Jubilee Insurance has partnered with United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) alumni association as a one of its innovative ways to expand medical insurance coverage which is very low in Kenya with a potential of signing up 25,000 USIU alumni spread worldwide.
According to Jubilee Insurance group CEO Julius Kipngetich, the alumnicare package is one of the innovative ways to bring on board most alumni therefore making healthcare insurance coverage accessible bearing in mind that medical insurance penetration rates are as low as 2.3percent in Kenya according to Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) data.
“Alumni Care” leverages a peer-to-peer insurance model, ensuring tailored and cost-effective coverage for our alumni community.”
Mr. James Gathere, Chairman, USIU-Africa Alumni Association explained that the USIU/Jubilee health insurance customer-centric “AlumniCare” is tailor made exclusive for USIU Alumni and meticulously designed to cater exclusively to USIU-Africa alumni, ensuring personalized healthcare solutions that resonate with their needs.
“AlumniCare” represents Jubilee Insurance unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions for every Kenyan. It underscores the remarkable impact that collaboration can have on enhancing healthcare access,’ he said adding that, “the plan provides maternity care, ensuring that USIU-Africa alumnae receive the necessary support and medical attention during one of life’s most critical phases, promoting the health and well-being of both mother and child.”
ALUMNICARE will also cover both air and road evacuation services, Mental health, teleconsultation services, enabling members to consult with medical professionals remotely. This feature reflects the plan’s adaptability to modern healthcare needs and provides convenient access to healthcare expertise, he added.
Dr. Kipng’etich challenged medics and healthcare practitioners to prescribe generics over branded medicines saying that by embracing prescription of generic drugs the country will achieve its UHC target of affordability since generics will reduce healthcare costs tremendously and subsequently lowering insurance premiums.
He pointed out that drugs, diagnostics, and bed charges (dormitories) account for over 70 percent of healthcare expenses in Kenya.
“In Kenya, generics are equated with counterfeits or fake drugs yet India a top destination for Kenyans seeking specialized treatment is simply a generic drugs market. We must accept generics as a standard for Kenya to help push the cost of healthcare down and therefore insurance premiums.”