OBJECTIVES: Social health insurance (SHI) schemes are adequate method to achieve universal health coverage and protecting the population from financial problem related healthcare by reducing the out-of pocket payment. This study aimed to evaluate willingness to pay for SHI and their related factors to join the SHI among population particularly in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia.

METHODS: A cross‑sectional study design using contingent valuation method was employed. Participants were recruited from four districts in Yogyakarta province, during time period of January to March 2019. Participants’ mean willingness to pay (WTP) and barriers of WTP were explored. Sociodemographics predictors of WTP were identified using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 625 participants were participated in this study. Majority of respondents (87.36%) were willing to pay for SHI at the current regulated package. The average of participants willing to pay for SHI was about 1.67% of their monthly salary. However, most of participants (67.58%) did not willing to enroll for SHI with copayment. Provision of quality of health services and wide range of benefit packages influenced the willingness to pay. Lack of money to pay and health is not a priority were the major barriers of willingness to pay among the population.

CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study revealed the positive correlation between family size, income, educational level, past experience of hospitalization and current health status with the willingness to pay for SHI. The government should pay attention to the co-payment level and improve the quality of care of the SHI scheme.