What is the waiting period for maternity services?

A 12 month waiting period applies for maternity services, including antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. Dependants who join later than the principal member may also have waiting periods applied.

Do I need pre-authorization for all treatments?

Not every treatment needs pre-authorization, but specialist services, admissions, procedures, maternity care, optical benefits and high-value services normally require approval from UNIMED before treatment.

What is the annual limit for this cover?

Annual limits depend on the benefit category and hospital type. Review the benefit schedule for the selected cover or contact UNIMED for guidance.

Which hospitals are covered under this scheme?

Members can access accredited Government, CHAM and private hospitals according to the rules of their cover. The latest provider list is available on the Service Providers page.

Standard Cover

Home Schemes / CoversStandard Cover

Eligibility

Junior staff and eligible dependants

For junior members of staff and their dependants of UNIMA, LUANAR, MUBAS and KUHeS.

Waiting Period

12 Months

A 12 month waiting period applies for maternity services, including antenatal, delivery and postnatal care.

Annual Limit

Up to 100% in approved facilities

Depending on benefit category and hospital type.

Cover Type / Hospitals

Government, CHAM and Private Hospitals

Review the latest provider list before accessing services.

Benefits (2026 - 2027)

Benefit Category	Benefit Details
External Hospitals	75% cover of the treatment and travelling cost. UNIMED highly recommends hospitals in India, RSA and Kenya. Requires UNIMED pre-authorization. To be paid directly by UNIMED to the service provider. Only on referral from Malawi by a specialist.
Acute pharmacy medication	85% cover in UNIMED accredited service providers. Subject to the overall annual limit.
Chronic pharmacy medication	85% cover in UNIMED accredited service providers. Subject to the overall annual limit. UNIMED will allow a monthly supply of drugs.
Minor Procedures	100% in Government and CHAM hospitals. 85% in private hospitals subject to the overall annual limit.
Optical Benefits	One eye test every 24 months. Frames and lenses are covered once every 24 months. UNIMED pre-authorization required.
Maternity services: Antenatal, delivery and Postnatal	100% cover in Government and CHAM hospitals. 85% cover in private hospitals. Benefit subject to the overall annual limit. Covered once every 3 years. UNIMED pre-authorization required.
General Dentistry: Cleaning, extraction, filling, denture placement	85% cover. Subject to the overall annual limit. Check-up or cleaning limited to once every 6 months.
Specialized Dentistry: Inlays, crowns, root implants and bridges	Covered at a maximum of K500,000.00 per annum. UNIMED pre-authorization required.
Specialized Dentistry: Orthodontics	Covered at a maximum of K1,000,000.00 per annum. UNIMED pre-authorization required.
Audiology	Hearing aids are covered once every four years. Subject to a limit of MK1,000,000.00. UNIMED pre-authorization required.
Physiotherapy	100% cover in Government and CHAM hospitals. 85% cover in private hospitals. UNIMED pre-authorization required.
Psychiatry	100% cover. Subject to the overall annual limit.
Medical Check-ups	50% cover once per annum. UNIMED pre-authorization required.
Medical Examinations	Subject to an annual limit of K100,000.00. For education purposes only. UNIMED pre-authorization required.
All hospital admissions and procedures	100% cover in Government hospitals and CHAM hospitals, subject to the overall annual limit. 85% cover in private hospitals subject to the overall annual limit. Cover limited to general wards for admissions and procedures in private hospitals. UNIMED pre-authorization required.

Note:

UNIMED offers 85% cover in selected private hospitals and 100% in CHAM and government hospitals.
Please refer to the approved list of service providers.
Chronic conditions include diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and peptic ulcers.
Please refer to UNIMED exclusions.

Need help choosing a cover?

Our team is here to help you understand eligibility, benefits and provider access for Standard Cover.

Download Full Benefit Schedule View Service Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicable institutions include UNIMA, LUANAR, MUBAS, KUHeS.