A SUMMARY OF HEALTH CARE IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Belgium: Has a compulsory health care system based on the social insurance model. Patients have free choice of provider, hospital, and sickness fund. A comprehensive benefit package is available to 99% of the population. The federal government regulates and supervises all sectors of the program. It is financed through employer and employee contributions.

Canada: Known as the Canada Health Act, it is Canada’s federal legislation for publicly funded health care insurance. Its aim is to ensure that all eligible residents of Canada have reasonable access to health services on a prepaid basis, without direct charges at the point of services. It is comprehensive in its coverage, insisting that a province or territory must cover all insured health services provided.

Japan: Has a system of universal health coverage, however, there are criteria to how it is applied to any given individual. The factors are whether or not the person is working, visiting or a student, and age. There are two main systems and both have different subcategories. Basically, there is the National Health Insurance or there is the Employees’ Health Insurance. One must belong to one plan or the other.

France: Health system is an important aspect of the French social security program. As a result, everyone received protection through the program, regardless of age, gender, income, or state of health. In some cases, the person pays a part of the charges out of their pocket, but in the case of the needy, they pay nothing. The program is financed by employer and employee contributions.

Italy: Has a governmental medical service, which encompasses all citizens. There are three tiers to the program: national, regional and local. The program if financed through public resources (37.5%), employer (48.8%), and the balance from private payments.
Austria: Guarantees medical treatment in case of illness or accidents, if not covered by the accident insurance. While there are 94 insurers, they are not allowed to strive for profit. Every person has to be insured. It is based on the American system of managed care.

Britain: Put in place more than 50 years ago (after WWII), all citizens are entitled to have access to health care. Medical treatment by a doctor is free, with no co-pays or deductibles. Citizens can also choose a private insurance plan. More that 70% of the financing is paid through taxes.

Denmark: State-run health system. All financing, planning and management are fully subject to the authorities. The services area financed through taxes, and there is only one legal state-run insurance.

Germany: Has a system of compulsory health insurance companies that are responsible for compulsory health insurance, and are considered public corporations. Decisions are made by legislation. Everyone gets the same benefit.

Switzerland: Guarantees medical treatment for illness or accident, unless covered through accident insurance. Program is similar to Austria.

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