Since its inception, Rwanda’s Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) scheme, widely known as Mutuelle de Santé has been a cornerstone of the country’s drive toward universal access to lifesaving healthcare.

By significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses, the scheme has helped ensure that medical care is no longer a luxury but an attainable service for millions of Rwandans.

ALSO READ: Mutuelle premium prices revised as scheme marks 25 years

Beyond statistics and policy reforms, the true impact of Mutuelle de Santé is best captured through the lived experiences of the people who depend on it.

The New Times spoke to several beneficiaries from across the country about how the insurance scheme has shaped their lives.

Alosiya Benimana, a motorcycle tyre repairer in Gishushu, Gasabo District, Kigali

I have been using Mutuelle since 2005, and it has honestly been a lifesaver. When you have it, you don’t sit at home suffering. If your child gets sick, you take them to the hospital immediately without overthinking the cost.

I see Mutuelle like a vaccination. When it is about to expire, I get anxious thinking about what would happen if my family fell ill. But when I’m covered, I have complete peace of mind knowing I can get medical attention whenever I need it.”

Innocent Uzabaho, 46, a mason and father of eight in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District

I have been paying for this insurance since the days it cost only Rwf500. Now that it is Rwf3,000 per person, I still make sure to pay Rwf30,000 every year for my whole family. It’s a great system because it ensures that a sick child doesn’t break the bank.

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The 10 per cent co-payment is manageable, even for a large family like mine. I think the current rate is fair—if it were raised much higher, it would start to strain our household budget.

Stephanie Mporebuke, 51, a farmer and mother of five in Gahanga Sector

Having health insurance means you never have to stay home and suffer because you fear the cost. It is especially helpful when you are referred to a major hospital, where bills can be very high for an average worker.

My daughter gave birth through surgery and later developed a serious infection. We were referred to Nyamata Hospital, and even with insurance we paid over Rwf36,000 because the case was complicated.

We spent two weeks in hospital, and even when the newborn fell sick, the baby was treated under the mother’s coverage. It truly saved us.

Patricia Benimana, a mother of four in Murundi Sector, Kayonza District

Mutuelle has helped me a lot. Before I enrolled, I feared going to the hospital because I didn’t have money for consultation and medicine. I would stay home and wait, even when I was unwell.

Now, when I get sick, I go to the health centre without hesitation. I pay the small fee and receive treatment. It has reduced the burden on my family because we no longer borrow money or sell property to pay medical bills.

Julianna Mukarwego, a Kayonza resident living with diabetes

As someone living with diabetes, this insurance has been a literal lifeline. Insulin is very expensive and would be completely unaffordable if I had to pay the full price every month.

I am also encouraged by recent developments. We were informed that drones will start delivering insulin to our neighbourhood, saving us long trips for regular treatment.

Without Mutuelle, managing a chronic illness alongside other household expenses would be nearly impossible.

Innocent Munyarugendo, 67, an electrician in Rubavu District

My wife once fell into a coma, and I was terrified because I had no savings. I couldn’t sleep, worrying about how I would pay the hospital bills. When I went to the cashier at discharge, I was trembling.

To my surprise, I was asked to pay only Rwf300. Before joining Mutuelle, private clinics used to cost me a lot and left my family financially unstable. I am deeply grateful for this programme.

Vicent Makuza, 55, a farmer in Musanze District

I subscribed to Mutuelle de Santé in the early 2000s. Even though we sometimes use private facilities for minor services, we rely on public hospitals for serious cases. When my child was admitted to Ruhengeri Hospital for five days, the bill was just Rwf1,025.

"With this insurance, hospital bills are no longer a source of fear. It allows people to access a wide network of hospitals across the country.