Mongolian experiences with health insurance: are success factors unique?

We describe the health insurance model implemented in Mongolia after the Soviet Bloc collapsed in 1990, and note some of its good features. We then discuss the structural weaknesses that became evident over the first ten years of use, and some current proposals for reform. Finally, we consider the factors that appear to have affected success. We argue that the main constraints are much the same as in other countries including Australia--and relate more to confusion and disagreement over broad policy issues than to detailed knowledge of technical aspects or the research evidence.