Britam Unveils Pilot Loss of Licence Cover to Protect Aviators’ Livelihoods

Nairobi, 31st October 2025 – Britam General Insurance has introduced a loss of licence insurance solution tailored for professional and trainee pilots in Kenya, addressing a critical gap in financial protection for aviation professionals whose careers depend on maintaining medical fitness.

The comprehensive cover provides pilots with financial security in the event their licence is suspended due to accident or illness, ensuring that a medical setback does not translate into complete loss of livelihood.

Kenya's aviation sector has experienced steady growth in recent years, with an expanding community of commercial pilots serving both domestic and international routes. However, pilots face unique career vulnerabilities, as their ability to work hinges entirely on maintaining stringent medical standards. A temporary medical condition or unexpected accident can ground a pilot indefinitely, leaving families without income during recovery periods.

"A pilot's career is a significant investment, and the loss of their licence, even temporarily, can have serious financial consequences," said James Mbithi, CEO & Principal Officer, Britam General Insurance. He added, "Our new Pilot Loss of Licence Cover is designed to provide peace of mind. It acts as a financial safety net, ensuring that an unforeseen illness or injury does not mean the end of a livelihood."

Britam's new solution addresses this vulnerability through two distinct coverage options. The temporary loss of licence cover provides financial support during periods when a pilot's licence is suspended due to illness or accident, covering incidents both on and off duty until retirement age. For more serious cases, the permanent loss of licence cover offers long-term financial protection when medical conditions permanently prevent a pilot from returning to the cockpit.

The cover is designed to work as a top-up insurance, complementing any existing coverage pilots may have through their employers or individual policies, with no limitation on benefits received from other sources for permanent loss of licence situations.

All pilots registered in Kenya under the age of 65 can buy the cover. The cover extends to various scenarios, including sports injuries, accidents outside work, and medical conditions that develop during a pilot's career. Pilots with pre-existing conditions may still apply, though they must provide full disclosure and medical documentation for underwriting review.

However, certain exclusions apply to the policy. Coverage does not extend to licence loss resulting from criminal acts, deliberate exposure to danger (except when saving a life), active duty with armed forces, participation in war or terrorism, and undeclared pre-existing conditions. The policy also does not cover licence suspension due to negligence or incompetence at work.

For non-Kenyan citizens working with Kenyan carriers, the cover remains valid only whilst employed by a Kenya-based scheduled air carrier. Coverage ceases if the pilot relocates to work for an overseas airline, even in a commercial pilot capacity.

Britam is a leading diversified financial services group and is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The group has a presence in seven African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Malawi. Britam offers a wide range of financial products and services, including Asset Management, Life Assurance, Retirement Planning, Trust Services, General Insurance, Health Insurance, Banking, and Property. These financial solutions resonate with the company’s purpose of securing dreams and aspirations.

For more information, please visit www.britam.com