Govt Reforms Health Insurance Access: Services Available at Any Govt Hospital from Shrawan

Kathmandu — In a major policy reform, the Health Insurance Board of Nepal has decided to make health insurance services more accessible and convenient. Starting Shrawan 1 (July 17) of the upcoming fiscal year, insured individuals will be able to receive treatment at any government hospital designated as a first service point across the country, regardless of their selected hospital at the time of enrollment.

This decision amends the Health Insurance Act, 2074 and Health Insurance Regulations, 2075, removing the previous requirement that limited insured persons to one pre-selected hospital for services. The change comes in response to widespread public complaints about access limitations and inefficiencies under the old system.

With this update, insured patients will be allowed to seek medical treatment from any authorized government hospital operating as a first service point—those officially permitted to provide insurance-covered health services. This is expected to ease the burden on patients, particularly those who travel or relocate, by ensuring access to nearby government hospitals nationwide.

Health insurance remains a key priority for the Ministry of Health and the federal government. The upcoming fiscal year’s budget has also emphasized the expansion of health insurance and committed to clearing the Board’s pending insurance claim arrears.