Rute M. Caeiro
UNU-WIDER and NOVAFRICA
Alexander Coutts
Nova School of Business and Economics and NOVAFRICA
Teresa Molina-Millán
University of Alicante, IZA and NOVAFRICA
Pedro C. Vicente
Nova School of Business and Economics, BREAD and NOVAFRICA
ISSN 2183-0843
Working Paper No 2206
November 2022
Abstract:
In this study, we analyze the role of social networks in health insurance adoption in rural Guinea-Bissau. Using detailed social network data, and exploiting the mobilization of local female leaders to promote the insurance scheme, we find that, following the promoters’ intervention, households’ probability of take-up increased by 22 percentage points. Looking at effects along social networks, we find that households well connected to insurance promoters are more likely to adopt if promoters adopt as well. Lastly, our results show that distribution of insurance promotional material by the promoters has a positive effect in households’ adoption and payment of health insurance.
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