Many citizens immigrating to Europe are interested in the quality of medicine in EU countries. Sometimes this factor can become decisive when choosing a state for further residence, especially if a person is experiencing the development of a disease or the risk of its manifestation.
Health care system in EU countries
One of the key issues for the countries of the European Union is the formation and development of the medical industry. Doctors, scientists, government bodies, as well as private individuals.
Countries adhere to the following principles:
- bringing health care closer to economic development states;
- ensuring quality of services medical institutions in the context of increasing budget allocations;
- integration of health care into other areas of country policy.
The main condition for receiving free help is citizenship or residence in European countries. Moreover, each state independently determines the conditions for the provision and development of its own medicine. The European Union, in turn, only supports decisions and complements the measures taken.
Compulsory health insurance
Medicine in European countries requires mandatory health insurance. A citizen who has an insurance policy has the right to receive services in public and private clinics on free or preferential terms.
In European countries, you can receive both basic medical services and undergo examinations or tests. At the same time, the price list for treatment and consultations varies greatly depending on the country where a person intends to receive the service.
So, for example, for a foreigner in Germany, a consultation with a specialist can cost from 250 to 800 euros. Dentist services can reach up to 10 thousand euros, and an operation with a surgeon can be performed for 5.8-28 thousand euros. Laser correction An eye exam from an ophthalmologist costs only 3.5 thousand euros, which is not much higher than in some Russian clinics.
Availability of qualified medical care for the local population and foreigners
In many European countries, citizens pay annually insurance premiums. On their basis, they are entitled to receive free medical services. In addition, there are many private clinics with modern equipment that are ready to help with treatment or examination.
Foreigners can also take advantage of European medicine. However, for them the cost of services is much higher, because such treatment is not available to everyone. You can reduce the payment by obtaining a residence permit or citizenship.
Attitudes towards people with disabilities in Europe
Europe has developed a special approach to people with disabilities. First of all, this concerns infrastructure:
- the presence of ramps and a minimum number of underground/overground passages;
- low floor transport;
- the presence of tangible and audio signals for the visually impaired;
- formation of help centers.
European cities are considered to be some of the best places for people with disabilities to live. different degrees disability. In addition, people with disabilities are provided with many benefits for treatment and other types of services, which are provided by both private and government organizations.
EU countries with the best medical care
- Sweden. About 97% of healthcare costs are covered by the state budget. Residents pay the remaining 3% by purchasing an insurance policy. Features include the structure of dentistry, which provides free dental treatment for children from 0 to 19 years old.
- Switzerland. The country has the highest standard of living of the population. Most medical services are provided free of charge to citizens, the rest can be obtained through insurance, which is mandatory.
- Italy. The country has a mixed healthcare system, including both public and private clinics. Moreover, all operations are carried out absolutely free for residents, regardless of the location.
- Israel. Israeli healthcare is in fourth place. The system achieved this result due to the high efficiency of the treatment. The clinics employ professional doctors with the most modern equipment.
- Spain. Spain has the best medicine in the world. There are highly qualified personnel among all medical personnel. Healthcare is as accessible as possible. So, for example, citizens can purchase prescription medications through a special program.
There are more detailed lists, thanks to which you can find out where the best medicine in the world is, not only in terms of development, but also in terms of accessibility for foreign citizens.
German healthcare system
The healthcare system in Germany is rightfully one of the best in the world. Modern equipment produced by the German company Siemens is supplied to many countries.
The country has the best clinics in the world, among which one of the leading places is occupied by the Weiden complex. Distinctive feature This institution is a combination of highly qualified specialists, modern equipment, as well as the most comfortable conditions for each patient, taking into account the characteristics of their diseases.
Not only residents of this country, but also people from other countries can undergo treatment in German clinics. However, it is worth noting that without a residence permit or citizenship, the cost of medical services in Germany can hit the budget hard.
France and Italy: medical tourism
Citizens of various countries, in search of better medicine, most often look to France or Italy. In both countries there is an optimal combination of prices and quality of services provided by both private and public clinics.
It is difficult to obtain a residence permit in France or Italy to obtain insurance. It is worth noting that citizens of EU countries have the opportunity to receive treatment on preferential terms. Therefore, many tourists try to obtain citizenship or residence permit in one of European countries before receiving medical services.
Malta, Spain: Best Health Care Systems
Malta, like Italy, has the best medical care in the world for foreigners in terms of price and quality. Along with it, there are several large clinics that allow you to receive necessary treatment. Most specialists have international certificates and use new equipment.
Doctors in Spain are highly qualified and also use modern technologies when treating their patients. In order for such medicine to become accessible, it is enough to obtain a residence permit and obtain citizenship. In general, the healthcare system in this country is similar to the Soviet one, except that everything is at a modern level.
The best clinics in Switzerland: quality
Since 2012, Switzerland has been a leader in life expectancy statistics. An important role in this fact is played by the healthcare system of this country, which includes modern equipment and highly qualified workers in their specialty.
Most Swiss doctors provide paid services, which are used not only local residents, but also visitors from all over the world. The most complex cases are treated in Switzerland oncological diseases, but without a passport you will have to pay a fairly significant amount.
Foreign citizens have the right to obtain a residence permit in Switzerland, but for this they need to make investments in the country’s economy. The minimum fee is 100 thousand euros per year for 10 years. Get full rights You can become a citizen after 12 years of permanent residence.
Treatment in Hungary, Portugal: optimal prices, availability
Over the past 20 years, the flow of medical tourists to Hungary has increased. This fact is facilitated by the high quality of services of local doctors and relatively low cost.
It is worth noting that everyone can become a participant in the investment program, within the framework of which representatives of other countries are given the opportunity to obtain citizenship. If successful, you will be able to qualify for therapy from many doctors within the framework of the minimum insurance (20-40 euros).
If you need to receive high-quality surgical services and undergo examination in gynecological oncology favorable prices, then you should go to Portugal. This is the country preferred by European women who want to save money on childbirth without fearing for the quality of obstetric services.
If necessary, citizens of other countries can take out insurance for 350 euros, under which they can visit a doctor, take tests, and undergo basic examinations. And to obtain a residence permit and citizenship, which contribute to a greater reduction in prices, you should invest 1 million euros in the economy or buy housing worth 500 thousand euros.
| Comparison of the level of medicine in Europe and Russia | ||
| Parameter | Europe | Russia |
| Worker qualifications | European doctors study in modern universities and regularly improve their qualifications. | Russian specialists undergo lengthy training before working in clinics. At the same time, doctors from major cities have the opportunity to practice with Western colleagues. |
| Availability of equipment | There are many factories in Europe itself medical equipment producing high-quality equipment. | Due to counter-sanctions, the supply of most types of foreign equipment to Russia has been stopped. Our own production is only increasing the pace of work. |
| Medicines | Europe successfully produces many types of medicines and cooperates with other countries. | As in the case of equipment, medicines from foreign manufacturers are supplied in small volumes. There is a shortage of some vital drugs. |
| Budget | In Europe, large amounts of money are allocated for the development of medicine, as a result of which the level of services provided to the population increases. | Contributions to healthcare are minimal, and medical staff are being reduced. |
| Availability | Medicine in Europe is available to all residents, and people from other countries also have the opportunity to undergo treatment. But this will require a significant amount of money. | Free healthcare is available to citizens. However, some prefer private clinics due to better equipment. |
It is worth noting that not all European countries have high level medicine. However, their citizens can freely receive the services of doctors in other EU countries for a reduced fee.
In general, it can be noted that in Europe, the services of doctors are more accessible to the population, while their quality is many times higher. The level of medicine in Russia is still low, and healthcare in general is developing very slowly. As a result, Russians who care about their health are increasingly trying to obtain a residence permit in European countries.
In medieval European medicine, the doctrine of the main four fluids secreted by the human body was widespread:
- black bile;
- yellow bile;
- blood;
- mucus or phlegm.
An imbalance in their proportions meant the presence of a disease. Thus, it was believed that colds were caused by excessive amounts of mucus, which the body got rid of by coughing. Bloodletting and various diets were used for treatment. As a result of incorrect interpretations, medicine stagnated, leading to the death of many patients.
Hospitals in the Middle Ages were directly connected to the church. The patients were cared for by monks who had no special education. In this case, mainly pilgrims, old people and beggars were subject to hospitalization. The patients were treated at home. Only towards the end of the 12th century did city authorities begin to participate in the management of institutions.
In the 18th century, rapid development began European medicine. Thus, in this century, the development of obstetrics began, and the first hospitals for the mentally ill were opened. As a result of the gradual separation from the church and departure from the theory of four liquids, effective methods treatment of many diseases.
European Foundation for the Development of Medicine and Education: projects
The team of the European Foundation for the Development of Medicine is engaged in the development and development of programs aimed at improving the qualifications of applicants, medical students and doctors around the world. On this moment It is possible to register in several projects of the organization:
- "Military traumatology". The project is aimed primarily at specialists whose work is necessary for the army. Registration will allow you to receive Additional information on the provision of medical services within the framework of military medicine.
- Medical tourism is a unique set of programs aimed primarily at patients. As part of the project, European clinics can be visited not only for the treatment of diseases. You are also given the opportunity to undergo specialist examinations and attend rehabilitation events.
- "Europe Medical". The program allows doctors and medical staff to have the opportunity to practice in Polish institutions. In addition, training courses are conducted that will help in your independent desire to become part of European medicine.
- "Double diploma" Thanks to this program, students medical colleges receive the right to additional training in Polish institutions. Upon graduation, they become available official documents, allowing you to get a job in the EU.
- "Training". The program involves conducting trainings, courses and seminars for doctors and university students. Those who register can develop how leadership skills to promote career ladder, and gain skills to be able to run your own business.
- "International internships." The program can include both broad-profile and narrowly focused trips aimed at internships for doctors and future specialists graduating from universities.
You can register for the programs by visiting the official website of the project.
European medicine: pros and cons
If we talk about the advantages of healthcare in EU countries, they include the following points:
- the presence of highly qualified specialists, from doctors to service personnel;
- modern equipment for both treatment, prevention and research of diseases;
- large budget funding, which makes medicine more accessible to residents of countries.
As for the disadvantages, the main one concerns foreigners. To receive quality services, a citizen of another state will have to pay a considerable amount. In addition, it is worth noting that not all EU countries have a high level of healthcare, so choosing a place for treatment and examination should be done with great care.
For wealthy people who want to move to one of the European countries, it is important to know how national healthcare works there. - This is an already established system that has been operating successfully and efficiently for more than a century. The secret is in the insurance system, which covers all countries and the majority of their inhabitants. We will tell you in which European countries you can use high-quality medical services and which clinics you can go to to improve your health in our review today.
Insurance medicine in Europe
One of the main conditions for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in most European countries is the purchase by the applicant of medical insurance policy. This should not surprise you, since insurance medicine is widespread mainly in European countries. It is valid in all EU countries.
- additional
- replacing
- duplicate
- mandatory
Each person pays for insurance independently from their personal budget. A number of states set the contribution in the form of certain amounts, while in other countries citizens pay a percentage of their income.
The main advantage of insurance is that the policy opens the doors to the best clinics (public and private) in Europe, while allowing you to significantly save on treatment costs. Delivery systems medical care(and percentage of provision free services) also differ significantly in different countries. However, in any case, having insurance, you receive the highest quality medical services, and pay much less for them (in some cases, you don’t pay at all).
Where is the best place to get treatment in Europe?
Germany
German clinics are rightfully considered the leaders and main innovators of European medicine. People come here to improve their health (including in the most difficult cases) people from all over the world. Health insurance in Germany can pay for heart transplants, joint replacements and other complex surgeries.
The German healthcare system has a high percentage of private medical practitioners– about 45%. Any doctor with the appropriate qualifications can open his own office. Competition is also very high, so each clinic tries to maintain the highest possible brand.
Best clinics Germany with multidisciplinary treatment:
- Clinic of St. Martha and Mary (Munich)
- University Hospital (Bochum)
- Academic Center (Dortmund)
Great Britain
In the UK, 95% of medical institutions are owned by the state, and about 10% of the state budget is allocated to healthcare. Such infusions have a positive effect on the quality of medical services. Doctors' services are available to everyone who has a residence permit or British citizenship. The cost of services remains stable as the government controls prices. Budgetary constraints reduce the likelihood that doctors will prescribe unnecessary drugs.
The best UK clinics with multidisciplinary treatment:
- University College London Clinics
- Wellington Clinic (London)
- HCA International Clinics (London)
Switzerland
The quality of medicine here is evidenced by the life expectancy of the Swiss. Men live here on average to 80 years of age, and women to 85 years of age. The secret is in best practices medicine and environmental cleanliness. The cost of medical services is partially covered by the state, and partially paid by the residents of the country themselves - through insurance, which every holder of a residence permit or Swiss passport must have.
The best clinics in Switzerland with multidisciplinary treatment:
- University Hospital (Zurich)
- Clinic Generale-Beaulieu (Geneva)
- Clinic Genolier (Glinon).
Spain
In Spain, foreign citizens with a residence permit have the right to free medical care, since medicine here is 85% public. At the same time, the country regularly ranks among the Top 5 European countries in terms of the level of medicine and the qualifications of doctors. Residence permit holders receive an individual medical card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual - TSI), which allows them to contact government agencies. Patients pay 40-50% of the cost of medications prescribed after leaving the hospital. Pensioners over 65 years old pay only 10% of the cost of medicines.
The best clinics in Spain with multidisciplinary treatment:
- Catalan General Hospital Capio (Barcelona)
- Hospital Costadel Sol (Marbella)
- Quiron Clinic (Madrid)
Austria
There are several health insurance options in Austria:
- compulsory social
- voluntary social
- voluntary private
All citizens working in Austria, as well as pensioners, pay insurance premiums in the form of a percentage of their salary. Children are insured together with their parents. You can voluntarily enter into an insurance contract with a private insurance company. This document will allow you to choose a clinic and a doctor. Unemployed citizens can apply for voluntary social or private insurance. Whatever option you choose, in any case in Austria you are guaranteed high-quality treatment using advanced technologies.
The best clinics in Austria with multidisciplinary treatment:
- Vienna private clinic
- Private Clinic Leech (Graz)
- Evangelical Clinic (Vienna)
Portugal
There is a combination of a public health care system combined with insurance and private medicine. In most cases, residents of the country are entitled to 100% compensation for treatment costs, but in some areas of medicine (diagnostics, dentistry, hospital treatment, etc.) the state pays only 55-60% of the cost of services.
The best clinics in Portugal with multidisciplinary treatment:
- Hospital Da Luz (Lisbon)
- Lusíadas Medical Center (Lisbon)
- Todos Santos Hospital (Lisbon)
Greece
In this country, the healthcare system combines public and private principles. Majority public clinics(about 80%) is concentrated in Athens and Thessaloniki. Moreover, in terms of the quality of services they are not inferior to German ones, and in terms of cost - significantly lower. There are state insurance companies in Greece; they fully cover hospital stays and outpatient treatment.
The best clinics in Greece with multidisciplinary treatment:
- Interbalkan Medical Center (Thessaloniki)
- University Hospital "AHEPA" (Thessaloniki)
- St. Luke's Clinic (Thessaloniki)
Life expectancy in European countries
The best specialized clinics in Europe
| Profile | Clinic | City, country |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiology | – German Heart Center – Royal Brompton Center | - Munich, Germany - London, Great Britain |
| Ophthalmology | – Ophthalmology Clinic Duke Karl Theodor of Bavaria – University Eye Clinic | - Munich, Germany – Leipzig, Germany |
| Gynecology | – Gynecological Clinic C3 – Teknon Clinic | – Dusseldorf, Germany - Barcelona, Spain |
| Pediatric medicine | – Children's University Hospital “Haunerschen” – Child Health Center Donaustadt | - Munich, Germany - Vienna, Austria |
| Oncology | – Royal Cancer Hospital – Clinic radiation therapy | - London, Great Britain – Porto, Portugal |
| Neurosurgery | – Clinic Helios Zilschlacht – University Clinic of Neurosurgery | – Zilschlacht, Switzerland - Vienna, Austria |
How to start treatment in Europe?
Maintaining health and treating diseases is the primary task of every person. European countries offer ample opportunities to use high-class medical services. However, people who experience health problems are most often inconvenient to open a visa every time to go to Europe for treatment. What if you need to go to the doctor urgently?..
Treatment in clinics in Germany, Switzerland or Austria may well become accessible to you. Efficient and fast decision problems – obtaining a residence permit in one of the European countries under migration programs for investors. Apply for a residence permit for investing in the economy and get unlimited access to quality medicine. You will be able to travel around the EU without visas and use the services of public and private clinics.
Our specialists will help you find the most suitable way to obtain a residence permit. Call us or come to the office - we will offer you the easiest and shortest way to make your dream come true good health and longevity.
Still, I’ll tell you the most terrible case. And I will no longer specifically write about Western medicine. I hope that after this you will understand my attitude towards her. I described it earlier, but removed the most shocking facts, and now I’m doing it without cuts.
While Dutch psychiatrists refused to help urgently, so that a child in Belgium could undergo surgery (to calm him down), that is, for six months of ear pain with infections (!), when neither the police, nor doctors, nor social services didn’t worry about the fact that doctors are absolutely not treating the child with necessary help, forcing him to overcome hellish pain for six months, and I was told that in the event of his death, no one would be to blame, in Belgium they decided to cope on their own.
They performed an operation, and as a result it turned out that the son had lost 90% of his hearing. The lawyer (who are constantly under pressure from local social services) asked not to sue:
“You don’t want to repeat all this in court, do you?” It hurts you psychologically.
- No, it doesn’t hurt me at all, this is a crime.
- Let's not do this.
... How do you like the dialogue? The lawyer cost 250 euros per hour...
The miracle surgeon restored hearing to 90% by removing 2 bones from hearing aid and replacing them with cartilage from the ear.
This was done by cutting the ear from behind. They stitched it up and made a bandage. A week later they decided to remove the bandage and give him the opportunity to “come to his senses.” I asked if it would be better to take off the bandage first and wait until it dries so that the seam does not itch, otherwise he will touch it. No, we are specialists.
Ok, we removed the stitch - it is wet and not healed. I take a photo of the suture and send it to the surgeon with the note: “I would never take this off if I were you, because the suture is wet.” I get the answer: “Yes, this is wrong, I wouldn’t shoot it either, I sent my assistant, we must work as a team and trust each other. Sorry!"
All this time, the child is in intensive care, one for the entire department and for 2 nurses, 1 pediatrician and 1 head. resuscitation.
I’m going to the head of intensive care.
— You gave me a prescription for an antibiotic after the operation. For 5 days. I read the instructions for it on the Internet, and it says a week. Since the child has reduced immunity, even a week will not be enough for him.
- That's how it should be.
I called the pediatrician and explained the situation. He says that, of course, a week is not enough, he knows his son very well and made the diagnosis himself. I re-filled the prescription for 10 days and asked me not to pay attention to the lady. She comes up to me and gives me the recipe, grinning.
— I wouldn’t give you his tests so you wouldn’t look on the Internet.
- You have no right not to give them to me.
- But I wouldn’t give it. Who gave them to you?
— Your employees.
- Who gave them permission?
- Our pediatrician, your colleague.
“But I still wouldn’t and won’t give.”
- Fine.
I go down for 15 minutes to formally complain, fortunately, after three weeks in my son’s artificial sleep, I was thoroughly tired of her. First, I ask the nurses to cover his hands with a blanket, which I specially brought from home, so that he does not touch his ear. They said they knew better.
I'll get up in 15 minutes. During this time - attention - 1 child in intensive care, in the room directly opposite the intensive care table and 4 doctors for him alone, but WITHOUT ME.
- Sorry, you better not go there.
- Why?
- Well... Apparently, his ear itched, and he began to pull it and... tore it off. And now we're sewing it up again.
The pediatrician and surgeon did not know where to hide their eyes from me and how to apologize. I said:
- When I scream, it’s not scary. But now I'm calm. Very calm. And this is much worse.
Another two weeks under “anesthesia.” They discharged me without checking whether the child was walking after that or not - they dumped me like a sack of potatoes in my car. The whole time I was driving home (2.5 hours), he fell like a sack.
He didn’t move at all, he just constantly sweated cold sweat, he couldn’t even drink (I tried to give him something to drink by tilting him and pouring water in because I was afraid of dehydration. He didn’t go to the toilet.
For three days after that, the child did not move, I did not sleep for 72 hours, turning him over every two hours, drying him, drying his hair with a hairdryer. The children brought towels. No one thought to help us, although they knew that after the operation. In addition, I constantly called the doctors, telling them what was happening and asking them to look at him. I was told that this happens.
At the end of 72 hours, tired from lack of sleep, I called Belgium and asked if I could bring them the child, since I was very worried about his condition. We were advised to call a Dutch ambulance.
For the first time in 10 years of living in Holland, a doctor came home by ambulance, because I could not lift the child myself, carry him into the car and bring him to the office; he was already large and heavy, and I was alone at home, my husband was on a business trip, others The children couldn't help either.
The ambulance doctor arrived:
“You need to take him to the hospital urgently.”
I’m calling my rhinestone company and making arrangements for a car in the intensive care unit for now.
The Dutch doctor said that it would be better if we went to their hospital first, “to check, and then go straight to Belgium” (I refused to put him in a hospital in Holland). We waited for an hour for the car... An hour later, everyone together, with the children, went to the hospital 30 minutes from us. My son was put in a special unit. emergency room - everything is “sterile, a box with disposable gowns and gloves, two doors for entry, and nurses sit 20 meters from the room. We wore everything we came from home in and what we climbed in on the street (this is in terms of sterility). Twice for 5!!! hours of waiting (for a patient from intensive care in an ambulance), I asked when they would admit us and why we were there at all if we could just go straight to Belgium. They told me that the doctor was busy. Our insurance ended up closing (it was a Saturday night) and we couldn't even get him there quickly and had to wait for the local ambulance.
The children were hungry, but there was nothing to eat in the hospital.
They suggested that we go and look for a restaurant.
- How can we leave him alone?
- We'll look after him.
- So you are 20 meters from him, and he is lying on a couch without a railing. If he suddenly wants to get up, he will fall flat from a height of 1.5 meters.
- We will see it on the monitor.
…
Of course, even the children said that they would not go anywhere, because the risk of their son falling was too high. We sat there, hungry and angry. 5 o'clock.
As a result, the “doctor” came, put on a disposable gown and gloves, a mask behind the door, then... came up to me and extended his hand in the same sterile glove to say hello.
- Excuse me, but is it okay that my hands are unwashed?
- Fine!
- So you put on sterile gloves, I’ll get them dirty for you.
- Nothing!... (I can imagine how much our insurance company was billed for all this).
- Yes, everything is clear. We need to be hospitalized urgently!
- What will you do with him?
“He will lie here, and we will watch him and turn him over.”
- That's all? And what happened to him?
“Everything is fine, you just need to be hospitalized.”
They transported him to the ward. A palace, not a chamber. I told them that I would be with him, including spending the night. In the meantime, I’ll go home, take the children, make an agreement with the nanny and take my things. I fed the children, made an agreement, took it, and arrived.
The child is lying in the room alone, covered in cold sweat, the whole pillow is wet from sweat, and when I removed it, the sheet under the pillow was wet. But no one cared. Above him, right above his wet head, a fan was turned on with... cold air. He just had pneumonia (pneumonia) during surgery.
Here, I must say, I lost my calm and forced someone to get up and run. I went to look for the head doctor, because 5 hours of waiting plus this was beyond my strength. I was persuaded to simply write a complaint.
The pediatrician rushed up and said that she would negotiate with the Belgian hospital about his treatment, and they needed my consent to the treatment. I asked what was wrong with him. Nothing.
I sent them and said that I was going to Belgium. I waited another 4 hours for the ambulance. The workers took him, placed him on a gurney and took him away. I followed them in my car. Two hours later I get a call from a Belgian hospital and ask where we are.
- What, they didn’t come? They were driving with a flashing light.
- No.
I called the Dutch hospital - no one knows, they can’t call.
An hour later there were similar problems - the child was not brought to the hospital by ambulance, no one knows where he is. Half an hour later I arrived at the Belgian intensive care unit. I was informed that the child had severe bruises on his legs (which were photographed so as not to blame them).
The resuscitation doctor said:
- It’s good that you got him examined. In fact, he has Neurological Malignant Syndrome (if you want, look it up on Wikipedia: death in 10-30% of cases).
After that, they stopped breathing on me and him, my husband was abroad, the children stayed with a friend.
So, 6 months of severe pain in the ears, 1.5 months in the hospital on drugs instead of 2 weeks, 12 hours of waiting for AMBULANCE for a potentially fatal syndrome, a severed ear, neuroleptic malignant syndrome... Enough or CONTINUE???
Russians are accustomed to socialism, even those who have never lived under it are somehow accustomed to it genetically. The fact that medical care should be completely free for the population is taken for granted. Visiting a clinic, hospitalization in a hospital, calling an ambulance at home, all this is provided free of charge in our country.
How is the healthcare system and medicine structured in Europe? How is medical care provided there? For example, in Western Europe there is no free medicine. . There is emergency free medical care. Great amount private clinics and centers create high competitiveness in this regard abroad great attention pays attention to the quality of services provided, on the website medextour.com you can see a catalog of many famous foreign medical clinics and institutions.
Today there are three types of medical care in the world::
- The Semashko system, in other words, is a state system, such as it once was in the Soviet Union. This system is practiced in only 8 European countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Spain, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal. However, in pure form The Soviet system is nowhere and no one has it.
- The system of compulsory health insurance, as we have now (). This system is used by most European countries: 25 countries, but the coverage of the population with such insurance varies. Not all citizens are insured everywhere; this is the case only in four out of twenty-five countries: France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy. In other countries, holders of free insurance range from 70%, as in Holland, to 85%, as in Germany. Moreover, the insurance must be paid for independently, that is, it is not paid for by the state, like with us, it is a contribution from the personal budget. In some countries the contribution is a percentage of income, while in others it is the same for everyone. In any case, not everyone can afford insurance.
- Healthcare that is based in private practices and private insurance companies is not common. In Holland, up to 40% of the population is treated this way.
National health system
Each country, of course, has its own characteristics, which you can fully become familiar with only by experiencing them yourself (). But you can imagine the advantages and disadvantages of the system using an example. An example of a country with a national healthcare system would be Finland.
The country is divided into several districts, which in turn are divided into municipalities. The organization of medical care in a particular municipality remains at his choice. A “Health Center” (polyclinic) could be created here, maybe there would be one clinic for two municipal associations, or maybe it would pay for the services of private clinics. In any case, there is only one clinic for the entire municipality, and often you have to travel about 100 km to get help. At the Health Center, only pregnant women and newborns are observed free of charge, and schoolchildren are examined. All other services are provided by a resident of Finland in mandatory pays, despite the state system of payment for medicine, pays, however, not in full, but only 15%. How much is this? An appointment with a therapist costs 46 euros, with a pediatrician 77 euros, and with an eye doctor – 84 euros. That is, 15% will be from 7 to 10 euros. Considering that the average Finn earns 15 euros per hour (2800 per month), this is not much, but it is not free either.
There are 20 districts in Finland and each one has one hospital; if you need inpatient treatment, you are hospitalized here by referral from the Health Center. The patient cannot choose his own hospital: he is not considered competent in medical matters. There are 5 more university clinics where highly qualified care is provided. Patients also have no choice when purchasing medications. Medicines will not be dispensed without a prescription at all.
The cost of inpatient treatment is significantly higher than outpatient treatment, so Finns try to spend as little time as possible in the hospital. The patient pays only 5% of the treatment, but often this is not so little. For example, the cost of an eye operation is 3,000 euros. House for the day - about 500 euros. Even if your stay in the clinic does not last long, then total amount will be about 4000 euros, and 5% of this amount will be 200 euros. For Finns this is not much; a person earns this much in about two days.
Compulsory health insurance
This system is common in many countries, for example in Germany. The doctor will see you at any time of the day, but only with a medical insurance policy. You don’t have to enter the office without it, even regardless of who is sick: a child or an adult. There is no calling a doctor to your home; in any case, in any condition, the patient either calls an ambulance or goes to the doctor himself.
The work of doctors is strictly accountable, each ailment corresponds to specific recommendations, which significantly limits the doctor’s creative approach. In case of violation of recommendations Insurance Company He just won’t pay for the work and that’s it. For example, for otitis media, antibiotics are recommended; there are no other options. If a child experiences his tenth otitis media in a year, no one will refer him to additional examination by insurance. This is only possible in private.
Judging by feedback from patients in Germany, laboratory examinations are not often performed, and diagnoses are often made solely on the basis of medical history. This, of course, is an outpatient level of medicine, the simplest, but there is no such thing in a Russian clinic.
Inpatient treatment in Germany is popular throughout Europe, but doctors are leaving Germany itself because their wages here are significantly lower than in other EU countries. All clinics are well equipped, and many, but not all, use advanced technology. The usual operation (cholecystitis, hernia, etc.) is completely similar to the Russian one, the main difference is in the conditions at the department: here, of course, it is more comfortable.
People with disabilities are treated with special reverence here, although it is much more difficult to obtain such a status than in Russia (). A disabled person is considered to be a person who has a persistent loss of ability to work of 80% or higher (in our opinion, this is disability group II, or even I). But this part of the population has its own rights. They are paid a treatment allowance and a small pension ().
For example, so-called inclusive education is very common: teaching sick and healthy children in the same class. All public buildings equipped specifically for people with special features, so they feel comfortable here. For example, in French Disneyland special chairs There are facilities for disabled people on all attractions.
But rehabilitation of children who cannot yet be recognized as disabled is practically not carried out under the compulsory insurance policy. For example, a regular massage course, which is given to everyone 4 times a year (in the first year of life) Russian child, it’s not done there at all. Rehabilitation centers are very expensive, although they have the widest capabilities. The clinics are equipped with good, new equipment, all studies are carried out on site, and an individual program is created for everyone.
The healthcare system of Western countries differs from the Russian one (), but not always in better side. If a person is rich, he will get the best here and there. If funds are limited, assistance will also be limited. Health care of the socialist type is, of course, more accessible to people, but it is necessarily devoid of choice. Insurance makes medical care difficult, but there is a choice.
Watch an interesting video
European medicine is a beautiful myth
Author – Natalya Barabash
A friend called me: “Have you read it? In an English hospital, the staff killed 1000 people! Horror! How can this be - this is an enlightened Europe!” But for some reason I wasn’t surprised. Alas. Stories about the splendor of European medicine turned out to be the myth that was most painful to part with.
– Oh, you will immediately see the difference with Russia! Yes, we can tell you everything with one blood test! - a Viennese friend assured me, who, like all Austrians, believed that there was no better medicine than theirs.
My husband was the first to turn to the miracle doctors - his leg hurt for some reason.
– You only have general social insurance, right? - they asked him, - then go to the family doctor at your place of residence!
“Finally, I will find out what kind of family doctor you are, about whom all Russian patients dream!” – I thought dreamily, waiting for my husband.
By that time, I was surprised to discover that there are no clinics in Austria. At all. And if you are sick with something, you must first go to a general practitioner: there are several of them in the area (although you may not be tied to your place of residence.). And he will either prescribe treatment himself, or refer you for tests and then to specialists. A small detail - all the laboratories are also private and scattered throughout the city: in one place they take blood, in another they do X-rays and ultrasounds, in a third they check the heart... Well, specialists also opened their offices, wherever they liked. Not every patient can run around them all...! But what a professional level!
The husband returned discouraged.
“There, there...” he stuttered slightly. - Well, in general, I won’t go there again!
It turned out that our family doctor’s waiting room was the size of a closet, with nowhere to even sit (and in the Moscow clinic, I remember, there was a harpist playing in the marble hall!). And there were a lot of people. Someone is sneezing and coughing, some old woman is humming slightly, shaking her head, and the dark-skinned guy is dripping blood from his bandaged hand... When, after an hour of waiting, the husband came into the office right after the boy and saw bloody bandages on the floor, he felt sick . An elderly, tired doctor in a blood-stained robe silently wrote out a prescription for painkillers - and that was the end of his first meeting with advanced European medicine.
- Well, you should have taken out private insurance! – an Austrian friend immediately stopped our complaints. - The service there is completely different! The best clinics, professors!
We took heart. But then it turned out that good treatment in Europe can only be absolutely healthy people. That is, the insurance company, first of all, requires you to prove that you are not sick with anything - for this you undergo a mini-examination at your own expense.
– What if they find me sick? – I was amazed. - Well, for example, gastritis? Am I not going to be insured?
- Why not? They can insure for the treatment of everything except gastritis,” a friend explained to us. - Well, if it’s something more serious, they’ll refuse.
– But people want to treat what hurts?
– You never know what they want! They won't insure the car against damage if it's already damaged? Why should a company risk its funds? - the crown convinced us.
And we set out to prove that we never get sick, but simply want to give our money to the insurance company for free. The polite doctor himself took blood from our finger and immediately wrote out a bill: 120 euros for the appointment and 100 euros for the blood test. From everyone. And a week later he told us by phone that we were healthy and eligible for medical insurance. I was surprised, but terribly happy! Because these Moscow doctors found so many things in me that they forbade me to eat or drink anything tasty!
For several months, despite various ailments, we were afraid to disturb Austrian medicine. They will also think that we are sick. They will get angry... But then chance intervened. My temperature rose to 39 and lasted for five days. Local doctors - both we and the insurance company called about five people - refused to visit me at home. They just didn't want to. They have the right - they have no responsibilities to their patients. There is no ambulance in our understanding either - you can call a car with a doctor for 500 euros to take you to the hospital. But I’m not ready for the hospital yet.
I had to go on my own with the temperature. Fortunately, through private insurance we found a center where various specialists were admitted and had their own laboratories. But we are not the only ones so smart! It turned out that here you have to make an appointment with doctors a month in advance!
- But I have a fever now! – I begged.
- And what? And it's our turn! Okay, once you've arrived, wait! – the receptionist had mercy. And after two hours of waiting, I saw a doctor.
The doctor listened to my tale of woe for a few minutes and immediately began to write something.
– Here is a prescription for an antibiotic, take it for 10 days!
- But what do I have? Maybe you'll listen to me? Maybe I should take some kind of test?
- For what? Whatever it is, it will go away with an antibiotic!
I didn’t know then that it was here main principle medicine. On the tenth day the fever actually went away. And who cares what hurt there...
I went to this elite clinic several more times. And tired. Wait an hour or more for an appointment, although you have an assigned time. So that later the always busy doctor, barely looking at you, immediately sends you out of sight to donate blood. To find out the results, you need to sign up for next appointment. A month later... Once I received a consultation from an ENT professor. He immediately clicked his tongue: he needs to have a nasal septum operation!
- I won’t! – I stubbornly resisted.
The annoyed professor immediately lost interest in me.
– Do you have 150 euros with you? – asked businesslike.
- Eat! – I was taken aback.
- Let's!
He took my money, quickly wrote out some kind of receipt and immediately showed me out the door without talking. I have never spent 150 euros so quickly - it all took less than three minutes.
But maybe we are so fatally unlucky? I talked to my friends. My friend and her child, who had just broken a finger, sat outside the doctor’s office for 3 hours. And she left - despite expensive insurance, they were never accepted. Another friend had her teeth inserted at the clinic for a lot of money. Beautiful. Only she could not talk or eat.
There were also life-affirming examples. Our friend worked as a chief engineer at an Austrian plant. And suddenly he was diagnosed with heart disease. Need bypass surgery. The company fired him immediately so as not to pay expensive insurance. A hospital without insurance refused to operate on him. He borrowed money. Had surgery. To spite his former bosses, he opened his own company. And he became a millionaire. Yes, medicine can work miracles!
I went on the forums. It turns out that many Russians travel from Vienna to Moscow for treatment. They can’t stand the local order.
– Understand, there is no good and bad medicine! There are good and bad doctors - and in any country you need to look for them, - a Russian friend who has lived in Vienna for a long time instructed me.
Of course it is. Yes, yes good doctors in Austria. I just never got caught. But still...
I cursed our medicine for a very long time. And now I’m just sure: the Soviet healthcare system was the best. Precisely, as a public service system, Europe never dreamed of such a thing. Yes, there was a lack of modern equipment, there were no new drugs. Well, that’s how these issues had to be resolved. Instead, we are trying to adopt the best European experience of family doctors, which will destroy the remnants of what was good we had. I'm afraid that our sick population will not survive such a battle for health!
Because the secret of the myth of brilliant European medicine was revealed to me. There are great medicines here. Modern. No fakes. They do the main work for doctors. Maybe that's why they are not sold without a prescription.
Well, a very conscious population. I kept thinking: where does such a craving for physical education and sports come from? Everyone, young and old, rides bikes, skis down the mountains, plays golf, walks through the forests with sticks... But they are simply afraid of their European medicine!
