Beyond Hospitals: Why insurance is becoming key to healthcare in Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM: FOR many years, health care in Tanzania has often been a race against time and money. A sudden illness, a complicated pregnancy or a medical emergency could quickly push families into financial distress, forcing them to sell property, borrow money or delay treatment altogether.

It is this reality that has increasingly pushed the country to rethink how health care is financed and accessed. Across the nation, the conversation about health is no longer only about hospitals and doctors, but also about insurance and how people can protect themselves before illness strikes.

Recognising the challenge, the Government introduced the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system, a national framework intended to ensure that every Tanzanian has access to health services without being forced into financial hardship.

While the government is working to ensure that all Tanzanians have access to basic health insurance, another shift is taking place within the private sector, one that reflects Tanzania’s growing role in the global economy.

As the country continues to attract international investors, multinational companies and skilled professionals, new healthcare demands are emerging.

Increasingly, companies and individuals are seeking insurance solutions that not only cover treatment locally but also allow them to access specialised care abroad when necessary. Tanzania is becoming an important centre for investment, trade and professional mobility, drawing expatriates and internationally mobile professionals.

As the economy becomes more integrated with regional and global markets, the demand for reliable healthcare access beyond national borders continues to grow. This demand is particularly evident in cases where specialised treatment may not be readily available within the country.

It was against this backdrop that stakeholders from the insurance sector recently gathered in Dar es Salaam to discuss the evolving role of insurance and introduce a new international health insurance collaboration designed to expand healthcare protection.

During the event organised by MIC Global Risks, representatives from the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA), emphasised the need for strong oversight to ensure insurance services deliver real benefits to the public.

TIRA Insurance Officer Arnold Lubinza said the authority will continue to ensure that insurance companies provide reliable and efficient services.

“We will continue to ensure that insurance companies in the country are properly supervised so that they provide quality and efficient services that benefit citizens and the community as a whole,” said Mr Lubinza.

He said that the demand for health insurance has been steadily increasing as more people recognise its value.

“There is currently a growing demand for health insurance, which shows that more people are becoming aware of the importance of protecting their health and property through insurance services,” he added.

Mr Lubinza added, “we encourage citizens to subscribe to health insurance through the comprehensive and inclusive universal health insurance system available through various registered providers in the country. Insurance should be seen as an important form of protection for people’s health and property.” While government efforts are focused on ensuring universal access to basic healthcare protection, private sector institutions are also introducing specialised insurance solutions designed to address evolving needs in the market.

One such initiative is the Global Executive Health Plan (GEHP), introduced through a collaboration between MIC Global Risks, Alliance Insurance Corporation and AXA Global Healthcare.

The programme is designed to provide structured access to internationally recognised hospitals and specialist providers around the world, supported by services such as medical evacuation and coordinated cross-border care.

Unlike traditional domestic health insurance schemes, GEHP forms part of an international private medical insurance framework that allows individuals to access specialised treatment outside their home country when necessary.

Senior Account Executive at MIC Global Risks, Ms Scolastica Mtei, said the partnership reflects the growing maturity of Tanzania’s insurance industry.

“This collaboration brings together both local and international partners, which is very important as the insurance industry in Tanzania continues to grow,” said Ms Mtei.

Beyond expanding insurance options, she said the initiative is also expected to support employment opportunities in the health sector.

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“This partnership will benefit ordinary Tanzanians through job creation in the health sector, including opportunities for insurance professionals as well as clinical personnel such as doctors and nurses,” she said.

Ms Mtei explained that the product focuses on International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI), which is designed to cover advanced medical procedures both locally and internationally.

“International Private Medical Insurance is significantly expensive because it is designed to cover high-cost medical procedures both locally and internationally. Insurance companies must balance risk and premium income, which is why this type of product is usually targeted at clients who can afford higher premiums,” she added.

According to Ms Mtei, the programme also ensures that local professionals are actively involved in providing services to clients. International partners involved in the collaboration say Tanzania is an increasingly important market in Africa’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Chief Growth Officer at AXA Global Healthcare, Mr Karim Idilby, said the partnership represents a key milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy.

“Tanzania represents an important milestone in AXA Health International’s global growth strategy, strengthening our footprint in key high-growth regions and demonstrating our long-term commitment to sustainable growth across Africa,” he said.

“As Tanzania’s role as a regional hub for investment, trade and professional mobility continues to expand, so too does demand for international healthcare protection.” He added that the collaboration combines global expertise with local experience.

For Alliance Insurance Corporation Limited, the initiative reflects the changing healthcare needs of a growing economy, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Rajiv Kumar said international mobility is transforming how people think about healthcare protection.

“As Tanzania’s economy continues to grow and international mobility increases, the need for reliable international healthcare protection has evolved,” he said.

He said, “through our collaboration with AXA Health International and MIC Global Risks, we are strengthening an established international healthcare framework that enables clients in Tanzania to access specialised treatment abroad when required.”

Meanwhile, MIC Global Risks Chief Executive Officer Aly Maherali said the programme builds on decades of experience in providing international medical insurance across Africa.

“The Global Executive Health Plan provides individuals, corporates and professionals in Tanzania with a clear pathway to international healthcare protection,” he said.

As Tanzania moves forward with major health sector reforms such as universal health insurance while simultaneously expanding its global economic connections, the importance of insurance continues to grow.

Whether it is protecting a family from unexpected medical costs or enabling professionals to access specialised treatment abroad, insurance is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of modern healthcare security.