In recent years governments in developing countries have recognized the importance of poverty and health. The cost of health care, especially following catastrophic illness or injury, can drive people into poverty.  At the same time those already in poverty may be excluded from health care due to cost. To provide adequate health for the poor and the vulnerable, health insurance has been introduced in some developing counties. The coverage is initially low in most areas. Its acceptability is yet to be understood by the people, and its importance to health outcomes is yet to be analyses critically.  DSS is very relevant and has much to offer in terms of feedback on the design, management and effect of Health Insurance Schemes on population health.

Where health insurance is operating in a DSA, information on coverage, clear understanding of the system and its impact on health outcomes can be collected through a dedicated DSS survey module.  Currently the Dodowa, Kintampo and Navrongo Demographic Surveillance System (all in Ghana) have been providing their respective Health Insurance Schemes with actuarial information on Communities, Houses, Households and data on some demographic characteristics of individuals in the DSA.