This report, The Role of Healthcare in Reducing Inequalities and Poverty in the EU, published by the European Commission, explores how public healthcare can alleviate social and economic disparities across EU Member States. Chapter 2 examines household-level...
Italy experiences higher catastrophic health spending than many EU countries, predominantly affecting low-income, southern-region, and pensioner-headed households, driven by outpatient medicines and care for poorer groups and dental care for wealthier ones....
The report published by the NCD Alliance addresses one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. Chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, along with mental health conditions, now account for the majority of...
Germany's statutory health insurance expenditure has consistently outpaced member contribution revenues by about 1% annually for nearly 25 years, necessitating further contribution rate increases unless policy changes occur. A proposed spending moratorium aims to...
Czechia has established 29 community mental health centres (CMHCs) using EU funds, bringing together health and social care professionals to provide comprehensive, person-centred services for people with severe mental health conditions. These centres have improved...
Czechia exhibits lower catastrophic health spending than many EU countries, but the poorest quintile and older adults still face high out-of-pocket costs, primarily for outpatient medicines. Gaps in coverage—limited co-payment protections, inadequate adult corrective...
In Slovakia, catastrophic health spending is lower than in many EU countries but has been rising, disproportionately affecting low-income households and older people, mainly due to out-of-pocket spending on outpatient medicines. Despite a comprehensive benefits...
Greece experiences higher levels of catastrophic health spending than many EU countries, with the burden falling most heavily on low-income households due to spending on medicines and outpatient care, while wealthier households face higher costs for inpatient and...
Slovenia has one of the lowest levels of catastrophic health spending in Europe, thanks to its comprehensive publicly financed benefits and, until 2024, complementary voluntary health insurance (VHI) that protected people from co-payments. A major 2024 reform...
The effective allocation and execution of health budgets are central to ensuring that health systems operate efficiently, equitably, and sustainably. The World Bank’s latest publication, Budget Execution in Health: From Bottlenecks to Solutions – Case Study Series,...
This report on healthcare spending, and its analysis for the period between 2017-2022 was published by the Government of Argentina in April 2025. It is the result of the joint work of the Directorate of Health Economics of the National Ministry of Health with the...
Portugal faces higher-than-average catastrophic health spending in Europe, primarily impacting the poorest households and driven by outpatient medicine costs. Despite universal access based on residence and a relatively comprehensive benefits package, coverage gaps...
The integration of refugees into national health systems requires context-specific strategies that account for societal attitudes, organizational structures, and financial realities, rather than relying on a single universal approach. Political commitment to universal...
Georgia’s move toward universal health coverage is challenged by a largely private health sector and weak governance. Insufficient regulatory detail, purchasing gaps, and poor stakeholder dialogue undermine care quality and equity. Strengthening governance requires...
The 10 Year Health Plan for England seizes the opportunities provided by new technologies, medicines, and innovations to deliver better care for all patients – wherever they live and whatever they earn – and better value for taxpayers. It is making 3 big shifts to how...
