In Zimbabwe, a growing trend of prioritizing funeral insurance over health coverage reflects a profound cultural perspective on life and death, revealing the harsh realities faced by many in a country where access to healthcare is marred by financial barriers. As individuals struggle with the high costs of medical treatment, they increasingly turn to funeral policies to ensure dignified farewells, initiating a change in how society perceives financial security in life and after death. This article explores how the widespread embrace of funeral insurance juxtaposes the dire need for accessible healthcare and highlights the societal values that shape these choices.
In Harare, Zimbabwe, the plight of Steward Ganda, who spent his final months suffering from severe ailments without adequate medical care, prompts reflection on a troubling trend within the nation’s healthcare landscape. Ganda, 60, lived in a low-income suburb of Harare and was confined to his bed due to debilitating pain in his legs, which prevented him from running the small tuck shop he operated. Like millions of Zimbabweans lacking health insurance and unable to afford hospital costs, he opted to endure his illness in silence, hoping for recovery without professional intervention.
As his condition deteriorated, family members urged him to seek medical help, leading to his admission at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. Initial assessments suggested he might have suffered a stroke, but subsequent examinations pointed to potential kidney issues requiring specialist consultation, the fee for which was a staggering 0. Without sufficient savings, Ganda’s family spent a month attempting to gather the funds, but unfortunately, it was too late. He passed away barely a month after his hospitalization.
Although Ganda could not afford health insurance—averaging about 0 per month—he ensured he maintained his monthly payment to Nyaradzo Group, a funeral services provider that covered his post-death costs. This situation is emblematic of a larger phenomenon in Zimbabwe, where more individuals are investing in funeral insurance than health coverage. Recent data reveal that such policies have become the country’s most widely held financial products, as countless Zimbabweans prioritize preparations for death over survival.
Despite health insurance being accessible through formal employment, the reality remains grim, with fewer than 900,000 Zimbabweans formally employed among a population of approximately 16 million. Presently, around 90 percent of citizens are without health insurance and must finance medical care out of pocket, according to data from Zimbabwe’s National Statistics Agency for the 2023-2024 period. Funeral insurance, conversely, is deemed more affordable and resonates culturally, catering to a populace that places significant importance on dignity in death.
In many communities, access to medical care remains limited as public healthcare facilities struggle with underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and staffing shortages. While government health plans may be available for as little as per month, they often fall short in delivering quality care. In contrast, private insurance plans can be prohibitively expensive, sometimes reaching hundreds of dollars, making them unattainable for many families living on less than .65 a day. In this context, funeral plans are seen as a practical and culturally significant way to ensure a dignified farewell.
The public health system’s chronic challenges—such as a glaring lack of hospital beds and high maternal mortality rates—underscore the urgency of the situation. With funeral insurance accounting for a staggering 66 percent of all revenue in life assurance, it reignites discussions on Zimbabweans’ prioritization of death over health. Critics, including cultural advocate Pearson Takaingei Marinda, lament this trend as the “commercialization of life,” noting that traditional practices surrounding death are being overshadowed by financial concerns.
Nonetheless, many communities are adapting by establishing informal burial societies, providing necessary assistance to bereaved families. Such initiatives not only help with funeral costs but also extend support in the form of food and basic supplies, reflecting a communal spirit that resists the growth of economic hardship.
While the Zimbabwean government plans to introduce a national health insurance scheme aimed at addressing existing healthcare deficiencies, the challenges remain significant. Experts stress the need for ongoing awareness and educational efforts regarding health insurance, advocating that diasporans contribute to funding health insurance for their families back home. As Zimbabwe navigates these pressing challenges, the interplay between choices in funeral and health insurance continues to shape the cultural narrative around death and dignity.
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