Introduction
The population’s health is the most influential factor in the state’s social, cultural, and economic development, directly affecting all spheres of society. Public health protection is a significant state task, the major priority of activity, and one of the objects of social policy. At the same time, healthcare systems differ considerably in various countries. This study aims to analyze the Netherlands’ healthcare system to conclude its advantages or disadvantages in comparison with the USA.
Cultural Considerations
To comprehend the reasons for the country’s success, it is necessary to examine its cultural aspects. Dutch culture is characterized by eclecticism and strong exposure to foreign influences (Nimako & Kruk, 2021). The first feature reflects the entire social structure of the society, while the second is related to its advantageous location. This way, relations between the different population groups are interconnected, and all roles are distributed. This clarity and planning directly affect health care since each institute has clear responsibilities and roles.
Moreover, Holland has a very high level of social support; it is one of the safest countries in Europe. All homes and institutions are designed so that every individual has the freedom to access and feel safe. The low crime rate and focus on the value of the individual are the reasons for the low incidence of disease, leaving a priority for prevention over treatment (Tubadji et al., 2023). People of all races and colors are treated liberally in the country. Visitors thus always feel comfortable among the friendly and relaxed hosts of the country, particularly in the medical establishments.
Economic System
The state’s economic level is equally meaningful in the context of the study. The Netherlands’ highly developed market economy emphasizes innovation (Tubadji et al., 2023). Thus, the country constantly seeks new solutions and improved services, including medicine, particularly pharmaceuticals. The Netherlands has a highly developed agriculture and is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of vegetables and flowers. The government’s focus on farming development does not directly but indirectly impact public health. It manifests itself primarily in the specifics of nutrition and lifestyle so that the health and nutrition of one’s organic products is a priority for each citizen (Nimako & Kruk, 2021). The Netherlands has a good economic background due to its location in the center of Western Europe.
The population’s prosperity level is quite high, and the Kingdom’s unemployment rate, which is currently the lowest in the entire European Union, confirms this. The high standard of living, working-age population, and high-income level make medicine accessible to everyone despite its high price (Tubadji et al., 2023). The country’s economy is largely foreign-oriented, and its peace-loving policies favor most of the world, creating new and developing well-established economic relationships.
Healthcare Plans and Benefits
Assessing the health plans and possible benefits for the population is no less critical. In the United States, 90% of the health insurance market is provided by insurance companies, while there are only four in the Netherlands (Papanicolas et al., 2018). At the same time, the entire health insurance system in the Netherlands is represented by three components, which can be distinguished as three main plans. The first is standard and includes compulsory health insurance covering basic health care. Its benefits include nursing and home health care, dental services for children, acquisition of devices and medical devices, pharmaceutical provision, and pregnancy care.
Moreover, the country recognizes the second type of insurance, which is available if you have an EU medical card. This means that citizens of any EU member state can use their insurance, which is undoubtedly positive (Nimako & Kruk, 2021). It is equally important to note the third option of the insurance plan, the distinguishing feature of which is privacy. The private health insurance system is actively developed along with public health insurance. Of course, this plan pays the individual directly and covers several services.
In the Netherlands, there are many other variations of health plans, the price of which depends on the range of services. However, most insurance plans offer additional perks, such as regular body checks or free access to gyms and swimming pools (Tubadji et al., 2023). Thus, there are three main insurance options in the country, and there is also the possibility to choose among a wide variety of services at different price points.
Nevertheless, the level of insurance payment is quite high, and in this way, the state also benefits the population. It allows all citizens, even those with the lowest income, to afford the insurance. The main benefit is called Zorgtoeslag, which is granted by the tax authority after analyzing the individual’s financial situation (Papanicolas et al., 2018). The premium assistance is paid in cash and credited to the card monthly. It starts at 12 euros and reaches 300 euros, a significant help for those in need (Papanicolas et al., 2018). The above information proves that the Dutch healthcare system is highly developed, and despite the high costs, it is accessible to everyone.
Financing of Healthcare
Healthcare expenditures in the Netherlands are quite high due to the high quality of services. At the same time, there are three models of health care in the world, among which are the state model, the welfare state model, the market model, and the hybrid model (Dixit & Sambasivan, 2018). The Netherlands belongs to the first type and is characterized by a high level of state responsibility and funding through taxation.
Furthermore, the level of funding per capita is thus the second distinctive feature of the country. In 2020, 13.3% of the country’s GDP was spent on health care, which puts the Netherlands in 8th place among the EU countries (Nimako & Kruk, 2021). The WHO estimates it as low as USD 12 as the minimum annual spending per person needed to provide basic, life-saving services (Durrani, 2016).
However, the amount of money that the Dutch government spends on healthcare is much higher. The Netherlands is one of 10 EU countries that spend more than 4,000€ per citizen on health care (Tubadji et al., 2023). Moreover, the system is financed by health insurance premiums paid monthly by insurance companies. The quantity of contributions depends on the insurer but generally starts at 100€ per month (Papanicolas et al., 2018). Except for this contribution, the employer deducts from its employees’ wages to the health insurance fund.
Primary Care System
An equally important aspect is the primary care system itself. A 2015 study by the National Institute of Public Health in the Netherlands showed that 99% of patients are taken to the emergency department or hospital within 45 minutes, which sets the country apart. It is general practitioners who refer patients to specialized clinics for further treatment. The Dutch health care system is quite efficient compared to the systems of other European countries but not the most cost-effective. Costs are high due to the excessive use of inpatient care, standardized psychiatric care, and care for older people.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that primary health care is well-developed. Family physicians are the primary link in primary care, and patient satisfaction rates are 88 percent (Dixit & Sambasivan, 2018). Each patient is assigned to a specific general practitioner who refers the patient to a specialist or hospital. This system is very effective because general practitioners manage to treat two-thirds of patients who come in without referring them to specialists. GPs pay a lot of attention to communication with patients; training in communication skills is part of their medical training. It helps explain why the prescription rate at first contact in the Netherlands is relatively low, at 66% (Durrani, 2016). Family physicians practice independently in all communities.
Conclusion
Thus, health care in the Netherlands is a strong and constantly changing system, which differs from health care in the United States. A comparison of their main aspects proves that the Dutch public health system is more efficient and developed. In contrast to the United States, it is much more equitable and has numerous advantages, including accessibility. In the Netherlands, adequate financing is fine, and despite the high price, every citizen has access to and the possibility of being insured. At the same time, the U.S. ranks last in terms of affordability and equality.
The achievements of the Netherlands, such as well-developed and functioning primary health care, which streamlines patients’ access to specialists, are noteworthy. At the same time, the care process in the United States is satisfactory, but even in this aspect, the Netherlands leads the way. The Dutch healthcare system is built on the principles of equity, high levels of care, and affordability of healthcare, making it the more reasonable option.
References
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Durrani, H. (2016). Healthcare and healthcare systems: Inspiring progress and future prospects. mHealth, 2(3), 1–9. Web.
Nimako, K., & Kruk, M. E. (2021). Seizing the moment to rethink health systems. The Lancet Global Health, 9(12), 1758-1762. Web.
Papanicolas I., Woskie L. R., & Jha A. K. (2018). Health care spending in the United States and other high-income countries. JAMA, 319(10), 1024–1039. Web.
Tubadji, A., Boy, F., & Webber, D. J. (2023). Narrative economics, public policy and mental health. Applied research in quality of life, 18(1), 43-70. Web.