Britam Launches Ksh 336 Medical Cover for Domestic Workers in Kenya

Britam Connect has launched a new medical insurance cover targeting domestic and informal workers, with premiums starting from Ksh 336 per month.

The product, known as Bima ya Wafanyikazi, seeks to improve access to affordable healthcare for workers who have traditionally had limited access to insurance.

Britam Connect, Kenya’s largest micro insurer by market share, said the cover will provide a range of medical and financial protection benefits.

The cover is underwritten by Britam and distributed by Minet Kenya Insurance Brokers.

It provides inpatient, outpatient, maternity, dental, optical and last expense benefits. It also includes annual health check-ups.

Individual domestic workers, employers and registered worker associations can access the cover.

The product targets workers who provide essential services in homes, businesses and community institutions.

These include people who care for children and older persons, clean homes, prepare meals, provide security and support hospitals and other institutions.

Most Domestic Workers Lack Medical Cover

The domestic sector is among Kenya’s largest sources of employment outside agriculture and small-scale trade.

However, more than 90 % of domestic workers lack medical protection, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Many workers also operate under informal or semi-formal arrangements without written contracts or adequate financial protection.

This leaves them exposed to financial difficulties when they fall ill, suffer injuries or require urgent medical care.

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Britam Explains the Need for the Cover

Britam Connect CEO and Principal Officer Evah Kimani said the company designed the product to respond to the everyday challenges faced by underserved communities.

“For many domestic and informal workers, there is very little room for life’s disruptions. An illness, injury or even a few days away from work can quickly place pressure on household finances,” Kimani said.

She said Bima ya Wafanyikazi brings several healthcare services together to help workers seek treatment early and reduce the financial impact of illness.

“Bima Ya Wafanyikazi is anchored on holistic healthcare, bringing together outpatient and inpatient care, maternity, dental and optical benefits, as well as annual health check-ups, so workers can seek care earlier, stay healthier and face fewer financial shocks when illness strikes,” she said.

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Minet Highlights Gap in Healthcare Protection

Minet Kenya CEO Sammy Muthui said the partnership between the two companies aims to address a major gap in healthcare protection for Kenya’s informal workforce.

He said Minet and Britam spent time listening to customers and studying their changing needs before developing the product.

“Insurance should solve real problems. We spent a great deal of time listening to our customers and understanding their evolving needs,” Muthui said.

He added that the process showed a significant need for innovative healthcare solutions for informal workers.

“One message came through clearly: there is a significant gap in healthcare protection for Kenya’s informal workforce, and it is a gap that demands innovative solutions,” he said.

Muthui said the partnership combines Minet’s distribution capacity with Britam Connect’s experience in inclusive insurance.

“Together with Britam, we have combined our strengths to create a solution that will make a meaningful difference for thousands of Kenyan workers and their families,” he said.

The launch strengthens Britam Connect’s focus on inclusive insurance by expanding healthcare access to workers who have traditionally been left out of formal insurance schemes.

The company said the product is also intended to promote decent work, reduce inequalities and help workers manage medical costs without suffering major financial shocks.

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Britam has unveiled Bima ya Wafanyikazi, a new medical cover distributed by Minet Kenya Insurance Brokers
PHOTO/Britam