By Grace Bryant Mollay
The National Insurance Corporation of Liberia (NICOL) has launched a digital health insurance initiative aimed at extending healthcare access to Liberia’s most underserved populations.
During a recent press conference hosted by the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), the Acting Managing Director of NICOL, Abdullah Swaray, announced the start of a pilot digital health insurance program in three counties including Montserrado, Margibi, and Bomi.
This pilot, implemented in collaboration with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the National Identification Registry (NIR), is a strategic move to deliver Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through technology and cross-agency cooperation.
“Our vision is simple, every Librarian should be able to access healthcare, no matter their income. This pilot is a key step toward delivering comprehensive social protection,” Swaray said.
Founded in the 1980s, NICOL was once a key player in Liberia’s insurance landscape, offering reinsurance services and safeguarding public assets. However, years of civil unrest and dwindling investment gradually weakened its operations.
Now, under the leadership of President Boakai, efforts are underway to revitalize NICOL and restore its relevance in national development. The digital health insurance pilot reflects this renewed ambition to position NICOL as a pillar of public service.
“NICOL was once the insurance backbone of Liberia. Reviving its role means keeping capital within the country, expanding investment, and delivering real benefits to the Liberian people,” Swaray recalled.
The pilot program brings together three key entities including, NICOL will oversee the design and delivery of health insurance services while LTA will provide the digital infrastructure for secure premium payments and NIR will verify enrollee eligibility through biometric identification.
According to him, residents in the selected counties will gain access to medical services at designated health facilities. A fully digital system will enable hospitals to submit treatment data directly to NICOL, streamlining claims processing and eliminating paperwork.
“Everything is digital now. Hospitals input patient data, and NICOL processes claims in real time quickly and transparently,” said Swaray.
He also explained that LTA will finance the premiums for the pilot program using revenue generated through tech-enabled channels, part of a broader effort to curb capital flight and bolster domestic health investment.
While separate from the Ministry of Health’s Equity Fund, the pilot is expected to yield valuable actuarial data that could shape future national health financing strategies.
“This is not a duplication of efforts. It’s a complementary, scalable model that could help drive inclusive healthcare across the country,” he clarified.
He emphasized that NICOL’s initiative also aligns with President Boakai’s ARREST agenda which prioritizes Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism by advancing inclusive, technology-driven solutions for social equity.
“The President is deeply committed to ensuring every Liberian can access healthcare. No one should be left behind because they can’t afford treatment,” Swaray said.
Swaray urged the public to support the initiative and remain optimistic about its transformative potential. “Skepticism is natural, but Liberia has shown time and again that we can lead. With technology, teamwork, and dedication, we will make this work.”
