Factors affecting uptake of voluntary and community-based health insurance schemes in low-and middle-income countries

This systematic review by Panda and colleagues examines the demand and supply factors that affect uptake and renewal of community-based voluntary health insurance schemes in low- and middle-income countries. The authors analysed the factors that affect joining on a voluntary basis and retaining members. The review suggests that household income, education of the head of households, age of the head of the household, household size, female-headed household, married head of the household and frequency of chronic illness episodes in the household positively affects enrolments. Whereas, acute illness episodes and elderly persons in the household negatively affects them. Education of the head of household, household size and trust in the scheme management positively correlates with renewal decisions.