Travel insurance is an essential safeguard for Kenyan travelers, offering protection against unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or flight delays. With Kenya’s growing tourism sector and increasing outbound travel for business, leisure, and study, the demand for travel insurance in Kenya is surging. As of June 2025, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) oversees 58 licensed insurers, many offering travel insurance tailored to diverse needs, from safaris in the Maasai Mara to international trips to Schengen countries. This comprehensive guide ranks the top 10 best travel insurance companies in Kenya for June 2025, based on market share, financial stability, customer satisfaction, claims efficiency, and innovation.
Why Travel Insurance is Crucial for Kenyan Travelers
Travel insurance protects against financial losses and disruptions during domestic or international trips. In Kenya, where visa applications often require proof of travel insurance and medical emergencies abroad can be costly, a reliable policy is vital. Key benefits include:
- Medical Coverage: Covers emergency medical expenses, including COVID-19 treatment, hospital stays, and repatriation.
- Trip Protection: Reimburses non-refundable costs for cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to illness, natural disasters, or other covered reasons.
- Baggage and Personal Effects: Compensates for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage.
- Visa Compliance: Meets requirements for Schengen, U.S., or other embassy visa applications.
- Peace of Mind: Ensures 24/7 assistance for emergencies like missed flights or lost passports.
With Kenya’s vibrant travel culture, from safaris to global business trips, choosing a top insurer ensures you’re covered for life’s uncertainties. This guide leverages IRA reports, customer reviews, and industry insights to rank the best providers.
How We Ranked the Top 10 Travel Insurance Companies
Our rankings are based on a rigorous analysis of:
- Market Share: Reflects consumer trust and industry dominance (IRA 2023/2024 reports).
- Financial Stability: Ensures claim payouts (NSE performance, AM Best ratings).
- Claims Efficiency: High settlement ratios for reliability (Amssurity, AKI data).
- Customer Satisfaction: Retention rates and reviews from platforms like Pesabazaar and Dawit Insurance.
- Product Diversity: Range of policies (single-trip, multi-trip, Schengen-specific, student plans).
- Innovation: Use of digital platforms and partnerships with global insurers like MAPFRE and AXA.
Data sources include IRA Annual Reports, Step by Step Insurance, Amssurity, Dawit Insurance, and customer feedback from trusted platforms.
Top 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies in Kenya for June 2025
1. Jubilee Insurance
Overview: Kenya’s largest composite insurer, Jubilee holds a 9.8% market share in general insurance (Cytonn 2019). Its travel insurance plans are comprehensive, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage loss.
Why It Stands Out:
- Global Reach: Partners with international insurers for 24/7 assistance.
- Claims Efficiency: 81% non-liability claims settlement ratio (Amssurity).
- Digital Platforms: JForce app simplifies policy purchases and claims.
- Customer Feedback: “Jubilee’s travel insurance covered my hospital bills abroad seamlessly.”
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Schengen Travel Insurance
- Inbound Travel Insurance
Best For: Frequent travelers and families seeking robust coverage.
2. AAR Insurance
Overview: AAR, a leader in health insurance, offers travel insurance with strong medical coverage, including telemedicine and emergency evacuation, ideal for safaris and international trips.
Why It Stands Out:
- Medical Expertise: Covers up to KES 10M for emergency medical expenses.
- Customer-Centric: High satisfaction for responsive support (Step by Step Insurance).
- Visa Compliance: Meets Schengen and U.S. embassy requirements.
- Innovation: Integrates wellness programs with travel plans.
Key Products:
- AAR Travel Insurance
- Student Travel Insurance
- Group Travel Plans
Best For: Families and students traveling abroad.
3. Britam Insurance
Overview: Britam, with a 24.7% share in long-term insurance, offers travel insurance through partnerships with global providers like MAPFRE, ensuring worldwide coverage.
Why It Stands Out:
- Microinsurance Options: Affordable plans for budget travelers.
- Digital Innovation: Britam Connect app for real-time policy management.
- Claims Efficiency: 16% liability claims settlement rate, above industry average (Amssurity).
- Customer Trust: “Britam’s travel plan saved me during a flight delay.”
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Schengen Visa Insurance
- Business Travel Insurance
Best For: Business travelers and budget-conscious individuals.
4. ICEA Lion
Overview: ICEA Lion, with a history dating back to 1895, provides travel insurance with flexible single-trip and multi-trip options, catering to leisure and business travelers.
Why It Stands Out:
- Product Diversity: Covers adventure activities and group travel.
- Claims Support: High settlement ratios (AKI 2023).
- Digital Access: User-friendly platforms for policy management.
- Regional Presence: Operates in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Key Products:
- ICEA Lion Travel Insurance
- Multi-Trip Annual Plans
- Inbound Travel Insurance
Best For: Frequent travelers and adventure tourists.
5. Sanlam Kenya
Overview: Part of the global Sanlam Group, Sanlam offers travel insurance through Standard Chartered’s bancassurance arm, focusing on Schengen and business travel plans.
Why It Stands Out:
- Visa Compliance: Schengen-specific plans meet embassy requirements.
- Financial Stability: Strong NSE performance in Q1 2025 (Dawit Insurance).
- Transparency: Clear pricing and ethical practices.
- 24/7 Assistance: Global claims support via Sanlam General.
Key Products:
- Schengen Travel Insurance
- Business Travel Plan
- Leisure Travel Insurance
Best For: Schengen visa applicants and business travelers.
6. Heritage Insurance
Overview: Heritage is a trusted name in general insurance, offering travel insurance with competitive premiums and coverage for medical emergencies and baggage loss.
Why It Stands Out:
- Affordability: Cost-effective plans for solo and group travelers.
- Customer Service: High satisfaction for personalized support (Bowman).
- Financial Ratings: AA+(KE) from GCR (Amssurity).
- Digital Expansion: Enhanced online platforms in 2025.
Key Products:
- Single-Trip Travel Insurance
- Group Travel Insurance
- Adventure Travel Coverage
Best For: Young professionals and budget travelers.
7. APA Insurance
Overview: APA, under Apollo Investments, offers travel insurance with a focus on emergency medical coverage and trip protection, despite recent service challenges.
Why It Stands Out:
- Market Share: 8.3% in general insurance (Cytonn 2019).
- Global Partnerships: Collaborates with international insurers for worldwide support.
- Claims Process: Improving with AI and blockchain adoption (Step by Step Insurance).
- Product Range: Includes inbound and outbound travel plans.
Key Products:
- APA Travel Insurance
- Schengen Visa Insurance
- Emergency Medical Coverage
Best For: Travelers seeking comprehensive medical protection.
8. NCBA Insurance (formerly AIG Kenya)
Overview: Acquired by NCBA Group in July 2024, NCBA Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance with flexible premiums and global assistance (AIG Kenya website).
Why It Stands Out (based on AIG Kenya performance):
- Global Network: 24/7 claims assistance worldwide.
- Flexible Plans: Covers students, business, and leisure travelers.
- Medical Coverage: Up to KES 10M for emergencies, including COVID-19.
- Customer Feedback: “AIG’s travel plan covered my lost luggage efficiently.”
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Student Travel Insurance
- Inbound Travel Insurance
Best For: International travelers and students.
9. First Assurance
Overview: A subsidiary of Absa Group, First Assurance provides travel insurance with a focus on medical emergencies and trip cancellations, backed by a wide branch network.
Why It Stands Out:
- Accessibility: Extensive branch network for in-person support.
- Financial Stability: Backed by Absa’s regional presence.
- Product Range: Covers single-trip and multi-trip plans.
- Customer Service: Strong reputation for responsiveness (Financial News Kenya).
Key Products:
- Travel Insurance for Leisure
- Business Travel Insurance
- Group Travel Plans
Best For: Families and corporate travelers.
10. GA Insurance
Overview: GA Insurance, part of I&M Bank Group, offers travel insurance with niche products like coverage for adventure sports and eco-friendly travel.
Why It Stands Out:
- Niche Offerings: Covers high-risk activities like safaris and skiing.
- Financial Backing: Strong stability via I&M Bank (Dawit Insurance).
- Claims Support: Responsive assistance, per customer reviews.
- Sustainability Focus: Emerging green travel insurance products.
Key Products:
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Adventure Travel Insurance
- Schengen Travel Insurance
Best For: Adventure travelers and eco-conscious tourists.
Types of Travel Insurance Policies in Kenya
Kenya’s travel insurance market offers various policies to suit different needs:
- Single-Trip Insurance: Covers one specific trip, ideal for occasional travelers. Average cost: 4–8% of trip cost (Forbes).
- Multi-Trip (Annual) Insurance: Covers multiple trips within a year, cost-effective for frequent travelers. Average cost: KES 15,000–30,000/year.
- Schengen Travel Insurance: Meets visa requirements for Schengen countries, covering medical emergencies up to €30,000.
- Student Travel Insurance: Tailored for students studying abroad, with extended medical and trip protection.
- Inbound Travel Insurance: For foreign visitors to Kenya, covering safaris and medical emergencies.
- Business Travel Insurance: Covers trip cancellations and medical emergencies for corporate travelers.
Emerging Trends in Kenya’s Travel Insurance Industry for 2025
The travel insurance sector is evolving, driven by technology and consumer demands:
- Digital Platforms: Jubilee’s JForce, Britam Connect, and AAR’s MyWakalAAR apps streamline policy purchases and claims.
- Microinsurance: Britam’s mini-covers target budget travelers (Amssurity).
- Global Partnerships: Insurers like Britam and NCBA partner with MAPFRE and AXA for worldwide coverage (Pesabazaar).
- Adventure Coverage: GA and ICEA Lion offer plans for high-risk activities like safaris (Step by Step Insurance).
- Visa Compliance: Sanlam and APA provide Schengen-specific plans meeting embassy standards (Standard Chartered).
How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance Company in Kenya
Follow these steps to select the right provider:
- Assess Your Needs: Determine coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or adventure activities.
- Compare Quotes: Use platforms like Pesabazaar to evaluate premiums and benefits.
- Check Financial Stability: Verify IRA licensing and AM Best ratings (A- or higher recommended).
- Review Claims Ratios: Higher ratios (e.g., Jubilee’s 81%) indicate reliability (Amssurity).
- Read Customer Reviews: Check Step by Step Insurance or Dawit Insurance for real feedback.
- Confirm Visa Requirements: Ensure Schengen or U.S. embassy compliance if needed (Standard Chartered).
- Consult an Advisor: Agencies like Dawit Insurance (0723-856-447) or Amssurity (+254-762-065-500) offer free consultations.
Challenges in Kenya’s Travel Insurance Industry
Despite growth, the sector faces hurdles:
- Low Penetration: Only 2.4% of Kenyans are insured (IRA 2023).
- High Premiums: Comprehensive plans can be costly for long trips or older travelers.
- Exclusions: Standard policies may exclude adventure activities or pre-existing conditions unless add-ons are purchased.
- Fraud Risks: False claims increase operational costs, affecting premiums.
- Awareness Gaps: Many travelers are unaware of visa-related insurance requirements.
Tips to Maximize Your Travel Insurance Coverage
- Buy Early: Purchase within 14–20 days of booking to maximize benefits like pre-existing condition waivers (Forbes).
- Understand Exclusions: Clarify coverage for adventure activities or cancellations (Dawit Insurance).
- Keep Documentation: Save receipts and travel itineraries for claims.
- Use Digital Tools: Manage policies via apps from Britam or Jubilee.
- Check Visa Requirements: Confirm embassy-specific coverage needs (Pesabazaar).
- Leverage Group Discounts: Groups of 5+ may get 10% off (NerdWallet).
Travel insurance is a must for Kenyan travelers, whether exploring the Maasai Mara or traveling abroad for business or study. The top 10 best travel insurance companies in Kenya for June 2025—Jubilee, AAR, Britam, ICEA Lion, Sanlam, Heritage, APA, NCBA, First Assurance, and GA—offer reliable, innovative, and customer-centric solutions. From affordable travel insurance in Kenya to Schengen-compliant plans, these providers cater to diverse needs.
