THE POTENTIAL OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE SECTOR AS A KEY PLAYER IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA

Amid the economic crisis and increased global poverty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, having a health insurance plan can be a solution for the public to have access to standard and aff ordable healthcare services without having fi nancial diffi culties. In addition, countries whose citizens have health insurance and are fully covered by it are more likely to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Susta- inable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The objective of this paper is to provide perspectives on how health insurance can be a key player in the post-pandemic era. With all the changes in healthcare services due to the pandemic and technological developments, in this paper, we recommend the industry carry out reforms in both the service coverage and their operating model in the post-pandemic era. The reform is necessary not only to ensure public safety but also the sustainability of the sector itself. Specifi cally, we believe that the health insurance sector in Serbia has the capacity and the infrastructure to become the key player in ensuring the health of the population in the post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: health insurance, post-pandemic era, COVID-19, Universal Health Coverage, Sustainable Development Goals