Health Insurance Penetration in Informal Sectors

Abstract

Health insurance penetration in the informal sector remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, with a large proportion of the population in this sector lacking financial protection for health risks. The informal sector, which comprises a substantial part of the workforce, faces several barriers in accessing formal health insurance. These barriers include a lack of awareness, affordability issues, and the absence of appropriate policy frameworks. This article explores the key challenges of health insurance penetration in the informal sector and offers insights into potential solutions. Through a review of literature and empirical data, the article highlights innovative strategies such as micro-insurance and community-based insurance schemes that can potentially improve health insurance access for the informal sector.