A Bird’s-eye view into 4 best national healthcare systems across the world

Governing bodies of nations have specific responsibilities towards its citizens. When people in democracies vote for a certain somebody, they have expectations from them. These expectations vary from fundamental human rights to proper health and education facilities, amongst many others.

Nevertheless, healthcare and ancillary medical facilities have been a top priority for most people when bringing in a new Government. They want better maternal healthcare, benefits for childcare and child support, better facilities for the old and aged, and overall increase in health standards.

While developing countries may see a tiny lag in this aspect, developed nations, on the other hand, have been lauded for world-class healthcare systems.

We do a round-up on the top 4 healthcare systems across the world and list out the best of the best features that are a role model for other countries. And no, the U.S. is not even in the top 10. Read on to know more.

1. Canada

Considered the best healthcare system in the world, Canada finds its place in the top ranks. The system is funded publicly with taxpayers’ money. The best thing about Canada’s extensively efficient healthcare system is that anyone in medical need will be given medical attention and care; despite their ability to pay for it. The healthcare system in Canada is known as ‘Medicare.’

Medical facilities in Canada are universal for all, with no discrimination. With the times and people’s needs, the system has been dynamically changing to serve the citizens. However, dental health and ophthalmological illnesses are not covered under Medicare.

2. Sweden

Sweden boasts of a highly efficient healthcare system that is decentralized in nature. The system is based on three basic principles of equal access, need-based care, and cost-effective healthcare.

The country’s expenditure on healthcare facilities for its citizens is above average and that of exceptionally high standards. The country has some of the highest life expectancy rates and the world’s lowest infant mortality rates. The country also has some of the oldest populations in the country due to high life expectancy.

The publicly funded healthcare system is capable of taking care of all its residents. Less than 3% of the Swedish population has separate health insurance by private entities.
Sweden also has a concept of ‘sickness pay,’ where if a patient has been certified ill by the physician, they will receive their daily wage by the employer for 14 after which, the Government will pay his fees to him. In addition to this, all travel costs for such patients are also paid for by the Government.

3. Denmark

The Danish healthcare system’s highlight is that it is absolutely free of cost for all its citizens. While the prices per person are not low, the treatments, prescriptions, hospital stay, tests, follow-ups, and medicines are all paid for by the Government. Two rounds of fertility treatments and some essential cosmetic surgeries are also free for all Danish citizens. All Danes are insured in the country. To be entitled to all these medical benefits, all you need is proof of Danish residency.

The healthcare system in Denmark is funded by taxes and donations and is entirely non-profit, making the facilities equal for all. There is almost no one who opts for private medical insurance in the country.

4. United Kingdom

The National Health Service (NHS) is a proponent of medical care for all. All medical expenses, including travel costs, tests, hospitalization, medical procedures, and medications, are all paid for. State taxes fund the NHS. In the U.K, ophthalmology and dentistry procedures are also covered under the NHS.

There is a tiny population in the U.K which prefers special medical attention, but overall, the people in the U.K. are satisfied with the NHS.

The healthcare systems in these countries can even give countries like the U.S. a run for its money. Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Sweden are anyway much more developed and have a fool-proof healthcare system in place. European countries like Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and France also come into a close tie with these countries when it comes to healthcare systems.

While developing countries such as India are far behind, they’ve transformed over the years with the coalition of healthcare systems and reputed health insurance organizations. Moreover, they’re catching up and effectively solving healthcare issues one day at a time despite the massive population and rising poverty.