Individuals earning more than MVR 60,000 per month will be required to pay a 15 per cent co-payment when accessing private healthcare services under the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, starting January 1, 2027, the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare announced.
Following the gazetting of the new regulations, the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare clarified that the out-of-pocket fee applies strictly to private healthcare providers registered under Aasandha, including private clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, optical shops, and prosthetic service centres.
advertisement
advertisement
Public healthcare facilities remain entirely free at the point of delivery. Patients receiving care at government-run health centres and hospitals will incur no co-payments. Furthermore, the Ministry confirmed that overseas medical referrals initiated through state facilities will continue under existing guidelines, fully covered by Aasandha without any additional co-payment.
To retain and encourage local talent in essential, highly skilled professions, the government has exempted several categories of high earners from the co-payment mandate:
- Doctors and healthcare professionals
- Pilots and aviation specialists
- Engineers and professionals working across science-based sectors
Speaking to reporters regarding the decision, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that the reform is projected to save the state budget approximately MVR 287 million annually. The President noted that these savings will be redirected toward critical basic public services and community development initiatives.
