EHS

Summary

Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS) has been a leading distributor of international private medical insurance (IPMI) in Sub-Saharan Africa for over 26 years. EHS has recently transitioned to a new exclusive partnership with AXA Global Health, enhancing its offerings with a fully compliant, competitively priced product tailored to the region. This partnership will bring EHS ahead of its competitors by ensuring local compliance across 11 countries, including Kenya and Tanzania. EHS's products offer world-class treatment options for high-net-worth clients, covering major medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and more, with seamless policy administration and claims handling.

Takeaways

• 😀 EHS has been distributing international private medical insurance (IPMI) in East and Sub-Saharan Africa for 26 years, since 1999.
• 😀 The company initially created its own exclusive product, Good Health, which was sold to Etna Global Benefits in 2007, later rebranded as Etna International.
• 😀 In 2022, EHS transitioned to AXA Global Health after Etna International's acquisition by CVS Pharmacy and the subsequent exit from international markets.
• 😀 Starting Q4 2025, EHS will exclusively distribute AXA's **Global Executive Health Plan (GHP)** in 11 countries across East and Southern Africa, offering competitive pricing and enhanced benefits.
• 😀 EHS aims to be fully compliant with local insurance regulations in each of the 11 countries it operates in, with compliance milestones in Kenya, Tanzania, and other regions planned for the next 18-24 months.
• 😀 AXA's product in partnership with EHS will be **tribranded** with Old Mutual, ensuring a smooth integration of local and international insurance requirements.
• 😀 The GHP product is designed to provide **lifetime coverage** without exclusions for ongoing treatment, unlike local insurance policies that often restrict coverage for serious conditions like cancer or cardiovascular diseases.
• 😀 One of the main benefits of the AXA product is its ability to provide treatment at **top global medical centers** (UK, Europe, US, South Africa), especially for high-cost conditions such as cancer, stroke, and musculoskeletal diseases.
• 😀 Local medical insurance policies generally offer limited coverage and often exclude ongoing treatment after the first round, whereas IPMI ensures continuous care and international coverage.
• 😀 The new partnership with AXA and Old Mutual ensures **seamless policy and claims handling** through a dedicated team at EHS, avoiding the inefficiencies often found with direct insurer dealings.
• 😀 Ali Maharali, CEO of EHS, expressed gratitude to the internal team, AXA, and Old Mutual for their hard work and collaboration in achieving this significant transition, highlighting the company's bright future in 2025 and beyond.

Q & A

What is Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS), and what is its primary role in the market?

Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS) is a specialist distributor of international private medical insurance (IPMI) products in East and Sub-Saharan Africa. EHS has been operating in the region for over 26 years and offers exclusive distribution and claims handling arrangements across 11 countries.

How long has Executive Healthcare Solutions (EHS) been operating, and when was the first policy sold?

EHS has been operating for 26 years since 1999. The first policy was sold on 1st August 1999.

What is the significance of EHS’s exclusive relationships with partners such as AXA, Etna, and Allianz?

EHS has established exclusive partnerships with major insurance companies like AXA, Etna (now Etna International), and Allianz. These partnerships provide EHS with a competitive edge in distributing IPMI products in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering comprehensive and specialized coverage tailored to the region's needs.

What changes are expected with EHS’s new relationship with AXA starting in 2025?

From the fourth quarter of 2025, EHS will enter into an exclusive distribution and claims handling arrangement with AXA Global Health. The new product, the Global Executive Health Plan (GHP), will be introduced across 11 countries, offering more competitive pricing and enhanced benefits. EHS will also ensure full regulatory compliance in each market.

What makes AXA’s Global Executive Health Plan (GHP) different from previous products offered by EHS?

The Global Executive Health Plan (GHP) introduces additional benefits relevant to the market in 2025, with competitive pricing. Existing EHS clients will be able to transfer to the GHP, keeping their conditions covered. The product is also fully compliant with local regulations in Kenya and will gradually expand compliance to other countries in the region.

Why is regulatory compliance important for EHS and its clients in East and Sub-Saharan Africa?

Regulatory compliance ensures that EHS can legally operate in the various countries where it distributes IPMI products. Being fully compliant with local insurance regulations in each market allows EHS to provide secure, legally approved coverage, giving clients confidence and ensuring long-term sustainability.

How does EHS plan to ensure compliance in all 11 countries where it operates?

EHS plans to achieve full compliance by gradually meeting local insurance regulatory requirements in each of the 11 countries. They aim to be fully compliant in Tanzania by 1st January 2026, with plans to roll out compliance in other countries over the next 18 to 24 months.

What are the key differences between local medical insurance and International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI)?

IPMI provides more extensive global coverage, allowing policyholders to seek treatment worldwide, including in countries like the UK, US, and Europe. Local insurance typically restricts treatment to within the country or specific regions. IPMI also offers continuous coverage for major conditions, such as cancer or cardiovascular issues, which local policies may exclude after initial treatment.

What types of medical conditions are most commonly covered under IPMI, and how does this compare to local insurance?

IPMI covers high-cost medical conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. For example, cancer treatment can cost between $50,000 to $500,000. Local insurance typically limits coverage to in-country or regional treatment and may exclude ongoing treatment after the first round, whereas IPMI provides continuous coverage.

How does EHS manage the claims process for its clients, and what advantages does this offer?

EHS manages all aspects of the claims process, from sales and policy administration to claims submissions. This centralized approach ensures that claims are handled efficiently and at competitive rates. Clients benefit from a streamlined process where their claims are managed directly by EHS, avoiding delays or issues with non-tariff rates, which can drive up premiums.