Willingness to pay for universal health insurance and associated factors among households in Mkuranga district, Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: A better acquaintance and understanding of the community willingness to pay (WTP) for universal health insurance is highly effective way to address catastrophic payment when accessing and utilizing healthcare services from formal healthcare providers in the country. Objectives: To assess willingness to pay for universal health insurance and its associated factors among households in Mkuranga district. Methodology: Cross-sectional analytical design was employed to elicit the maximum WTP for universal health insurance among 406 head of households in Mkuranga districts. The data collection techniques included structured interview form with open and closed questions and Take -it- or -leave- it with follow-up technique. Analytical data analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Out of 406 surveyed households only 16% reported to have any health insurance, however majority (79%) of heads of households were willing to pay for UHI. The mean annual premium WTP for universal health insurance was also higher among male headed household 180,443 TZS as compared to women 142,019 TZS. Logistic regression shows that with marital status, education level, income, age, and having chronic illness is positively associated willingness to pay while having a negative association not employed. Conclusion: The results suggested that majority of the heads of households were willing to pay for UHI. Moreover, despite of high demonstration in willingness to pay for health insurance less than half of the participants are able to pay the proposed premium rate. Therefore, it is very important to study WTP of the community before establishing new schemes