Kenyans planning to travel abroad for specialized medical treatment can now access coverage under the Social Health Authority (SHA), but only after meeting strict eligibility requirements, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga has announced.
Speaking on the new regulations, Oluga said the framework is designed to ensure patients first explore all available local treatment options before seeking care overseas. The move aims to curb the growing trend of medical tourism that often overlooks capable local facilities.
To qualify for coverage, patients must secure authorization from at least two local doctors who will assess their condition and confirm that the required treatment cannot be performed in Kenya. Only after this verification will the SHA approve funding for treatment abroad.
Under the new guidelines, the SHA has set a maximum capitation of KSh 500,000 for overseas medical care. Patients will also be required to seek treatment at accredited international medical facilities that have been contracted by the authority.
The covered services include highly specialized procedures such as complex pediatric cardiac surgeries, intrauterine transfusions, and intricate orthopedic operations like full femur and tibia replacements.
Oluga emphasized that the policy is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen the country’s healthcare system while ensuring that Kenyans in need of advanced medical interventions can still access support when local options are unavailable.
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