Kathmandu— People enrolled in Nepal’s health insurance program can now access services from their current place of residence, as the government has removed the earlier requirement to receive referrals only from their permanent address.

The Cabinet meeting approved an amendment to the Health Insurance Regulations, introduced by Minister of Health and Population Pradip Poudel, which allows beneficiaries to choose their first point of contact (entry point) based on where they are temporarily residing.

According to the minister’s secretariat, the previous provision that required individuals to return to their permanent residence (typically rural areas) to receive referrals for services has now been eliminated. “Now, insured individuals can select their first service point based on their temporary address and receive services accordingly,” the statement said.

In addition, the rule requiring beneficiaries to wait three months after enrollment to access services has also been revised. Under the new provision, health insurance services will be activated within one month of enrollment or renewal.

The government has also ensured that a primary service point will be established for every insured individual, making it easier to access healthcare without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.

Previously, individuals who traveled away from their place of enrollment faced difficulties accessing health insurance services and were required to obtain referrals from their original point of registration. Minister Poudel, who has prioritized reforms in health insurance, had already committed to simplifying these procedures.