Universal Mandatory Health Insurance in Armenia: Key Features and Implementation in 2026

Universal Mandatory Health Insurance (UMHI) is a key reform of Armenia’s healthcare system, which entered into force on 1 January 2026. The system is designed to improve access to medical services, reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs, and introduce a more sustainable and predictable model for healthcare financing.

The reform introduces a structured approach to funding healthcare through a combination of state support and mandatory insurance contributions provided that certain population groups are fully insured by the state.

What Is Universal Mandatory Health Insurance

Universal Mandatory Health Insurance is a state-regulated system which guarantees insured people access to a basic package of medical services through mandatory participation. The system combines state funding and insurance contributions to finance healthcare services.

Major reform objectives:

• Ensure broader access to healthcare services
• Reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Strengthen financial protection in case of illness
• Create a more stable and predictable healthcare financing system

Core Principles of the UMHI system:

• Universality – coverage is gradually extended to the entire population
• Solidarity – financial contributions are pooled within the system
• Equal access – insured persons receive the same guaranteed package of services
• Mandatory participation – insurance participation is not voluntary
• State responsibility – the government covers insurance costs for vulnerable groups
  
  

Population Groups Covered in 2026

As part of the first stage of implementation, the following groups are covered in 2026:

• Children under 18
• Citizens aged 65+
• People with disabilities (Groups I–III)
• People with functional limitations
• Socially vulnerable people
• People registered in the social support system
• Families of fallen servicemen
• Employed people with a monthly income above AMD 200,000

Who Pays for Insurance

For certain groups, the insurance cost is fully covered by the state, including children, elderly people, individuals with disabilities, and socially vulnerable population.

Employed people with a monthly income above AMD 200,000 are required to participate in the system by paying mandatory insurance contributions. These individuals receive access to the same guaranteed package of healthcare services as other insured people.

Covered Services

The system provides a guaranteed basic package of healthcare services, which generally includes:

• Primary healthcare services
• Emergency medical care
• Inpatient and outpatient treatment
• Diagnostic and laboratory services
• Certain medicines and medical procedures
• Preventive care and screenings

The exact scope of services is determined by government regulations and may be updated as the system develops.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Universal Mandatory Health Insurance marks an important step in the modernization of Armenia’s healthcare system. The reform aims to expand healthcare coverage, improve financial protection for patients, and ensure more predictable access to essential medical services.