The Pros And Cons Of The French Healthcare System

Each country has a different healthcare system, or lack of system that results due to that country’s history of politics and cultural norms. For example, France’s system includes universal coverage, wide degree of choice of the consumer, and a mixed private and public system that reflects the societal standards of France, including liberalism and social security. On the other hand, the United States’ system leaves much of the responsibility of healthcare to the consumer and believes that a competitive market should be applied to healthcare, as well. These characteristics are representative of the ideas of capitalism and individuality that prevail in the nation. This paper will argue that the French system is the superior system of the two,

During the second half of the twentieth-century, French politicians continued to expand the French National Health Insurance, or NHI, throughout the French population. In 2000, the last 1% of the population was reached (Rodwin 1). Additionally, 8% of the population was given supplementary care during this time all of which were under the “income ceiling” (Rodwin 1). Therefore, every person in France has insurance, no matter his or her income; in fact, health insurance is compulsory. While universality is not exclusive to the French system, it is certainly a factor that not all countries can boast. By giving universal healthcare, the French system prevents great disparities in levels of health around the country and creates a more equal

“Patients have an extraordinary degree of choice among providers” (Rodwin 1). Not only are individuals allowed to select their doctor, but also doctors are able to choose where they want to work and whether it is in the private or public sector. In this way, the French still maintain their ideas of liberalism in their healthcare, while maintaining a system that cares for each of its citizens. It also prevents the lack of choice that exists in some national healthcare systems and is a concern for countries considering a variation of one of these