Insurer embraces cancer expenses cover, sets Ksh.15M top limit

ICEA Lion Group has introduced a cancer medical cover as Kenyans continue to grapple with increasing costs of treatment.

Also Read: Ksh.2.4M in one hour: Kenyans raise funds for Bianca during Citizen TV’s JKL show

According to the firm’s CEO Justus Mutiga, a patient under their cover who is diagnosed with cancer will receives 10percent of the sum insured.

“Cancer is one of the highest causes of death in Kenya today with the financial burden that comes with diagnosis and treatment too massive to bear…most families are forced to abandon their dreams, leave bills unpaid or sell off their assets to meet cancer-related expenses and liabilities,” he said.

Other insurance companies that have included cancer in the list of chronic ailments under insurance include HF Group, Madison, Britam, UAP, among others.

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) also enables patients to access treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans.

Under the ICEA Lion Group cancer cover, additional payouts will be made for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, non-diagnostic surgery as well as cases of relapse or if the patient goes into palliative care.

The cover is available to Kenyans between the ages of 18 and 59 and expires when the client attains 65 years.

It also has a sum insured range of between Ksh. 1 million and a maximum of Ksh. 15 milion.

” We noticed that in spite of there being other interventions in society to support cancer patients, there still exists need for more financial support,” said George Nyakundi, the GM ICEA Lion Group.

Premiums depend on age, gender, lifestyle (smoker or non-smoker), policy term and health status.

“Those willing to take up cover for more than Ksh. 5 million will be subjected to medical tests,” said Mr. Nyakundi.

In August, Kenyans raised over Ksh. 2.4million after a plea from Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange to help raise funds for young Bianca Wambui.

Wambui had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had a mastectomy but no chemotherapy due to lack of finances.

A report by the BBC said approximately 30,000 people die from cancer every year in Kenya.