Armenia officially launched its universal health insurance system on January 1, and the program is now on track to cover all citizens by 2028, Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan told lawmakers on Tuesday during a parliament session on the government’s 2025 budget report.
Presenting the annual report on the implementation of the 2025 state budget, Avanesyan pointed to a sharp decline in mortality. Premature deaths from circulatory system diseases fell to 85.7 per 100,000 people in 2025, down from 109 in 2018, while deaths from malignant tumors dropped to 58.4 per 100,000, compared to 75.6 in 2018. She credited the system launched on January 1, 2026, through which 1.7 million citizens now receive pharmaceutical coverage, expensive surgeries, and accessible medical care.
According to the minister, the introduction of universal health insurance has become an irreversible process and will continue to expand gradually over the coming years. “Universal health insurance is an irreversible reality, and it will continue to expand. In 2027, the system will be extended to individuals earning up to 200,000 drams per month, those working under civil contracts, and drivers engaged in taxi services,” Avanesyan said.
She added that 10 mammography services will soon open across the regions, calling it a turning point for the early detection of breast cancer.
By 2028, the process of including all remaining groups will be completed, and from January 1 of that year the insurance scheme will apply to all citizens. “Universal health insurance will cover everyone, but not everything. It will include the necessary and priority package of services aimed at addressing the key public health needs of our population,” the minister said.
The Law on Universal Health Insurance entered into force on January 1, 2026, marking the official start of the implementation of Armenia’s universal health insurance system. The system is being introduced gradually in several stages. During the first phase, it covers citizens whose monthly salary exceeds 200,000 drams. These beneficiaries receive an insurance package worth 129,600 drams. The package includes preventive healthcare services, early detection and screening programs, hospital treatment, pharmaceutical coverage, and emergency medical services.
According to Avanesyan, the government will continue expanding the range of services provided under state-funded healthcare programs, taking into account citizens’ needs and the state’s obligations. “Our policy is that within the framework of state-funded services, the government will continue to expand support to the extent required by citizens’ needs and the state’s responsibility to meet those needs. This is the policy we are pursuing,” she said.
