Including undocumented migrants in universal health coverage: a maternal health case study from the Thailand-Myanmar border.
Naomi TschirhartWichuda JiraporncharoenRojanasak ThongkhamcharoenKulyapa YoonutTrygve OttersenChaisiri AngkurawaranonPublished in: BMC health services research (2021)
This case study offers considerations for extending health coverage to undocumented populations. Non-profit insurance funds can help to improve healthcare entitlements, provide financial protection and reduce service providers' debt. However, there are limits to programs that offer voluntary coverage for undocumented migrants. High costs associated with emergency interventions along with gaps in insurance coverage challenge the sustainability for NGO, non-profit and government health providers and may be financially disastrous for patients. Finally, in international border regions with high mobility, it may be valuable to implement and strengthen cross border referrals and health insurance for migrants.