• By Raymond Momanyi

Diana vs Selina: Who Paid the Price of Childbirth?

Two Mothers, Two Realities

Diana and Selina are friends who both got pregnant around the same time in Nairobi.

Diana’s Story:
Diana is a planner. A year before conceiving, she took a medical insurance cover with maternity add-on through Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd. Fast forward to delivery day — complications arose, and she had to undergo a C-section. The bill came to KSh. 145,000 at a private hospital in Nairobi. Instead of calling relatives or draining savings, Diana’s insurer cleared the bill. She went home with her baby, smiling and stress-free.

Selina’s Story:
Selina didn’t think maternity cover was necessary. “NHIF will sort me out,” she believed. When her time came, she too faced complications that required a C-section. The bill? KSh. 130,000. SHIF/SHA covered a small portion, leaving her with KSh. 100,000 out-of-pocket. With no insurance, Selina’s family had to borrow money, delay rent, and beg friends on WhatsApp groups to top up. The joy of her baby’s arrival was overshadowed by debt.

The Reality in Kenya

Every day, thousands of women face Selina’s situation. Maternity costs in Kenya are no joke:

• Normal delivery: KSh. 40,000 – 80,000 (private hospitals).
• C-section: KSh. 100,000 – 150,000+.
• Complications: Bills can shoot much higher.

💡 Without maternity insurance, families drown in bills. With it, they celebrate in peace.

What Maternity Insurance Covers

• Prenatal visits: Scans, tests, doctor checkups.
• Delivery: Normal or C-section.
• Postnatal care: Follow-ups for mother & baby.
• Complications: Emergency C-section, premature baby care.
• Optional add-ons: Neonatal ICU, dental, optical.

The Waiting Period: Plan Ahead

Most maternity insurance in Kenya has a 10–12 month waiting period. That means:
👉 You must buy your cover before pregnancy to benefit during delivery.

Diana understood this. Selina didn’t. That’s why their realities were so different.

SHIF/SHA vs Private Maternity Cover

• SHIF/SHA: Good foundation, affordable, but limited.
• Private Insurance: Access to top hospitals (Aga Khan, MP Shah, Nairobi Hospital, Avenue), higher limits, and smoother care.
  👉 The smart combo is SHIF + Private Cover.

Why Choose Imana Insurance?

At Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, we’ve seen the struggles and the smiles. We help families:

• ✅ Compare maternity packages from top insurers.
• ✅ Choose affordable premiums (from KSh. 20,000 per Year).
• ✅ Prepare financially without stress.
• ✅ Get claims support when bills come knocking.

The Hard Truth

One day, you or someone you love will face the cost of childbirth. The question is:

• Will you be like Diana, smiling with your baby and zero bills?
• Or like Selina, crying over hospital receipts and WhatsApp harambees?

Insurance Wisdom: Birth With Joy, Not Debt

Children are blessings. But blessings should not come with crushing hospital bills.

At Imana Insurance, we believe in making maternity care affordable and stress-free. Start early, plan smart, and let us guide you.

👉 Your baby deserves a happy welcome — and so do you.

🌐 www.imana.co.ke | www.mykava.co.ke

📲 WhatsApp: +254796209402 | 0745218460
📍 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi

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