A Tale of Two Systems: How US and UK Healthcare Differ

US healthcare and UK healthcare are two of the most discussed in the world. Both form a large part of election campaigns with spending, cost, and experience all a major interest for voters. Both also take very different approaches to healthcare. One focuses on access and affordability while the other prioritizes standards. But which one is better? This article will compare the cost and standard of healthcare in the US and the UK.

Overview of US Healthcare

US healthcare is one of the most discussed health systems in the world. It divides opinion within America and around the world too as the only developed country without a universal healthcare system. Its heavily privatized nature can make it rather expensive to stay fit and healthy, and the vast majority of American citizens are not entitled to free healthcare.

Unlike countries with a universal healthcare system for all residents, American citizens must rely on health insurance to cover them. Often, employers will cover part of employees’ insurance costs. Companies that employ over 50 members of staff are required to provide health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while it is optional for smaller employers.

Senior citizens and individuals earning low income may be helped out through Medicare and Medicaid. These programs were introduced during the '60s to support citizens who couldn’t otherwise afford health insurance.

It’s also important to note the decentralized nature of American healthcare, with individual states taking steps to introduce their own healthcare systems. The opinion-splitting healthcare system causes it to be at the forefront of election campaigns with healthcare reform an ongoing talking point in the US. 

Overview of UK Healthcare

If US healthcare is one of the more controversial and complex systems, the UK’s approach to healthcare sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. Simply put, all legal residents within the UK are entitled to free, public healthcare known as the NHS (National Health Service). This includes international students studying in the UK for longer than six months.

The NHS has long been regarded as one of the world’s leading healthcare systems, although recently it has seen unprecedented levels of decline. Staff shortages and waiting times are two issues that have repeatedly been discussed by UK citizens and politicians.

While residents can receive free treatment on the NHS, the healthcare system is heavily funded through tax, resulting in levels of taxation that are generally higher than levels seen in America. 

Although everyone is entitled to free NHS healthcare, private options do exist too. These are used for treatments that aren’t covered by the NHS such as cosmetic surgery in Manchester that is being carried out solely for aesthetic purposes or therapy that isn’t considered urgent.

Residents may also choose to go private for a better experience. While medical professionals often work across both sectors, private hospitals often have the benefit of better facilities with reduced wait times.