NAIROBI, Kenya- The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced a major expansion of healthcare coverage, confirming that eligible Kenyan patients will now be able to access specialised treatment abroad under its insurance programme.
The announcement aligns with recent government efforts to strengthen the national referral system and improve access to advanced medical care not available locally.
SHA said the overseas treatment initiative forms part of its benefits package and will only cover highly specialised interventions that cannot be performed in Kenyan hospitals.
The authority added that all cases must first undergo medical assessment within local facilities before approval for referral abroad.
According to SHA, the application portal for overseas treatment will be activated within 72 hours, allowing patients and healthcare providers to begin submitting requests electronically once the system goes live.
The programme will operate under strict eligibility rules, including confirmation of active membership, clinical justification by doctors, and approval through SHA’s internal claims management system.
Officials have also indicated that the system is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in overseas referrals, with approved international hospitals expected to be formally contracted and listed by the authority.
The move marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s shift toward universal health coverage, as the government seeks to reduce reliance on private fundraising for complex medical procedures and improve access to life-saving treatment abroad.
Further details on eligible conditions, partner hospitals, and funding limits are expected once the portal becomes fully operational.
