Travel Insurance
Now with the right travel insurance, travelling abroad can be even more secure and hassle-free. Travel insurance is one of the most popular products in Kenya driven being one of the mandatory requirements before applying for a visa at most foreign embassies and consulates in Kenya.
Among the most commonly covered risks in travel insurance covers for emergency medical expenses overseas, repatriation in case of death, terrorism and hijack, travel delay and cancellation, baggage delay or loss, loss of passport/ID and a number of public liabilities while in the destination country.
Most of the local insurance companies are partnered with international insurance countries to provide travel insurance in Kenya to citizens and foreign residents, this is to increase their reach worldwide and be able to provide assistance to clients worldwide. Among the most international partnerships are MAPFRE, ASSISTENCIA, AXA and several others. While most travellers buy a standalone travel insurance cover, some medical insurance plans have an inbuilt travel insurance e.g. BUPA, AETNA. Before purchasing travel insurance, it is important to check with the embassy/consulate you are applying to, to confirm the accepted insurance companies and the scope of the travel insurance cover that is required. Here is an example of a guideline from one of the European consulates on their travel insurance requirements.
Travel insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial default of travel suppliers, and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one’s own country, or internationally. Temporary travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of the booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip, or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased.
Travel insurance purchased from travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than insurance offered by insurance companies. Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.
The most common risks that are covered by travel insurance are:
- Medical/dental expenses
- Emergency evacuation/repatriation of remains
- Return of a minor child
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
- Overseas funeral expenses
- Curtailment
- Delayed departure, missed connection
- Lost, stolen or damaged baggage, personal effects or travel documents
- Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
- Legal assistance
Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers.
In addition, often separate insurance can be purchased for specific costs such as:
- Car rental collision coverage
- Pre-existing conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
- Sports with an element of risk (e.g. skiing, scuba diving)
- Travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war, natural disasters or acts of terrorism)
- Additional AD&D coverage
- Kidnap and ransom insurance
- 3rd Party Supplier insolvency (e.g. the hotel or airline to which you made nonrefundable pre-payments has gone into administration)
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- War or terrorism – but some plans may cover this risk, and some do cover for acts of terrorism
- Injury or illness caused by alcohol or drug use
Travel insurance can also provide helpful services, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can include concierge services and emergency travel assistance.
