NetOne has just launched an innovative healthcare solution called OneHealth, a medical aid plan that costs a mere $1 per month. In a country where only about 7% of people have medical insurance, this plan is targeted at addressing Zimbabwe’s healthcare accessibility gap.
Bridging The Gap
For the cost of a loaf of bread, OneHealth subscribers get coverage that includes one general practitioner visit each month and access to $30 worth of medications. However, chronic medications aren’t covered under this plan, and there’s a standard three-month waiting period before benefits apply. Subscribers can add dependents for an additional dollar each, making it affordable even for larger families.
With inflation driving up costs for basic goods and services, Zimbabweans face growing challenges in affording healthcare. This $1 plan offers a rare safety net of a basic healthcare coverage plan that many might otherwise go without.
To join, NetOne users can easily register by dialing *501# on their phones. After registration, users receive access to a mobile app or WhatsApp bot that helps locate participating doctors and pharmacies, though NetOne could further improve accessibility by publishing an expansive list of service providers.
Two Birds, One Stone?
This launch could be a game-changer for NetOne if marketed effectively. With roughly 23.7% of Zimbabwe’s telecom market, NetOne may attract new subscribers eager for affordable health coverage, potentially rivalling Econet, the leading provider with a 56.8% market share.
By offering healthcare at a price point within reach of the average Zimbabwean, OneHealth is more than just an affordable plan. It could redefine what access to healthcare means in the country.
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2 replies on “Zimbabwe’s New $1 Healthcare Plan Could Transform Access to Medical Aid”
[…] Zimbabwe faces a severe shortage of doctors, with only two doctors available for every 100,000 people—far below the World Health Organization’s standard of one doctor per 1,000 people. The country’s public healthcare system struggles with delays, outdated paper records, and staff juggling roles between public and private clinics. […]
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