Tanzania expands health insurance to all income groups
The government launched the second phase of its Universal Health Insurance scheme, aiming to cover all citizens regardless of their ability to pay.
Tanzania's Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa launched the second registration phase of the Universal Health Insurance scheme in Mtwara on October 23, 2026. This expansion opens enrolment to all income groups, including those who can finance their own membership, moving beyond the initial focus on the poorest households. The initiative aims to ensure that a person's ability to pay does not prevent them from seeking necessary medical treatment.
Health Permanent Secretary Dr Grace Magembe stated that the scheme is now open to everyone, encompassing both those who can afford their own cover and those classified by the government as unable to pay. Mtwara was chosen for the national launch due to its leading performance in the first phase's enrolment. The Universal Health Insurance Act, 2023, makes insurance compulsory and mandates employer registration for workers in formal and informal employment.
The first phase, which began on January 26, 2026, targeted 276,004 households identified as unable to afford insurance, with the government allocating Sh48.8 billion. While 997,015 beneficiaries were registered, only 495,034 had collected membership cards, highlighting the need for the second phase to ensure usable cover. The Ministry of Health's 2026/27 budget statement indicates phase two will also register an additional 589,772 households unable to pay.
Why it mattersAll Tanzanian citizens will now have access to health insurance, regardless of their income level, to prevent financial hardship from hindering medical treatment.