Life Insurance for Kenyans Abroad

Kenyan insurers sell diaspora funeral and return-ticket plans to Kenyans abroad, and some accept applications for shilling cover from abroad. Check whether the plan pays if you die outside Kenya and how premiums are paid. We find the plans that accept you.

Each plan lists its exclusions. The usual ones are:

• Suicide in the first year, or two on some plans
• Death from a condition you did not disclose
• War or terrorism in countries your home government advises against visiting
• Death while living in or visiting a country the plan excludes
• Alcohol or drug misuse, and criminal acts

Read the country list and exclusions before you buy, and tell us about any risky job or travel.

Kenyan law regulates 'Kenya business': insurance on a life situated in Kenya or paid for from Kenya. A Kenyan living abroad and paying from abroad appears to fall outside it, though the IRA has not confirmed that reading. We explain how your cover is arranged before you apply.

Match the currency to what the money will pay for. If it will pay school fees, a loan or living costs in Kenya, a shilling policy pays in the currency of those costs. The shilling has moved a lot against the dollar since 2016, which matters if your family's costs are abroad.

Your nominated beneficiary in Kenya claims with the policy, death certificate and IDs. A death abroad needs the foreign death certificate and the embassy's notification. We help your family put the documents together.

An international plan carries on in most countries; check its list of excluded countries. A Kenyan plan may restrict cover abroad, so ask before you move.