Navigating Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance Mandate: Challenges and Opportunities

By Dr. Harold Adamson, CEO, Jubilee Health Insurance

Tanzania is about to make a big change in healthcare with the new Universal Health Insurance Act. This law will require every resident to have health insurance, making healthcare more accessible and reducing financial stress for families. While this is a huge step forward, there are challenges we need to be ready for.

What This Means for Tanzanians

This act aims to create a fairer healthcare system by making sure everyone is covered. The key benefits include:

• Reducing out-of-pocket expenses for medical care.
• Encouraging preventive healthcare to keep people healthier.
• Making quality healthcare available to more people.

However, making this work will require strong planning, education, and collaboration.

Challenges We Need to Overcome

1. Getting Everyone Enrolled –Many people, especially in remote areas, may not fully understand health insurance. We need widespread education to make sure they know how it works and why it’s important.
2. Funding the Program –For this to be sustainable, we need the right balance of funding from the government, employers, and individuals. Finding a long-term financial plan is key.
3. Handling Increased Demand –With more people covered, hospitals and clinics will get busier. We need to make sure healthcare facilities and staff can handle the increased demand without reducing the quality of care.
4. Ensuring Fairness and Accountability –Regulations need to be in place to make sure insurance providers deliver what they promise, and that the system remains transparent and fair for everyone.

 How Jubilee Health Insurance is Preparing

At Jubilee Health Insurance, we’re committed to making this transition smooth and beneficial for all Tanzanians. Here’s how we’re preparing:

1. Creating Flexible Insurance Plans –We’re developing options for people across all income levels, ensuring affordability and accessibility for everyone.
2. Keeping Plans Affordable –Our focus is on offering reasonably priced insurance with flexible payment options to encourage more people to sign up.
3. Using Technology for Convenience –We’re investing in digital solutions like mobile apps and online platforms to make it easier for people to enroll, get information, and access services.
4. Spreading Awareness –Through community events, partnerships, and digital campaigns, we’re helping people understand why health insurance matters and how they can benefit.
5. Building Stronger Healthcare Partnerships –By working with government agencies, NGOs, and hospitals, we aim to improve healthcare quality and make sure medical facilities are ready for the increased demand.
6. Focusing on PreventionBeyond just covering medical costs, through our Maisha Fiti App we’re promoting preventive care i.e., regular check-ups, wellness programs, and early interventions to keep people healthier and lower long-term costs.

Let’s Work Together for a Healthier Tanzania

The Universal Health Insurance Act is a game-changer, but it will take teamwork from the government, private sector, healthcare providers, and individuals to make it work.

By staying prepared, embracing innovation, and working together, we can create a healthcare system that truly works for everyone.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but the rewards—a healthier, more secure Tanzania—make it all worthwhile.