In low-income countries an estimated 90 % of people have no financial protection against catastrophic health expenditures. Globally, about 39 % of the population is lacking such coverage. As a result, about 40 % of health expenditures globally are shouldered directly by the sick and their families. Countries in Southeast Asia are no exception to this global trend. The importance and potential of social protection and social health protection in reducing poverty and inequalities and contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable economic development is recognised in the 2015 Sustainable Development Agenda.