Britam has launched the Female Wellness Cover, known as “Malkia,” a groundbreaking insurance plan designed specifically to meet Kenyan women’s unique health and wellness needs. This innovative product provides comprehensive coverage for various medical and non-medical benefits, addressing some of the most critical issues women face today. With premiums starting at just Ksh 620 annually, Malkia is accessible and affordable, aiming to provide support to women across diverse income levels.
Britam’s Malkia Female Wellness Cover introduces a refreshing take on health insurance by focusing on women’s distinct needs. Historically, the Kenyan insurance market has leaned heavily towards general health covers, but as awareness grows around gender-specific health issues, Malkia fills a crucial gap. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, women are disproportionately impacted by specific health conditions, including various forms of cancer, dermatological conditions, and challenges associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
Malkia’s launch underscores Britam’s commitment to a more inclusive healthcare landscape, empowering women by ensuring they can access quality medical care and wellness support. This article dives into each aspect of the Malkia cover, illustrating how it stands out as a groundbreaking insurance plan tailored for Kenyan women.
One of Malkia’s most vital features is its cancer coverage, which includes cervical, ovarian, and breast cancers—three of the most prevalent cancers among women in Kenya. The National Cancer Institute of Kenya estimates that cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women. Recognizing the financial toll that cancer treatment often takes, Malkia offers a lump-sum cash benefit upon diagnosis, allowing policyholders to cover initial treatment costs, as well as living expenses that might arise during their recovery.
Beyond the initial diagnosis payout, Malkia provides a second cash payment as treatment begins, helping women maintain financial stability throughout their cancer journey. This layered cash benefit structure is particularly unique in the Kenyan market, as most insurance products only reimburse after treatment, which can often leave patients struggling to cover immediate costs.
Premiums for cancer coverage start at just Ksh 620 per year, providing Ksh 50,000 in cancer coverage for women aged 18 to 30. As policyholders age, coverage increases to accommodate greater health risks, with maximum benefits reaching Ksh 500,000 for those aged 50 to 65.
In another first for the Kenyan market, Malkia includes dermatology benefits as part of its core offerings. Women can access comprehensive coverage for common skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, which are often sidelined in traditional insurance plans. This dermatology benefit includes coverage for consultation fees, skin analysis, prescribed medications, and medically necessary cosmetic procedures.
Skin health is often considered a secondary concern in health policies, but conditions like eczema and psoriasis are not just cosmetic—they can have profound impacts on mental health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. By covering these conditions, Britam is signaling the importance of holistic health care. Malkia also covers medically required cosmetic treatments, offering a balanced approach to skin health that respects both medical and aesthetic needs.
This dermatology benefit starts with Ksh 15,000 in coverage for women between 18 and 30 years, increasing with age. It aligns with Britam’s mission to provide accessible wellness services for women across life stages, ensuring that dermatology care is not limited to high-income groups.
Perhaps one of the most groundbreaking aspects of the Malkia cover is its AI-powered pregnancy support system, which offers 24/7 guidance and support for expectant mothers. Using advanced artificial intelligence, this feature provides real-time pregnancy care advice, mental health support, and personalized reminders throughout the pregnancy journey. From conception to six months post-delivery, women have access to crucial information on maternal health, ensuring a smoother transition into motherhood.
The AI assistant is designed to address a wide range of pregnancy-related concerns, from morning sickness and nutrition to the emotional shifts that often accompany pregnancy. By supporting women’s mental health, Britam’s Malkia cover addresses an often overlooked aspect of maternal care, filling a gap in Kenya’s healthcare system.
Kenya has seen a rise in maternal mortality rates, which is partially attributed to a lack of adequate prenatal care. This AI support tool provides expectant mothers with a steady, reliable source of information, ensuring they have access to expert knowledge that could positively impact their health and that of their baby.
In addition to health and wellness support, Malkia offers a last-expense benefit, a much-needed provision in the unfortunate event of the policyholder’s death. This benefit covers funeral costs, providing peace of mind for the family. Funeral expenses are a common financial burden for families, and this provision can be crucial for women in supporting their loved ones during difficult times.
Malkia’s last-expense benefit starts at Ksh 20,000 for younger women, gradually increasing with age and policy value. It’s an inclusion that aligns with Britam’s mission of promoting dignity, even in life’s most challenging moments.
Affordability is a central pillar of Britam’s Female Wellness Cover. Premiums are set at Ksh 620 annually for women aged 18 to 30, ensuring even young adults can access critical health support. As women age, premiums increase to match the heightened risk of certain health conditions, with the maximum age limit set at 65.
Britam’s commitment to affordability is evident in Malkia’s premium structure. Despite the rising costs of healthcare in Kenya, Malkia’s tiered premiums allow women to access a comprehensive range of benefits without breaking the bank. This accessible approach is particularly significant in a country where many individuals lack health insurance, creating a barrier to receiving adequate medical care.
Britam’s Malkia cover arrives at a time when gender-specific health insurance is becoming increasingly recognized. In Kenya, a lack of affordable and comprehensive female-focused health insurance has often left women vulnerable, with many relying on general health covers that may not cater to their specific needs.
Globally, women are more likely than men to encounter healthcare issues that impact both their physical and mental well-being, which can sometimes lead to higher healthcare costs over a lifetime. Products like Malkia are part of a broader trend in health insurance towards addressing the unique health needs of women, acknowledging that female healthcare requirements are distinct and deserve specialized solutions.
Financial strain is a common consequence of serious health issues. By providing cash payouts for cancer diagnoses and treatment, Malkia supports women in maintaining financial stability throughout their health journeys. Women often bear a disproportionate share of caregiving responsibilities in Kenyan households, which means financial disruptions can affect entire families. The cash benefits offered by Malkia go beyond mere coverage, enabling women to continue supporting themselves and their dependents even during illness.
Britam’s Malkia is a bold move towards a future where Kenyan health insurance plans are more inclusive, targeted, and responsive to the actual needs of their members. The integration of AI in healthcare delivery, particularly for pregnancy support, signals the potential of technology to make health services more efficient and widely accessible. This feature also sets a benchmark for other insurance providers, who may follow suit in offering AI-driven support systems.
By addressing cancer, skin conditions, and maternal health under one plan, Britam has set a new standard in female wellness coverage. This comprehensive approach to insurance is bound to resonate with Kenyan women, who face unique challenges in accessing healthcare.
Britam’s Female Wellness Cover, Malkia, is a timely response to the demand for affordable, comprehensive healthcare solutions for women. With its range of benefits, including cancer cash payouts, dermatology coverage, and AI-powered pregnancy support, Malkia is uniquely suited to meet the healthcare needs of Kenyan women at every stage of life.
With Malkia, Britam is setting a new benchmark for female-centric health insurance, providing Kenyan women with the support they need to face health challenges confidently and access the care they deserve.
