Kenyans who travel abroad for specialised treatment will continue paying their hospital bills from their own pockets for now.
This is after the Social Health Authority (SHA) confirmed it is not yet paying foreign hospitals, even for members who contribute to the Social Health Insurance Fund.
Speaking before the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Social Services on Wednesday, February 11, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mercy Mwangangi said the authority cannot legally send money to hospitals outside Kenya because it has not signed formal contracts with them.
“SHA can only pay a contracted facility. As we stand now, we have no contracts with any hospital in India or any other country,” she told MPs.
Dr Mwangangi explained that unlike the former NHIF, which used to issue what was called a guarantee of payment to foreign hospitals, SHA must first follow strict public procurement laws before entering into any agreement.
She said the new process is meant to protect public funds and prevent fraud, where hospitals could claim payment for services not offered.
According to the CEO, SHA has already started talks with hospitals in different countries. The contracting process is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026.
Once the process is finalised, the government will publish a list of approved hospitals abroad including facilities in countries such as India, Turkey and Germany where Kenyans can seek treatment under SHA.
Dr Mwangangi said patients who qualify for treatment abroad will be able to access up to Ksh 500,000 under the overseas treatment package.
The delay follows an earlier directive by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale in 2025, when the government suspended overseas referrals under SHA to allow new regulations to be put in place.
Until the new system is completed, families seeking specialised care outside the country will have to continue meeting the costs themselves a heavy burden for many who depend on overseas treatment for serious medical conditions.
SHA has assured Kenyans that once the legal process is complete, members will start benefiting from the overseas cover.
