Where Kenyans go for treatment
India
India is the most common destination for Kenyans travelling for treatment, especially for transplants, cancer...
Treatment in IndiaTurkey
Turkey is popular for hair transplants, cosmetic surgery, dental work and eye surgery, and also offers transpl...
Treatment in TurkeyDubai
Dubai is the closest of the three, with modern private hospitals and short flights from Nairobi. It is usually...
Treatment in DubaiSHA now pays for some treatment abroad
Up to KES 500,000 at SHA-approved hospitals in India, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, with a referral from a doctor in Kenya.
Treatments
Prices are for the treatment only, in US dollars, which is how hospitals abroad quote.
How it works
- Tell us what you needChoose the treatment and the country, or "Not sure yet".
- Hospitals reply directlyUp to 3 hospitals' international patient teams contact you on WhatsApp or email. They may ask for your reports.
- Compare and decideCompare the written quotes, the length of stay and what is included, then deal with the hospital you choose.
Budget for more than the treatment
On top of the hospital bill
- Flights for you and a companion
- Visa fees
- Hotel or apartment near the hospital before and after treatment
- Meals and local transport
- Medicines to take home
- Follow-up care back in Kenya
Documents to prepare
- Valid passport (at least 6 months left)
- Visa for the country you choose
- Your recent medical reports, scans and test results
- A referral letter from your doctor in Kenya, if you have one
Choosing a hospital abroad
- Get the quote in writingIt should list the treatment, nights in hospital, the surgeon's fee and what is not included.
- Ask about complicationsAsk what happens to the cost if you need to stay longer or need more treatment.
- Check the hospital and the doctorAsk for the doctor's name and registration, and whether the hospital is accredited (for example by JCI).
- Plan follow-up at homeAsk for a discharge summary and a plan you can give your doctor in Kenya.
- Pay the hospital, not a middlemanPay the hospital directly against an invoice. Avoid paying agents in cash.
Common questions
Do I pay Medical Cost Kenya anything?
No. Requesting quotes is free. You pay the hospital you choose directly, never an agent in cash.
Does SHA cover treatment abroad?
Yes, partly. SHA has an overseas care package. A doctor at a recognised facility in Kenya must assess you and refer you to one of the overseas hospitals SHA has approved, and you must be an active, paid-up SHA member. When it was announced in February 2026, SHA said it would pay up to KES 500,000 per case. Treatment at a hospital that is not on SHA's list is not covered by it. Confirm the current list and limit with SHA before you travel.
Does private insurance cover treatment abroad?
Some policies do, usually only with approval before you travel. Ask your insurer in writing what is covered, which hospitals, and whether flights and accommodation are included.
Should someone travel with me?
For surgery, yes. Most hospitals expect a companion for major operations, and countries such as India have a visa for the person travelling with a patient.
How fast will hospitals reply?
Usually within one or two working days. Their international patient team may ask you to email your reports so a specialist can review them before quoting.
Prices are indicative and change often. Hospitals quote after reviewing your reports. Check visa rules on official government sites before you book. This page is general information, not medical advice.