Can private health insurance address gaps in publicly funded coverage? Can it improve access to healthcare and enhance the efficiency of health service delivery? Can it provide financial relief for governments struggling to generate public revenue for healthcare? This publication examines the achievements, shortcomings, and obstacles faced by private health insurance on a global scale, with country-specific case studies authored by renowned national experts. Each case study explores the influence of historical and political factors on the development of private health insurance and its impact on the performance of healthcare systems. Despite variations in the size and operation of private health insurance markets, the book identifies common trends across countries, offering valuable insights for policymakers. It also highlights how history and politics have consistently hindered the implementation of effective public policies. This book is also accessible as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

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