Armenia to roll out universal health insurance, but not all needs will be covered

Armenia will introduce a phased universal health insurance system over the next three years, though it will not cover all medical needs for every citizen, Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan told lawmakers on Tuesday.

“We are here today to adopt one of the most important reforms for the country,” Avanesyan said as she presented a package of bills on universal health insurance.

The minister says the system will guarantee coverage for essential health needs, stressing that while it will be universal in scope, it “will not cover all the healthcare needs of all citizens and every individual”. Instead, it will focus on conditions that drive the country’s main burden of disease and mortality.

The first phase, beginning in 2026, will insure children under 18, adults 65 and older, people aged 18-65 with disabilities or functional-assessment status, as well as individuals with a social vulnerability score of 28 or higher.

“All these groups will be insured by the state and their insurance premiums will be paid from the state budget,” Avanesyan said.