Army, police health coverage to transition to private insurance

Government has announced plans to discontinue state-funded health insurance for the army and police, transitioning them to private insurance as part of efforts to reduce public healthcare costs.

The move is detailed in the finance ministry's budget report for 2025, which includes specific measures to replace the Aasandha and medical welfare schemes.

The report outlines that the current medical welfare programme covers soldiers, police officers, and their families without set expenditure limits, allowing for coverage of both essential and elective procedures. This year, state spending on healthcare for military and police personnel is projected to reach MVR 321.7 million.

To manage these costs, a private insurance package will be arranged for military and police personnel, as well as their families, to ensure health coverage while controlling state expenditure. The shift to private insurance will align the healthcare approach for these personnel with that of the general public.

The report confirms that the government will continue to assume full responsibility for any losses incurred by police and military personnel due to work injuries, despite the transition to private insurance.

Implementation of the new scheme is expected to begin early next year.