Cross-Border Health Insurance and Legal Barriers: Insights from the European Union and ASEAN

Abstract

Background: Cross-border health insurance is essential for enhancing healthcare access in regions with integrated markets like the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, legal barriers often hinder its implementation and effectiveness.
Objective: This article explores the legal challenges and opportunities associated with cross-border health insurance in the EU and ASEAN. It aims to provide recommendations for overcoming these barriers to improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
Methodology: A comparative analysis of regional treaties, insurance regulations, and policy documents is conducted. Surveys with policyholders and interviews with healthcare providers in both regions highlight practical challenges and solutions.
Findings: The EU benefits from standardized regulations like the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, but bureaucratic hurdles persist. ASEAN’s lack of harmonized policies leads to significant coverage gaps. Collaborative frameworks and digital platforms could address these challenges, improving health insurance portability across borders.