PRESS RELEASE MAY 2022
The Unisure Group, MUA and SMART Applications International announce a strategic partnership that will transform healthcare in Kenya and regionally
Nairobi, Kenya – Today marked an important milestone for the insurance industry as The Unisure Group, MUA and Smart Applications International announced their official strategic partnership at a media launch at the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel.
Industry leaders, regulators, VIPs and members of the media came together to learn more about how this key partnership in East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands will help transform healthcare in the region.
“We’re honoured to be in Kenya celebrating this important partnership,” said The Unisure Group’s CEO, Nick Louw. “This is the first time that three independent organisations – one insurance company, an international administration and assistance provider, and a medical services facilitator – have agreed to partner on projects that will provide access to quality healthcare across multiple African countries in a fully regulated way. We’re incredibly excited for the long-term collaborations and new business opportunities that lie ahead for our Umatter International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) plans.”
As The Unisure Group’s Head of IPMI, Daniel van der Merwe, explained, this partnership will not only address the regulatory requirements that exist with cross-border insurance transactions, but it will bring quality medical insurance and service delivery to a larger number of members who previously would not have had access to this level of international cover.
MUA Kenya’s CEO, Lydia Kibaara-Nzioki, echoed this commitment to greater access for all, and world-class service and customer care.
“This partnership greatly increases our operational footprint, and with this wider geographical scope, we can assure our clients seamless health insurance services globally,” she said. “At the end of the day, our top priority with the Umatter product is to ensure our clients receive personalised, world-class health insurance services across the globe.”
In partnering with the third company in the trio, Smart Applications International, The Unisure Group and MUA’s members benefit from Smart’s biometric systems, resolving the challenge that many insurers have with regards to direct access to medical service providers, billing, and fraud.
“Our goal has always been to transform access to healthcare through the use of foolproof digital solutions and to increase medical insurance penetration,” said Harrison Muiru, Group Managing Director at Smart Applications International.
“For the last 18 years, Smart Applications International has been a leading pan-African technology player. With access to over 10 countries using our Biometric Smart system, we believe that our partnership with Unisure and MUA will catapult the provision of international private medical insurance coverage, both in Kenya and throughout the region.”
The Unisure Group, MUA and Smart’s strategic partnership extends across East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. This includes Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, with Uganda and Rwanda following in the second half of the year.
About The Unisure Group
The Unisure Group is an international administration and medical assistance provider. In order to service our vast portfolio, we have offices in the UK, Africa, North America and Asia, and an extensive global partner and service provider network.
Our experienced and dynamic underwriting business unit, headquartered in London, specialises in providing underwriting solutions for even the most complex risk requirements.
About MUA
MUA is a regional financial services company committed to providing innovative insurance and financial solutions for communities in Mauritius, across East Africa and the Indian Ocean. Although our primary focus is on short-term and long-term insurance, our subsidiaries also offer a variety of specialised services and solutions to corporate and individual clients in the fields of pension, investment, savings, and stockbroking.
About Smart Applications International
Smart Applications International is a leading ICT solutions provider delivering a wide range of world-class technological solutions.
Fondly known as Smart within the industry, the company was founded to provide innovative, high-tech solutions in Africa and beyond. Staying ahead through constant research and innovation is what Smart is all about, offering clients solutions that are secure, relevant and convenient.