MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Suddanand Healthcare Partners with Microfinance Institutions in Karnataka, India, to Provide Health Microinsurance

Suddanand Healthcare, a nongovernmental organization based in the Indian state of Karnataka, reportedly has developed a healthcare microinsurance system drawing on the existing customer base of local microfinance institutions (MFIs) to offer an “affordable micro-health program to the underserved section of society” [1].

Under the program, an individual may pay INR 160 (USD 3.5) per year to become a member eligible to claim medical expenses up to INR 5000 (USD 110) per year at participating hospitals. Members can receive outpatient services for a co-payment of INR 10 (USD 0.2) while inpatient treatment costs are available at a fixed cost pre-arranged by Suddanand Healthcare, local participating MFIs and the hospitals. Suddanand Healthcare also arranges ambulance services, runs a 24-hour telephone help-line and provides a “helper” at hospitals to guide members in accessing services.

Financial information on Suddanand Healthcare is not available.

By Nisha Koul, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Microfinance Focus, “Microfinance meets Micro Healthcare,” http://www.microfinancefocus.com/microfinance-meets-micro-healthcare

MicroCapital.org story, March 29, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Freedom from Hunger Staff Co-author “Integrating microfinance and health strategies: examining the evidence to inform policy and practice,”” https://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-freedom-from-hunger-staff-co-author-integrating-microfinance-and-health-strategies-examining-the-evidence-to-inform-policy-and-practice/

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