Dr Theo Acheampong criticizes NHIA’S mandatory health insurance policy for foreign visitors
Political Risk Analyst Dr. Theo Acheampong has raised concerns over Ghana’s proposed National Non-Resident Visitors Health Insurance policy, recommending instead that the government mandate travel or health insurance as a prerequisite for entry, akin to the requirements of Schengen countries.
Dr. Acheampong argues that Ghana should align with international norms by requiring foreign visitors to possess adequate insurance without compelling them to purchase from local providers.
“All the Government of Ghana needs to do is enact a policy stating that a would-be foreign person must have their own travel/health insurance as a prerequisite for granting an entry visa or boarding a flight, as is done in Schengen countries,” he stated.
“We must resist any attempt to ‘FORCE’ foreigners to use Ghanaian/local insurance companies [as I hear from sources]. It is backward! I have an annually renewable Multi Trip Insurance policy from a reputable European insurer that allows me to travel to 190+ countries with all sorts of benefits, which include EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND OTHER EXPENSES, LOSS OF BAGGAGE, DEPARTURE DELAY OR ABANDONMENT, etc. No country has forced me to buy their travel insurance, so why force others to buy Ghana health insurance? It’s ludicrous!
“In any case, the foreigners I know who come to Ghana most likely will use Nyaho Clinic or some other well-resourced private facility. If it becomes critical, they’d be airlifted out of Ghana rather than going to Korle-bu or any tertiary healthcare facility,” he added.
From July 1, 2024, non-resident visitors arriving in Ghana will be required to have a health insurance policy before entry into Ghana.
This policy is to ensure that all visitors have access to necessary healthcare services during their stay in Ghana.
The mandatory insurance policy requires all non-resident visitors arriving in Ghana to be enrolled under a scheme through which they can access free health care.
The policy affects visitors who arrive through the airports on visas or through visa on arrival, depending on their length of stay in the Ghana.
In February 2024, the Ministry of Health (MoH) launched the national health insurance policy for foreigners visiting Ghana for a short period.
The policy dubbed: “National Non-resident Visitors Health Insurance”, was developed by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and other partners who will jointly oversee its implementation.
The policy pertains specifically to non-residents visiting Ghana for a period of less than six months in any period of 12 months.
