Jamaica is exploring ways to strengthen health insurance coverage for people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through a new assessment supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers to healthcare and improve access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of chronic illnesses.
Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health disorders, remain among the leading causes of illness and death in Jamaica. While progress has been made in expanding healthcare services, many patients continue to face significant out-of-pocket expenses for consultations, medications, specialist care, diagnostic tests, rehabilitation, transportation, and other essential health services.
To address these challenges, a Technical Working Group (TWG) met at the PAHO Jamaica Country Office on 10 July 2026 to begin the second phase of an assessment examining the adequacy of health insurance coverage for NCD care. The review will evaluate Jamaica’s current health insurance landscape and identify evidence-based opportunities to strengthen financial protection for patients.
The assessment will analyse public and private health insurance policies, including coverage conditions, premiums, eligibility requirements, and service utilisation. It will also examine whether people living with pre-existing non-communicable diseases face higher insurance costs and explore options to expand coverage for underserved and at-risk populations.
Particular attention will be given to improving insurance support for priority health conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and other mental health disorders, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. The study will also assess how health insurance can encourage earlier disease detection and improve access to long-term treatment and rehabilitation.
Health experts note that stronger health insurance systems can play an important role in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs by pooling financial resources and protecting individuals and families from catastrophic medical expenses. Improved financial protection can help ensure that access to essential healthcare is based on need rather than a person’s ability to pay.
The assessment will also review Jamaica’s regulatory and policy framework for health insurance to identify opportunities for more equitable coverage while supporting broader national goals related to universal health coverage and social protection.
The findings are expected to provide practical recommendations for strengthening health insurance coverage for non-communicable diseases, reducing the financial burden on patients and families, and improving access to quality healthcare services. The initiative represents an important step toward enhancing health financing and supporting better long-term health outcomes across Jamaica.
