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Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Ghana has announced the introduction of a national health insurance policy specifically designed for short-term foreign visitors, set to commence on July 1, 2024. This initiative, named “National Non-resident Visitors Health Insurance” (NNRVHIS), was developed in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and other partners.
The policy will initially target non-resident foreigners visiting Ghana for less than six months within a twelve-month period. It aims to provide quality and accessible healthcare to these visitors, in alignment with the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852), which mandates the provision of equitable healthcare access for both residents and non-residents in Ghana.
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Key aspects of the NNRVHIS include:
- Six Tiers of Coverage: The policy comprises six different tiers based on the duration of the visitor’s stay in the country. This tiered approach is designed to cater to the varying healthcare needs of short-term visitors.
- Target Audience: The policy targets foreigners with visas, including provisions for those requiring visas on arrival to ensure they are included in the scheme.
- Exclusion of ECOWAS Members: At present, ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) members are excluded from the scheme. However, measures are being developed to incorporate them into the scheme in the future.
- Digital Platform: A National Non-Resident Visitors Health Insurance Technology Platform (NNRVHITP) will be established. This digital platform will allow non-resident visitors to remotely log in and apply for insurance in the comfort of their respective countries, enhancing user experience and minimizing potential challenges.
During the media engagement ahead of the policy’s implementation, key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, NHIA, and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) participated. Dr. Agyeman Manu, the Health Minister, emphasized the significance of the scheme, stating, “The scheme will be the main vehicle for the delivery of robust healthcare services to non-residents who will be travelling to Ghana.”
He highlighted the importance of a special purpose arrangement to minimize potential risks associated with the peculiar characteristics of the NNRVHIS, ensuring that the system is efficient and user-friendly.
The launch of this policy in February 2024 marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare services to all individuals within its borders, including short-term foreign visitors.
