Kenyans in the diaspora will now benefit from improved access to quality healthcare following a groundbreaking partnership between the Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), Jubilee Health Insurance, BUPA Global, and Kenbright Insurance Brokers. The new diaspora medical cover aims to provide structured, seamless healthcare access for both families in Kenya and diaspora members worldwide — a major milestone in expanding inclusive, borderless health coverage.
The partnership arrives at a pivotal time as Kenya transitions from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework. This shift represents the government’s ongoing efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Kenyans, including those living abroad who continue to play a key role in supporting families through remittances.
According to Jubilee Health Insurance CEO Njeri Jomo, the initiative addresses a critical gap in the healthcare system — ensuring continuity of care across continents. “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,” she explained.
Research by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveals that healthcare ranks among the top three spending priorities for Kenyans abroad, after education and housing. Nearly 60 percent of households receiving remittances allocate part of the funds to medical needs, underscoring the urgent need for structured medical coverage. The new plan allows diaspora families to manage healthcare costs more efficiently, offering peace of mind and financial security.
KDA Global Chair Dr. Shem Ochuodho emphasized that the product responds directly to the needs of diaspora families, while BUPA Global Kenya CEO Uditha Jayaratne highlighted that members will gain access to a network of over 2.4 million healthcare providers globally. This partnership not only strengthens healthcare access for Kenyans abroad but also reinforces Kenya’s position as a leader in innovative health insurance solutions designed for an increasingly globalized citizenry.
