National Health Insurance - quality universal affordable

The Government of The Bahamas is proud to announce that on December 20th, 2006 the National Health Insurance Bill was passed into law after unanimous approval in both the House of Assembly and the Senate.

National Health Insurance is a means to ensure that all legal residents of The Bahamas have affordable access to the quality health cares services they require. It is a health financing mechanism in which all individuals contribute according to their ability to pay, and receive care according to their health needs.

The Five Things You Need To Know About National Health Insurance for The Bahamas:

  1. All legal residents of The Bahamas will become members of National Health Insurance.

  2. The contribution rate of 5.3% will be paid by all employed individuals. The rate will be split 50:50 with the employer so that each employee pays 2.65%.

    Monthly Earnings NHI 2.65% Contribution
    $1000 $26.50
    $2000 $53.00
    $3000 $79.50
    $4000 $106.00
    $5000 and higher $132.50

    It is proposed that pensioners pay 2.65% of their pension and that the self-employed pay a flat rate based on their occupational classification. The Government will pay a contribution on behalf of the poor and other target groups.

  3. National Health Insurance will cover the following benefits:

    1. Outpatient visits (General Practitioner, Specialist and Accident & Emergency)
    2. Prescription Drugs
    3. Lab Tests & Imaging Services
    4. In-hospital care
    5. Emergency transportation (including air transport for Family Island residents)
    6. Overseas care for services not available locally
    7. Wellness and healthy lifestyles program

  4. Members will be able to access services in both the public and private health sectors. Private providers may charge a co-payment for services provided.

  5. Private health insurance will have a continuing role to play in the Bahamian health sector. Individuals may choose to purchase supplementary private health insurance plans to cover the co-payments charged by private providers or cover the benefits not offered by NHI – vision, dentistry, long-term care and overseas care available locally.