APA Insurance Uganda, in collaboration with Hollard Health, recently launched an innovative international health insurance product known as APA International.
This initiative aims to tackle the significant challenge of high healthcare costs in the country. The APA International product offers coverage of up to Shs 36 billion, and is designed to enhance healthcare access for individuals, families, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and corporate entities.
It combines advanced technology, preventive care, and a global medical network to provide comprehensive support. Policyholders can choose from various plans that allow them to access medical care across Africa, India, Europe and beyond.
In instances where medical treatment is required in a country without a designated hospital, members have the flexibility to seek care independently and will be reimbursed for their expenses within five days of approval.
Ashok Shah, Group CEO of Apollo Investments Limited, the parent company of APA, described the product as a groundbreaking solution for African families and corporations.
He emphasized its capacity to provide extensive support during medical emergencies, stating: “Health is extremely important, but in countries like Uganda, the high cost of treatment can bankrupt families. With this coverage, treatment can be accessed anywhere in the world. This is substantial support that offers families peace of mind during medical emergencies.”
Central to the product is the HealthMov app, a wellness platform that monitors vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, stress levels, and BMI through facial and movement scans. The app encourages healthy behaviours by rewarding users for activities like exercise and provides access to telehealth consultations, second medical opinions, and direct billing at partner hospitals worldwide.
With Uganda possessing the second youngest population globally, where more than three quarters of its citizens are under the age of 35, this tech-savvy demographic is well-positioned to embrace digitally driven health insurance solutions. This tech-savvy demographic is ideally positioned to adopt digitally driven health insurance solutions.
“It is within this context that these innovative healthcare offerings, which incentivize healthy living, can assist employers in managing employee health for optimal business and individual outcomes,” stated Askok.
Additionally, the product is anticipated to significantly enhance Uganda’s insurance sector, which has faced persistent challenges with low penetration rates, as health insurance coverage remains below one per cent of the population. Christopher Ssengendo, representing the Insurance Brokers Association of Uganda, underscored the existing challenges.
“We have approximately 2.4 million Ugandans who can access medical insurance, primarily because they are employed by companies that provide medical insurance. However, the critical question remains: how many individual Ugandans can actually purchase insurance policies?”
Ssengendo further noted that this challenge is being addressed through partnerships with insurers like APA and the Insurance Regulatory Authority to develop micro-medical insurance products that are affordable for the average Ugandan.
“If we can tackle the issue of affordability and introduce the right products to the market, we are poised to achieve significant advancements for Ugandans,” he asserted.
Tobe Hope, the chief executive officer of Hollard Health, emphasized that the collaboration with APA is designed to meet Africa’s distinct healthcare needs, merging global standards with local expertise.
“Africa’s requirements are unique, and our mission is to make quality healthcare accessible to all. This product empowers individuals to take control of their health through clear information, intelligent tools, and comprehensive coverage,” he remarked.
About the Author
