In 2018, Moses Mukundi faced a life-threatening health emergency that revealed a frustrating gap in health insurance systems. Despite having coverage, his claim was rejected due to a minor paperwork issue. The ordeal inspired him to launch Eden Care Medical, a health tech company aiming to simplify healthcare access through innovative insurance solutions.Eden Care focuses on group life insurance and wellness plans, offering affordable monthly payment options instead of demanding an upfront annual premium. Mukundi believes this approach reduces fraudulent claims while making healthcare more accessible. For him, the mission is deeply personal: “I wouldn’t want anyone else to experience what I went through over something so trivial,” he explains.
Addressing Africa’s Healthcare Challenges.
Across Africa, healthcare access remains limited. With insurance penetration at a mere 0.2%, millions face financial hardship due to medical expenses. In Rwanda, efforts are underway to address these issues. The government has introduced health posts and affordable insurance schemes, but gaps remain, particularly for employed individuals and students—Eden Care’s target market.By providing flexible insurance options through employers and universities, Eden Care ensures its users can access quality healthcare without facing financial strain. Mukundi notes that this model minimizes default risks, as payments are typically managed by institutions.
Overcoming Barriers to Build a Startup.
Mukundi’s journey to establish Eden Care was shaped by his background as an investment banker and his firsthand experience with insurance system failures. After beginning an MBA at Wharton during the pandemic, he chose to drop out and focus on building his company.Eden Care launched during a challenging time for Rwanda’s insurance industry. A 2017 regulatory freeze on new licenses left the sector on the brink of collapse. Mukundi and his team spent months negotiating with regulators, ultimately securing the necessary licenses and funding to launch the business by January 2023.Now active in over 500 healthcare facilities, Eden Care’s platform streamlines the patient experience. Instead of lengthy paperwork, users can simply show a one-time password (OTP) on their phone to access care. Mukundi proudly shares, “We’ve cut wait times to see a doctor from 30 minutes to just five.”
Tackling Complexity with Technology.
Building a comprehensive health tech platform comes with significant challenges. Mukundi describes Eden Care as the most complex startup he’s worked on due to the number of stakeholders involved—patients, employers, insurers, healthcare providers, and more. The company’s tech infrastructure has been key to overcoming these challenges, enabling seamless integration and onboarding for large organizations.
Looking Ahead.
Eden Care’s inclusion in Y Combinator’s 2023 summer cohort marks a milestone for the startup. With the funding and validation from the program, the company plans to expand into new markets, refine its wellness-focused app, and leverage AI for diagnostics and record-keeping. “Our products emphasize wellness and prevention because we’ve identified a significant gap in the market,” Mukundi explains.For Mukundi, the recognition from Y Combinator represents more than financial support. “It elevates us above the competition, makes fundraising easier, and simplifies hiring. Being the first Rwandan company to achieve this is incredibly meaningful,” he says.
Eden Care Medical is not just reimagining healthcare; it’s setting a new standard for health insurance in Africa—making it faster, simpler, and more accessible for everyone.
