What the Philippines Can Learn from Other Countries in Financing Catastrophic Health Expenditures

Abstract

As efforts to pursue universal health care are escalating, so is the demand for a deliberate, well-studied strategy for achieving it. The methods of high-performing countries around the globe provide a rich source of guidance. Based on the study “Around the globe: Financing catastrophic health expenditures in selected countries”, this Policy Note summarizes and synthesizes the strategies employed by three low to upper middle-income countries, namely, the Kyrgyz Republic, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, which have relatively successful health financing schemes. It also describes common themes that were observed in the strategies of the three countries, for the consideration of policymakers in crafting a strategy for the Philippines.