Last update:
15-Sep-2021

As had been expected, the recession of 2008 affected the economy of European countries heavily, since it led to an increase in unemployment and poverty rates, but also in healthcare expenditure. At the same time, it brought about considerable reduction in the family income. Evidence in the relevant literature indicates an association between the poor financial situation of the population and reduced access to healthcare services, which in turn leads to further deterioration of health indices. Setting as the main parameter, the financial crisis on a global scale, this study analyzed the healthcare systems of European countries and the manner in which they dealt with the new circumstances created by the recession. Economic indicators were examined, including the gross domestic product, health expenditures, health indices and the general features of the healthcare systems (funding, organization, annual return, allocation) relevant to their structure and function. The countries studied were Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Romania, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Greece. According to comparative analysis, all of the countries studied have health care systems which are either state run, or dependent on social security systems, or a combination of the two. Most of the countries attach special importance to primary health care, and concentrate on the improvement of health care of the population through dynamic policies, on both the national and the European level. None of the countries show a clear "private-based initiative" concerning health care. On the contrary, private health care is assigned a supplemental function, although in many countries it constitutes an integral part of the overall health care system, since it co-finances medical care. The significance of the role of private health insurance is noted. The importance of health indices for the delineation of the healthcare profile of each country is demonstrated. The application of well-established health care strategies, based on the collection and statistical analysis of data, has been demonstrated. The healthcare systems of the European countries studied are now of a "mixed" nature. Priority is given to primary health care, with an anthropocentric identity and decentralized approach.

Key words: European health systems, European social model, Health expenditure, Health indicators, Reform.