Paying Medical Bills in Kenya from Abroad: Emergency and Routine Guide
Medical expenses in Kenya often come unexpectedly, requiring quick action from family members abroad. This guide covers how to handle healthcare payments from overseas.
Understanding Kenya's Healthcare Payment System
How Hospital Payment Works
Unlike countries with comprehensive insurance, Kenya's healthcare often requires:
- Upfront Payment: Many hospitals require deposit before treatment
- Pay-as-you-go: Medication and procedures paid incrementally
- Discharge Payment: Full balance due before leaving hospital
Payment Methods Hospitals Accept
| Method | Acceptance | Speed |
| M-Pesa Paybill | Most hospitals | Instant |
| Bank Transfer | All hospitals | Same day |
| Cash | All hospitals | Immediate |
Emergency Medical Situations
Fastest Ways to Send for Emergencies
Under 5 Minutes to M-Pesa:
- Sendwave: Direct to M-Pesa, recipient pays hospital via Paybill
- Remitly Express: Same capability
Emergency Hospital Deposits
| Situation | Estimated Deposit (KES) | USD Equivalent |
| Emergency Room Visit | 5,000-20,000 | $40-160 |
| Admission (General) | 20,000-50,000 | $160-400 |
| ICU Admission | 50,000-200,000 | $400-1,600 |
| Surgery Deposit | 100,000-500,000+ | $800-4,000+ |
| Maternity (Normal) | 30,000-80,000 | $240-640 |
Major Hospital Paybills (Nairobi)
| Hospital | Paybill | Notes |
| Kenyatta National Hospital | 522522 | Account: Patient ID |
| Nairobi Hospital | 700800 | Account: Invoice Number |
| Aga Khan University Hospital | 204501 | Account: Patient Number |
| MP Shah Hospital | 4014971 | Account: Bill Number |
Always verify: Call hospital or have family confirm current Paybill before large payments.
Cost Comparison: Sending Medical Money
Sending KES 100,000 ($800) for medical bill:
| Provider | Speed | Fees | Exchange Loss | Total Cost |
| Sendwave | Minutes | $0 | ~$12 | ~$12 (1.5%) |
| Remitly Express | Minutes | $4 | ~$10 | ~$14 (1.8%) |
| Wise | 1-2 days | $6 | ~$4 | ~$10 (1.3%) |
| Western Union | Minutes | $15 | ~$35 | ~$50 (6.3%) |
For emergencies: Sendwave or Remitly (speed matters more than cost)
For planned expenses: Wise (lowest total cost)
Ongoing Medical Costs
Chronic Conditions
For family members with diabetes, heart conditions, etc.:
Monthly Costs to Budget:
- Medications: KES 5,000-30,000 ($40-240)
- Specialist visits: KES 2,000-10,000 ($16-80)
- Lab tests: KES 3,000-15,000 ($24-120)
Best Approach:
- Set up recurring transfer (Wise or Sendwave)
- Build 1-month buffer for emergencies
Practical Tips
Before Emergency Happens
- Know key contacts: Family member who can handle hospital dealings
- Have accounts ready: Verified on multiple transfer platforms
- Understand costs: General idea of hospital costs in Kenya
During Medical Situation
- Stay calm: Panicking leads to mistakes
- Verify information: Confirm with multiple family members if possible
- Send in stages: Initial deposit, then more as needed
- Keep records: Every transfer, every receipt
Conclusion
Handling medical bills from abroad:
- For emergencies: Sendwave for speed, verify before sending
- For planned care: Wise for lowest cost, budget ahead
- Keep records: Every transfer, every bill
- Plan ahead: Know contacts, have accounts ready
Compare medical money transfer options on our calculator page.