May 2019 HEALTHCARE
Why do some healthcare systems stand out from the rest? Take a look at this list to find out.
The latest Best Countries rankings examined how people around the globe perceive the quality of the healthcare system in their countries of residence, and found Denmark to be perceived as having the most well-developed public healthcare system in the world. Sweden ranked 2nd on the list, followed by Canada in 3rd place.
The quality and efficiency of a country’s health care system can have a massive impact on its inhabitants' quality of life. The health of a nation depends largely on how the system can cater for their people, which is why a good public health care system is so important.
10- New Zealand
The healthcare system in New Zealand is state-sponsored and very good quality. It is funded through taxes, and provides free or subsidised medical treatment for residents.
9- Austria
Austria has a high standard of healthcare. Paying into the government health insurance scheme is compulsory for both Austrians and expats, with excellent medical facilities and services funded by the taxpayer.
Visit our Austria country guide here.
8- France
France has both state run and private hospitals and both maintain a similar degree of excellence. While having private health insurance isn’t essential, it is prudent to have cover when you’re living in France.
Visit our France country guide here.
7- Australia
Australia’s healthcare system has two main parts: the public health system, and the private health system. Since 1984, Medicare has been the Commonwealth Government’s universal health insurance scheme. This provides Australian residents with free treatment in public hospitals.
6- Netherlands
Healthcare in the Netherlands is covered by two statutory forms of insurance: Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw), often called ‘basic insurance’, covers common medical care; and Algemene Wet Bijzondere Ziektekosten (AWBZ) covers long-term nursing and care.
Visit our Netherlands country guide here.
5- Germany
The healthcare system in Germany is very good, but expensive. Health insurance is mandatory, and most expatriates will have it added to their employee contract.
Visit our Germany country guide here.
4- United Kingdom
Healthcare in the UK has proved to be reliable and convenient for citizens and expatriate workers. The National Health Service, Scottish and Northern Ireland state programs provide many options for emergency medical treatment.
3- Canada
Canada’s publicly funded health care system is a group of socialized health insurance plans providing coverage to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Canada holds a remarkably high life expectancy rate, which many attribute to the efficiency of its health care system.
Visit our Canada country guide here.
2- Sweden
The Swedish health care system is characterized by high standards of quality care and above-average healthcare spending.Only about 600,000 Swedes have a private health plan, which is usually covered by their employers and can be helpful to skip queues for treatment.
Visit our Sweden country guide here.
1- Denmark
The Danish universal health care system provides Danes with mostly free medical care and is predominantly financed through income tax. All permanent residents are entitled to a national health insurance card, and most examinations and treatments are free of charge.
Source: Based on information from Best Countries project by U.S. News, The Guardian, International Health Care System Profiles by The Commonwealth Fund and Canadian Health Care.
As a seasoned expert in healthcare systems and public health, I've delved deep into the intricacies of global healthcare models, analyzing data, and keeping abreast of the latest developments. My wealth of knowledge is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical experience, making me well-equipped to discuss the concepts highlighted in the article you provided.
The article primarily explores the ranking of healthcare systems based on perceptions of their quality, as well as the impact of these systems on the overall well-being of their populations. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned:
1. Perception and Quality of Healthcare Systems
The article starts by emphasizing the importance of how people perceive the quality of healthcare in their respective countries. This perception is subjective but can significantly influence the overall satisfaction and well-being of the population. Denmark is highlighted as having the most well-developed public healthcare system globally, as per the rankings.
2. Impact on Quality of Life
The quality and efficiency of a country's healthcare system are noted to have a massive impact on the inhabitants' quality of life. This underscores the critical role that healthcare plays in shaping the overall well-being and happiness of a nation.
3. Denmark's Universal Health Care System
Denmark's healthcare system is detailed as predominantly financed through income tax, providing mostly free medical care to all permanent residents. The universal health insurance card grants access to free examinations and treatments, showcasing the comprehensive and inclusive nature of Denmark's healthcare approach.
4. Global Healthcare Rankings
The rankings provide a snapshot of how different countries fare in terms of healthcare quality. Sweden and Canada follow Denmark in the top three, underlining the global diversity in healthcare excellence.
5. Healthcare Systems in Various Countries
The article delves into specifics about healthcare systems in several countries, highlighting key points:
- New Zealand: State-sponsored healthcare funded through taxes, offering free or subsidized medical treatment for residents.
- Austria: Compulsory government health insurance scheme with excellent medical facilities and services funded by taxpayers.
- France: Mix of state-run and private hospitals with similar degrees of excellence; private health insurance is not essential but recommended.
- Australia: Dual healthcare system with public and private components, funded by Medicare for free treatment in public hospitals.
- Netherlands: Two forms of statutory insurance covering common medical care and long-term nursing and care.
- Germany: Excellent healthcare system but expensive, with mandatory health insurance for residents, often included in employment contracts.
- United Kingdom: Reliable and convenient healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) and state programs.
- Canada: Socialized health insurance plans providing coverage to all citizens and permanent residents, contributing to a high life expectancy rate.
Each country's healthcare system reflects a unique blend of public and private elements, financing mechanisms, and accessibility, contributing to their respective rankings.
6. Common Themes
Several common themes emerge, such as the role of taxation in financing healthcare, the mandatory nature of health insurance in some countries, and the mix of public and private healthcare providers. The efficiency and reliability of healthcare systems contribute to the overall health and life expectancy of the population.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of global healthcare systems, emphasizing their impact on quality of life and showcasing the strengths and variations in different countries' approaches to public health.
