Health Insurance Coverage for Individuals with Disabilities in Egypt 2018
Prepared: Alzahraa Ahmed Abdullah Statistician at Central Agency for Public Mobilization And Statistics, Egypt Email: alzahraaahmed@pg.cu.edu.eg Tel: +2 01065260085
ABSTRACT
Background: The percentage of people with disabilities in the world has reached 16%, estimated at 1.3 billion people, which is equivalent to 1 per 6 people worldwide (WHO 2023).This number has increased over the years and is expected will continue to rise due to demographic and epidemiological changes (WHO 2022).We notice this difference when comparing this percentage with previous estimates by the World Health Organization in the 1970s. which was about 10% As explained by the World Health Organization's World Report on Disability 2011 (WHO 2011). Health insurance is a way to pay for all or part of required medical expenses and is recognized as a key component of Universal Health Coverage “UHS”, which meaning that all people can access health care services without suffering financial hardship (WHO 2023). The total number of health insurance beneficiaries in Egypt reached 69 million in 2024 (SIS 2024) compared to 57 million beneficiaries in 2020 (CAPMAS 2022).
Aims: Measuring health insurance coverage for individuals with disabilities aged (18-59) in Egypt 2018, and identifying their demographic, economic and social characteristics compared to their non-disabled counterparts.
Method: Descriptive analysis technique using the Egypt Labor Market Panel Survey (ELMPS 2018).
Expected results: Decrease in health insurance coverage for individuals aged (18-59). The government sector is the main source of health insurance coverage. Health insurance coverage percentage for individuals vary according to different characteristics. Increase in financial expenses for those uninsured.
Key words: Disability - Coverage - Health insurance - Government sector - Labor Market - Panel Survey - Egypt
