HF.1.1 Public Administrations

The characteristics of government financing schemes are determined by law or by the government. A separate budget is set for the programme, and a government unit has an overall responsibility for it.

Mode of participation: automatic for all citizens and residents, or for a specific group of the population defined by law or government regulation.

Basic method for fund-raising: compulsory; domestic revenues of government, primarily taxes.

HF.1.2 Compulsory health insurance

Compulsory health insurance involves a financing arrangement to ensure access to health care for specific population groups through mandatory participation and based on the payment of health insurance contributions by or on behalf of the individuals concerned.

HF.2.1 Voluntary health insurance

This is a pre-paid healthcare financing scheme under which access to health services at the discretion of private actors (although this voluntary nature may be influenced by laws and government regulations).

Voluntary health insurance schemes are based on the purchase of an insurance policy. The insurance premiums may be directly or indirectly subsidised by the government.

HF.2.2 Non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH)

Financing schemes of non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH) refer to non-compulsory financial agreements with a right to non-contributory benefits which are based on donations from the general public, the government or companies.

The non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH) are private non-market producers.

HF.2.3 Companies

This category primarily includes arrangements where companies directly provide or finance health services for their employees (such as occupational health services), without the involvement of an insurance-type scheme.

HF.3 Direct payment households

This is a direct payment for healthcare goods and services from the primary income or savings of the household; the payment is made by the user at the time of the purchase of goods or the use of services. Includes cost-sharing and informal payments (both in cash and kind).