Aasandha to charge 15% co-payment for those earning above MVR 60,000 from January 2027

People earning more than MVR 60,000 per month will be required to pay a 15 percent co-payment when seeking treatment from private health facilities under the Aasandha system, starting January 1, 2027. 

The Ministry of Health says the change is part of efforts to strengthen and sustain the state-funded health insurance scheme.

The new co-payment regulation has been published in the Government Gazette. According to the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, the co-payment applies only to services provided by private clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, optical centres and prosthetic service providers registered under Aasandha.

The ministry stressed that no co-payment will be charged for treatment at government hospitals and health centres, and full coverage will continue even when patients require overseas treatment through Aasandha under existing regulations.

Several professional groups have been exempted from the co-payment to encourage retention of skilled workers in critical sectors. These include:

• Doctors and medical professionals  

• Pilots and aviation professionals  

• Engineers  

• Professionals in science-based fields  

The ministry said the reform is intended to make Aasandha financially sustainable and reduce wasteful expenditure from the state budget. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu previously stated that the change is expected to save MVR 287 million annually, which will be redirected to essential public services and social development.