Can people afford to pay for health care? New evidence on financial protection in Latvia

ABSTRACT

Financial protection is weaker in Latvia than in many other European Union (EU) countries. Latvia’s health system relies heavily on out-of-pocket payments. The share of out-of-pocket payments in total health spending is consistently among the highest in the EU. Stronger financial protection will require additional public investment in the health system. Latvia’s public spending on health is lower than it can afford, given its gross domestic product. Any increase in public spending should be used to expand National Health Service coverage and prioritize stronger protection for poor adults and regular users of health care. This review is part of a series of country-based studies generating newevidence on financial protection in European health systems.