Kenya
15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Kenya
Last updated on Feb 16, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Kenya is generally lower than in the United States. Kenya has a shortage of medical professionals and a lack of access to modern medical technology. Emergency services are limited and often slow to respond. To call for an ambulance, one must contact the local police station or the nearest hospital.
How are healthcare services Kenya?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Kenya, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Kenya are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Kenyan citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents in Kenya have access to the public healthcare system, but they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Kenya typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of a higher quality. However, some expats may choose to use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private healthcare," wrote one expat.
What are medical services in Kenya like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Kenya, they replied:
"Kenya has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer more specialized care. The quality of medical services in Kenya varies depending on the facility, but overall the country has made significant progress in improving access to healthcare. The government has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the quality of care, including the introduction of free maternal health services and the expansion of health insurance coverage," wrote one expat.
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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Kenya?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Kenya can be expensive, especially for those who are not covered by a health insurance plan. The cost of medical care in Kenya is often higher than in other countries, and the cost of health insurance can be prohibitive for many people. Additionally, the quality of healthcare in Kenya is often lower than in other countries, making it difficult for people to access the care they need. As a result, many people in Kenya are unable to access the healthcare they need, leading to poorer health outcomes," commented one expat who moved to Kenya.
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What are emergency services like in Kenya?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Kenya wrote:
"Emergency services in Kenya are provided by the Kenya Red Cross Society and the Kenya National Ambulance Service. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 999 or 112 from any phone. The Kenya Red Cross Society also provides a free ambulance service in some areas. You can contact them directly for more information," commented one expat living in Kenya.
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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Kenya's capital city, Nairobi, is home to some of the best medical specialists in the country. Other cities with a wide selection of medical specialists include Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. Additionally, the coastal region of Kenya is known for its excellent medical facilities and specialists," mentioned one expat in Kenya.
Are common prescription medications available in Kenya?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Kenya. Most medications are available through pharmacies, although some may require a prescription from a doctor. The availability of certain medications may vary depending on the region. In addition, some medications may be more expensive in Kenya than in other countries," wrote an expat living in Kenya.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Kenya?
"Medical facilities and medical care in Kenya vary in quality. Generally, the quality of medical care in Kenya is considered to be adequate, although there are some areas where the quality of care is lacking. In urban areas, medical facilities are often well-equipped and staffed with qualified medical professionals. However, in rural areas, access to medical care is often limited and the quality of care is not always up to the same standards as in urban areas. Additionally, the cost of medical care in Kenya can be prohibitively expensive for many people, making it difficult for them to access the care they need," said an expat in Kenya.
As a foreigner living in Kenya, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Kenya have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the facility, but generally the public healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed, leading to long wait times and limited resources. However, there are some public hospitals and clinics that provide good quality care. Additionally, there are private healthcare facilities that offer more comprehensive services," commented one expat living in Kenya.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Kenya if they have access to public healthcare in Kenya. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Kenya. Many healthcare facilities have had to reduce their services due to the lack of resources and staff, leading to long wait times and limited access to care. Additionally, the cost of healthcare has increased, making it difficult for many people to access the care they need. The government has implemented various measures to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic, such as providing free testing and treatment for COVID-19, as well as providing financial support to healthcare facilities. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Kenya is still struggling to cope with the demands of the pandemic," said one expat.
"They had better screening protocols at the beginning of the pandemic than the west. I think I may have gotten a false positive covid result (aling with many others!!) From a lab there..," remarked one expat in Nairobi.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Kenya?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Kenya about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Kenya before having a baby. Make sure to find a reputable hospital or clinic with experienced medical staff and modern facilities. It is also important to ensure that you have access to quality prenatal care and postnatal care. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Kenya. Finally, it is important to be prepared for any unexpected costs associated with having a baby in Kenya," remarked one expat in Kenya.
Are healthcare services good in Kenya?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Kenya. They wrote:
"Kenya has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is supplemented by private healthcare providers. Healthcare services in Kenya are generally of a good quality, with a range of medical professionals available to provide care. However, access to healthcare is limited in rural areas, and the cost of private healthcare can be prohibitively expensive for many Kenyans. In addition, there is a shortage of medical supplies and equipment in some areas, which can lead to delays in treatment," remarked one expat in Kenya.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
