Refugees, Migrants, and Universal Health Coverage in Iran: Access Challenges and Policy Options

Articles in Press

Document Type : Articles

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Assistant Professor of Global Health Studies, Department of Sociology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA

4 Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

10.30476/jhmi.2026.110144.1347

Abstract

Background:
Given the global increase in the refugee and migrant population, the need for equitable access to health services and the realization of universal health coverage has grown substantially. This study examines the challenges and provides evidence-informed policy options to primary care, pregnancy care , AIDS services, and rehabilitation for refugees and migrants in Iran.
Main Body:
Findings in these four sections show that refugees and migrants encounter several key barriers, among them language and communication problems, cultural mismatches, limited or incomplete insurance coverage, and insufficient understanding of how the Iranian health system functions. It also suggests policy options, such as the expansion of low-cost insurance coverage, strengthening cultural competency among healthcare workers, improving health literacy among refugees and migrants, reducing social stigma, and giving NGOs a more active role in service delivery.
Conclusion:
These actions can help strengthen health system responsiveness to better meet the health needs of refugees and migrants in Iran.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Health Management & Information Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 February 2026

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