The phrase “medicine for all” is often a slogan for Democrats. But different countries take different approaches to health care. Some rely entirely on the state in this matter, others on private insurance companies, and still others choose the middle option.

Canada and Great Britain
In both countries, health care exists through a single payer system. However, the role of the government in reimbursing medical costs differs.

In Canada, the government funds health insurance. Many Canadians have extra, private insurance from employers to pay for prescription drugs, dental and eye care. In the end, it is the government that covers about 70% of health care costs.

Britain has a socialized system: the government not only finances patient care, but also provides medical services through the National Health Service. The system covers a wide cross-section of the population, and most services are free for British citizens. The system exists through taxes, but along with it, private medicine also works. About 10% of citizens buy insurance. More than 80% of the cost of medicine is borne by the state.

In this respect, Canada and Great Britain are quite similar. However, in terms of access to medicine, Britain wins. Medical services are cheaper there, and the waiting time is shorter.

France and Australia
The list of medical services available in France is more extensive than in Australia – perhaps the longest of any health care system. But Australia’s advantage is in medical costs.

Australia provides free inpatient care in public clinics, and most medical services and prescription drugs are available to the general population. There is also voluntary private health insurance that provides access to private hospitals and some services that the public system does not provide. The government pays for at least 85% of outpatient services. Patients have to reimburse the rest. Most doctors are self-employed, and more than half of the clinics in the country are public.

In France, everyone is required to buy health insurance. It is sold by a small number of non-profit foundations, which are funded by taxes. Public insurance covers 70 to 80 percent of medical costs. However, about 95 percent of the population has voluntary insurance. The French Ministry of Health also regulates the number of hospital beds, the number of medical students, the prices of drugs and procedures, and what and at what price medical equipment is purchased.

Access and quality of medicine are excellent in both countries.

Switzerland and Germany
The health care systems in Germany and Switzerland have a lot in common. Germany wins in terms of medical costs. Switzerland has a higher level of cost sharing, but the quality of medicine is probably the best in the world.

Switzerland has a universal health care system that requires all citizens to buy insurance. Nearly 30 percent of people receive subsidies, on a sliding scale tied to income. Some insurers may also require coverage on a commercial basis, in return for providing additional services and a greater choice of clinics. Most Swiss doctors operate on a national fee-for-service scale, and patients have a wide choice of which doctors to get treatment from.

Most Germans (86%) receive medical services primarily through the national public system, but there are also those who choose voluntary private health insurance. Private insurers, when they enroll a client, first charge premiums on an actuarial basis and then raise payments based on age rather than health status. Most physicians operate on a “fee-for-service” basis based on negotiated rates.