Patterns of delivery, financing and control for health systems

In this article, I analyse different types of health systems, in terms of funding, control, supply schemes and level of social redistribution. I show that the state plays a central role in determining the coverage and the nature of benefits, choices of financing the health systemand the structure of servicesin every European health system. Two major types are ideal in terms of funding, supply and control in Europe: Health insurance system (German type) and The National Health System (British type). A private insurance system is met in The USA. Private insurance does not play an important role in European Union countries, as in The USA or Australia. The governments of UE countries act according to the principles of state-funded health care or social security available to all citizens. This model leads to health systems characterized by almost full covering.