The healthcare system is one of the most important areas of life, reflecting the level of well-being of society and the priorities of the state. Find out how medicine works in Europe and the USA: what financing principles apply in different countries, how health insurance is organized, how much treatment costs, and what advantages and disadvantages each system has

The healthcare system is one of the key areas of any country, as it reflects the level of development, social responsibility and quality of life. For tourists, migrants or students, knowledge about healthcare helps to avoid unpleasant surprises during a trip or a long stay. The EU and the USA have powerful but fundamentally different healthcare systems.

Healthcare in the EU: accessibility and social protection

In the countries of the European Union, healthcare is based on the principle of universal access: every citizen or resident has the right to basic treatment.

- Financing: state or mixed, through taxes or mandatory insurance contributions. For example, in Germany, employees contribute about 14-15% of their salary to a health fund, which provides access to public and private clinics.

- Organization: each country has its own system management model. In Poland, this is the National Health Fund (NFZ), and in the Czech Republic, it is the state insurance funds.

Key features of healthcare in the EU

- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to receive healthcare while traveling within the EU.

- Public hospitals provide most services free of charge or with minimal co-payment. Usually, the patient first consults a family doctor, who, if necessary, refers to a specialist.

- Private healthcare provides faster service, shorter queues and increased comfort.

Healthcare in the EU is a balance between accessibility, quality and social responsibility of the state.

Healthcare in the USA: innovation and high cost

The American healthcare system is distinguished by a high level of technology and a private approach to financing. The majority of the population receives health insurance through their employer. For those who are self-employed or do not have insurance, purchasing a policy is mandatory and often expensive.

US government programs

- Medicare - for people over 65 or with disabilities;

- Medicaid - for low-income people;

- VA (Veterans Affairs) - for veterans.

Without insurance, even basic treatment can cost thousands of dollars. The US spends about 18% of GDP on healthcare, making it one of the most expensive systems in the world. At the same time, it offers advanced technology, highly accurate diagnostics, and fast service for insured patients.

EU vs US: Key Differences in Healthcare

Funding

- EU: State or mandatory insurance premiums provide basic treatment.

- US: Private insurance predominates; government finances healthcare only for certain groups (residents over 65, low-income earners, veterans).

Accessibility

- EU: Universal access for citizens and residents.

- US: Access to services depends on insurance; without it, treatment can be extremely expensive.

Cost of services

- EU: Lower, state-controlled; socially regulated.

- US: High, especially without insurance.

Technology and innovation

- EU: modern, but sometimes resource-limited systems and queues.

- US: advanced technology, rapid diagnostics, innovative equipment.

Social support

- EU: strong social security, system stability.

- US: limited, much depends on the patient's financial capabilities.

The European model is focused on accessibility and social security, while the American model is focused on innovation and high quality, but at a significant price.

Practical advice for tourists and expats

Get insurance before your trip. For the EU, an EHIC or travel insurance is sufficient, for the US, a private policy is a must.

Find out about local rules for accessing doctors. In many European countries, you need to visit your family doctor first.

Plan a budget. In the US, medical services can be very expensive without insurance.

Take advantage of government programs and benefits. This is especially important for long-term stays.

Medicine in the EU and the US is developing in different ways, but both systems are aimed at preserving people's health. Choosing a country and preparing for residence will help avoid unforeseen expenses and ensure comfortable medical care.

Protect your health while traveling and living abroad! Our health insurance guarantees access to doctors, treatment in clinics and coverage of unforeseen expenses. Choose your policy and travel with peace of mind, knowing that your safety and health are under reliable protection.

Apply for insurance now - without unnecessary worries!

Reminder! Holiday travel is a time of joy, new impressions and long-awaited rest, but so that unforeseen situations do not spoil your plans, it is important to take care of protection in advance. We have already told you why travel insurance during the holidays is not an expense, but a guarantee of safety, peace of mind and financial protection during your vacation.

---