Tanzania Rolls Out Health Insurance for Low-Income Families
Tanzania's NHIF is extending health insurance to 1.2M low-income families, ensuring access to medical care through a new government initiative.
Tanzania Launches Initiative to Provide Health Insurance for Impoverished Households
March 10, 2025 – Dodoma
The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has initiated a nationwide effort to extend medical coverage to low-income households unable to afford healthcare costs. This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Speaking to the media today, NHIF Director Dr. Irene Isaka emphasized that the program aligns with Section 25 of the Universal Health Insurance Act. The initiative will involve identifying and enrolling eligible households through local government authorities across the country.
Government’s Commitment to Expanding Healthcare Access
The Tanzanian government has committed to supporting vulnerable communities, with the Minister of Health, Jenista Mhagama, announcing on October 23, 2024, that approximately 1.2 million households will benefit from subsidized health insurance. This initiative targets families classified as extremely poor, as identified through TASAF’s poverty alleviation program.
Dr. Isaka reiterated the government’s prioritization of universal health coverage, noting that access to healthcare is a fundamental necessity. Despite the high demand for medical services, many citizens are unable to afford treatment, necessitating intervention through state-supported insurance schemes.
Current NHIF Coverage and Enrollment Progress
NHIF currently covers only 8% of Tanzania’s population, providing healthcare services through 10,004 accredited facilities nationwide. Efforts are ongoing to raise awareness and address misconceptions that discourage enrollment.
In the past three years, NHIF has registered over 2.2 million new members and collected TZS 2.3 trillion in contributions. During this period, the fund disbursed TZS 2.29 trillion to healthcare providers, with TZS 91 billion allocated to cover retired beneficiaries.
Addressing Financial Sustainability and Fraud Prevention
Dr. Isaka highlighted measures taken to enhance NHIF’s financial stability. Previously operating with only six months of service provision capacity, the fund has now extended its financial sustainability to 14 months. A significant turnaround has also been achieved in reducing financial deficits—from a loss of TZS 120 billion to a surplus of TZS 95 billion.
To combat fraud, NHIF has saved TZS 22 billion by suspending 13,000 fraudulent insurance cards and taking action against 36 employees involved in malpractice. More than 15 employees were dismissed, while others are facing ongoing legal proceedings.
The initiative represents a critical step toward achieving universal health coverage in Tanzania, ensuring that the nation’s most vulnerable populations receive essential medical care without financial hardship.
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