Did good universal healthcare facilitate mobility during COVID-19? From a moral hazard perspective

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries worldwide implemented universal healthcare. Despite its critical linkages to the economy, academic research on people's mobility is still lacking. Nonetheless, ethical problems related to moral hazard in healthcare, it can have advantages. This study examined the impact of universal healthcare on mobility, including transportation and other mobility trends, from a moral hazard perspective, considering the inconclusive controversy regarding the moral hazard of universal healthcare. Methods Using panel data, this study conducted an analysis using a feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) model. Results Good universal healthcare coverage increased community mobility after controlling for vaccination and other variables. This study highlights the positive aspects of universal healthcare from a moral hazard perspective, which boosts mobility by relieving the burden and achieving public interest and welfare, rather than negative influences. Conclusions and implications This study supports the practical importance of universal healthcare in increasing mobility trends in transportation and various other areas, while maintaining productivity and welfare, and subsequently, the economy. Theoretically, moral hazard may present a certain degree of inefficiency, but it is not necessarily detrimental to increasing mobility. This implication can help balance the double-sided characteristics of moral hazard. This study emphasizes the importance of universal healthcare in maintaining mobility, transportation, and related policies against future contagious diseases.