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Tea growers can now access cost-effective outpatient medical insurance thanks to a collaboration between Majani Insurance Brokers (MIB) and Britam. This initiative aims to support small-scale tea farmers nationwide.
MIB, in conjunction with Britam, has introduced an affordable outpatient medical insurance scheme tailored for smallholder tea farmers. This initiative builds upon the existing Kinga Ya Mkulima cover, a joint effort between MIB and Britam.
Pauline Mwangi, the General Manager of MIB, highlighted that this insurance cover provides additional financial security to farmers, lessening their out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatments. While the existing Kinga ya Mkulima cover includes inpatient services, feedback from farmers indicated a desire for outpatient coverage as well as coverage for at-home medication.
In collaboration with Britam, MIB has developed an improved package that addresses both inpatient and outpatient medical needs of tea farmers. This enhanced cover offers more benefits, including access to over-the-counter medications and other outpatient services, albeit at an additional premium.
Ms. Mwangi also mentioned that Majani will collaborate with Greenland Fedha, a microfinance institution under the Kenya Tea Development Agency Ltd (KTDA), to offer credit facilities to farmers, bridging any financial gaps in accessing the insurance cover.
Saurabh Sharma, Britam’s Director of Emerging Consumers, emphasized the importance of such adaptable insurance solutions in safeguarding farmers during health crises, enabling them to concentrate on their primary tea production activities.
This coverage, accessible to farmers in 71 tea factories managed by KTDA, has proven successful with over 200,000 members, insuring more than 700,000 lives and settling over 150,000 claims through its inpatient component.
The addition of outpatient coverage is expected to further expand this program, reaching over one million beneficiaries. While non-tea farmers can also enroll, they must pay their premiums upfront, unlike tea farmers who have the option of monthly payments.
