Private Healthcare Insurance
Private healthcare insurance is a type of health insurance that is purchased by an individual or a group of people from a private insurance company. Unlike government-funded healthcare insurance programs, private healthcare insurance policies are typically purchased for additional coverage beyond what is provided by the government-funded programs.
Private healthcare insurance policies can cover a range of healthcare services, such as hospitalization, doctor visits, prescription drugs, diagnostic tests, and other medical treatments. The coverage and cost of private healthcare insurance can vary depending on factors such as age, health status, and the type of plan selected.
One advantage of private healthcare insurance is that it may offer more flexibility and choice in terms of healthcare providers and treatment options. It may also provide faster access to medical services and shorter wait times for elective procedures.
However, private healthcare insurance can be expensive, and the cost may be a barrier for some individuals or families. Additionally, some private healthcare insurance plans may have exclusions or limitations on coverage for pre-existing conditions, and the cost of premiums may increase over time. It is important to carefully consider the benefits and limitations of private healthcare insurance before purchasing a policy.
Can private health insurance fill gaps in publicly financed coverage? Does it enhance access to health care or improve efficiency in health service delivery? Will it provide fiscal relief for governments struggling to raise public revenue for health? This book examines the successes, failures and challenges of private health insurance globally through country case studies written by leading national experts. Each case study considers the role of history and politics in shaping private health insurance and determining its impact on health system performance. Despite great diversity in the size and functioning of markets for private health insurance, the book identifies clear patterns across countries, drawing out valuable lessons for policymakers while showing how history and politics have proved a persistent barrier to effective public policy. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
