The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Zambia is a government-led health insurance initiative designed to improve access to quality healthcare services for citizens and residents. It is managed and regulated by the Ministry of Health and the Zambia Revenue Authority at the central level and administered by Provincial Health Offices in all ten provinces.
Under the NHIS, eligible Zambian citizens and permanent residents can access quality healthcare services at participating healthcare facilities for free or for a nominal fee. The scheme provides coverage for essential inpatient and outpatient services and covers essential medications and vaccines.
The NHIS also covers certain special healthcare services such as dental, eye care and modern family planning methods. It also provides access to native medicines, enabling traditional healers to work in collaboration with the country's primary health care system.
In order to be eligible for benefits, members need to register with NHIS. This can be done in person at any Provincial Health Office or through a network of accredited agents across the country. Proof of identity and nationality need to be provided in order to register.
To find out more about the NHIS, please visit the Ministry of Health website at https://www.mohzambia.co.zm/category/national-health-insurance-scheme/ or the Zambia Revenue Authority website at https://www.zambiarevenue.gov.zm/index.php/nhis/.