Healthcare in Europe

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European Health Insurance Card (French version pictured) Carte Europeenne d'Assurance Maladie France.jpg
European Health Insurance Card (French version pictured)

Healthcare in Europe is provided through a wide range of different systems run at individual national levels. Most European countries have a system of tightly regulated, competing private health insurance companies, with government subsidies available for citizens who cannot afford coverage. [1] [2] Many European countries (and all European Union countries) offer their citizens a European Health Insurance Card which, on a reciprocal basis, provides insurance for emergency medical treatment insurance when visiting other participating European countries. [3]

Contents

European health

EU countries with the highest life expectancy (2019) [4]
World
Rank		EU
Rank		CountryLife expectancy
at birth (years)
5.1. Spain 83.4
6.2. Italy 83.4
11.3. Sweden 82.7
12.4. France 82.5
13.5. Malta 82.4
16.6. Ireland 82.1
17.7. Netherlands 82.1
19.8. Luxembourg 82.1
20.9. Greece 82.1

The World Health Organization has listed 53 countries as comprising the European region. Health outcomes vary greatly by country. Countries in western Europe have had a significant increase in life expectancy since World War II, while most of eastern Europe and the former Soviet countries have experienced a decrease in life expectancy. [5]

Tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of death in Europe. Many countries have passed legislation in the past few decades restricting tobacco sales and use. [5] According to the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) conducted between 2013 and 2015, substantial inequalities existed in terms of sex, age and education level concerning the proportion of adults who were daily smokers of cigarettes. [6]

European Union

The European Union has no major administrative responsibility in the field of healthcare. The European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Consumers however seeks to align national laws on the safety of food and other products, on consumers' rights, and on the protection of people's health, to form new EU wide laws and thus strengthen its internal markets. [ citation needed ]

Both the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are involved in public health development in Europe. [7]

COVID-19 pandemic

The European Union countries were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The governments of the various countries adopted healthcare standards aimed at the number of infected and people who are deceased. A widespread vaccination campaign helped to lower the COVID-19 mortality rate. In addition to the COVID-19 vaccines, the mortality rates were determined by the number of physicians, the number of available Intensive care unit (ICU) beds and safety policies carried out by governments. Mortality rates varied in Europe depending on whether the countries have a higher or lower rate of the adult population over 65 years of age. Studies show that having an adequate number of health professionals is one of the most important variables in reducing the number of deaths. [8] Healthcare spending in the EU was 10.9% of GDP in 2020, up one percentage point from 2019. The governments in various countries pay for a major portion of these expenses. [9] [10] [11]

Response

The emergence of the Coronavirus has upended life as we know it in various European Union countries. In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health infrastructures and resources, governmental, and cultural values all play a key role in stopping the threat. Finding an approach that balances effectiveness, efficiency, and successful response to the pandemic is the key to ending the crisis.

European Union countries like Greece and Sweden have similar populations and sizes. They have a difficult cultural and political stance. The government response of various European countries to the pandemic was to stay home and slow down the spread of the virus. It was proactive in closing businesses and stores early on and even before the first COVID-19 death. The governmental response including the banning of all international non-essential travel and COVID-19 lockdowns helped to keep the death toll to a minimum. [12]

In comparison, the government response to COVID-19 in Sweden was much less stringent than in Greece. The government of Sweden focused on guidelines that encourage all citizens to take personal responsibility in containing the virus. The Public Health Agency of Sweden proposed a ban on gatherings over 500 people, including social distancing. The key concept proposed was solidarity through individual responsibility with all Swedish citizens obeying the guidelines. [13]

Triaging issues that determined medical priority to increase survival rates from COVID-19 contrasted between Sweden and Greece. The Europeans focused strictly on medical protocols and technical expertise from the medical field. This caused a fundamental collapse of the healthcare system, needless deaths, and a misinformed and distrusting public that demanded more accountability from the European Union members, the government, and health professionals. With a similar population of 10 million people and other issues aside. As of 10 December 2021, there have been 18,982 deaths in Greece and 15,152 deaths in Sweden. [14]

Life expectancy

There is a big gap between genders in life expectancy due to income groups. Studies show that the highest income group tends to live longer. For example, Eastern Europe is a low-income region, with a lower life expectancy due to biological factors including genetics, nutrition, and even hormonal issues. However, other factors are non-biological such as smoking and drinking that tend to be part of the decrease in life expectancy for men. These unhealthy lifestyles create life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer and cardiovascular complications. The consumption of alcohol in Europe by men is usually more common between the ages of 20–34 years in men and would increase the life expectancy if consumption is lowered. Another non-biological factor that cooperates with the decrease in life expectancy in Eastern Europe would be unhealthy stress that affects cardiovascular health. [15]

Life expectancy has risen from birth rates due to significant factors such as the decrease in children's mortality rates, increase in the standard of living, better education, and advances in healthcare and medicine. Since the 1960s studies and statistics have shown a rise in life expectancy by a pair of numbers per decade. However, from 2019 to 2020 a slight increase in life expectancy occurred by about 0.2 yrs. Nonetheless, in 2020 a drastic decrease in life expectancy occurred by about - 1.75. This occurred only in some states of Europe because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a new study published by the Smithsonian Magazine by the author Ridhi Kashyap, an associate professor of social demography at the University of Oxford.[ citation needed ]

The decrease in life expectancy has been a dramatic one, which is known to be the biggest decrease in life expectancy compared to World War II. The explanation given is because due to the poor life expectancy already occurring in the European Union, COVID-19 made it worse, decreasing life expectancy and causing more deaths. [16]

Vaccination rates

Vaccines are a powerful tool being used nationwide against COVID-19. At the beginning of the pandemic, the European population aimed to help individuals that were at most risk. This may include older adults over the age of 65 which are more likely to have other health issues. Minorities who do not have complete access to assistance and help from the government. Individuals with disabilities are more likely to be affected because of their underlying medical conditions. Minorities who do not have access to the highest level of medical help. [17]

Due to the high demand on hospitals, the vaccines served as a mechanism to decrease the load on doctors and medics. Europe and its members have been actively contributing to handling this pandemic most simply. As of today, 66.9% of Europe's population is fully vaccinated. Europe has been following the "herd immunity" strategy which convinces its citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible. "Herd immunity" is the idea of a vast number of people to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The more people who are vaccinated the less likely it is for the virus to spread. Although this has so far been successful, a substantial number of Europeans in every community are still not vaccinated. The fact that there are constantly new variants does not help because we must keep up with new statistics. In Europe, there is a limited number of vaccinations that are being offered for the people. The European center for the disease has been closely monitoring the effectiveness of each vaccine. Europe has since taken precautions to distribute vaccines safely and effectively across the country. [18]

Spending

Expand the OECD charts below to see the breakdown:

Health spending by country. Percent of GDP (Gross domestic product). For example: 11.2% for Canada in 2022. 16.6% for the United States in 2022. Health spending by country. Percent of GDP (Gross domestic product).png
Health spending by country. Percent of GDP (Gross domestic product). For example: 11.2% for Canada in 2022. 16.6% for the United States in 2022.
Total healthcare cost per person. Public and private spending. US dollars PPP. For example: $6,319 for Canada in 2022. $12,555 for the US in 2022. Health spending. OECD countries. US dollars per capita (using economy-wide PPPs).png
Total healthcare cost per person. Public and private spending. US dollars PPP. For example: $6,319 for Canada in 2022. $12,555 for the US in 2022.

Spending and life expectancy

See: List of countries by life expectancy and List of countries by total health expenditure per capita.

Life expectancy vs healthcare spending of rich OECD countries. US average of $10,447 in 2018. Life expectancy vs healthcare spending.jpg
Life expectancy vs healthcare spending of rich OECD countries. US average of $10,447 in 2018.

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Healthcare in Iran</span>

For health issues in Iran see Health in Iran.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Health policy</span> Policy area that deals with the health system of a country or other organization

Health policy can be defined as the "decisions, plans, and actions that are undertaken to achieve specific healthcare goals within a society". According to the World Health Organization, an explicit health policy can achieve several things: it defines a vision for the future; it outlines priorities and the expected roles of different groups; and it builds consensus and informs people.

Healthcare in Finland consists of a highly decentralized three-level publicly funded healthcare system and a much smaller private sector. Although the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has the highest decision-making authority, specific healthcare precincts are responsible for providing healthcare to their residents as of 2023.

Healthcare in Georgia is provided by a universal health care system under which the state funds medical treatment in a mainly privatized system of medical facilities. In 2013, the enactment of a universal health care program triggered universal coverage of government-sponsored medical care of the population and improving access to health care services. Responsibility for purchasing publicly financed health services lies with the Social Service Agency (SSA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Healthcare in Denmark</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Health in Italy</span> Overview of health in Italy

Italy is known for its generally very good health system, and the life expectancy is 80 for males and 85 for females, placing the country 5th in the world for life expectancy, and low infant mortality. In comparison to other Western countries, Italy has a relatively low rate of adult obesity, as there are several health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. The proportion of daily smokers was 22% in 2012, down from 24.4% in 2000 but still slightly above the OECD average. Smoking in public places including bars, restaurants, night clubs and offices has been restricted to specially ventilated rooms since 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Healthcare in the United States</span>

Healthcare in the United States is largely provided by private sector healthcare facilities, and paid for by a combination of public programs, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments. The U.S. is the only developed country without a system of universal healthcare, and a significant proportion of its population lacks health insurance. The United States spends more on healthcare than any other country, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of GDP; however, this expenditure does not necessarily translate into better overall health outcomes compared to other developed nations. Coverage varies widely across the population, with certain groups, such as the elderly and low-income individuals, receiving more comprehensive care through government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.

Examples of health care systems of the world, sorted by continent, are as follows.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Health in Lithuania</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Health in New Zealand</span> Overview of health in New Zealand

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Healthcare in New York City describe the health care services available in New York City, the largest US city with a population of over eight million.

Montenegro is a country with an area of 13,812 square kilometres and a population of 620,029, according to the 2011 census. The country is bordered by Croatia, the Adriatic Sea, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. The most common health issues faced are non-communicable diseases accounting for 95% of all deaths. This is followed by 4% of mortality due to injury, and 1% due to communicable, maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions. Other health areas of interest are alcohol consumption, which is the most prevalent disease of addiction within Montenegro and smoking. Montenegro has one of the highest tobacco usage rates across Europe. Life expectancy for men is 74 years, and life expectancy for women is 79.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 pandemic in the United States</span>

On December 31, 2019, China announced the discovery of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan. The first American case was reported on January 20, and President Donald Trump declared the U.S. outbreak a public health emergency on January 31. Restrictions were placed on flights arriving from China, but the initial U.S. response to the pandemic was otherwise slow, in terms of preparing the healthcare system, stopping other travel, and testing. The first known American deaths occurred in February. On March 6, 2020, Trump allocated $8.3 billion to fight the outbreak and declared a national emergency on March 13. The government also purchased large quantities of medical equipment, invoking the Defense Production Act of 1950 to assist. By mid-April, disaster declarations were made by all states and territories as they all had increasing cases. A second wave of infections began in June, following relaxed restrictions in several states, leading to daily cases surpassing 60,000. By mid-October, a third surge of cases began; there were over 200,000 new daily cases during parts of December 2020 and January 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 vaccination in Sweden</span> Plan to immunize against COVID-19

Vaccination against COVID-19 in Sweden started on 27 December 2020 after the approval of the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine by the European Commission. In Sweden, the Public Health Agency has been commissioned by the government to create a vaccination plan. Sveriges riksbank, the central bank of Sweden, predicts that efficient vaccination against COVID-19 has macroeconomic benefits. As of 20 April 2022, 87.1% of people in Sweden have received at least one dose, with a total of 21,491,717 doses administered.: At least one vaccine has been approved for all age groups 12 and older. Children younger than 12 in high risk groups can also be vaccinated.

Vaccination against COVID-19 in Portugal started on 27 December 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States</span> Reluctance by those living in the USA to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States is the sociocultural phenomenon of individuals refusing or displaying hesitance towards receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States can be considered as part of the broader history of vaccine hesitancy.

References

  1. ↑ Sanger-Katz, Margot (19 February 2019). "What's the Difference Between a 'Public Option' and 'Medicare for All'?". The New York Times.
  2. ↑ Abelson, Reed; Sanger-Katz, Margot (23 March 2019). "Medicare for All Would Abolish Private Insurance. 'There's No Precedent in American History.'". The New York Times.
  3. ↑ "European Health Insurance Card". European Commission. Retrieved 23 August 2019. A free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 28 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country.
  4. ↑ "2019 Human Development Index Ranking | Human Development Reports". hdr.undp.org. Archived from the original on 23 May 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  5. 1 2 Mackenbach, Johan P; Karanikolos, Marina; McKee, Martin (March 2013). "The unequal health of Europeans: successes and failures of policies". The Lancet. 381 (9872): 1125–1134. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)62082-0. hdl: 1765/39673 . PMID   23541053. S2CID   36761194.
  6. ↑ "Tobacco consumption statistics". ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  7. ↑ "European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)". www.euro.who.int. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  8. ↑ Cifuentes-Faura, Javier (2021). "Do the determinants of the COVID-19 mortality rate differ between European Union countries with different adult population pyramids?". Public Health. 198: 82–84. doi: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.06.018 . PMC   8255100 . PMID   34365110. S2CID   235729576.
  9. ↑ "Global expenditure on health: Public spending on the rise" (PDF).
  10. ↑ Bank, European Investment (2 February 2023). "Health Overview 2023".{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. ↑ "How much did governments spend on health in 2020?". ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  12. ↑ Petridou, Evangelia; Zahariadis, Nikolaos (2 January 2021). "Staying at home or going out? Leadership response to the COVID-19 crisis in Greece and Sweden". Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management. 29 (3): 293–302. doi: 10.1111/1468-5973.12344 . S2CID   234309582.
  13. ↑ Larsson, Emma; Brattström, Olof (2021). "Characteristics and outcomes of patients with Covid‐19 admitted to ICU in a tertiary hospital in Stockholm, Sweden". Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica. 65 (1): 76–81. doi:10.1111/aas.13694. PMC   7756749 . PMID   32892337.
  14. ↑ Orfali, Kristina (24 January 2021). "Getting to the truth: Ethics, trust, and triage in the United States versus Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic". Hastings Center Report. 51 (1): 16–22. doi:10.1002/hast.1206. PMC   8014048 . PMID   33486774.
  15. ↑ Janssen, Fanny (6 July 2021). "Future life expectancy in Europe taking into account the impact of smoking, obesity, and alcohol". eLife.
  16. ↑ Wetzel, Corryn (29 September 2021). "In Western Europe, Covid-19 Caused the Biggest Drop in Life Expectancy Since World War II". Smithsonian.com.
  17. ↑ "Questions and answers on COVID-19: Vaccines". European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. European Commission. 21 October 2021.
  18. ↑ Charles, Michel (18 November 2021). "COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic: the EU's response". Consilium.
  19. 1 2 3 4 OECD Data. Health resources - Health spending. doi : 10.1787/8643de7e-en. 2 bar charts: For both: From bottom menus: Countries menu > choose OECD. Check box for "latest data available". Perspectives menu > Check box to "compare variables". Then check the boxes for government/compulsory, voluntary, and total. Click top tab for chart (bar chart). For GDP chart choose "% of GDP" from bottom menu. For per capita chart choose "US dollars/per capita". Click fullscreen button above chart. Click "print screen" key. Click top tab for table, to see data.
  20. ↑ Link between health spending and life expectancy: US is an outlier. May 26, 2017. By Max Roser at Our World in Data. Click the sources tab under the chart for info on the countries, healthcare expenditures, and data sources. See the later version of the chart here.
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