Summary of Key Lessons

1. FALLIBILITY. You are human. Recognize your human fallibility.
2. HEALTHCARE SPEND. As we grow older, we spend more on healthcare; half of our healthcare spend is in our older years.
3. PROACTIVENESS. Women tend to report healthcare issues earlier than men. They may therefore spend more, but they often have a higher life expectancy.
4. RESPECT THE SCIENCE. If you choose to ignore the science, you increase your risks and the healthcare implications.
5. KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. Knowing all your options in every situation makes things easier. And this also applies to healthcare.
6. COVID-19 IMPROVEMENT. COVID-19 has increased our awareness, brought us closer to the healthcare system and improved the quality of facilities.
7. CHECK UPS. Assess the state of your health every year. Identify and deal with health issues before they become serious.
8. HEALTH FINANCING. Healthcare financing options include fee for service, family contributions, workplace support, social health insurance (NHIS) and private health insurance. Belonging to the NHIS is mandatory. It’s not optional.
9. CHOOSING A PROVIDER. In choosing a private insurance provider, check first that they are licensed, then speak to health service providers (HSPs) to confirm their credibility and payment history, check their financial strength and technical capacity.
10. HEALTHCARE DEMANDS. The average individual in Ghana 🇬🇭 has four healthcare encounters in a year. Most people who take up policies, therefore, end up making claims.