The countries with the best health care systems

Through a deadly pandemic, health care has taken center stage as a global issue. Although the United States is facing challenges such as rising medical costs, maternal mortality rate and life expectancy decreases Compared to some developed countries, other countries have systems that promote better health outcomes. More accessible and affordable health care can improve people’s quality of life and reduce inequalities between social classes. These are four of the best healthcare systems in the world.

Belgium

Belgium’s healthcare system is affordable and accessible. This country’s medical insurance covers almost the entire population with a wide range of services, and is a system that is funded by public funds through social security and taxes. “With an emphasis on preventive care, the system focuses on early detection and cost-effective measures,” he said. Insider Monkey. The country also “boasts a strong network of healthcare providers and renowned medical research institutions such as the University of Antwerp, the University of Hasselt, and the University of Leuven.”

Belgium spends a lot of money on health care. The country ranks among the top 10 spenders on health care across EU countries, reaching 10.7% of GDP in 2019.Relatively high public spending on health care means that households are unable to pay out-of-pocket costs. amounted to 18.2%, which is mainly spent on unpaid medical services, public co-payments, additional claims, etc. report According to the European Health Observatory. The average life expectancy is 84 years for women and 80 years for men.

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“Japan maintains a health insurance system that all permanent residents staying in Japan for more than three months are required to enroll in, so that people living in Japan can access appropriate medical services at a cost they can afford,” he said. world economic forum. In addition, patients can “choose a medical institution, from small clinics to large hospitals equipped with the latest medical equipment, and can receive all medical services for a flat fee anywhere in Japan.” Although the system is primarily publicly funded through taxpayer dollars, some parts of the system require copayments or coinsurance.

He said the health system “covers 98.3% of the population, and separate public social assistance programs for the poor cover the rest.” columbia university. The country has some of the best medical outcomes in the world, with average life expectancy of 88 years for women and 82 years for men. Infant and maternal mortality rates are also among the lowest in the world. The biggest risk to the system is the country’s rising health costs caused by “slower income growth due to a rapidly aging population and slower economic growth,” the World Economic Forum said.

Sweden’s healthcare system is decentralized, meaning it is “nationally regulated and locally managed,” with “the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs setting the overall health policy,” and the country’s “regions funding and providing health services.” Local governments are responsible for the elderly, “and people with disabilities.” commonwealth fund. All legal residents automatically receive medical care. “There are both public and private health care providers, and the same regulations apply to both,” he said. sweden website.

“Sweden’s health care system receives significant public funding, has universal health coverage, is aggressively equipped with modern technology, and strives to prevent unhealthy lifestyles,” he said. European Health Observatory. Average life expectancy is approximately 85 years for women and 82 years for men, and maternal and infant mortality rates are low. “These characteristics contribute to low levels of unmet needs and good health and good health status of the population compared to other countries.”

Taiwan has a universal health insurance system. “Although the government provides generous premium subsidies to low-income households and public servants, the single-payer system is primarily funded by salary-based premiums.” commonwealth fund. “Health care services are primarily provided by contracted private providers.” All citizens and residents who have lived in the country for more than six months are required to join the health care system.

This country’s single-payer system has been a huge success after decades of failing health care systems. “The benefits are very comprehensive, including hospital treatment, primary care, prescription drugs and traditional Chinese medicine,” he said. vox. “Patients have to pay co-pays when they see a doctor, fill a prescription, or go to the ER, but these are generally low.” Life expectancy is 84 years for women and 84 years for men. is 78 years old, and infant and maternal mortality rates are low. However, hospitals are understaffed and overcrowded because “Taiwan’s National Health Insurance provides very favorable medical care to patients, overwhelming the system.”

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