Determinants of Health Insurance Subscription Among Women of Reproductive Age in Mozambique

Abstract

Health insurance is one of the major pillars of achieving the Universal Health Coverage, as emphasized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, in Mozambique, although the national health system is confronted by several limitations, uptake of health insurance is not emphasized by stakeholders in the health sector. The study aims to analyze the determinants of health insurance subscription among women of reproductive age in Mozambique. The data were the 2022/23 data for the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) which covered 9788 women in the 15-49 years age bracket. The data were analysed with Probit regression. The results showed a very low health insurance subscription (1.69%). Additionally, 31.50% of the women with higher education had health insurance. The Probit regression results showed that the probability of insurance subscription among the women was significantly promoted (p<0.05) by access to the internet, reading newspaper, perception of good, moderate and bad health status, ownership of bank account, working, and wealth index, while residence in some regions (Inhambane, Gaza, and Sofala), and religion affiliation (Evangelical/Pentecostal and no religion) reduced it. It was concluded that constraints exist in achieving UHC in Mozambique, there is a need to create media and internet-based advocacy to promote health insurance subscriptions with more focus on the rich, working class, urban dwellers, and educated women. For future research, a qualitative approach could be employed to explore sociocultural and psychological factors influencing women's decision to enroll in health insurance.

Keywords

• universal health coverage
• health insurance, women
• reproductive age
• mozambique