Health economic theory

Education facts

Code: 3FH071

In this course, theoretical concepts and models from economics are used to analyse health and health care production, demand, and financing. The course deepens the student's understanding of how health care differs from other sectors from an economic perspective. It also highlights similarities, such as how consumers'/patients' and providers' behaviour is influenced by incentives. Optimal care - in terms of the quantity, quality, cost, and distribution of care in the population - is discussed from a theoretical perspective and linked to the economic tools available to policy makers to mitigate key market failures and manage demand and supply. Topics to be discussed include: pre-payment (through taxation, private or social insurance), provider payment methods (budget, fee-for-service, capitation, pay-for-performance) and patient choice (patient-driven competition to improve quality of care). The course also introduces students to the classical Grossman model (1972) of health as human capital and empirical studies of how health and socioeconomic variables influence each other. No prior knowledge of economics is required but a limited amount of mathematical notation will be used to describe several of the models.

Entry requirements

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health and healthcare, environmental health or social sciences. English proficiency equivalent to English 6/level 2 from Swedish Upper secondary education.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Health economic theory

  Umeå University

  Umeå

  Start date: 30 September 2026

  End date: 1 November 2026

  Pace of study: 100 %