The Benefits of the National Health Insurance Scheme

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established under Act 650 of 2003 by the Government of Ghana to provide basic healthcare services to persons resident in the country through mutual and private health insurance schemes. The District Mutual, Private Mutual and Private Commercial Schemes are regulated by the National Health Insurance Council (NHIC).

The object of the NHIC is to secure the implementation of the national health insurance policy that ensures access to basic healthcare services to all residents of Ghana. The Council has the following objectives:
Register, license and regulate health insurance schemes
Supervise the operations of health insurance schemes
Grant accreditation to healthcare providers
Monitor compliance with Act 650 and Regulations 1809
Perform other functions conferred upon it under Act 650 and Regulations 1809

1. Premiums from subscribers.
2. 2½% National Health Insurance Levy.
3. 2½% Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), deductions from the formal sector.
4. Funds from Government of Ghana (GoG) to be allocated by Parliament.
5. Returns from investment.

Through an NHIS agent in the community District NHIS office.

1. Children less than 18 years of age whose parents or guardians are contributors are not required to pay premiums.
2. Children in this category have to register to obtain coverage.

1. Full time students over 18 years are required to pay the minimum premium of ¢72,000 to enjoy benefits.
2. Those who are neither in Tertiary institutions nor are contributors to Social Security are registered in the informal sector.

Yes. Residents 70 years and over are exempted from payment of contribution. People in this category should register to enjoy NHIS benefits.

1. person is classified as Indigent and exempted from payment of premium if she/he meets the following:
Does not have any visible source of income.
Does not have a fixed place of residence.
Does not live with a person who is employed and has a fixed place of residence.
Does not have a consistent source of support from another person.

The husband and all the wives in a polygamous household have to be covered by NHIS for their children to be registered. No limit of children per couple.

Yes, as long as there is a proof of divorce or community testimony of single parenthood status.