Last expense cover Kenya: 3 plans on premiums and payouts

Updated 10 November 2026

Last expense cover Kenya policies pay a lump sum, or a funeral service package, when an insured family member dies, so relatives do not have to rely on fundraising or loans. Published plans start from about KSh412 a year for KSh30,000 of cover (Madison Lala Salama) and go up to KSh500,000 of cover (Britam Fariji and Heshima). Payouts are fast. Madison pays within 48 hours of documents and Britam Fariji pays half within 72 hours of a burial permit. Most plans have a waiting period of about three months for deaths from illness, but cover accidental death from the start. This guide compares the published terms and explains what to check before you buy.

Checked on 9 November 2026 against Britam’s Fariji plan page, the Britam Connect Heshima Farewell Plan page, Britam’s 8 April 2026 Heshima launch release and Madison’s Lala Salama page. Premiums and terms change. Get a written quote and the policy document before you pay.

Last expense cover Kenya: how the plans work

You choose a sum assured, add family members, and pay an annual or monthly premium. If an insured person dies after any waiting period, the insurer pays the agreed benefit. These are protection-only policies. Britam says Fariji “provides protection cover only”, so there is no savings value or refund if nobody dies. No medical examination is needed for Fariji or Lala Salama.

The need for last expense cover Kenya families can rely on is real. Britam’s April 2026 release quotes Association of Kenya Insurers findings that a middle-class family’s funeral budget ranges from KSh50,000 to KSh300,000, and that urban funerals can cost more than KSh300,000.

Last expense cover Kenya premiums compared

Madison Lala Salama (funeral cash only)

Madison also lists a KSh45,000 level at KSh819 a year (KSh62 a month). The annual figure looks out of line with the rest of the table, so confirm it before you buy. A second Lala Salama option adds total and permanent disability (100% of the funeral cash) and critical illness (50%). For example, KSh100,000 of funeral cash with these extras costs KSh2,280 a year.

Britam Heshima Farewell Plan (launch prices, April 2026)

These are the prices Britam announced at launch. Check whether they apply per family or per person, and ask for the current rate card, because the product page does not list premiums.

Britam Fariji

Fariji lets you choose a cash benefit from KSh100,000 to KSh500,000. The sum assured applies to each family member and there is no limit on the number of family members. Britam does not publish Fariji premiums online, so you need a quote.

Ages and waiting periods

There is a conflict to note. Britam’s April 2026 launch release said Heshima applicants and spouses could join from 18 to 70 with renewal to 80, parents to 80 with cover to 85, and waiting periods of one to six months. The current product page shows 18 to 65 at entry and an exit age of 70. Rely on the policy document you are given, and ask whether parents can be added.

Cash payout or funeral service package?

Some plans pay cash, and others arrange the funeral through a partner. Heshima was launched with Montezuma Funeral Home, and depending on the package can include mortuary payments, a hearse and transport countrywide, a casket, flowers and a chapel service. Madison’s Montezuma Monalisa packages list benefits in shillings. For example, the KSh200,000 Executive package includes a KSh50,000 coffin, KSh75,500 transport, KSh15,000 for the death certificate, KSh10,000 mortuary fees and KSh40,000 towards outstanding medical bills. Its premium is KSh2,750 a year up to age 65 (age next birthday), KSh3,440 at 66–70 and KSh3,850 at 71–75.

When comparing last expense cover Kenya options, remember that a service package can stretch further if the funeral home serves your home area. Cash gives your family more freedom, which matters if the burial is far from the partner’s branches.

How to claim last expense cover

1. Notify the insurer immediately. Madison lists “immediate notification” as a claim requirement.
2. Submit the burial permit or death certificate. Britam pays 50% of Fariji’s benefit within 72 hours of notification with a burial permit and the rest on the death certificate. Madison pays within 48 hours of documents.
3. Provide IDs and, for children, birth certificates. Madison also asks for a KRA PIN certificate at application.

For general claim steps and contacts, see our guide to insurance claims at CIC, Madison and Britam, plus the Britam contacts and Madison contacts pages.

Checklist before you buy

• Before you buy last expense cover Kenya insurers offer, price your realistic funeral cost, including transport home, and choose a benefit that covers it.
• List everyone you want covered, including parents and in-laws, and check their age limits.
• Ask about the waiting period, the cover end age and what happens to premiums after 75.
• Check your employer’s group cover first. Our group life cover guide explains what staff schemes often include.
• Keep the policy number where your family can find it.

Frequently asked questions

How much is last expense cover in Kenya?

Madison’s Lala Salama lists premiums from KSh412 a year for KSh30,000 of cover to KSh2,750 for KSh200,000. Britam’s Heshima launched at KSh1,000 a year for KSh100,000 up to KSh1,850 for KSh500,000.

How fast does last expense cover pay?

Madison pays within 48 hours of documents. Britam Fariji pays 50% within 72 hours of notification with a burial permit and the balance on the death certificate.

Is there a waiting period for last expense cover?

Usually yes for deaths from illness: 90 days on Lala Salama and three months on Heshima. Accidental deaths are covered without waiting on Heshima.

Can I cover my parents under last expense cover?

Many plans allow parents. Madison’s membership is open to parents, and Britam said at launch that parents could join Heshima. Check age limits in the current policy.