Who qualifies
- You are an active, paid-up SHA member.
- A doctor at a recognised facility in Kenya has assessed you and decided you need specialised treatment abroad.
- The doctor refers you to one specific hospital on SHA's approved list.
How it works, step by step
- Assessment in KenyaA doctor at a recognised facility assesses you and writes a referral to an SHA-approved hospital abroad.
- Referral sent to SHAThe referral is submitted to SHA.
- The hospital requests admissionThe hospital abroad logs your admission request with SHA electronically.
- SHA checks and approvesSHA confirms you are an active, paid-up member and authorises the treatment.
- Treatment abroadYou travel and are treated at the approved hospital.
- The hospital claims from SHAAfter discharge, the hospital sends SHA your discharge summary and its claim.
- Follow-up at homeBack in Kenya, you report to a designated facility for follow-up care.
SHA-approved hospitals abroad
India
- Manipal Hospitals
- Yatharth Hospital
- Sitecare Hospital
- KIMS Hospital
- Sarvodaya Hospital
Turkey
- Acibadem Group of Hospitals
- Medical Point Izmir Hospital
Saudi Arabia
- SAGE Group
As announced by SHA in February 2026. SHA says it is adding hospitals as they apply, so confirm the current list with SHA or your referring doctor.
Want a quote from an SHA-approved hospital?
Tick "I want to use SHA overseas cover" on the form and we send your request only to partner hospitals on SHA's list.
Plan for the balance
The cover has a limit, and transplants, cancer treatment and major surgery abroad often cost more. Get a written quote, ask what SHA will pay, and plan how you will cover the rest plus flights, visas and accommodation for you and a companion.
Common questions
Does SHA pay for treatment abroad?
Yes, through its overseas care package, but only at hospitals SHA has approved and only with a referral from a doctor at a recognised facility in Kenya. You must be an active, paid-up SHA member.
How much does SHA pay for treatment abroad?
When SHA announced the package in February 2026 it said it would pay up to KES 500,000 per case. Treatment such as a transplant often costs more, so ask the hospital for a written quote and plan how you will pay the balance and your travel.
Does SHA pay for flights and accommodation?
SHA has not said that the package covers travel. Plan for flights, visas and accommodation for you and a companion yourself unless SHA confirms otherwise.
Can I choose any hospital abroad?
No. The cover only applies at hospitals SHA has approved. SHA says it is adding more as hospitals apply, so check the current list with SHA.
Based on SHA's announcement to the Senate in February 2026. Medical Cost Kenya is not part of SHA and cannot approve claims. SHA rules can change: confirm with SHA before you travel.