Ministry of Health suspends SHA overseas package for 30 days as new rules take effect

The Ministry of Health has announced a 30-day suspension of the Social Health Authority (SHA) overseas treatment package to pave the way for new policy guidelines.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the pause will allow the ministry to strengthen regulations that encourage Kenyans to seek treatment locally, noting that many procedures often sought abroad are already available in the country.

“PET scans, advanced imaging, kidney transplants, open-heart surgeries, and even treatment for joint and spinal injuries are now accessible within Kenya. This means more patients can get quality care without leaving the country,” Duale stated.

Under the new rules, SHA will only cover treatments abroad if they are not available in Kenya. In addition, foreign hospitals must be contracted by SHA, accredited in their home country, and officially recognized in Kenya. Each facility must also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Kenyan hospital empaneled by SHA.

The payment cap for overseas packages remains at Ksh500,000.

To qualify for coverage, overseas hospitals will now be required to:

• Request pre-authorization before the patient travels.
• Notify SHA on both admission and discharge.
• Submit claims online for approval and payment.

Patients returning from treatment abroad will be required to attend follow-up care at a local Kenyan hospital linked to their overseas provider.

The ministry maintains that the policy changes are meant to streamline the system, safeguard public funds, and boost trust in Kenya’s expanding healthcare sector.