As recent reforms renew public interest in Mutuelle de Santé, Rwanda’s community-based health insurance scheme, questions have resurfaced about eligibility, particularly whether foreigners living in the country can enrol. Mutuelle de Santé is a solidarity-based public health insurance programme aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare, especially for vulnerable households. It is managed by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) and is closely integrated into Rwanda’s national social protection system. ALSO READ: Mutuelle premium prices revised as scheme marks 25 years According to RSSB, eligibility for the scheme is primarily limited to individuals formally registered within that system. “Mutuelle de Santé is mainly designed for people who are part of the social protection system, which includes Rwandan citizens,” said Déogratias Ntigurirwa, Manager of the CBHI Mobilisation and Registration Division at RSSB. He clarified that refugees are the only other group currently allowed to enrol, under specific arrangements. “The only other group allowed to have Mutuelle are refugees, under agreements the Rwandan government has with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees,” Ntigurirwa said. ALSO READ: Exploring Rwanda's health insurance scheme Permanent residents may also qualify, but only after completing formal registration within Rwanda’s national social protection framework. Alternatives for other foreign residents For most other foreign nationals—including international students, expatriates and temporary residents, healthcare coverage is typically organised through private insurance providers operating in Rwanda. International students, in particular, are required to obtain private health insurance as part of their admission process. Daisy Claude Mihindou, a Business Information Technology student at the University of Kigali, said he was offered two annual insurance packages: one costing Rwf80,000 and another at Rwf160,000. ALSO READ: How health insurance has closed gap in quality health care “The Rwf80,000 package allows access to public hospitals, while the Rwf160,000 package also allows access to private hospitals,” he said. While Mihindou chose the higher-tier package, he noted that students would benefit from clearer information on partner hospitals before payment. He also suggested expanding the list of accredited private hospitals to improve value for money. Similarly, Laynue Keitoe, a Liberian student pursuing a Master’s degree at Kigali Independent University, said securing insurance is generally straightforward once the premium is paid. However, she noted that proof of insurance is often required before a visa recommendation letter is issued. “If a sponsor can pay tuition but does not immediately have funds for insurance, it may delay visa documentation,” she said, adding that more flexible payment timelines could ease the process. She also recommended broader coverage under lower-tier packages to allow access to more private health facilities. Virginie Mukasonga, Dean of Students at the University of Kigali, said the institution regularly invites local insurance providers to present their packages directly to international students, enabling them to make informed choices based on their needs and budgets. She added that health insurance is a mandatory admission requirement and that orientation sessions are conducted to explain coverage details and procedures. The university also operates a medical clinic that provides first aid and emergency assistance throughout the academic year, including evenings and weekends. “Our International Students Office also engages with insurance companies to ensure fairness and proper service delivery,” Mukasonga said. She noted that the university has not recorded cases where lack of insurance resulted in serious academic or financial setbacks, largely due to the institution’s support mechanisms.
