For all travellers from Kenya travelling to the Schengen region, a travel insurance cover is required as part of the application process. The Schengen region is a product of the free movement brought about by the creation of the European Union and launch of the Euro in 2000. As a result, members of the European Union can move and work in member states without requiring special permits or documentation. The Schengen is a subset of the European Union member countries meaning not all European countries are members of the Schengen region. With the pending exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union (BREXIT) many sceptics are questioning the future of the bloc.
Some of the notable countries not in the Schengen region include
United Kingdom
Turkey
Ukraine
Croatia
Cyprus
Romania
Why Travel Insurance?
The Schengen region requires all travellers from non-Schengen countries to have approved travel insurance with a minimum liability of 30,000 Euros for emergency medical expenses. This is to cater for any emergencies like accidents or sudden illness while in the Schengen region. Therefore, the traveller does not encroach on the host state’s medical services in this event. One of the main problems that European countries have been facing in the last 20 years is free medical tourism. This is where travellers from lower income countries mainly Asia and Africa visit European nations and seek medical attention, which is state funded and therefore free of charge. A good example of this is the National Health Service (NHS) in England, which has suffered under the strain of health tourists.
How Does It Work?
The travel insurance policy purchased in Kenya is sold by a local insurance company in the market and distributed through travel agencies, insurance brokers and agents, online portals like www.pesabazaar.com and more. The local insurance company offers this policy on behalf of an international insurance company or global assistance/rescue company like AIG, Mapfre, Linkham, Assistencia, etc. In case of emergency assistance while travelling abroad, customers can contact these international companies from the contact details noted on the travel insurance policy document.
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List of approved insurance companies in Kenya
As of 21st November 2018, these are the companies that are pre – approved to offer travel insurance for the Schengen region.
| APA | CHARTIS/AIG | ICEA LION |
| PACIS | JW SEAGON | MADISON |
| MAYFAIR | CIC | TRIDENT |
| FIRST ASSURANCE | EXECUTIVE HEALTH | AAR |
| GENERAL ACCIDENT | KENINDIA | FIDELITY |
| TAKAFUL | RESOLUTINO | JUBILEE |
| SAHAM | BRITAM | UAP OLD MUTUAL |
| TAUSI | PHOENIX | CHUBB SOUTH AFRICA |
| HERITAGE | AMACO | SANLAM |
List last updated 21st November 2018. Original document
Need A Travel Insurance Quote?
If you are looking for a travel insurance quote for the Schengen visa applicaiotn, you can compare up to 10 different companies online by visiting www.pesabazaar.com . Compare benefits, limits and excesses, you could save up to 30% off your cover.
Prices start from KSh 2,100!