Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39920684›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2025

Financing healthcare services: a qualitative assessment of private health insurance schemes in Ghana.

Angela Asante, Richard A Bonney, Peter Twum

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Angela AsanteSchool of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. aasante44@gmail.com.
Richard A BonneySchool of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. bonneyrichy123@gmail.com.
Peter TwumSchool of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHealth financing in Ghana aims for universal access to healthcare, with both public and private insurance schemes playing vital roles. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) addresses out-of-pocket expenses but faces enrollment and trust issues. However, 12 licensed Private Health Insurance Schemes (PHISs) offer complementary services, enhancing healthcare access and quality through additional coverage and service delivery. This study aimed to assess the operations and performance of PHIS in Ghana.

methodsThe research utilized a qualitative descriptive design, focusing on registered PHIS providing services to Ghanaians. A convenient sampling technique was employed for data collection. Data was gathered through face-to-face interviews with participants until saturation was achieved. The data was thematically analyzed.

resultsThe study highlights the intricate regulatory framework governing PHISs in Ghana, emphasizing licensing and accreditation requirements. It revealed diverse operational strategies, including nationwide coverage and tailored policies for different clientele. Benefit packages varied, with distinct plans like the "X-scan plan" for medical imaging. Payment structures ranged from upfront payments to flexible options. PHIS's growth was driven by health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, strategic investments, and partnerships. Clientele for PHIS primarily resides in urban areas, focusing on sectors like education.

conclusionThe study assesses Ghana's PHI sector, highlighting its critical role in financing healthcare in Ghana. Findings reveal PHIS's diverse packages and flexible payments boost healthcare access and quality. We, therefore, recommend PHIS foster partnerships with National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) accredited facilities, reduce non-payment risks, and ensure transparency to foster trust and accurate risk assessment, promoting sustainable growth and reliability in Ghana's Private Health Insurance (PHI) industry.

Indexed as

Healthcare FinancingInsurance, HealthPrivate SectorCOVID-19GhanaHealth Services AccessibilityHumansInterviews as TopicQualitative ResearchHealthcare servicesInsurance schemesPrivate health insuranceQualitative

Identifiers

PMID39920684
PMCPMC11806611

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.