[The Chilean health system financing].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the Chilean health system financing based on the most recent available data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using the WHO World Health Report 2000 framework, this paper analyzes the Chilean health system financing, with special emphasis on insurance schemes.

RESULTS

The analysis shows that a great proportion of people is covered by the existing health insurance schemes (about 88%). However, there is a tendency towards segmentation of the population in terms of risk and income.Additionally, efforts have been made, especially by FONASA (National Health Fund), to perform a strategic purchasing of healthcare.

CONCLUSIONS

There still is a need for improving the Chilean health system financing in terms of pooling and strategic purchasing.