Features, Pros, and Cons of Health Care Systems in the World

The health care system is one of the core social issues in each country or region. Nowadays, we can categorize the health care systems in the world into three types, namely, the public-funded health care system, universal public insurance system, and free-market healthcare. The former two systems are led by the government, such as the health system in Hong Kong and the National Health Insurance in Taiwan, while the latter relies on individuals to subscribe to medical insurance by themselves.

So, what are the features, pros, and cons of different health care systems? Cigna Smart Health will explain the systems of 7 major countries and regions for you in this article.

The Health Care System in Hong Kong

The health care system in Hong Kong provides affordable public health services to Hong Kong residents with valid HKID cards. The government subsidizes the fees and charges of public hospital services to allow Hong Kong people to access the services at lower costs.

Health Services Included

• Accident & Emergency
• Inpatient
• Specialist outpatient
• General outpatient
• Dressing or injection

Advantages

The system allows every HKID holder to enjoy all public-funded health services under the Hospital Authority, including public hospitals, general outpatient, specialist outpatient, Chinese Medicine clinics, and community medical service, as well as clinics and health centres under the Department of Health.

Disadvantages

With a serious shortage of medical staff, an aging population, and a mounting volume of use, the health care system in Hong Kong is under great pressure. The waiting time for A&E, specialist, and operation services is lengthy.

National Health Insurance in Taiwan

National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan is a compulsory social insurance plan that centralizes the disbursement of healthcare funds. All Taiwanese are required to join the plan since they are born. The insured are classified into six categories with different premium calculations.

Health Services Included

• Outpatient
• Inpatient
• Chinese Medicine
• Dental services
• Childbirth
• Rehabilitation
• Home care
• Mental Illnesses

Advantages

Residents can freely opt for any medical institution. For outpatient, they only need to pay a few consultation fees, while they have to pay 5-30% of hospitalization fees. Therefore, the NHI can reduce the medical expenses of patients with critical illnesses.

Disadvantages

Since no one can suspend paying the NHI premium, it creates a financial burden for the unemployed or misfortunes. Besides, its fairness is questioned and challenged by many, as long-term overseas Taiwanese also enjoy low-cost medical services after increasing premiums.

National Healthcare Plan in Singapore

The public insurance in Singapore is called National Healthcare Plan (NHP). Every eligible employee must contribute a part of their salary to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) for affordable medical services. Individuals without contributions need to pay for the services by cash.

Health Services Included

• Inpatient
• Day surgery
• Hospital fees
• Rehabilitation
• Psychotherapy

Advantages

MediSave is a medical saving account under an individual's CPF account that is used for payment of future medical expenses, such as hospitalization and day surgery. Funds can be pooled within and across an entire extended family. Besides, the NHP can help vulnerable and elderly people to access medical services at reduced costs.

Disadvantages

Residents are required to pay for outpatient services, and the government is only responsible for a part of the public healthcare expenditure. Therefore, nearly 65% of medical expenses are paid by residents themselves.

Medicare in Australia

Medicare is a publicly-funded universal health care insurance scheme in Australia, co-established by the government and a private insurance provider. Similar to the NHP in Singapore, residents need to contribute part of their compulsory savings to the plan to enjoy public health services. Premiums are dependent on individuals’ ages and salaries.

Health Services Included

• Specialist
• Inpatient
• Outpatient
• Medications

Advantages

The plan has comprehensive coverage. Eligible residents only have to show their Medicare cards to enjoy most of the health services for free. It greatly lowers the medical expenses incurred from medications and examinations.

Disadvantages

The waiting time at public hospitals can be long, especially for specialist services which may take more than 90 days. Private insurance is required if you need more medical services.

National Health Service in England

The National Health Service (NHS) is the publicly funded healthcare system in England, providing public health services for all residents in the country. It is funded by general taxation and national insurance contribution collected according to household income. Depending on the severity, NHS would arrange regional general practitioners or appointments at public hospitals for treatments.

Health Services Included

• Accident & Emergency
• Hospitalization
• GP outpatient
• Dental services
• Mental health services
• Vision care

Advantages

Outpatient, emergency, and inpatient services under the NHS are free of charge. For low-income individuals, minors, and the elderly, their medical expenses can be waived.

Disadvantages

The waiting, hospital review, and document checking time are lengthy for free public services. Non-British residents need to pay health care surcharges according to their visa period, except residence visa holders.

Medicare in Canada

Medicare refers to Canada's publicly funded health care system. Instead of having a single national plan, the country has 13 provincial and territorial health care insurance plans. Individuals can access public health services without paying out-of-pocket at hospitals and clinics by showing their health insurance cards.

Health Services Included

• Hospitalization fees
• Surgery fees
• Outpatient (Except dental and vision care)
• Consultation fees
• Examination fees

Advantages

Residents can enjoy free public health services which nearly waive the entire hospitalization and surgery fees. Even with critical illnesses, they need not worry about medical expenses incurred from treatments.

Disadvantages

Similarly, the waiting time at Canadian public hospitals is long. Residents need valid health insurance cards to get the free services. Individuals need to stay over 6 months in Canada every year in order to use Medicare cards.

No Universal Healthcare in the US

There is no national insurance scheme in the US, but the government provides health insurance plans to individuals such as the underprivileged, veterans, the elderly, and the disabled. Besides, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires uninsured Americans to purchase medical plans. Those who do not have any medical insurance plan may risk an annual fine based on their income.

Advantages

The US government provides public health insurance, namely Medicare and Medicaid, for the elderly, the disabled, and the underprivileged so as to cater to their medical needs.

Disadvantages

Medical expenses are high. Those who are not eligible for the above public plans can only purchase private medical insurance or rely on group plans to mitigate their medical expenses.

Despite affordable fees and charges, high demand, shortage of public medical resources, and costly private services in Hong Kong cause many issues and worries among residents. A comprehensive medical insurance plan has you covered whenever medical needs arise without worrying about expenses.

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