By Business Insider Correspondent
The government has officially launched the first phase of its long-anticipated Universal Health Insurance (UHI) programme, marking a major milestone in the country’s journey towards equitable access to healthcare and social protection.
Under the initial rollout, the government will fully finance health insurance coverage for vulnerable citizens, including the elderly, children, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.
The announcement, made in Dodoma today by Minister foir Health, Mohammed Mchengerwa (pictured above), said the UHI will kick off countrywide from next Monday.
This signals a decisive shift from policy formulation to nationwide implementation of universal health coverage.
For citizens who are able to contribute, the Government has set a minimum annual premium of TSh150,000, which will cover a household of up to six members. The package is designed to make health insurance affordable while significantly reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses for families.
The details of the rollout were outlined by the Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, during a high-level meeting with regional, district and local government leaders convened to discuss implementation modalities for Universal Health Insurance.
Official launch on January 26, 2026
Minister Mchengerwa announced that the Universal Health Insurance scheme officially takes effect Monday, January 26, 2026, and urged public officials at all levels to prioritise public awareness and education before and during enrolment.
“Citizens must clearly understand the importance of health insurance, how the system works and the rights they are entitled to once they join,” the Minister said.
He also stressed that health facilities accredited under the scheme must deliver quality services to members, warning that poor service delivery would undermine public trust in the programme.
“There is no value in a household paying TSh150,000 only to be denied services or receive substandard care,” he said.
What the insurance package covers
Under the scheme, a single annual contribution of TSh150,000 will entitle six members of the same household to access healthcare services at designated facilities without making additional payments at the point of service.
The six beneficiaries include the contributing member, their spouse or partner, and up to four dependants. Minister Mchengerwa clarified that eligible dependants may include: a parent of the member or of the member’s spouse, a biological, adopted or stepchild of the member under the age of 21 or a blood relative of the member under the age of 21.
Services will be provided in accordance with the national referral system and through health facilities that have formal contracts with health insurance schemes.
“This approach ensures continuity of care while strengthening accountability across health service providers,” the Minister explained.
From policy ambition to implementation
The launch of Universal Health Insurance represents a turning point in Tanzania’s healthcare reform agenda, which has for years been anchored in policy documents and strategic plans, including the Health Sector Strategic Plan and the National Development Vision 2050 (Dira 2050).
Despite progress in expanding health infrastructure and services, a significant portion of Tanzanians have remained uninsured, relying on out-of-pocket payments that expose households to financial hardship and limit access to timely care.
Government officials say the UHI programme is designed to close this gap by pooling risks, improving financial protection and ensuring that no citizen is denied healthcare due to inability to pay.
“This is no longer a theoretical discussion or a policy paper,” Minister Mchengerwa said. “Universal Health Insurance must move from documents into daily practice, starting today.”
Leadership accountability at regional level
The Minister placed strong emphasis on the role of regional and local leadership in ensuring the success of the programme, stating that implementation outcomes will be closely monitored and assessed at the regional level.
“A region where citizens understand the system, register in large numbers and receive services without obstacles will stand out as an example of effective leadership and successful execution of Government decisions,” he said.
He directed that Universal Health Insurance be treated as a standing agenda item in regional development meetings, security meetings and performance review sessions. “It must not be discussed as an additional report or a side issue,” Mchengerwa insisted. “It must be treated as a core agenda for citizens’ welfare and the social stability of every region.”
