Countries with the highest health spending
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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According to a recent report of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development on the health of the population of 34 member countries of this organization, the American site 24/7 Wall St. Chose the ten countries in which they spend the greatest amount of money for medical care.
However, budgetary subsidies and high health care costs do not lead to better health of the nation. So, the US spends quite large sums, but have one of the shortest life spans among OECD members. While Japan, spending only $ 2.878 per person, is leading among the long-livers. High health costs for citizens also do not mean adequate care and treatment.
Often in countries where more money is allocated for medical care, citizens are offered to undergo expensive tests and procedures. The prices for medicines are also high in such countries.
In many countries where extensive medical expenses are recorded, the private sector dominates the public sector. On the other hand, in countries such as Denmark, Austria and Luxembourg, more than 84% of the cost of medical care is paid by the government.
Ten countries with the largest health care costs
1. The USA
Total health expenditure per capita: $ 7,960
Lifespan: 78.2 years (in the 27th place)
In America, they spend on medical care 2,600 dollars more than in Norway, which is on the second place on this list. And only 47.7% of this amount is paid by the state - one of the lowest indicators among developed countries. Most of these costs are pharmaceutical products and various analyzes. The country has a noticeably small number of doctors and beds per capita.
2. Norway
Total health costs per capita: $ 5,352
Lifespan: 81.0 years (in 10th place)
Norway has the most nationalized health system among developed countries, after Denmark. The state pays 84.1% of the cost of medical care, which is very affordable. There are 4 therapists for 1000 people. Despite the high costs of the state system, residents have to pay 800 dollars a year from their own pocket.
3. Switzerland
Total health costs per capita: $ 5,344
Lifespan: 82.3 years (in 2nd place)
In Switzerland they spend 11.6% of their GDP on health care. Most of the health protection system in Switzerland is private, so citizens pay about 30, 9% of the above amount from their pockets - about $ 1,650 per year.
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4. The Netherlands
Total health costs per capita: $ 4,914
Lifespan: 80.6 years (in 14th place)
The cost of Dutch health is 12% of GDP. Total expenses increased from 2008 to 2009 by 16.4%. In spite of this, citizens pay only 227 dollars a year, the rest of the amount is taken by the state.
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5. Luxembourg
Total health costs per capita: $ 4,808
Lifespan: 80.7 years (in 12th place)
The cost of medical care is 7.8% of GDP. The state pays 84% of the total amount. True, large health costs are also due to the fact that the population of this tiny European country is not living a very healthy lifestyle. For one person there are 15.5 liters of drunk beer per year - the largest number among developed countries.
6. Canada
Total health expenditure per capita: $ 4,478
Lifespan: 80.7 years (in 12th place)
Most of all money in Canada is spent on inpatient treatment of patients. Medications are also particularly expensive in this country: each year patients spend on them about 743 dollars. This is the second result among the most developed countries in the world.
7. Denmark
Total health expenditure per capita: $ 4,348
Lifespan: 79.0 years (in 25th place)
Most of the costs for medical care in Denmark are covered by the state. Denmark has a low number of medical consultants, hospital beds per capita, and a short stay of patients in the hospital.
8. Austria
Total health expenditure per capita: $ 4,298
Lifespan: 80.4 years (in 16th place)
For a year in Austria on care of health spend about 4,300 dollars per person. This is 11% of the country's GDP. About 77% of the expenditure is incurred by the public health system, and citizens from their own pocket have to pay only $ 600 per year.
9. Germany
Total health expenditure per capita: $ 4,218
Lifespan: 80.3 years (in 18th place)
In addition to the fact that the costs of public health care in Germany are among the highest, they are also the most reasonable among the OECD countries. In Germany, the greatest number of doctors and beds in the patient. Also on average, the patient can stay in the hospital for 7.5 days, which is a good indicator.
10. France
Total health costs per capita: $ 3,978
Lifespan: 81.5 years (in 8th place)
Concern for the health of their fellow citizens costs the state in France at 4 thousand dollars per person per year, which is about 11.8% of the country's GDP. The government and insurance companies almost completely cover the cost of health care, so that the average French spend very little. Residents pay only $ 290 per year, which is 7.3% of the total cost of medical care.