GuideUpdated Nov 2026 · 1 min read
Health Financing Models
Who pays for health care.
Main Models
Tax-fundedGovernment, through taxes
Social insuranceContributions from employers and workers
Private insurancePremiums
Out-of-pocketPatients directly
| Model | Paid by |
|---|---|
| Tax-funded | Government, through taxes |
| Social insurance | Contributions from employers and workers |
| Private insurance | Premiums |
| Out-of-pocket | Patients directly |
Most countries use a mix. In India, out-of-pocket payment has historically been a large share of health spending, which is why insurance matters.
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FAQs
What is out-of-pocket spending?expand_more
Money patients pay directly at the time of care.
What is social health insurance?expand_more
A scheme funded by contributions, usually from employers and workers.
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