Parliament spent more than MVR 103 million on MP and family insurance over 14 years

As of May last year, more than MVR 103 million has been spent on health insurance for Members of Parliament and their families since 2013.

The Parliament Office disclosed the figures in response to an RTI request submitted by Sun, which sought the annual cost of insurance for sitting MPs, former MPs and their families. The RTI covers every insurance cycle from May 28, 2013 to May 27, 2027.

According to the data, Parliament spent MVR 2.9 million on insurance in 2013-2014, and the annual cost remained around MVR 4.2 million for the next three years. From 2017 onwards, the expenditure increased sharply, rising to MVR 8-9.4 million a year as more former MPs became eligible and medical expenses grew. In recent years, the cost has climbed even higher, reaching MVR 11.3 million in 2024-2025 and remaining above MVR 11 million for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 cycles. Parliament said most of this spending goes toward insurance for sitting MPs, with the rest covering former MPs and their families.

In total, the RTI shows that MVR 103,074,500 has been spent on MP and family health insurance over the past 14 years.

While the total amount appears high, Parliament noted that the RTI spans a long period and includes overseas medical coverage and family benefits. When averaged annually, the expenditure is comparable to insurance schemes provided to senior state officials. However, the issue has drawn public attention because MPs already receive high salaries and allowances, and yet have repeatedly complained that accessing treatment under their insurance package has become increasingly difficult.

Earlier this year, representatives from Allied Insurance, which provides the MPs’ health insurance scheme, appeared before the Parliament’s General Committee after MPs said they were struggling to obtain treatment both in the Maldives and abroad. MPs told the committee that approval processes and coverage limits were making it harder to receive timely care, despite the rising annual cost of the scheme.