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Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:51
Abstract
Health Economics analyses how economic principles apply to the healthcare sector and the welfare state in relation to health. In this course, we will focus on the individuals’ role in the healthcare market, the differences in health systems, the demand and supply of health, and the role of insurance. Government interventions and public policies will be addressed.
Objective
The main goal of the course is to familiarize students with the central concepts and principles of health economics. The course aims at providing a good understanding of theoretical economic principles in the field of health and some applications in terms of public policies and interventions. Students will get knowledge of the theoretical background, economic implications and empirical evidence in the field of health and healthcare sectors. Students will be able to analyse economic reports in the healthcare field, understanding data and assessing the role of insurance and public policies on health matters. After taking this course, students will be able to: • Understand the basic economic aspects related to health economic modelling. • Describe the demand side of the healthcare systems including the role of asymmetric information and moral hazard in health matters • Understand the basic structure of health insurance. • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different healthcare systems. • Understand the policy evaluation relevant to public health policies and the role of government interventions. • Identify research questions related to health challenges such as the role of vaccine, prevention and ageing • Understand health reports from official statistics and the role of current public policies in health and healthcare.
Content
The course Health Economics provides the tool to understand the role of the agent in the healthcare economy. As the recent COVID-19 pandemic has shown, individuals' actions in terms of behaviours, demand and supply can contribute to different health outcomes and are central in developed economies. The role of welfare systems in health and insurance companies is also key. In the course, we will start analysing the agent's role and the principles of health economics models, as well as the supply and demand and the role of insurance. Finally, examples of welfare systems and interventions will be provided. Empirical data and case-study analysis will provide examples of the real-world context and application of the principles of health economics. The course will be divided into four blocks: 1) theoretical principles of health economics, 2) the demand for healthcare including asymmetric information and moral hazard topics, 3) the supply of healthcare (including the role of induced demand and the relation principal-agent), 4) welfare systems, economic interventions and public policy evaluations. Slides will be provided. The assessment will consist of one oral presentation and a written project to be conducted in a group. The subjects will be discussed together with the Lecturer.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Health Economics | No time listed | 2 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Management, Technology and Economics Master (Welcome and Introduction to MSc ETH MTEC 14 September 2026, 14.00 - 16.15, Room HG E 1.1)
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