A Bahamian medical plan has teamed with a local digital payments provider to improve access to healthcare regardless of whether persons have a bank account.

FirstCare Medical Plan, which was launched in 2009 in a bid to make primary healthcare affordable, has teamed with Kanoo Pays to permit members to pay their monthly membership fee directly through the latter’s app. It said the entire enrollment process, straight through to payment, can now be completed on a smart phone in less than two minutes without the need for a bank account or paperwork.

Corinna Neely, FirstCare’s president, said: “For thousands of Bahamians, the barriers to private healthcare have never been just one problem. There's been three: No provider on their island, no plan they can afford, and no accessible way to pay. FirstCare addresses all of them, and this partnership removes the last obstacle standing.”

FirstCare added that it already offers primary care coverage from $49.50 per month, the equivalent of $1.5pera day, with no health examination required, no co-payment, no deductible and no claim forms. Coverage includes free doctor visits, free generic prescriptions for hypertension and diabetes, annual lab tests, urgent care, mental health counselling, imaging, mammograms and access to a trusted provider network spanning New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Andros and the US.

What has remained a challenge for some Bahamians is the ability to consistently pay their monthly membership in a way that works for their lifestyle. Kanoo helps to solve that.

"At FirstCare, we have always believed that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare," said Ms Neely. "Partnering with Kanoo means the question of how to pay is no longer a reason to go without coverage. Whether you bank with a major institution or manage your finances through your phone, your health plan is now one tap away."

Kanoo said its platform is designed specifically for markets where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or inaccessible. Users can send and receive money, pay bills and conduct secure digital transactions without a bank account. It added that its technology enables card-to-card payments that function without an Internet connection, meaning that even in the most remote island communities, a FirstCare membership can be enrolled, paid and maintained entirely on a device.

"The core of our philosophy is financial inclusion," said Jevon Butler of Kanoo Pays. "Our target market includes the millions of people across the Caribbean who are unbanked or underbanked.

“Healthcare is a financial service. When a Bahamian can pay for their health plan the same way they top up their phone or pay their light bill - quickly, easily and from wherever they are - we have done our job. We are proud to stand alongside FirstCare in making that a reality."

Ms Neely said: "The uninsured and the unbanked are not two separate problems. They are often the same resident facing the same systemic gap. This partnership addresses both at once."