Health Care Around The World
August 24, 2017
Reviewed and Updated by Anastasia Iliou,
Health Care Around The World
With all of the coming changes to health insurance, are you curious what other countries do for health coverage? Let’s take a look at health care around the world.
The U.K. & The Commonwealth
Essentially everyone in the U.K. has access to free health care. Even visitors receive free emergency care! That comes with a different kind of price, though. As the U.K. tries to cut costs, quality of care decreases.
Australia’s health care system is called Medicare, but it is available for all citizens, not only seniors. It is almost entirely government-funded. 25% comes from the Australian government and 43% comes from the Commonwealth.
France
In France, doctor’s appointments essentially cost one euro, which is currently worth a bit more than one American dollar. Patients pay with a card and receive 100% reimbursement later, minus one euro to help fund nation-wide health care activities. Special care and drugs are reimbursed at about 70%. Also, patients can purchase additional coverage.
Belgium
Belgium has one of the most efficient health care systems worldwide. Care facilities, much like in the U.S., range from privately owned to government-run and non-profits. Citizens can choose whatever facility they want to visit, with no limitations on insurance.
Like in France, all Belgian patients use a care card at all of their appointments. Belgian cards will later provide reimbursement of up to 75%. Charges will come through payroll or a bank account.
Germany
Germany may be most similar to the U.S., since patients pay about 13% of their income to what is essentially health insurance. Uniquely, Germany often bundles accident and long-term insurance with their traditional health care plans. Germans can choose any health care facility they like because they are all federally funded. The unemployed (about a third of the German population) are funded separately.
Sweden
Since the Swedish system is 70% tax-funded, there are 21 regulating councils throughout the country. The councils determine health care, social welfare, and water supplies. There is a small fee for treatments and prescription drugs. Additionally, drug costs cannot surpass the limit of the equivalent of $163 per year.
Our system is fundamentally similar to European systems in some ways. It’s easy to wonder if we may head towards a Universal, U.K.-like system or at least a more centralized Belgian-like system. We could also head in another direction entirely – it’s hard to say. All we know is that right now, your Medicare is safe. For help with changing, upgrading, or purchasing a new plan, call one of our licensed agents today at 1-844-431-1832.
