Updated 10 November 2026
Diaspora health insurance lets Kenyans living abroad buy and pay for medical cover for parents, children and other relatives in Kenya, instead of sending money each time someone falls ill. Jubilee Insurance markets a dedicated diaspora route to its family, child and senior plans. This guide explains how it works, how you can pay from abroad, and what to check before you sign up.
Checked on 7 November 2026 against Jubilee Insurance’s Diaspora Health Insurance Plans page and its J Senior and Cover Nafuu pages. Jubilee does not publish diaspora premiums, so none are quoted here. Ask for a written quote and the brochure.
On this page
How diaspora health insurance works
Jubilee says any Kenyan living abroad can buy a policy for family members who live in Kenya. You apply with a copy of your national ID or passport and the details of each relative you want to cover, and several family members can be covered under one policy. Jubilee says cover starts immediately once payment is confirmed, after which you receive a policy document and confirmation. Some benefits on its health plans still carry waiting periods, so read the policy document.
The cover is for relatives in Kenya. It is separate from the mandatory inbound travel health insurance that foreign-passport visitors must buy before entering Kenya.
Plans you can buy through diaspora health insurance
| Plan | Who it suits | What Jubilee lists |
|---|---|---|
| J Care | Families wanting full cover | Inpatient, outpatient, maternity, optical and dental benefits; inpatient up to KSh 10 million on J Care Premium |
| J Care Johari | Families on a budget | Inpatient and outpatient bundles from KSh 25,000, with maternity and newborn care |
| J Junior | Children | Cover for children from birth to 18 |
| J Senior | Parents and older relatives | Inpatient up to KSh 10 million, chronic and pre-existing conditions after waiting periods, home nursing, hospice care |
One detail differs between Jubilee’s pages. The diaspora page describes J Senior as for people aged 60 and above, while the J Senior product page says 65 and above and lists 65 to 79 as its target. If your parent is between 60 and 64, or over 79, confirm eligibility in writing before you pay.
For outpatient-only care, Jubilee’s Cover Nafuu can be bought for someone else, including relatives without a phone. It starts from KSh 4,000 a year for unlimited visits at one chosen clinic, but it excludes hospital admission. See our comparison of affordable medical cover for its limits.
Paying for diaspora health insurance from abroad
Jubilee lists M-Pesa, bank transfer and international remittance services, naming Western Union, WorldRemit and Sendwave. It also says instalment payments are available. If you miss a payment, there is a 30-day grace period before the policy is suspended, and you can reactivate it by clearing the arrears within that period.
When paying by remittance app, keep the transaction reference and send it to the insurer so the payment is matched to the right policy. Check the exchange rate and transfer fee charged by the app, because these sit on top of the premium.
How your family uses the cover in Kenya
Jubilee says covered relatives can visit any of its more than 500 accredited hospitals and clinics in Kenya, including in rural areas, using a Jubilee card or digital confirmation. It says a customer portal for checking claim history and usage from abroad is being developed, so for now you may need to ask customer care for updates. Jubilee’s support line is +254 709 949 000, and its email is health@jubileekenya.com.
Applying for diaspora health insurance step by step
- Decide who to cover and which plan each person needs: J Senior for older parents, J Junior or a family plan for children.
- Request a callback or quote on Jubilee’s diaspora page, or contact customer care on WhatsApp or +254 709 949 000.
- Send a copy of your national ID or passport and the details of each relative.
- Agree the payment plan, in full or by instalments, and pay through M-Pesa, bank transfer or a remittance app.
- Keep the policy document and confirmation, and give each relative their card or digital confirmation together with the list of nearby accredited facilities.
What to check before buying diaspora health insurance
- The nearest accredited facility to where your relatives actually live.
- Waiting periods for any existing condition, particularly for parents.
- Age limits for seniors, given the 60 versus 65 difference above.
- Who receives updates if your relative is admitted. Ask whether you, as the payer, can be the contact.
- Renewal dates and instalment schedule, so the 30-day grace period is never needed.
To compare insurers, read our AAR vs Jubilee family cover comparison and our guide to medical cover for parents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy diaspora health insurance for my parents in Kenya?
Yes. Jubilee says any Kenyan living abroad can buy cover for family members residing in Kenya, including J Senior for older parents.
How do I pay for diaspora health insurance?
Jubilee lists M-Pesa, bank transfer, Western Union, WorldRemit and Sendwave, with instalments available.
When does the cover start?
Jubilee says once payment is confirmed, though some benefits have waiting periods.
What happens if I miss a premium payment?
There is a 30-day grace period before suspension.
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