Kenya’s health insurance market is witnessing a shift toward global medical cover, as leading insurers Jubilee Health and Old Mutual roll out high-end products targeting internationally mobile clients and upper-income earners seeking world-class healthcare access.
- •The two firms are taking different routes: Jubilee Health Insurance is expanding its “Care & Health” International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) plan, while Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya, in partnership with AXA Global Healthcare and Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS), has launched the Global Executive Health Plan (GEHP).
- •Both products mark a growing appetite for cross-border health coverage, a niche segment projected to grow by more than 10% annually, driven by medical tourism, rising incomes, and a demand for more comprehensive protection beyond local hospital networks.
- •The moves underscore how global insurers are localising operations in response to new Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) requirements that compel international policies to be underwritten by licensed local players.
“This partnership [with AXA and EHS] strengthens Old Mutual's mission to provide accessible, trusted, and customer-focused healthcare protection that meets the needs of a globally connected population,” said Japheth Ogalloh, Managing Director, Old Mutual General Insurance Kenya.
Under the Old Mutual–AXA deal, which took effect from October 1, 2025, AXA will provide global healthcare expertise, while Old Mutual acts as the local underwriter and EHS as the exclusive distributor. The product targets executives, SMEs, and individuals seeking uninterrupted access to international care.
Jubilee Health, on its part, is betting on affluent families and expatriates through its “Care & Health” IPMI plan, which provides up to US$ 4.5 million in global medical coverage, including treatment in 185 countries, evacuation, and repatriation benefits. The product is reinsured by Allianz and administered through the Henner Group, combining global networks with local support.
“The product allows customers to access the best healthcare globally without worrying about limits or co-payments. It’s designed for Kenyans and expatriates who travel often or seek world-class care,” Jubilee said in a statement.
While both products seek to serve an emerging premium healthcare segment, their strategies differ. Jubilee is directly offering an international plan under its own brand, while Old Mutual is leveraging a global partnership model that blends AXA’s global expertise with local regulatory compliance.
Kenya’s private medical insurance market has seen rapid growth over the past five years, but also rising medical inflation and claims costs. According to industry data, inpatient medical claims now account for nearly 40 percent of total insurance payouts.
By offering globally benchmarked products, insurers are targeting high-margin premium segments to offset losses in the mass-market business. However, the sustainability of such plans will depend on pricing discipline, claims control, and customer education on policy scope and exclusions.
