SHA Overseas Medical Treatment for Kenyans

Some specialized treatments may not be available locally in Kenya. For this reason, many patients are referred to foreign countries such as India, Turkey or South Africa to access advanced healthcare services.

To make this journey easier, the Ministry of Health Kenya, through the Social Health Authority (SHA), has outlined a clear process for overseas medical treatment.

What is SHA Overseas Medical Treatment?

SHA Overseas Medical Treatment refers to the process managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya that allows patients to seek specialized healthcare services in foreign countries.

This option is available when certain advanced treatments, equipment, or expertise are not accessible locally. Through this program, Kenyans can travel abroad to receive quality medical care while still being supported by the Ministry of Health.

The process is structured to ensure transparency, accountability, and patient safety. Before traveling, hospitals abroad must request preauthorization from SHA, confirming that the treatment is necessary and approved.

Once admitted and later discharged, the foreign hospital provides notifications to SHA, and claims for payment are submitted online for verification.

What makes SHA Overseas Medical Treatment unique is its emphasis on continuity of care. After returning to Kenya, patients are linked to local health facilities for follow-up treatment.

This ensures recovery is closely monitored and that patients continue to receive medical support even after their treatment abroad.

How Kenyans can access SHA Overseas Medical Treatment

Below are the main steps that Kenyans need to follow in order to access Overseas Medical Treatment using SHA. 

1. Preauthorization

Before a patient travels, the foreign hospital must request preauthorization from the Social Health Authority (SHA). This approval confirms that the treatment abroad is necessary and allows arrangements to be made in advance.

Without preauthorization, a patient may face delays or risk their treatment not being covered.

2. Notification of Admission and Discharge

Once the patient arrives in the foreign country and is admitted to hospital, the facility must notify SHA. The same notification is required once the patient is discharged.

This keeps the Ministry of Health updated on the treatment journey and ensures proper documentation.

3. Claim Submission

After treatment is completed, the hospital or patient must submit claims online for adjudication and payment. This digital process allows SHA to verify the costs, approve legitimate expenses, and process payments more quickly.

It also ensures accountability and transparency in how healthcare funds are used for Kenyans abroad.

4. Follow-up Care in Kenya

Once the patient returns home, care doesn’t stop. The patient is connected to a local healthcare facility in Kenya for follow-up. This step is essential for recovery, ongoing monitoring, and management of any complications after treatment abroad.

Why This SHA Overseas Medical Treatment Process Matters

The structured overseas treatment process benefits patients and families by:

• Guaranteeing proper approval before traveling.
• Ensuring financial accountability through online claim systems.
• Maintaining patient safety with continuous monitoring.
• Supporting recovery at home through follow-up care in Kenya.

For Kenyan patients who need advanced healthcare services not available locally, overseas medical treatment in foreign countries is a vital option.

Thanks to the Social Health Authority (SHA), the process is now clear and efficient: preauthorization, hospital notification, claim submission and follow-up care.

By following these steps, Kenyans can access specialized treatment abroad while still receiving support once they return home.

Matthews Ohotto

Matthews Ohotto is an Article Writer at CYBER.CO.KE and a Video Creator on the YouTube Channel Cyber Services Kenya, specializing in crafting insightful and informative Blog Posts and Video Tutorials that empower Kenyans with practical skills and knowledge. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Technology (BBIT) from JKUAT, he blends technical expertise with a passion for clear and impactful communication. Do you need his help? Email Address: [email protected]