Health Insurance Coverage Doubled to Rs 200,000 for Serious Illnesses

Kathmandu — The Government of Nepal has announced a significant increase in the health insurance coverage for citizens enrolled in the national health insurance program. Starting from Shrawan 1 (July 17), insured individuals will be eligible to receive treatment benefits of up to NPR 200,000, doubling the previous limit of NPR 100,000.

Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Poudel, shared the update through social media, confirming that the enhanced benefit will apply specifically to patients suffering from eight critical illnesses. These include cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, head and spinal injuries, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The decision aims to ease the financial burden on patients facing high treatment costs for chronic and life-threatening conditions. The Ministry expects the measure to bring timely relief, especially to citizens struggling to access proper care due to economic constraints.

Previously, the government had also expanded insurance services to local levels and introduced provisions allowing patients to seek treatment within their districts, further strengthening the health insurance framework.