Universal health coverage (UHC) is at the top of the global health agenda and ‘now an ambition for all nations at all stages of development’ (World Health Organization 2013a: 5). Rapidly ageing populations, rising medical costs and financial constraints on public budgets have driven governments in both developed and developing countries to explore ways that can provide affordable health care for their people. In 2005, all member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) made the commitment to achieve UHC (World Health Organization 2013a: xi), which was ‘a collective expression of the belief that all people should have access to the health services they need without risk of financial ruin or impoverishment’ (World Health Organization 2013a: xi). The commitment also expressed ‘concern for equity and for honouring everyone’s right to health’ (World Health Organization 2013a: 5). At present, people in many countries are still denied access to health care because of insufficient financial means. Meanwhile, large numbers of people fall into poverty or fall back into poverty every year due to their inability to pay for health care. The lack of access to affordable health care unavoidably leads to deficits in health and wellbeing of people. In particular, low-income people worry about getting sick or injured because they are far less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment. The lack of access to affordable health care is also detrimental to economic development that requires a healthy and productive workforce. For many years, the affordability of health care has become a great concern for governments and their people worldwide. Governments are under great pressure to find appropriate financing strategies that can guarantee adequate and affordable health care for all people, regardless of their circumstances. They strive to achieve UHC by experimenting with different approaches and translating their plans into action.