Within the framework of universal health insurance, patients may be referred for specialized examinations not only by family doctors but also by narrow specialists, if the need arises during consultation. Samvel Kharazyan, director of the Universal Health Insurance Fund, announced this during a regular meeting of the Armenian Medical Association, addressing referral procedures.

“As family doctors have certain responsibilities, including in specific medical fields and in treating certain diseases on an outpatient basis, they may refer patients for appropriate examinations for those purposes,” Kharazyan said, according to Armenpress.

He noted that in order to avoid unnecessary difficulties for patients who travel from the regions to Yerevan for specialized consultations, a provision has been introduced allowing narrow specialists to issue referrals for certain examinations if deemed necessary.

“We have tried as much as possible to avoid inconveniences and to make reality-based decisions, introducing mechanisms to prevent deviations and avoid creating unnecessary difficulties for our patients,” Kharazyan emphasized.

Armenia’s universal health insurance system came into force on January 1, 2026. At the initial stage, it covered citizens earning 200,000 drams or more per month. In the first phase, beneficiaries also include individuals under 18 and all persons aged 65 and over, regardless of income level. The state will provide 100 percent financing for these groups in 2026.

The mandatory insurance package amounts to 129,600 drams annually and includes preventive and early detection programs, screening, hospital treatment, pharmaceutical coverage and emergency medical services. For individuals earning between 200,000 and 500,000 drams, the state covers most of the cost, and they pay only 300 drams per month, as a significant portion of funds allocated to the Zinapah foundation is redirected to the insurance system.