Reaching universal health coverage is a central objective of social protection systems. Countries can choose a variety of mechanisms to secure the right to social health protection for all. This report focuses on those countries that have chosen a universal health insurance model. More specifically, while a range of publications have explored the design of such schemes, published literature on implementation modalities used in low and middle-income countries is scarce. Notably, the documentation and comparative analysis of practical processes through which vulnerable groups – such as the poor or those working in the informal economy and their families - can successfully be integrated into such schemes. This work draws on case studies spanning ten lowand middle-income countries. The analysis highlights that the unique historical trajectories and socio-economic context of each country have shaped distinct approaches to the design and delivery of universal health insurance schemes.

Key words: health insurance, social health protection, social protection, universal health cover