Deferral schemes

Deferral schemes allow individuals to defer payment for treatment or drugs. It is a common practice by heath workers facing patients who find it difficult to pay for care, although the process and magnitude of this practice are rarely documented. There is therefore little evidence of their impact on access to or utilisation of health services by the very poor.

Deferrals usually apply to individuals facing transient poverty, as opposed to those facing chronic poverty (which would qualify them for an exemption). Some form of poverty targeting technique may be used in some cases to distinguish both. Others offer deferrals (or exemptions) to individuals in specific age groups and/or to those suffering specific diseases or health conditions.