This paper examines the experience with Social Health Insurance (SHI) and compulsory health schemes in selected countries to help inform the policy dialogue with governments. The purpose of this paper is to assesses country experience with SHI and identify lessons for countries where the Global Financing Facility (GFF) is active. The paper examines (i) the merits and demerits of SHI to finance health systems in LICs and MICs when compared with other coverage schemes, (ii) the likely challenges for a country that tries to move forward with SHI and (iii) potential solutions. It aims to build a common understanding about SHI to inform the health policy dialogue with governments.

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