AAR Insurance has introduced a COVID-19 cover to cater for medical expenses arising from the side effects of being vaccinated against the virus.
The cover dubbed ‘Chanjo’ is available for a one-off fee of Ksh. 2,950 for up to 60 days after receiving vaccine.
Persons aged between 18 and 60 years will be eligible for the vaccine cover with a mandatory medical examination as per the COVID-19 vaccination guidelines should symptoms of the side effects arise. The new insurance cover has a cover limit of KSh. 500,000 for inpatient treatment.
AAR Insurance Managing Director Nixon Shigoli said, “It is important to emphasize that the vaccines so far approved by the World Health Organization are safe. However, in the unlikely event of adverse reactions resulting in hospitalization and even death, this cover caters for treatment and last expenses incurred up to the prescribed limit.”
Although adverse reactions to the vaccine are rare, medical experts say they vary depending on the type of vaccine. Severe symptoms may require hospitalization.
Globally, the question of compensation for side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, and whether manufacturers are liable, has not been fully resolved, leaving underwriters to step in as perhaps the best financial protection against medical costs arising from vaccine complications.
Moreover, with the vaccination being the most effective weapon in containing the pandemic, Mr. Shigoli called on Kenyans to embrace the ongoing exercise together with other health guidelines to fight the virus.
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“We are encouraging Kenyans to get vaccinated as a way of protecting themselves and those close to them from COVID-19. However, since it is not possible to vaccinate everyone at a go, we must continue adhering to other preventive measures in place”, added Shigoli.
In May, Britam also launched its health insurance cover designed to cover full hospitalization expenses of its policyholders for persons up to the age of 75.
Britam’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Tavaziva Madzinga said the cover aims to ease the financial burden of its customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The trend in the spread of COVID-19 has unfortunately overburdened many of our customers. In line with our promise to be with you every step of the way, we are working hard to ensure our clients have simple and affordable access to the care they need as we tackle the pandemic together,” said Mr. Madzinga.
Britam’s premiums range from Ksh.1,500 per month for a Ksh.50,000 cover and up to Ksh.14,700 for Ksh.500,000 cover. Policyholders aged above 60 can only purchase up to a maximum limit of 200,000 shillings.
In early March, Kenya embarked on a COVID-19 vaccination campaign under the global COVAX program targeting health workers, security personnel, teachers and other high-risk groups.
And so far, according to the Ministry of Health, over 975 ,835 Kenyans have already received the COVID-19 jab and only 13,194 have been fully vaccinated.
