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Insurance guide

Everything we get asked, answered in one place.

No sales language. Just the questions people actually ask before they buy cover in Kenya, and honest answers to them.

Frequently asked

General questions

BimaNow is an insurance advisory and distribution brand based in Kenya. We help you understand the options available in the market, compare them against your needs and budget, arrange the cover you choose, and support you at renewal and at claim time.

No. Insurance premiums are set by the insurer and filed with the regulator, so you pay the same premium whether you buy direct or through an adviser. The difference is that with an adviser you get comparison, explanation, and someone to call when you need to claim.

Motor and travel cover can often be arranged within the same working day once documents and payment are in order. Medical and life plans take longer because of underwriting, and can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the plan and your health history.

To begin, very little — what you are looking for, roughly what you would like to spend, and a way to reach you. Detailed personal, medical or financial information is only requested once you have decided to proceed with a specific application.

Yes, and we would encourage it. Where multiple providers offer a suitable solution, we set out the differences in benefits, exclusions and price side by side so you can make the comparison yourself.

Contact us as soon as the event happens. We will tell you exactly what documents the insurer needs, help you complete the forms correctly, and follow the claim through to settlement. Late notification is one of the most common reasons claims run into difficulty.

Yes. We are happy to review cover you already have, explain what it actually does, and tell you honestly whether it is worth keeping, adjusting or replacing.

We collect only the information needed to advise you and arrange cover, we store it securely, and we share it only with the insurer or provider you choose to proceed with. Our Privacy Policy sets out the full detail, including your rights under the Data Protection Act, 2019.

Guides by solution

Each solution page carries its own FAQ section covering the specifics.

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Glossary

Insurance jargon, translated.

The twelve terms that cause the most confusion — and cost the most money when misunderstood.

Premium

The amount you pay for the cover, monthly or annually.

Sum assured

The maximum amount the policy will pay out on a valid claim.

Excess

The portion of each claim you pay yourself before the insurer pays the rest.

Waiting period

The time after your policy starts before a particular benefit can be claimed.

Pre-existing condition

A medical condition that existed before the policy started. Treated differently by every insurer.

Underwriting

The insurer’s assessment of your risk, which determines whether cover is offered and at what price.

Inpatient

Treatment where you are admitted to hospital.

Outpatient

Treatment where you are not admitted — consultations, medicine, tests.

Beneficiary

The person nominated to receive the benefit if you die.

Premium waiver

A benefit where the insurer continues paying your premiums if you die or become disabled.

No-claims discount

A reduction in premium earned by not claiming in previous policy years.

Average clause

If you under-insure an asset, the insurer reduces the claim payout in the same proportion.

Talk to an adviser

Not sure where to start? That is exactly what we are for.

Tell us what you are trying to protect and we will come back with options that actually fit — in plain language, with no obligation.

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