Determinants of Health Insurance Subscription among Women of Reproductive Age in Mozambique

Health insurance is one of the major pillars of achieving the Universal Health Coverage, as emphasized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, in Mozambique, although the national health system is confronted by several limitations, uptake of health insurance is not emphasized by stakeholders in the health sector. This paper therefore analysed the determinants of health insurance subscription among women of reproductive age in Mozambique. The data were the 2022/23 data for the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) which covered 9788 women in the 15-49 years age bracket. The data were analysed with Probit regression. The results showed a very low health insurance subscription (1.69%). Additionally, 31.50% of the women with higher education had health insurance. The Probit regression results showed that the probability of insurance subscription among the women was significantly promoted (p<0.05) by access to the internet, reading newspaper, perception of good, moderate and bad health status, ownership of bank account, working, and wealth index, while residence in some regions (Inhambane, Gaza, and Sofala), and religion affiliation (Evangelical/Pentecostal and no religion) reduced it. It was concluded that in the light of prevailing constraints confronting attainment of UHC in Mozambique, there is the need to create media and internet driven advocacies to promote health insurance subscription with more focus on the wealthy, working class, urban residents and educated women.