Worldwide Universal Healthcare Coverage

The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry is one of the world’s largest and most important sectors. It is an industry responsible for keeping people across the globe healthy and maintaining, suppressing, or eradicating serious diseases and illnesses. There is likely not a person alive who has or will use some form of healthcare in the future. For many, it is a fundamental right within society and one of our basic needs. The industry is estimated to be over 1.4 trillion US dollars annually, and the costs and access to healthcare will vary depending on the country and its social welfare system.

Universal healthcare is the term used to describe access and availability of healthcare and whether a country covers some or all of the costs through taxation. Universal healthcare is comprised of three distinctive groups, the first relating to who is covered, the second what is and what is not covered, and the third relating to how the cost of any healthcare received is funded. There are three distinct universal healthcare models many countries follow and many more hybrid schemes.

Let us now look at the different classifications within healthcare, what each one means and the model they typically follow:

• None (Out of Pocket) means the country offers no universal healthcare. All costs for treatment and medication are to be paid directly and in full by the patient, with no financial support or aid from the government. Medical care and medications are often not regulated, so costs are typically higher for patients.
• Mixed model (inc donor) – is typically not considered universal healthcare as it is often not self-funded by the country. The country may have a limited system or may have had universal healthcare; however, the country will now likely be at war, rebuilding from a previous war, or suffering severe economic hardship such as droughts, resulting in medical facilities and costs being inaccessible and out of reach for ordinary citizens. The medical expenses and care will often be funded by other third-party countries, through the World Bank or organisations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organisation, as well as many charities such as MSF and the Red Cross.
• Limited Benefits – even though the country may offer citizens limited benefits, this category is not considered universal healthcare as the majority of the costs for treatment and medication will be paid directly and in part or in full by the patient.
• Private Insurance (Personal or Employer) – not considered universal healthcare and also known as the out-of-pocket model, private insurance means that citizens within any given country must obtain private medical insurance that covers any medical expenses that might occur. The insurance, obtained through an insurance company, will be purchased personally or through their employee. A regular contribution is made to the insurance provider in return for coverage, which may include specific conditions and exclusions. When an individual needs treatment, they will visit a hospital or general practitioner and some or all of the costs incurred are paid out through the insurance policy.
• Social Insurance (Bismarck) is part of the universal healthcare model. The model works whereby the insurance is funded jointly by the government and through the employers within that country who pay into sickness funds. Non-profit ventures typically manage the insurance, and most medical professionals and hospitals will operate privately. Social insurance will cover the patient’s care cost when an individual needs medical assistance.
• National Health Service (Beveridge) is part of the universal healthcare model whereby a country’s healthcare is effectively nationalised. The health authority will often own and operate all medical facilities and employ most medical professionals, with all fees for care and medication being provided free or heavily subsidised. The national health service is funded through taxation, in which those living within that country will contribute a portion of their income or on value-added services.
• National Health Insurance (NHI) is part of the universal healthcare model. The NHI combines the Bismark and Beveridge models, whereby every citizen in a country pays towards a national health insurance program. The government contributes partly through taxation and regulating the medical industry, ensuring treatment and medication costs are heavily reduced and controlled.

Though universal healthcare may exist in many countries, its quality, standard, and availability will often vary by region and authority. Whenever visiting a country different from yours, it is always advisable to take out adequate travel insurance to cover you should you have a medical emergency during your travels.

The universal healthcare classifications and groups have been collated using information from several sources and reports. Some countries on the list may have been incorrectly classified, or some services or benefits may have been withdrawn or changed over time. Though we endeavour to keep the worldwide universal healthcare coverage information up to date, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completion of any of the data presented. Wherever you travel, it is always advisable to carry out independent research before travelling to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information.