Capital city in Nairobi County, Kenya
Healthcare in Nairobi: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Nairobi
Best care in the region; private bills need insurance or a deposit. AMREF Flying Doctors can evacuate from safari areas.
Hospitals for foreigners in Nairobi
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Aga Khan University Hospital | Parklands; East Africa's top hospital, 24-hour ER |
| The Nairobi Hospital | Upper Hill; large private hospital with ER |
| MP Shah Hospital | Parklands; private care with international patient desk |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: KSh3,000–7,000 ($23–54) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Kenya: Nairobi's private hospitals (Aga Khan, Nairobi Hospital) are East Africa's best; care elsewhere is limited. Malaria on the coast and in the west; consider AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover.
- Pharmacies: Pharmacies are plentiful in towns; use established chains (Goodlife, Haltons) because counterfeit medicines circulate.
- Health spending: US$85 per person a year (2023); 0.3 doctors per 1,000 people (2023), World Bank.
- Emergency: All emergencies 999.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Kenya, but treatment for visitors is paid upfront.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Nairobi for foreigners?
Aga Khan University Hospital: Parklands; East Africa's top hospital, 24-hour ER
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Nairobi?
About KSh3,000–7,000 ($23–54) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Kenya?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in Kenya expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Nairobi
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Kenya
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Kenya Airports Authority)
- Kenya Railways
- Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi
- UK FCDO travel advice: Kenya
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.