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Health Insurance Law in Kosovo: A Promise Unfulfilled

by Kaia

Pristina, Kosovo – Despite repeated promises over the years, Kosovo’s long-awaited Health Insurance Law remains unimplemented, leaving citizens to bear the financial burden of health services. While the law was approved in 2014, its actual enforcement has stalled, with key components like the Health Information System still not functional, and essential services and medications yet to be defined.

The issue has persisted, with health insurance becoming a recurring campaign promise but no tangible progress to date. Even though the draft law was approved in August 2023, citizens continue to face the full costs of healthcare services, particularly when treatment abroad becomes necessary.

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Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, recently downplayed the significance of health insurance, suggesting that citizens already pay relatively little for most healthcare services. He argued that health insurance does not prevent disease or eliminate the need for treatment. However, this perspective does little to ease the financial strain faced by families dealing with severe health conditions.

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The Impact on Families and Patients

Without health insurance, many Kosovars are forced to cover medical expenses out of pocket. One particularly poignant example comes from a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that requires specialized treatment. The parent, who sought treatment abroad, shared how the family spent over €2,000 on necessary therapies, including antibiotics, pancreatic enzymes, and vitamins, as Kosovo lacks the specialized treatments required for the condition.

Kosovo’s failure to implement health insurance has financially burdened these families, forcing them to pay for medications and therapies not available locally, or travel abroad for better care. The absence of health insurance is particularly troubling for those with chronic or rare diseases, who require ongoing, expensive treatment.

Policing and Health Coverage: A Notable Absence

In a troubling development, the Kosovo Police remain the only force in the region without access to health insurance. While police officers are exempt from certain costs, their health needs are still not adequately addressed. Bekim Ibishi, a former police officer, highlighted how the lack of health coverage creates significant financial and personal challenges for officers, particularly those battling chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes. With salaries not enough to cover the costs of treatment, many are left struggling to afford medications or seek necessary care.

“There is no salary that covers health expenses. If someone gets sick, sometimes they have to sell their house or go into debt,” said Ibishi. “Health insurance is the only thing that could truly help them.”

Private Sector Workers Left Behind

For private sector workers, the situation is similarly bleak. Jusuf Azemi, president of the Private Sector Workers’ Union, lamented the lack of progress on health insurance for workers in the private sector, particularly technical staff earning minimal wages. “How can a worker manage when they earn 238 euros per month? They can’t afford their own medicines, let alone medical bills, especially with the flu season and shortages in hospitals,” Azemi said.

Despite years of negotiations and promises, no political party has succeeded in making the health insurance law a reality, leaving workers to fend for themselves.

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What’s Next for Health Insurance in Kosovo?

The Ministry of Health has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the enforcement of the health insurance law. For the law to become operational, experts say that the Health Information System must be fully functional, and a clear list of covered services and medicines must be established.

As Kosovo enters another election cycle, health insurance remains a central campaign promise. However, unless the government takes meaningful action to address the technical and financial obstacles that have delayed its implementation, citizens will continue to face the challenge of unaffordable healthcare.

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