Kenyans living overseas now have access to a new medical insurance scheme that covers both themselves and their families back home, thanks to an initiative by the Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA).
Through its welfare arm, Kenya Diaspora Alliance Welfare Association (KWA), the alliance has partnered with Jubilee Health Insurance, BUPA Global, and Kenbright Insurance Brokers to develop a plan aimed at bridging gaps in health protection for diaspora members.
The program seeks to relieve the stress and financial pressure that arises from sudden medical emergencies affecting loved ones in Kenya.
For years, informal fundraising campaigns have acted as temporary solutions for families in need of urgent medical care. These efforts, though well-intentioned, underscored the absence of structured healthcare support for Kenyans abroad.
According to Central Bank of Kenya records, diaspora remittances reached $5.8 billion (Sh749.4 billion) in 2024, with a large share used to cover household expenses, including medical costs.
Despite this significant flow of funds, there has been limited opportunity to link remittances with formal insurance services—until now.
The new cover provides a structured, reliable way for diaspora members to ensure access to medical care for families in Kenya while also covering their own needs internationally.
Jubilee Health Insurance CEO Njeri Jomo said the partnership seeks to provide continuity of care across borders, especially at a time when Kenya is transitioning from the National Health Insurance Fund to the Social Health Insurance Fund, under the evolving Universal Health Coverage framework.
“Health insurance is no longer confined by geography. Families today live across continents, but their care needs remain connected. Our partnership with KDA and BUPA is about making that continuity possible through one integrated system,” Jomo said.
KDA global chair Shem Ochuodho explained that the medical cover addresses the actual needs of the diaspora community. “It gives Kenyans abroad a reliable, formal way to ensure their families back home have access to care without the distress that often accompanies medical crises,” he said.
BUPA Global’s international network will form a key part of the scheme, offering access to over 2.4 million healthcare providers worldwide, including leading hospitals and specialists.
Uditha Jayaratne, BUPA Global Kenya CEO and principal officer, said this ensures Kenyans abroad can handle medical needs effectively, whether locally or internationally.
Research by the African Development Bank and the International Organisation for Migration shows that healthcare ranks among the top three priorities for diaspora spending, following education and housing.
About 60 percent of households receiving remittances dedicate part of the funds to hospital bills or medical emergencies, demonstrating the critical role of structured medical coverage for families in Kenya.
