,000 for mental healthcare and USD 5,000 for repatriation of mortal remains.

According to the Ministry’s clarification, every non-Kenyan intending to enter and remain in Kenya for less than 12 months is required to possess a valid travel health insurance policy that complies with the benefit limits and tariff prescribed by the Cabinet Secretary.

The Ministry said the requirement is established under Section 26(6) of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 and further provided for under Regulation 70(1) of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.

Importantly, foreign travellers will not necessarily have to purchase a separate Kenyan insurance policy. Travellers who already possess travel health insurance from their country of origin can use the policy, provided it meets the prescribed insurable value and requirements under the Gazette Notice.

Such travellers will be required to upload proof of their valid travel health insurance policy to the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system as part of the application process for verification before travel.

Travellers who arrive without the required insurance will also have the option of obtaining a compliant travel health insurance policy at the point of entry into Kenya, in accordance with Regulation 70(3). The policy must be issued by an insurer licensed under Kenya’s Insurance Act and approved to provide the required travel health insurance cover.

The Department of Immigration Services will implement the requirement through the Kenya eTA system and at designated points of entry. Where insurance is purchased upon arrival, immigration authorities will verify the policy before granting entry into Kenya.

The clarification establishes that the requirement applies to non-Kenyan visitors staying for less than 12 months, while allowing travellers to meet the requirement either through a compliant policy purchased in their country of origin or through approved insurance obtained upon arrival.