Though it has proved to be the fastest-growing class of insurance business in Uganda, the uptake of health insurance in Uganda is less than 1% according to the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) 2022 August publication on the National Health Insurance Scheme.
The report highlights the need to further increase access to insurance services for both the formal and informal sectors so that Ugandans can have access to quality health services since the 1% comprises the formal sector.
To complement the initiatives that have been implemented by the government and other players in the health sector, Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited (AMCUL), Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited, and Insurtech Turaco Insurance Brokers LTD to Airtel and Prudential Uganda’s Hospital Sente launched a low-cost hospital cash insurance product intended to boost access to low-cost medical insurance services with Funeral benefits to the underserved communities and low-income individuals and families.
The service has been extended, in 4 months, to 370,000 users in three months since it was launched on the market in March this year.
Japhet Aritho, Managing Director AMCUL said, “We are impressed with the psositive uptake of the Hospital Sente service since it was introduced to the market a few months ago. The service has been extended to over 370,000 users since we launched it, which showcases the need to design services that address what our people need.”
“Good Health drives the productivity of any economy because we need a healthy human resource to participate in the different socio-economic activities that drive the country’s growth. Micro Medical Insurance services like Hospital Sente are designed for individuals who might not have the cash to access treatment there and then, but are able to pay at a later date based on the policy they have subscribed to.”
As of June 2023, claims worth over UGX5m shillings were processed in less than 24 hours a testament that the service suits the fast needs of the customers, health care providers and care givers.
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