For a Kenyan looking for individual and family medical
insurance options, it is usually important to first identify your options
before you can make valid comparisons and right choices. For instance, if your
desire is to save money and get the most from your medical insurance
investment, you will require the broadest possible view of available health
insurance plans
.
.
Find a Reputable Agent
One of the best steps
to finding Kenyan medical insurance companies is working with licensed and
reputable agents. Trustworthy agents can help you to save time and get a wide
selection of quotes from top medical insurance companies in Kenya. There are
many Kenyan agent sites online that can provide you with free, instant medical
insurance advice and quotes, making it easier for you to find the most suitable
medical insurance plan for your budget and needs.
When selecting an insurance agent to work with, make sure
to:
(a) Pick a licensed
Kenyan agent extensive experience working with Kenyan medical insurance
companies and providers.
(b) Choose an agent
that does not require you to provide any sensitive personal information before
you can access quotes.
(c) Select an agent
whose website provides instant personalized insurance quotes from a wide range
of top carriers.
(d) Choose an agent
that provides side by side comparisons of different plan rates and benefits.
(e) Work with an
agent that offers reliable customer reviews and industry ratings of different
insurance companies to guide your decision.
(f) Select an
agent with special online tools for generating personal recommendations based
on your needs or that can help you to choose the best plan accepted by your
favorite doctor.
(g) Choose an agent
that offers personal and unbiased help via phone, online chat and email.
Once you have picked your agent, you can work with him/her
to identify a number of medical insurance companies that suit your needs.
Prepare a list of at least 5 Kenyan medical insurance companies and then
conduct thorough research regarding the plans, track record and reputation of
these companies so you are able to make the right decision when picking your
insurer.
Factors you should consider when choosing a medical
insurance company:
Picking one insurance company from your list may be an
overwhelming task. However, by considering the following 5 factors, you can
easily narrow down your options and make the right decision. The factors
include:
(a) Health benefits
of the plan
When comparing medical insurance plans from different Kenyan
companies, make sure to pick out the plan that offers the must-have benefits
you have identified. Purchase a plan that is both relevant and crucial to you
and make sure to keep your costs as low as possible. It is also important to
avoid plans offering expensive benefits, such as prescription drugs or
maternity, if you don’t need such benefits.
(b) Costs
The plan you choose should fall within your budget in terms
of premium, copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Choose a company providing
a high-deductible plan if your main aim is to keep your monthly premium low.
(c) Physician
Network
If you have a favorite doctor or hospital, then you should
choose an insurance company whose network of health care providers includes
them. Start by finding out from your doctor or hospital which Kenyan insurance
companies they work with. With this information, you can now narrow your
options down to just the few insurers that have listed your favorite doctor or
hospital.
(d) Brands
Make sure that the Kenyan medical insurance company you pick
does not work with brands that you want to avoid. Carefully examine a company’s
list of brand-name carriers to find out if it has the names you prefer.
(e) Consumer and
Industry Reviews
Before you select a Kenyan medical insurance company, make
sure you read consumer and industry reviews. There are several online reviews
and ratings for medical plans sold in Kenya, which you can use to make the
right choice.
Making Application for Medical Insurance
After selecting a medical insurance plan that suits your
needs and budget, you should proceed to complete an application for coverage.
You can either make the application online or visit the insurance company’s
office to make an application. During the application, answer all the questions
correctly, making sure the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
When not sure of any piece of information, wait until you have the right
answers before you proceed with the application. For example, if you are unsure
about your last checkup date, call your doctor’s clinic for the right
information. It is better to provide correct information up-front than for you
Kenyan insurance company to discover that you omitted specific elements of your
medical history during application.
Once your application has been received by the insurance
company, you will get one of the following responses:
(a) You are
approved: This means you have been authorized to enjoy the service. Your
medical insurance coverage will begin on the “effective date” confirmed by the
insurance company.
(b) You are
approved, with conditions: This means the insurance company will offer you
coverage but with limits on the benefits for specific conditions depending on
your medical history.
(c) More
information required: The insurance company requires more information regarding
your application. Sometimes, the company will request for medical records from
your doctor before making the final decision on the application.
(d) Your
application denied: In a scenario where you application has been denied, make
sure to find a licensed insurance agent or professional to advice you. You may
learn to appeal the decision or to make a new application with another medical
insurance company. You may also opt for the state-backed national health
insurance fund (NHIF).
What should you do after purchasing a plan?
Once the insurance company has approved you for coverage,
you will receive official correspondence confirming the date on which the
coverage begins. You are free to start enjoying the benefits of the coverage
after that date. Also check the document sent to you to find the contacts of
the customer service department or agent so you can know who to contact when
you have questions.
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