Introduction: Private Health Insurance is viewed across the world as an important health financing mechanisms that serves to protect households from the direct financial consequences that comes with out-of-pocket expenditure for health care. This research investigates patients' willingness to join and pay for private health insurance scheme in Mukwaya General Hospital, Makindye Division, Kampala City. Methods: A cross sectional non‐interventionist exploratory study design was used. The study involved both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Proportionate probability sampling was done to select 150 out patients to participate in the study and Pearson’s Chi square (X2) test of association was performed to find the association between sets of categorical variables. Results: There is low level of knowledge and understanding of PHI with women (71.4%), Catholics (62.3%) and those not in formal employments (32.6%) less knowledgeable. Seventy eight (78%) of the respondents were not insured and they mentioned lack of knowledge and high premium as barriers to enrollment for PHI. Eighty three percent (83.8%) of the respondents were willing to join PHI and most of them were willing to pay less Ugshs 100,000 ($38.5) per person annually. Conclusion and recommendation: Level of knowledge and coverage of PHI s still low. Most patients were willing to join private health insurance. PHI companies and HMOs need to intensify public awareness campaigns especially in the informal sector. Varied and flexible forms of payment and improved quality services should be encouraged in order to attract and retain new subscribers.

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