In a bold step to enhance financial resilience among low-income earners, M-KOPA Kenya and Turaco Insurance Agency have provided over 1 million Kenyans with Hospital Cash insurance—at no extra cost—through M-KOPA smartphones. This initiative, part of M-KOPA’s “More Than a Phone” offering, is making healthcare protection more accessible to everyday earners across Kenya.
For many Kenyan families, medical emergencies can derail financial progress. With over 5% of Kenyan households facing catastrophic healthcare costs annually, and 14 million households across Africa falling into poverty due to medical bills, the need for accessible health insurance has never been more critical.
Recognizing this, M-KOPA partnered with Turaco, one of Africa’s leading insurtech firms, to integrate 12 months of free Hospital Cash insurance into every smartphone they offer. Customers automatically receive Ksh 1,000 per day when hospitalized overnight at any Ministry of Health registered hospital—public or private.
The service was piloted in early 2024 and officially launched with the M-KOPA X-20 smartphone mid-year. Today, this safety net helps shield users from the financial shocks of medical emergencies, allowing them to stay focused on their long-term goals.
“Our partnership with Turaco has elevated our mission of empowering everyday earners,” said Martin Kingori, General Manager of M-KOPA Kenya. “We know how unexpected medical costs can sideline progress. By bundling insurance into our smartphones, we’re providing security and peace of mind.”
For customers like Boniface Mutiso, the insurance has made a direct impact: “Insurance was the reason I chose my M-KOPA phone. After my hospital stay, I received Ksh 7,000 quickly, which helped me care for my family.”
A recent impact report from M-KOPA and Turaco highlights the wide-ranging benefits:
- 75% of customers previously had no health insurance before purchasing an M-KOPA smartphone.
- More than half of users say the coverage has enabled them to invest more confidently in their businesses.
- Over 50% of women customers report reduced financial anxiety thanks to the insurance benefit.
- 75% of claimants say the payout helped with their daily financial obligations.
Ted Pantone, CEO of Turaco, emphasized the broader mission: “We aim to insure the next billion people globally. This partnership with M-KOPA shows how embedding insurance into everyday products can change lives and improve financial stability.”
In December 2024, Turaco partnered with SunCulture, a Kenyan pioneer in solar-powered irrigation solutions, to launch “SunCulture Protect,” an initiative aimed at providing enhanced protection to smallholder farmers utilizing SunCulture’s pay-as-you-go (PAYG) devices.
With success in Kenya, M-KOPA and Turaco are preparing to expand this integrated insurance model to Ghana and other markets, continuing their commitment to delivering impactful financial solutions for underserved communities across Africa.
