Orthopaedic services and neurosurgical procedures including brain surgery, are among the new treatments added to the Community Health Insurance (CBHI), commonly known as Mutuelle de Santé. ALSO READ: Mutuelle premium prices revised as scheme marks 25 years Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana announced the expansion on Tuesday, February 26, as Mutuelle marked 25 years of improving access to affordable healthcare. Other newly covered services include kidney transplants, cancer diagnosis and treatment, interventional cardiology, minimally invasive surgeries, hip and knee replacements, blood products, as well as an expanded essential medicines list. Over the past decade, CBHI revenues increased from Rwf26.9 billion to Rwf107.2 billion annually. However, expenditures have grown faster, rising nearly 300 percent to Rwf149.1 billion. The increase is linked to the introduction of new services and revised medical tariffs in the 2025/26 financial year. ALSO READ: Cancer, kidney transplant services to be covered under Mutuelle de Santé This week, Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning introduced a new income-based premium structure and expanded benefits aimed at strengthening long-term sustainability. Under the revised system, residents’ contributions are grouped into five income levels. Individuals with no income will pay Rwf4,000 per year, an amount that will be fully subsidised by the government. This group represents about 7 percent of the population. Those earning below Rwf30,000 per month will contribute Rwf4,000 and receive a government subsidy of Rwf1,000, accounting for 23 percent of the population. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s surgical journey from scarcity to life-saving care Residents earning between Rwf30,000 and Rwf60,000 per month will pay Rwf5,000 without any subsidy and make up the largest share at 35 percent. Those earning between Rwf60,000 and Rwf120,000 per month will contribute Rwf8,000 without government support and represent about 27 percent. At the top level, individuals earning above Rwf120,000 per month will pay Rwf20,000 without subsidy. These account for 8 percent of the population. Following the premium reform, member contributions are projected to reach Rwf69.8 billion in the 2026/27 financial year, representing 48 percent of anticipated revenues.
