Does SHA or insurance cover braces in Kenya?
For civil servants, SHA may partly cover braces when treatment is medically necessary. Private cover varies by scheme, and braces for appearance alone are often excluded.
From the Dental braces guide
Sometimes, and usually only in part. Orthodontic treatment falls under major procedures, which SHA may partly cover for civil servants when it is medically necessary. Private cover varies by scheme, so the only reliable answer is the one for your own policy. We confirm yours before treatment begins.
Will SHA or my insurance pay for this?
| Your cover | What to expect |
|---|---|
| SHA (civil servants, POMSF) | May be partly covered when medically necessary: standard SHIF limits first, then your enhanced benefits |
| SHA (other members) | Not accepted at Arrow Dental |
| Private insurance | Depends on your scheme. Many limit orthodontics or exclude it |
| No cover | Instalments are available over the length of treatment |
What does “medically necessary” mean?
It means treatment is needed for function or health, such as a bite problem that affects chewing, rather than appearance alone. Your dentist documents the clinical reason during your assessment, and that is what the pre-authorisation relies on.
How do you check before committing?
- Book a consultation, which starts from KES 1,500.
- Get a written treatment plan with costs.
- Bring your SHA details or insurance card, and we submit the pre-authorisation.
- You decide once you know what your cover pays and what you would pay.
What if your cover does not pay?
Braces start from KES 90,000 per jaw, and you can pay a deposit and then instalments aligned with your follow-up visits. If you are on a scheme we have not listed, send us the name on WhatsApp and we will check it.
Still not sure? Ask a dentist
Tell us what is going on and we will tell you plainly what it needs, what it costs and what your cover pays for.