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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2017, 10% of the household budget of almost 800 million people was spent on healthcare. This expense alone had the potential of pushing approximately 100 million people into extreme poverty.

Statistics such as these have led to a push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The aim is to ensure that everyone can access essential health services without experiencing financial hardship. However, progress toward this is slow. Until it becomes a reality, you have to choose from the healthcare options currently available.

Read on to learn about the types of healthcare coverage available to you and the medical care each allows you to access.

The Cost of Healthcare

Regardless of where you reside in the world, there is one unifying factor – healthcare is expensive. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they need healthcare coverage until there’s a medical emergency. The gratitude felt when the crisis passes is often replaced by disbelief when they receive their medical bills.

The best way to ensure you don’t experience this is to know your options before there’s an emergency.

Available Healthcare Options

Healthcare systems vary greatly from one country to another. But for most, there are two main healthcare options – private health insurance or public healthcare.

Public Healthcare

This is publicly funded and focuses on covering more vulnerable groups in a population. These can include:

• The elderly
• Disabled
• Low-income groups
• Children

The rest of the population is usually covered in an insurance marketplace. These marketplaces include specific healthcare plans that are often exclusive and can be restrictive when it comes to choosing a provider.

Some countries use taxes to partially finance their government-run healthcare systems. This ensures that medical care is available to all and patients only have to pay a small percentage of their bill or a copayment.

This comprehensive healthcare coverage includes preventative screening, inpatient and outpatient care, palliative care, vaccinations, maternity care, and mental health screenings. 

However, due to demand, there are often long waiting periods for elective procedures. To have the option of immediate access to these types of services, many patients choose to have private insurance in addition to public healthcare access.

Private insurance, of course, comes at a cost, but it will allow you to access a wider network of providers. These include primary care physicians (PCPs) as well as specialists, upon referral from your PCP.

Many people also get private insurance through their employers. They will pay a small percentage of the premium or cost, while their employer covers the rest.

Public Healthcare vs Private Health Insurance

There are pros and cons to both public and private healthcare. The main difference, of course, is cost. Other differing factors include access to specific providers as well as elective medical services.

Your choice will depend on your budget and healthcare needs but this healthcare comparison can help you to decide which is best for you.

Your Guide to Better Health

Healthcare is a necessity. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easily accessible due to its exorbitant cost. But there are healthcare options available to ensure that you and your family get the medical care you require.

There are various sources of information to help you make the choice that’s right for you. You can also access other life-changing information in the Guide section of our site.