APA Insurance Uganda has partnered with South Africa’s Hollard Health to launch an innovative international health insurance product, offering coverage of up to Shs36 billion. This move aims to tap into Uganda’s underdeveloped insurance market, where health insurance coverage remains below 1% despite rising medical costs.
The new scheme, unveiled on September 16 in Kampala, addresses key barriers to health insurance uptake, including low awareness, affordability, and reliance on out-of-pocket spending. APA’s “International Health” plan combines high coverage limits with a wellness-focused digital platform, the HealthMov app. This app tracks vital health indicators, provides lifestyle guidance, and offers telemedicine consultations and second opinions.
According to Manan Desai, CEO of APA Uganda, the HealthMov app is “a virtual doctor, personal trainer, health coach, and mentor in every member’s pocket.” The modular cover spans Africa, India, Europe, and other international markets, with five plans targeting individuals and corporates.
This launch comes at a time when Uganda’s insurance sector is showing signs of growth, with health membership organizations writing Shs38.3 billion in premiums in the first half of 2025, a 15.8% year-on-year increase. However, structural weaknesses persist, including limited operators and the absence of a national health insurance scheme.
Executives believe the new offering could fill part of this gap. Ashok Shah, Group CEO of APA’s parent company, Apollo Investments, stated that the partnership with Hollard Health aims to promote healthier living, reduce healthcare costs, and set a new standard for coverage in the region.
The timing is significant, given Uganda’s youthful population and growing demand for digital health tools. Tobe Hope, CEO of Hollard Health, emphasized that the product was designed with Africa’s unique demands in mind, enabling people to take charge of their health with clear information and practical tools.
Beyond commercial returns, APA and Hollard present this initiative as part of a broader push towards universal health coverage and financial protection, aligning with Uganda’s social protection goals. If successful, APA International Health could accelerate market growth, stimulate innovation, and strengthen confidence in Uganda’s insurance sector, providing households with protection against rising medical costs.
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