HiT health system reviews (HiTs) are based on a template that, revised periodically, provides detailed guidelines and specific questions, definitions, suggestions for data sources, and examples needed to compile HiTs. While the template offers a comprehensive set of questions, it is intended to be used in a flexible way to allow authors and editors to adapt it to their particular national context. The current version of the template is the result of a consultation process with HiT editors, previous HiT authors, Observatory National Lead Institutions (NLIs), WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Commission, and other Observatory partners. Several sections have been reorganized to improve accessibility and clarity for readers, while the design has been greatly improved to help authors and editors in the writing process. The result is a template that is more user-friendly for authors as it now includes clear sign posting for "essential" versus "discretionary" sections as well as indicators for tables and figures. Other new features include: summary paragraphs for all chapters; a revised and extended chapter on performance assessment; and increased focus on public health and intersectorality.