Health insurance and end-of-life healthcare expenditures: evidence from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey - npj Health Systems
Nature
Last updated: April 27, 2026
This study analyzes healthcare expenditures in the terminal stage of life, revealing that end-of-life care significantly contributes to overall healthcare costs. It utilizes data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey spanning 2005 to 2018 to investigate these financial implications.
- The research highlights that a considerable portion of lifetime healthcare spending is concentrated in the final phase of life. This suggests a pattern where intensive medical interventions and care are often deployed during this period.
- The study's findings are based on a longitudinal survey of a Chinese population, providing insights into the economic burden of end-of-life care within a specific demographic and geographical context.
- Key factual elements include the identification of end-of-life care as a substantial driver of healthcare expenditure. This has significant economic implications for individuals, families, and national healthcare systems.
- The data collection period of 2005–2018 allows for an examination of trends over a notable timeframe. This enables a deeper understanding of how healthcare spending at the end of life has evolved.
- The research focuses on objective data to present a factual account of healthcare costs associated with the terminal stage of life, avoiding subjective interpretations.
- The implications are primarily economic, pointing to the need for potential policy considerations regarding resource allocation and healthcare planning.
- The study's methodology, relying on a specific survey, ensures a data-driven approach to understanding this critical aspect of healthcare.
