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Health systems worldwide are under unprecedented strain from ageing population and the increasing burden of chronic and non-communicable diseases. Policymakers are exploring alternatives beyond public health financing to provide equitable access to healthcare. They are also studying whether private health insurance can bridge gaps and support health systems in achieving universal coverage.

On 7 May 2025, the Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research (CHSPR) of the Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine), in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Network for Health Systems Strengthening (ANHSS), organised a regional knowledge event. The event provided a comprehensive overview of the strategic role of private health insurance in achieving health system goals and universal health coverage across the Asia-Pacific region. Over 140 policymakers, academics, regulators, economists and insurers from eight countries and regions gathered to exchange insights.

Universal health coverage: the ultimate global health goal

Universal health coverage[1] ensures that all people can access the full range of quality health services they need, whenever and wherever necessary, without financial hardship. However, according to the latest figures from the World Health Organization, about two billion people globally are facing financial hardship due to health costs, including one billion experiencing catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenses or 344 million pushed into extreme poverty.

Professor Yeoh Eng-kiong, Director of the CHSPR, said: “Private health insurance has gained attention for its potential to harness private financing which can ease public-sector burden, improve access to care, and reduce unpredictable out-of-pocket costs from pre-payment and risk-pooling. Given these challenges and opportunities, a critical discussion on private health insurance’s role in achieving health system goals and advancing universal health coverage is both timely and essential. The deliberation can provide insights into complementary financing approaches for Hong Kong’s health system, allowing it to provide equitable health coverage.”

Participants shared their expertise and insights on three main themes: the principles of universal health coverage, how different health system designs address common challenges, and how private health insurance can complement and supplement existing financing schemes as a sustainable financing tool. Speakers from mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines discussed how their countries have developed private health insurance and how this insurance works alongside the public health insurance system to achieve the goal of universal coverage. 

Professor Dr Laksono Trisnantoro, Chairman of ANHSS and Professor of Health Policy and Management of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing at the Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), said: “This regional knowledge event served as a unique platform for key stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share strategies and design evidence-informed policies leveraging private health insurance for universal coverage.”

The event was supported by ANHSS, the Tung Foundation, The Golden Jubilee Charity Foundation and several parties from the industry.

[1] Universal health coverage: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc)