Citizens Can Now Access Health Insurance Benefits from Their Place of Residence

Kathmandu – The Government of Nepal has approved key amendments to the Health Insurance Regulations, allowing insured citizens to access benefits directly from their current place of residence. The Cabinet endorsed the proposal presented by Minister of Health and Population, Pradeep Poudel, during a meeting held on Wednesday.

Previously, individuals covered under the national health insurance scheme had to travel back to the location where they were initially enrolled in order to receive a referral or begin treatment. With the new amendment, the designated “departure point” for services can now be set at the insured person’s current residence, significantly reducing administrative hurdles and travel burdens.

The decision follows earlier commitments made by Minister Poudel to address the challenges faced by citizens who had relocated from their place of registration. Responding to widespread public demand, the Ministry proposed regulatory changes aimed at making the insurance system more flexible and accessible.

In another key change, the mandatory waiting period for availing health insurance services has been shortened. Citizens can now begin receiving services just one month after enrolling in the scheme, instead of the previous three-month wait.

Minister Poudel emphasized that these amendments are designed to expand the reach and practicality of the national health insurance program. “This step is crucial to making health insurance more citizen-friendly,” stated the Minister.

Furthermore, the revised regulations mandate the establishment of the first service point of health insurance at all administrative levels. Although the health insurance network has been expanded nationwide, the availability of primary service points has been inconsistent.