The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced a temporary waiver of the mandatory one-month waiting period required before new members and some returning clients can access healthcare services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The waiver, which took effect on Friday, November 14, 2025, forms part of the Authority’s NHIS Active Month campaign and will remain in force until December 14, 2025.
In a public notice, the NHIA explained that the initiative is designed to make enrollment more convenient and to encourage Ghanaians—especially those whose cards have expired—to reactivate their membership and enjoy uninterrupted healthcare.
Immediate access for new and returning members
Ordinarily, newly registered NHIS clients and individuals renewing their membership after a lapse of more than three months are required to wait one month before benefiting from services.
However, under the new arrangement, all eligible persons who enroll or renew within the one-month window will receive instant access to NHIS-covered health services across accredited facilities nationwide.
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“This waiver removes the waiting period and allows members to begin receiving care immediately upon registration or renewal,” the notice stated.
Part of nationwide effort to boost healthcare access
The NHIA said the waiver aligns with its broader strategy to deepen healthcare coverage and ensure that more Ghanaians remain active under the national scheme.
The NHIS Active Month campaign, observed annually, focuses on registration outreach, education, and measures aimed at increasing subscription rates. This year’s edition is expected to prioritise communities where membership inactivity has been high.
Authority urges quick renewals to avoid disruptions
The NHIA is encouraging all Ghanaians—particularly those whose cards have been expired for more than three months—to take advantage of the waiver period and renew immediately.
“Members who renew promptly will avoid disruptions in accessing healthcare and continue to receive essential health services at an affordable cost,” the notice added.
The Authority further appealed to the public to use the official NHIS renewal channels, including the NHIS Mobile Renewal via 929<number>#, and to report fraudulent activities related to registration.
Background on the NHIS waiting period
The one-month waiting period was introduced as a verification measure to curb system abuse and ensure proper enrollment checks. Its temporary removal marks one of the most significant membership-friendly adjustments in recent years, aimed at boosting nationwide health coverage.
Public reaction and healthcare expectations
Early responses from the public have been largely positive, with many describing the waiver as a timely move that will help families, especially low-income households, access care without delay.
Health facilities are expected to see increased traffic over the next month as the initiative is rolled out.
