1、European health cost trendsFebruary 2026|Page 1Overview on healthcare systemsOverview on spending(2021)COUNTRYCOVERAGE MODELFUNDING SOURCESROLE OF PRIVATE INSURANCEBelgiumCompulsory insuranceSocial security,copayments,private insuranceFor extra benefitsFranceUniversal,mandatorySocial security(public
2、),complementary insurers,out-of-pocketCompulsory for employees and widely used for extra coverageGermanyUniversal,statutory/privateIncome-based contributions,private insurance,out-of-pocketFor higher earners;supplementsItalyUniversal,regionally runTaxes(public),out-of-pocket,private insuranceLimited
3、;regional variationUnited KingdomUniversal,tax-funded(NHS)Taxes(public),optional private insurance,out-of-pocketOptional for quicker access and greater choiceSpainUniversal,tax-fundedTaxes(public),private insurance,out-of-pocketFor faster access,extra servicesSwitzerlandMandatory private insuranceIn
4、dividual premiums,deductibles,subsidies,out-of-pocketFor non-basic servicesSource:WHO0.0%2.0%4.0%6.0%8.0%10.0%12.0%14.0%0%20%40%60%80%100%Public(%)Private compulsory(%)Voluntary Health Insurance(%)Out-of-Pocket(%)Health Expenditure as a%of GDPThis article provides an overview and analysis of healthc
5、are system structures,financing models,access,cost trends,and key health challenges across seven countries(Belgium,France,Germany,Italy,the United Kingdom,Spain,and Switzerland),leveraging open data available in each market.European healthcare systems share the common ambition of providing universal
6、 coverage and high-quality care,yet they differ substantially in how they are financed,organized,and accessed.While some countries rely primarily on tax-funded national schemes and others on social or private insurance models,all face similar pressures:growing demand for chronic disease management,w