Jubilee Health Insurance, in collaboration with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), has launched a groundbreaking digital payment solution aimed at revolutionizing the way Kenyans pay for health insurance. This innovative service allows customers to pay their health insurance premiums in flexible instalments, significantly enhancing accessibility and affordability for millions across the country.
The new solution, known as “Lipa Polepole”, is a first in Kenya’s healthcare sector. By leveraging a digital platform, it directly addresses one of the biggest challenges in the health insurance industry: the affordability of health cover. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), more than 20% of Kenyans still lack access to health insurance, while 30% face catastrophic healthcare costs due to large upfront medical payments. This collaboration aims to change that by providing a more flexible payment model.
Transforming Healthcare Affordability with Lipa Polepole
The Lipa Polepole solution offers customers the flexibility to pay health insurance premiums in smaller, manageable instalments rather than in large, often prohibitive, lump-sum payments. With this option, individuals, families, and even small businesses can access and maintain health insurance without the financial strain of upfront payments.
Speaking at the launch event, Njeri Jomo, CEO of Jubilee Health Insurance, emphasized the game-changing potential of this solution. “This innovation is a game-changer for the industry,” Jomo said. “We understand that today’s customers need flexibility, convenience, and affordability. Our solution delivers all of these, allowing them to get the coverage they need without the burden of upfront payments. This milestone reflects our commitment to making healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.”
The Role of DTB: Financial Infrastructure and Reliability
DTB plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth rollout and success of the Lipa Polepole solution. The bank provides the financial infrastructure required to manage instalment payments securely and efficiently, thus making the process seamless for users. Nasim Devji, Group CEO of DTB, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, saying: “We are proud to collaborate with Jubilee Health Insurance on this transformative solution, which directly addresses the challenge of affordability in health insurance. At DTB, we are committed to driving financial inclusion by offering flexible payment options that make it easier for more Kenyans to access essential healthcare services.”
A Simple and Streamlined Process
The new solution provides an easy five-step online application process that allows customers to:
- Visit the Jubilee Health Insurance website or download the mobile app.
- Choose their desired health insurance policy.
- Select their preferred instalment payment plan.
- Receive real-time digital approval of their application.
- Instantly activate their health cover.
The emphasis on real-time approval and digital accessibility eliminates the need for physical paperwork and lengthy approval times, ensuring that customers can get immediate access to healthcare coverage.
How Lipa Polepole Works
Through this digital platform, customers can log in, browse a range of health insurance plans, and customize their payment options based on their financial capacity. Upon selecting a plan, users receive instant approval, allowing them to be covered right away. The payment flexibility ensures that customers remain insured, avoiding the lapse in coverage often caused by missed premium deadlines.
Additionally, Jubilee Health’s Lipa Polepole solution offers features such as:
- Flexible Payment Terms: Customers can spread their premium payments over months, significantly reducing the financial burden.
- No Collateral Required: The instalment payment option does not require collateral, making it accessible to more Kenyans.
- Transparency in Pricing: All fees and charges are clear upfront, allowing customers to plan their payments without hidden surprises.
Setting a New Industry Standard
Jubilee Health Insurance’s Lipa Polepole solution sets a new standard in the Kenyan insurance industry by integrating digital financing options with health insurance. This approach is expected to inspire other industry players to innovate and adopt similar models.
“We are proud to lead this charge in transforming healthcare access in Kenya,” said Jomo. “This innovation goes beyond convenience; it’s about breaking down financial barriers to healthcare. With this solution, no one has to delay or forgo healthcare because of cost. We are setting a new industry standard.”
Impact and Anticipated Benefits
The launch of Lipa Polepole is poised to have a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in Kenya. By eliminating upfront financial constraints, the solution allows more households to access quality healthcare services. The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2022) revealed that financial barriers are a key factor preventing many Kenyans from enrolling in health insurance plans.
Moreover, with the collaboration between Jubilee Health and DTB, the solution will cater to various market segments, including:
- Individuals and Families: Customers can choose flexible payment terms that suit their household budgets.
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Businesses can extend health cover to their employees, boosting employee morale and productivity.
- Rural and Low-Income Populations: The solution is accessible to those in rural and underserved areas who may face challenges in making large, upfront payments.
Leveraging Digital Technology to Enhance User Experience
The platform utilizes state-of-the-art technology to ensure a secure and user-friendly experience. Customers can track their payments, manage their accounts, and receive notifications, all in real-time. The solution also supports multiple payment channels, allowing customers to pay using mobile money, bank transfers, or credit/debit cards.
A Collaborative Push Toward Financial Inclusion
The success of the Lipa Polepole solution hinges on the strategic collaboration between Jubilee Health Insurance and DTB. Nasim Devji highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving financial inclusion: “By working with Jubilee Health Insurance, we are making it easier for more Kenyans to access essential healthcare services, which is critical in promoting overall well-being and financial stability.”
Reinforcing Market Leadership
Jubilee Health Insurance is no stranger to innovation. Over the years, the insurer has launched several products aimed at enhancing access to healthcare for Kenyans. The introduction of Lipa Polepole is another feather in the cap, reinforcing its position as a market leader in the health insurance sector.
The company’s leadership is optimistic that this innovation will inspire other industry players to reimagine their service delivery models and adopt more customer-centric approaches.
How to Access the New Digital Payment Solution
The Lipa Polepole digital payment solution is now live and accessible to customers across Kenya. To sign up for health coverage using this new platform, visit www.jubileekenya.com and select your preferred plan. Customers can also get more information through Jubilee Health Insurance branches or partner DTB outlets.
The Road Ahead: A Vision for Accessible Healthcare
As Kenya moves toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), solutions like Lipa Polepole play a pivotal role in enhancing financial inclusion and affordable healthcare access. Jubilee Health Insurance and DTB are confident that this innovation will pave the way for greater adoption of health insurance and inspire more Kenyans to prioritize their well-being.
With the new digital payment solution, both companies are poised to make significant strides in digitizing healthcare access, empowering communities, and driving social impact. The collaboration marks a major step forward in achieving their shared mission of transforming lives and improving healthcare outcomes in Kenya and beyond.
