As the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) progresses, the Chinese mainland has achieved near-universal basic medical insurance, covering 1.33 billion people in 2024. Official data show a steady coverage rate of around 95 percent across the mainland since 2018.
This expansion of public services underscores the mainland’s commitment to broad access to essential healthcare. By reaching nearly every individual, basic medical insurance has become a cornerstone of its social safety net.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, this milestone offers a powerful example of large-scale public health delivery. As debates around sustainable development and social equity intensify, the Chinese mainland’s approach highlights how policy-driven investment can drive widespread inclusion.
Looking ahead, sustaining this coverage rate will depend on adapting to demographic shifts and managing costs effectively. Yet, the current data set a strong benchmark for other economies seeking to expand healthcare access at scale.
Reference(s):
Healthcare coverage at scale: Near-universal insurance in China
cgtn.com
