Iran is one of the few countries in the world to cover refugees under Universal Public Health Insurance scheme, the same as nationals.
The Universal Public Health Insurance (UPHI) is a government-run initiative between BAFIA, UNHCR Iran and the Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME).
UPHI offers all refugees the possibility to enroll and benefit from a comprehensive health insurance package similar to that available to Iranians. UPHI covers hospitalization, para-clinical and out-patient services, including doctor’s visits, radiology, lab tests and medication costs incurred at any MoH-affiliated hospital/pharmacy.
Complementing the Government of Iran’s generous contribution, UNHCR’s support covers 100% of the premium costs for 92,000 of the most vulnerable refugees including those with Special Diseases[1] and their family members. The remaining refugee population enrolls in the same healthcare package by paying the full premium of IRR 890,000 / month (approx. $11.11/month) in order to receive their booklet, which provides 12 months of insurance coverage.
In addition to improving refugees’ access to healthcare, the insurance scheme offers potential direct and indirect protection dividends including reducing the risk of negative coping mechanisms related to economic vulnerability, due to high out-of-pocket health expenditures, such as withdrawing children from education.
[1] Special Diseases include Haemophilia, Thalassemia, Renal Failure, Kidney Transplant, and Multiple Sclerosis as defined by Iranian MoH