Launch of NHIS Policy for Foreigners Announced

The Ministry of Health has unveiled a new national health insurance policy aimed at providing coverage for foreigners visiting Ghana for short durations. Developed in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and other partners, the policy is named the “National Non-resident Visitors Health Insurance.”

This policy is designed specifically for non-residents who visit Ghana for a period of less than six months within a 12-month period. Its implementation aligns with the National Health Insurance Act of 2012 (Act 852), which mandates the provision of quality and accessible healthcare for both residents and non-residents in the country.

During the launch of the policy in Accra, Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu emphasized the importance of extending health insurance coverage to non-residents to ensure their access to equitable healthcare services for better quality of life. The implementation of the policy will involve the establishment of a National Non-Resident Visitors Health Insurance Scheme (NNRVHIS) to deliver healthcare services to non-resident visitors.

To facilitate the process, a National Non-Resident Visitors Health Insurance Technology Platform (NNRVHITP) will be set up, allowing non-resident visitors to apply for coverage remotely from their respective countries. This digital platform aims to enhance user experience and streamline the application process.

The introduction of this policy is seen as a step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, as outlined in the Universal Health Coverage Roadmap (2020-2030). It underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals, including non-resident visitors, have timely access to high-quality healthcare services, regardless of their ability to pay at the point of use.

The initiative has received commendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Professor Francis Kasolo, who praised Ghana’s efforts to leave no one behind in healthcare delivery. The Board Chairman of the National Health Authority, Dr. Ernest Kwarko, expressed optimism that the policy would help bridge the gap in healthcare coverage for the non-resident population.

Source: ghmediahub