Accessing diagnostic tests can be expensive — especially if you’re managing a chronic health condition. In Jamaica, the NHFCard Programme from the National Health Fund (NHF) helps ease that burden by subsidising selected diagnostic tests at participating providers across the island.
In this blog, we break down exactly how the NHF supports diagnostic testing, how to apply, what you need (like your TRN), and where you can use the benefits.
What Diagnostic Tests Does NHF Help With?
The NHF Card isn’t just for medications — it also includes subsidised diagnostic and screening tests that are key to managing chronic conditions. These can include tests such as:
- Diabetes
- Each year, you can get up to four (4) HBA1IC tests done at selected laboratories
- Pap Smear
- A contribution of $1300 is provided for a Pap Smear once every three years for women 21 to 64 years. ( To optimize the savings on this you can ask you physician to do the procedure and you take the sample to the lab)
- Mammogram
- Women 40-74 years get $3000 towards a mammogram once per year. (To maximise your savings you can use this at the Jamaica Cancer Society where the cost is $6500)
- Breast Receptor Study
- A contribution of $12,500 is provided for the Breast Cancer Receptor Study test with a maximum of two tests. This is done at the University of West Indies Laboratory.
- Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA)
- A contribution of $1,920 is provided for the PSA test to check for prostate cancer. One test is available for men 40 to 74 years with an NHFCard.
- ECG
- Each year you can get $1,750 for an ECG at selected diagnostic centres.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for diagnostic assistance through NHF, you must:
Complete the NHF Card application with your Tax Registration Number (TRN) included in Section A of the form.
For PSA and Pap smear screening specifically, you can apply even if you’re not diagnosed with a covered condition — you’ll just complete Section A and submit it at a NHFCard Centre.
How to Apply
Applying for your NHFCard is simple:
Download the NHF application form: You can get the form online at the NHF website — here is the official application page ➝ Apply for the NHFCard (Official Form).
Complete Section A: Include your TRN — this is required before the application can be processed.
- Submit at a NHFCard Centre: Once submitted to a same-day service location, the card is usually issued within about 24 hours — meaning you can start accessing benefits quickly.
Where You Can Use Your NHF Card
Not every lab or clinic accepts NHF diagnostic benefits — you must go to a participating provider. Luckily, the NHF publishes a detailed, parish-by-parish list of approved diagnostic screening providers across Jamaica.
You can view or download the current list of diagnostic and screening partners by parish here:
NHF Participating Providers by Parish (Official List)
This list shows providers offering tests like HbA1c, PSA, Pap smears, ECG and others in parishes such as Clarendon, Kingston & St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Manchester, St. Ann, and more.
It’s a great idea to check this list before booking a test so you know whether the clinic you plan to visit accepts NHF diagnostic benefits.
Important Tips
Bring your NHFCard with you: You’ll need it when getting a test done to receive the subsidy.
Check your condition coverage: Not all tests are covered for all conditions, so confirm with the provider or your doctor first.
TRN is essential: Your application won’t be processed without it.
Diagnostic tests are a key part of managing chronic illnesses effectively. The NHF diagnostic assistance programme allows many Jamaicans to stay on top of their health without the full out-of-pocket cost. By applying early, making sure your TRN is included, and using the provider list to choose participating labs or clinics, you can stretch your healthcare budget further — and get the care you need.
