Starting July 1, 2024, the Ministry of Health will implement a national health insurance policy for short-term foreign visitors to Ghana. This policy, named the “National Non-resident Visitors Health Insurance,” targets non-resident foreigners visiting the country for less than six months within a 12-month period.
Developed in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and other partners, the policy aims to ensure equitable access to health services for both residents and non-residents. Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), NHIA, and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), were involved in a media engagement ahead of its implementation.
This initiative aligns with the National Health Insurance Act, 2012 (Act 852), which mandates quality and accessible healthcare for all in Ghana. The policy features six tiers based on the duration of stay and is designed to include foreigners with visas and those obtaining visas on arrival.
ECOWAS members are currently excluded from the scheme, but measures are being developed to incorporate them in the future.
Launched in February 2024 by Health Minister Dr. Agyeman Manu, the policy is set to become the primary vehicle for delivering robust healthcare services to non-residents traveling to Ghana. Dr. Manu emphasized the need for special arrangements to minimize potential risks associated with the scheme.
To enhance the user experience, a National Non-Resident Visitors Health Insurance Technology Platform (NNRVHITP) will be established. This digital platform will allow non-resident visitors to apply for the insurance remotely from their home countries, streamlining the process and improving accessibility.
