# Can my insurance company refuse to cover mental illness?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-my-insurance-company-refuse-to-cover-mental-illness
For: Patients | Billing and payments | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 8 November 2026

**Answer:** Kenya's Mental Health Act says people with mental illness have the right to access public and private health insurance, and insurers must not discriminate against them or treat them unfairly in obtaining cover. Policies may still have waiting periods, limits or exclusions, so read your policy and ask your insurer or HR in writing. If you believe you were treated unfairly, ask the insurer for its reasons in writing.

Sources: Kenya Law: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/1989/10/eng@2023-12-11 - Aga Khan University: https://www.aku.edu/news/Pages/News_Details.aspx?nid=NEWS-002887

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