NHIF Cancer Coverage in Kenya

National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Kenya covers treatment for all types of Cancer for the members. NHIF starts paying Sh5 million for cancer treatment in foreign Hospitals in India. NHIF premium is also increased from Sh320 to Sh1,700 based on annual income of members.

Currently, only those in the public service and the military are eligible for this perk. Now that it is open, we want to make sure that all of our members can receive care overseas when it is not offered locally.

Currently 10,000 patients travel per year from Kenya to India for different medical treatments. 6,000 Patients travel for Cancer Treatment in India, 2,000 patients travel for organ transplants like Kidney and Liver, many patients travel for Bone Marrow transplant, other disease like Heart, Neurosurgery, etc.

A chance to undergo treatment abroad will allow many NHIF members to avoid the lengthy waits for radiotherapy at Kenyatta, which frustrates many of them. Additionally, NHIF is in discussions with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospitals and KNH to assist them in purchasing radiation equipment to address the situation.To qualify for the funding, a patient will require a letter of proof from the Director of Medical Services.

After the NHIF insurance boosted contribution rates in an action that was roundly condemned earlier this year, the funding for international treatment will be the latest advantage enjoyed by NHIF card members.

NHIF Radiation Therapy Costs in Kenya

NHIF Chemotherapy Cost in Kenya

NHIF Cancer Surgery Cost in Kenya

The modality has a significant impact on the price of cancer treatment. Most of the patients that were reviewed underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care. The price of cancer treatment changed depending on the type of cancer. Patients receiving only chemotherapy on average paid KES 138,207 (USD 1364.3) per patient, whereas those receiving surgery and radiotherapy typically paid KES 128,207 (USD 1265.6) and KES 119,036 (USD 119.03), respectively (1175.1). Some patients combined all three, which resulted in costs averaging KES 333,462 (3291.8) per patient for the entire year.

Radiotherapy Services in Kenya

Chemotherapy Services in Kenya

Public sector

• 2 National referral hospitals
• 10 county referral hospitals (Mombasa, Meru, Nyeri, Embu, Garissa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Kakamega, Machakos and Bomet)

Widely available in faith-based and private hospitals Growing workforce to provide chemotherapy services Chemotherapy services part of the NHIF benefit package

• 1st line regimens- up to Ksh 150,000;
• 2nd line regimens- Up to Ksh 600,000

Cancer Training Institutes

• Radiation Oncology: University of Nairobi (September 2019)
• Medical oncology fellowship
  • University of Nairobi-since 2016)
  • Moi University- potential for 2019
• Gynae-oncology fellowship- Moi University; University of Nairobi
• Oncology Nursing training programmes
  • Higher National Diploma- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
  • University of Nairobi- MSc
• Training for Clinical Officers-HND at MTRH
• Training of Radiotherapy technicians- Degree programme at JKUAT

Best Oncologists availability in Kenya