Universal health coverage means everyone is able to use the quality health services they need without experiencing financial hardship. Out-of-pocket payments can create a financial barrier to access, resulting in unmet need, and lead to financial hardship among people using health services, including medicines.
WHO/Europe works with Member States to monitor financial protection and find ways of reducing out-of-pocket payments for the people most in need of protection.
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5 September 2025
Can people afford to pay for health care? New evidence on financial protection in Italy
This review is part of a series of country-based studies generating new evidence on affordable access to health care (financial protection) in...

29 August 2025
Using European Union funds to improve access to community-based mental health care: lessons from Czechia
Czechia has recently used European Union European Structural and Investment Funds to build, staff and operate 29 community mental health centres (CMHCs)...