Acacia unveils 'Eden Care' retail health insurance for families, informal sector

Acacia Health Insurance, a member of the Enterprise Group, has launched a new retail health insurance product named 'Eden Care' to extend quality health coverage to families, individuals, small businesses and the informal sector.

The product, which offers telemedicine, 24-hour services and digital health management, was unveiled at Advantage Place in Accra yesterday.

The Managing Director of Acacia Health Insurance, Mrs Araba Asumanu, said Eden Care marked a deliberate strategic journey of extending the strength of the company's corporate health insurance heritage into solutions that were more accessible, flexible and responsive to the realities of the retail market.

She said private health insurance had long played an important complementary role to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), but private schemes had traditionally served corporate Ghana.

"For the past decade, Acacia has served corporate Ghana with distinction by delivering quality health insurance, strong customer service and wellness-focused solutions. However, the future of healthcare access calls us to look beyond the traditional corporate market to smaller businesses, families, individuals and others whose health needs deserve the same care, quality and peace of mind," she said.

Mrs Asumanu noted that the company had heard consistent voices from families seeking greater protection beyond the NHIS or employer-sponsored cover, as well as entrepreneurs asking for solutions designed for their scale and realities.

"Across the semi-formal and informal sectors, one question has remained consistent: 'What about us?' We have heard that same question from people transitioning out of the corporate space through retirement or other life changes. Today is our answer," she added.

The idea behind 'Eden'

Explaining the name, Mrs Asumanu said many Ghanaians grew up hearing the story of the Garden of Eden, which depicted safety, a flourishing environment, and a place where everything was available and perfect.

"As adults, we understand something deeper. Eden is not just a place; it is a feeling. When people think about health insurance, they are not simply looking for a card in their wallet or a policy document in a drawer. They are looking for the assurance that when illness comes, the care they need will not be beyond reach," she said.

She stated that just as the Garden of Eden suggested safety, well-being and abundance, quality health insurance should offer the same reassurance, comfort and peace.

Mrs Asumanu said Eden Care would serve as the master brand under which all future retail solutions from Acacia would fall.

Claims 

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Group, parent company of Acacia Health Insurance, Mr Daniel Larbie Tieku, said the launch marked a significant milestone and completed a vital chapter in the enterprise narrative.

He said Enterprise Group's vision had always been to support customers throughout every stage of life, guided by a "cradle to grip" mantra covering insurance, pensions, property management and funeral services.

"In 2021, we strategically expanded our portfolio by welcoming Acacia Health Insurance into the Enterprise Group. Since joining Enterprise, Acacia has emerged as one of Ghana's premier health insurance brands, boasting an extensive network coverage and a robust corporate client base," he said.

Mr Tieku disclosed that Acacia had enhanced its claim settlement capabilities and honoured all claims requests, with payouts increasing from 63 million cedis in 2022 to a little over 128 million cedis in 2025.

"This reflects our commitment to our promise and our resilience. Our commitment to our clients and customers is to pay claims when they fall due," he said.

Private health insurance

Mr Tieku presented stark realities of the Ghanaian market, noting that with a population of approximately 32 million, only one per cent of citizens were covered by private health insurance.

He said research indicated that 61 per cent of medical expenses were financed through personal savings, assistance from family and friends, or emergency funds.

"Practically, this means that for every household, a medical emergency often translates into a financial crisis. Our research consistently underscores a clear message: the need is genuine and the gap remains substantial. This is the gap we are seeking to address," he said.

Mr Tieku said customer centricity was not merely a slogan but a disciplined practice at Enterprise, adding that the product introduced was inspired by a deep understanding of the challenges Ghanaian families encountered.

"This is not something we start today and end tomorrow. There will be a gradual rollout as time goes on, with other customised plans, to meet other demands in the market. But today, we are launching this specific retail product for the gap we have identified," he said.

NHIA 

The Acting Director of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr Baba Sadique Zankawah, lauded the product and urged for more private healthcare initiatives, stating that the government's plate to provide health insurance was full.

He charged Acacia to play by the rules and assured the company of government support.

Mr Tieku thanked the regulators, health service providers, brokers, agents and the Acacia team for their roles in making the launch possible.

He also thanked customers for their trust, saying, "We do not take it for granted."

The event was attended by regulators, health service providers, brokers, agents and staff of the Enterprise Group.