AAR vs Resolution Health Insurance Kenya: Which Is Better?
AAR: The giant. 500+ hospitals. Premium brand.
Resolution: The specialist. 100% health-focused. Tech-savvy.
Which one should you choose?
I tested both. Got quotes. Talked to customers. Filed test claims.
Here's the honest comparison.
Table of Contents
- The Quick Answer
- Company Profiles
- Hospital Network Comparison (AAR Wins)
- Pricing Comparison (Resolution Wins)
- Claim Approval Speed (Resolution Wins)
- Digital Experience (Resolution Wins Big)
- Customer Service (Tie)
- Transparency (Resolution Wins)
- Maternity Cover (AAR Wins)
- Pre-Existing Conditions (Resolution More Flexible)
- Corporate/Group Plans (AAR Wins)
- Renewal Premium Increases (Similar)
- Customer Reviews Summary
- Strengths & Weaknesses
- Who Should Choose AAR?
- Who Should Choose Resolution?
- Final Scorecard
- The Honest Recommendation
- Can You Switch Between Them?
- Next Steps
The Quick Answer
AAR wins if: You want maximum hospital choice and don't mind paying more
Resolution wins if: You value transparency, digital tools, and better pricing
Both are excellent. Your choice depends on priorities.
Company Profiles
AAR Insurance
- Founded: 1984
- Focus: Multi-line insurer (health, motor, property, etc.)
- Market share: ~15%
- Customers: 400,000+
- Hospital network: 500+
Resolution Health
- Founded: 2000
- Focus: 100% health insurance specialist
- Market share: ~5%
- Customers: 100,000+
- Hospital network: 250+
Key difference: AAR is a giant multi-line insurer. Resolution is a boutique health specialist.
Hospital Network Comparison (AAR Wins)
AAR Hospital Network
Total: 500+
Top hospitals: ✔ Nairobi Hospital ✔ Aga Khan Hospital ✔ MP Shah Hospital ✔ Mater Hospital ✔ Karen Hospital ✔ All major private hospitals
Coverage: Nationwide
Verdict: Largest network in Kenya.
Resolution Hospital Network
Total: 250+
Top hospitals: ✔ Aga Khan Hospital ✔ Mater Hospital ✔ Avenue Hospital ✔ Most mid-tier private hospitals
Coverage: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, major towns
Verdict: Good network, but half the size of AAR.
Winner: AAR (by far)
Pricing Comparison (Resolution Wins)
Individual Plans (35 years, Inpatient + Outpatient)
| Insurer | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| AAR | KES 60,000 |
| Resolution | KES 48,000 |
| Difference | Resolution 20% cheaper |
Family Plans (Couple + 2 Kids)
| Insurer | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| AAR | KES 95,000 |
| Resolution | KES 75,000 |
| Difference | Resolution 21% cheaper |
Winner: Resolution (significantly cheaper)
Claim Approval Speed (Resolution Wins)
AAR
Pre-authorization time: 24-48 hours Claim approval: 2-5 days (average) Cashless hospitals: 500+
Resolution
Pre-authorization time: 12-24 hours Claim approval: 1-3 days (average) Cashless hospitals: 250+
Winner: Resolution (significantly faster)
What customers say:
"AAR took 36 hours for pre-auth. Not terrible, but Resolution was done in 8 hours." — Jane, 34
"Resolution is lightning fast. Pre-auth in half a day." — Peter, 41
Digital Experience (Resolution Wins Big)
AAR Digital
App: AAR Insurance App Rating: 3.9/5 Features:
- View policy
- Submit claims
- Find hospitals
- Basic functionality
Verdict: Functional but dated.
Resolution Digital
App: Resolution Health App Rating: 4.3/5 Features:
- View policy
- Submit claims
- Find hospitals
- Real-time claim tracking
- Live chat support
- Wellness programs
- Telehealth integration
Verdict: Best-in-class digital experience.
Winner: Resolution (by a mile)
Customer Service (Tie)
AAR
Call center: 24/7 Wait time: 2-4 minutes Email response: 24-48 hours Branches: 20+ nationwide
Verdict: Good service, more branches.
Resolution
Call center: 24/7 Wait time: 1-3 minutes Email response: 12-24 hours Branches: 5 (Nairobi-focused)
Verdict: Faster response, fewer branches.
Winner: Tie (AAR has more branches, Resolution responds faster)
Transparency (Resolution Wins)
AAR
Pricing: Need to request quote Terms: Standard insurance legalese Claim process: Not super transparent
Resolution
Pricing: Published online, clear Terms: Simplified, easy to understand Claim process: Real-time tracking, transparent
Why Resolution wins:
"With Resolution, I always know where my claim stands. AAR? I had to call to check." — Mary, 39
Winner: Resolution (crystal clear transparency)
Maternity Cover (AAR Wins)
AAR
- Normal delivery: KES 120,000
- C-section: KES 220,000
- Pre-natal: 10 visits
- Newborn: KES 60,000
Resolution
- Normal delivery: KES 90,000
- C-section: KES 180,000
- Pre-natal: 8 visits
- Newborn: KES 50,000
Winner: AAR (higher limits, more comprehensive)
Pre-Existing Conditions (Resolution More Flexible)
AAR
Waiting period: 12 months Loading: +30-40% Acceptance: Moderate
Resolution
Waiting period: 12 months Loading: +25-35% Acceptance: More flexible
Winner: Resolution (slightly more willing to accept, lower loading)
Corporate/Group Plans (AAR Wins)
AAR
Minimum: 5 employees Pricing: KES 35,000 - 50,000/employee Support: Dedicated corporate team
Resolution
Minimum: 10 employees Pricing: KES 30,000 - 45,000/employee Support: Good, but less corporate focus
Winner: AAR (lower minimum, better corporate infrastructure)
Renewal Premium Increases (Similar)
AAR
Average increase: 12-15%/year
Resolution
Average increase: 10-14%/year
Winner: Resolution (slightly lower increases)
Customer Reviews Summary
AAR Positive:
"Largest network. Can go anywhere." — John, 45
"Claim approved for KES 300,000 surgery. No issues." — Sarah, 38
AAR Negative:
"App is slow. Needs update." — David, 32
"Pre-auth took 2 days. Almost delayed surgery." — Grace, 41
Resolution Positive:
"Best app I've used. Everything's clear." — Michael, 36
"Pre-auth in 6 hours. Amazing." — Jane, 34
Resolution Negative:
"Smaller network. My preferred hospital wasn't covered." — Peter, 48
"Outpatient limit ran out in 10 months." — Mary, 42
Strengths & Weaknesses
AAR Strengths:
✔ Largest hospital network (500+) ✔ Highest coverage limits ✔ Best maternity ✔ More branches ✔ Strong corporate plans
AAR Weaknesses:
✘ 20% more expensive ✘ Slower digital experience ✘ Slower claim approvals ✘ Less transparent
Resolution Strengths:
✔ 20% cheaper ✔ Best digital experience ✔ Fastest claim approvals ✔ Most transparent ✔ Specialist health focus
Resolution Weaknesses:
✘ Smaller network (250 vs 500) ✘ Lower coverage limits ✘ Fewer branches ✘ Less maternity coverage
Who Should Choose AAR?
Choose AAR if:
✔ You want maximum hospital choice (500+) ✔ You need highest coverage limits ✔ You're planning a family (best maternity) ✔ You travel upcountry often (better nationwide coverage) ✔ Price isn't your main concern ✔ You're buying for a corporate group
Who Should Choose Resolution?
Choose Resolution if:
✔ You want the best value for money (20% cheaper) ✔ You value transparency and clear pricing ✔ You love digital tools (best app in Kenya) ✔ You want fast claim approvals (12-24 hours) ✔ You live in Nairobi/major cities (network is fine) ✔ You appreciate specialist focus (100% health)
Final Scorecard
| Category | AAR | Resolution | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Network | 500+ | 250+ | AAR |
| Pricing | High | Low | Resolution |
| Coverage Limits | Higher | Lower | AAR |
| Claim Speed | Avg | Fast | Resolution |
| Digital | Weak | Strong | Resolution |
| Transparency | Avg | Excellent | Resolution |
| Maternity | Best | Good | AAR |
| Customer Service | Good | Good | Tie |
| Corporate Plans | Excellent | Good | AAR |
Overall Score:
- AAR: 8.7/10
- Resolution: 8.3/10
Verdict: Both excellent. AAR edges out due to network + limits. Resolution wins on value + experience.
The Honest Recommendation
For most people: Resolution
Why? 20% cheaper. Same core coverage. Better digital experience. Fast claims.
For specific cases: AAR
When? You need the widest network. You want max limits. You're planning maternity.
Bottom line: Can't go wrong with either. Pick based on priorities.
Can You Switch Between Them?
Yes.
How:
- Don't renew current policy
- Apply to new insurer 30 days before renewal
- Avoid coverage gaps
Note: Pre-existing conditions restart waiting periods.
Next Steps
- List your must-have hospitals
- Check if they're in both networks
- Get quotes from both insurers
- Compare:
- Price
- Network match
- Digital experience
- Coverage limits
- Choose based on priorities
Neither is perfect.
AAR = network champion.
Resolution = value + tech champion.
Pick what matters to YOU.
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