Understanding Universal Coverage: An Overview of Universal Health Care & Studies of Real-World Implementations

The purpose of this project is to dispel the confusion and misunderstandings surrounding universal health care coverage. To do this, I will identify the four models of universal health care identified by scholars - Beveridge, Bismarck, National Health Insurance, and Out-of-Pocket - and provided real-world examples of these health care systems in practice through analyses of health care in the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada. The Out-of-Pocket model is not analyzed in practice, given it does not allow for equal access for all to health care. Through the identification and evaluation of the four forms of universal health care coverage, I was able to extrapolate a series of questions to be asked of each of the cases being studied. Upon analysis of the three countries, I was then able to determine the strengths and weakness of each of the models, as well as have a better understanding of the importance of variety within health care coverage, as its ultimate purpose is to best serve the needs of the population it is protecting. Universal health care coverage can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, as its overarching purpose is to provide accessible, efficient, and equitable health care coverage to the population