Abstract

One of the goals Egypt seeks to accomplish within the following years is universal health coverage to ensure that everyone will have access to quality health services. However, the healthcare system relies mainly on non-uniform out-of-pocket payments (more than 60%). This paper aims to investigate the incidence and intensity of catastrophic health payments for the population using the Xu (2005) method and estimate the pattern of catastrophic health expenditure within specific subgroups. The data used in this study is from the Egyptian Household Income, Expenditure, and Consumption Survey (HIECS 2017/2018). The study results indicate that vulnerable groups such as low-income families, the elderly, and families in rural are in the greatest need; they still can't afford adequate health services. Finally, even if universal health insurance did not work or was further delayed, specific programs should be tailored for such groups to socially protect them and accomplish the intention of "health for all".