AMMAN — Minister of State for Economic Affairs Muhannad Shehadeh on Tuesday reaffirmed that every Jordanian citizen is insured against cancer.

 

He stressed that the government will provide treatment for any cancer patient, whether in public hospitals, the King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC), or facilities operated by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, the Jordan news agency, Petra, reported.

 

Shehadeh said in a press statement that the government remains committed to the Economic Modernisation Vision, which centres on growth, improving Jordanians’ quality of life and strengthening social protection, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

He also announced the implementation of a decision taken in April, under which an agreement was signed with KHCC to insure 4.1 million citizens at a cost of JD124 million allocated in the 2026 budget, while the foundation will cover the remaining JD8.5 million.

 

The minister also said the programme covers senior citizens aged 60 and above (born in 1965 or later) who are not enrolled in military or private health insurance, children under 19, and families benefiting from the National Aid Fund.

 

Shehadeh added that the purpose of the insurance is to strengthen social protection, a central pillar of the government’s programme within the modernisation vision over the past years. He explained that the system moved away from exemptions towards comprehensive health insurance.

 

Regarding the insurance card, he said it is now available through the Sanad application operated by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship. Eligible citizens can begin obtaining their insurance cards starting today, ahead of the official activation of the coverage on 1 January 2026, according to a ministry statement.

 

The government also launched an online platform allowing the public to check their eligibility for cancer treatment coverage using their national number through cancer-insurance.gov.jo, facilitating access to information and services, he added.

 

He stressed that any cancer patient outside the listed categories is still covered by government insurance.

 

He affirmed that the government will treat any cancer patient in public hospitals or the Royal Medical Services, and if a hospital lacks available beds or certain treatments, the patient will be referred to KHCC through the relevant committees.

 

The government has unveiled a new health insurance initiative that will provide cancer treatment coverage for 4.1 million Jordanians at KHCC, starting 1 January 2026, under the "Reayah" (‘healthcare’ in English) programme.

 

The agreement was signed by the government and the KHCC in the presence of Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) and Centre (KHCC).

 

The agreement comes as a part of Jordan’s broader plan to achieve universal health coverage, with provisions for future expansion of eligibility.