15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Kenya

"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.

"Kenya has a wide range of medical services available to its citizens. The country has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and health centers that provide a variety of medical services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialized care. The government also provides free or subsidized health care services to those who cannot afford to pay for them. Additionally, there are a number of international organizations and NGOs that provide medical services in Kenya, such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Red Cross," wrote one expat.

"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 due to the high cost," remarked one expat in Kenya.

"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," mentioned one expat in Kenya.

"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.

"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," remarked one expat 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," mentioned one expat in Kenya.

"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," remarked one expat living in Kenya.

"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," wrote an expat living in Kenya.

"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..," said an expat in Nairobi.