National health has long ceased to be merely a social issue. Today, it is a matter of state resilience, economic stability, and the quality of human capital. That is why Kazakhstan’s mandatory social health insurance system is entering a fundamentally new stage – and from 2026 will begin operating under different, more mature rules, DKNews.kz reports.
This was stated by Aida Balayeva, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who emphasized that mandatory health insurance is becoming not just an element of social policy, but a strategic instrument for the country’s long-term development.
“The health of the nation is the state’s top priority and the foundation of sustainable development,” Aida Balayeva noted.
From Formal Participation to Real Protection
Over the past few years, the mandatory social health insurance system has covered nearly 17 million people – more than 82% of the country’s population. More than 12 million of them belong to preferential categories whose contributions are paid by the state. Another 4.5 million Kazakhstanis pay contributions independently.
However, as the Deputy Prime Minister stressed, it is not only the scale of coverage that matters, but also the tangible benefits each individual receives.
“Mandatory social health insurance is a key mechanism for protecting the health of every citizen. The insurance system makes medical care accessible, modern, and fair.”
From 2026 onward, having insured status will no longer be a formality. A wide range of medical services will be available on a planned basis – without emergency situations and without additional financial burden on families.
What Changes from January 1, 2026
Starting next year, large-scale changes will take effect within the mandatory social health insurance system, aimed at improving access to medical care and strengthening public health.
“From January 1, 2026, important changes will come into force in the mandatory social health insurance system, aimed at strengthening the health of our citizens and increasing the accessibility of medical care,” Aida Balayeva emphasized.
The key innovation is a significant expansion of the medical services package, primarily for patients with chronic diseases.
Chronic Diseases Under Insurance Protection
From 2026, the mandatory health insurance package will include chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cerebral palsy in children, rheumatism, and systemic connective tissue disorders.
“These patients will now receive medical consultations, necessary medications, and treatment in full within the framework of mandatory health insurance,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated.
This marks a shift from fragmented treatment to systematic, continuous medical support.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Focus on Prevention
Today, around 1.5 million people in Kazakhstan are registered with arterial hypertension. Each year, more than 50,000 complications are recorded – including strokes and heart attacks.
“From next year, all necessary medical care for such patients will be covered by social insurance,” Aida Balayeva noted.
Thus, the mandatory health insurance system is placing emphasis not only on treating consequences, but also on prevention and long-term disease control.
Kidney Failure: Expensive Treatment Without Financial Pressure
Special attention in the reform is given to patients with chronic kidney disease. More than 25,000 Kazakhstanis live with this diagnosis, and around 8,000 require hemodialysis.
“From January 1, 2026, monitoring, diagnostics, medication provision, hemodialysis, and even kidney transplantation will be included in the insurance package and provided free of charge to insured citizens,” emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information.
For thousands of families, this removes one of the heaviest financial burdens associated with treatment.
Diabetes: Lifelong Monitoring Without Lifelong Costs
Diabetes remains one of the most widespread non-communicable diseases. In Kazakhstan, approximately 500,000 people live with this diagnosis.
“From 2026, treatment and dispensary monitoring of patients with diabetes will be included in the mandatory health insurance system,” Aida Balayeva reported.
According to her, all scheduled visits, necessary examinations, and medication provision will be available without additional payment. The key condition is insured status within the system.
What Remains Outside the Mandatory Insurance System
At the same time, the state continues to finance 11 socially significant diseases within the guaranteed volume of free medical care.
“It is important to note that the vast majority of chronic diseases are now fully covered by the insurance system,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
Rural Population: Equal Access to Healthcare
Rural residents are now fully integrated into the mandatory health insurance system. A significant proportion of villagers belong to preferential categories, with their contributions paid by the state.
“They are guaranteed access to specialist consultations, expensive diagnostic tests, high-tech treatment methods, and essential medications,” Aida Balayeva noted.
From January 1, 2026, under a new provision of the law, low-income citizens in categories D and E will also be insured and able to receive diagnostics and treatment without barriers.
Self-Employed: Affordable Cost for Serious Protection
A so-called “soft entry” into the system is предусмотрен for the self-employed population.
“By paying 4,250 tenge per month or 51,000 tenge per year, self-employed citizens can receive medical care, including costly treatment,” the Deputy Prime Minister stressed.
This decision helps expand coverage and ensure equal access to healthcare.
The Economics of Health and System Sustainability
The mandatory social health insurance system reduces financial risks for families, strengthens the resilience of the healthcare system, and allows the state to develop healthcare at a qualitatively new level.
“The main goal of all these changes is to ensure that every person has access to high-quality and timely medical care,” Aida Balayeva noted.
Health as an Investment in the Country’s Future
According to the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information, the state will continue to expand the coverage of the mandatory health insurance system so that as many citizens as possible can benefit from its opportunities.
“I urge everyone who has not yet joined the mandatory social health insurance system to carefully study its advantages and assess the real protection it provides,” she said.
Concluding her remarks, Aida Balayeva emphasized that citizens’ health is the foundation of the country’s human potential.
“Your health, well-being, and potential are extremely important to us. I encourage everyone to join the mandatory health insurance system and secure access to high-quality and timely medical care.”
