1- National Center for Health Insurance Research, Tehran, Iran
2- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran ,moradi2011@yahoo.com
2- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran ,
Abstract: (17 Views)
Financial Toxicity, defined as the economic burden and psychological distress caused by the costs of treating cancer and chronic diseases, has become an increasing challenge in Iran’s health system, placing patients at risk of debt, reduced quality of life, and even treatment discontinuation or incompletion. Despite the implementation of universal health insurance coverage, limited resources, high out-of-pocket payments, and insufficient coverage of drugs and advanced therapies continue to impose substantial financial pressure on patients. A review of international evidence indicates that interventions such as patient financial navigation, direct financial support, expanded and deeper insurance coverage, reduction of out-of-pocket payments, improved cost transparency, and functional integration of insurance organizations can effectively reduce patients’ financial burden and enhance equity in access to health services. This policy brief reviews current challenges and provides practical, evidence-based recommendations, emphasizing the need to adopt comprehensive, sustainable, and multi-dimensional policies to reduce financial toxicity within Iran’s health insurance system.
Keywords: Financial Toxicity, Health Insurance, Financial Protection, Out-of-Pocket Payment, Health Policy, Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Type of Study: Policy Brief |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/11/27 | Revised: 2025/12/6 | Accepted: 2025/12/6
Received: 2025/11/27 | Revised: 2025/12/6 | Accepted: 2025/12/6
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