Customers to pay shs10,000 premium as Airtel, AAR launch low-cost life insurance product

Airtel Money Uganda has partnered with AAR Health Services and Bluewave to introduce a low-cost comprehensive health insurance cover, specifically tailored to cater to the diverse needs of individuals and families.

Named Ddwaliro Care, the new product  has been specially designed to address the urgent healthcare needs of all Ugandans providing them with peace of mind and financial security during times of illness or injury.

The product is offered in three options including  Ddwaliro mini which  offers customers an inpatient limit of shs1.5million and a funeral benefit of shs1 million per year for self or each of their dependents – up to a maximum of six.

Premiums for this option range from shs 10,000 (customer only) to shs70,000 for seven  dependents per month.

On the other hand, Ddwaliro midi will offer customers an inpatient limit of shs3 million  and a funeral benefit of shs1.5 million per year for self or each of their dependents up to a maximum of six.

Premiums range from shs14,000 (customer only) to shs 88,000 for seven dependents per month while Ddwaliro Biggie will offer customers a limit of shs5 million and a funeral benefit of shs2million a  year for self or each of their dependents up to a maximum of six with monthly premiums ranging from shs18,000 (customer only) to shs108,000 for seven dependents.

The Managing Director Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited (AMCUL), Japhet Aritho, affirmed that from time to time, the company engages in strategic partners to continuously deliver on its mandate of transforming lives and driving sustainable financial inclusion.

“As part of our mandate to transform lives through the provision of digital financial services and drive sustainable financial inclusion, we continue to engage in strategic partnerships across key sectors and health is one of them. This strategic collaboration therefore aims at revolutionizing the health insurance landscape by providing affordable, market-relevant, and easily accessible coverage at the fingertips of Airtel Money customers,” he said.

Christine Nassuna, AAR INSURANCE Managing Director said “This innovation marks the beginning of a new era to ease access to health care without straining the pockets of Ugandans. This partnership is a clear indicator to help people access health insurance and l want to thank Airtel for allowing us to partner with them for this to come through. The product is cost friendly and the payment is flexible."

According to the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), the uptake of health insurance in the country is less than 1% a situation that is blamed on challenges with accessibility as well as the high cost of health care.

The partnership aims to take advantage of the 65% of Ugandans who own a mobile phone with a well-crafted mobile healthcare product .

Moreover, it is dedicated to extending insurance benefits to millions of Ugandans who have been excluded from such services mainly due to challenges in accessing the products as well as affordability.

“By simply dialing *185*7*6# on the Airtel network, Airtel Money customers will gain access to

cashless inpatient coverage for either self, or family of up to six dependents at affordable premiums. The offering will also enable Airtel customers to purchase inpatient coverage for third parties such as domestic workers, farm workers, or other relatives or friends who cannot afford the cost of insurance,” Airtho explained.

Adelaide Odhiambo the group CEO of Bluewave said the company’s vision is to help every African rise out of poverty without the burdens of healthcare shocks.

Miriam Nakirya, Bluewave’s Principal Officer and Country Manager said, “Access to quality affordable healthcare insurance products for Uganda is now critical, as close to 39.1% of all healthcare costs are painfully out of pocket.”

Benard Obel, from  the Insurance Regulatory Authority hailed the three companies for the new product.

“This is a significant turning point, making insurance more accessible and pertinent to the broader population. The name Ddwaliro Care embodies a profound commitment to providing care and support to individuals.”

According to officials, these insurance solutions have been designed to be inclusive, to cater for  people of all generations, with eligibility being for Airtel customers and their dependents from birth (for a term baby of 38 weeks) to 65 years.

Coverage will continue for members who are already on the cover and go beyond 65 years subject to a review.

Children above 18 years but below 24 years will be included in the parents’ cover for as long as they still attending school.