There are many different types of health insurance around the world. However the underlying principle of health insurance remains the same i.e. to provide financial assistance in the event a person becomes sick. For many people having insurance can mean the difference between getting the best treatment that money can buy to not getting proper medical attention. In some countries the majority of people are covered by their work places while in others people have to make an active effort to purchase health insurance. While some forms of insurance like life insurance and property insurance are common over much of the world, there are a number of variations in different health policies on an international level.

There are somewhat major differences between healthcare insurance policies offered in Europe as compared to America while Australia and Canada seems to be following a more European model. For instance people in the UK who want to purchase insurance privately can choose from a number of plans. These plans range from budget plans that cover basic needs as compared to advanced plans that cover way more but are also very expensive. People who want to cover themselves in the event an operation are required to purchase standard plans.

Now while health insurance can be seen as an optional thing in the UK this is not the case in America. While you are not required to purchase health insurance in America it is imperative if you don’t want to end up with huge medical bills.

Americans get to choose from a number of different types of health insurance policies the most basic of which is the fee for service plan. This plan covers the fees of visiting the doctor. Americans that purchase this plan just need to pay what is called a ‘deductible’ which is the exact same thing in Europe only there it is called ‘excess’ prior to the insurance policy kicking in.

Things are different in Australia but similar to the public health system in the UK. However Australia encourages Australians to have their own private health insurance. The government of Australia offers a number of incentives to encourage people to buy their own private health insurance.

The Canadian health care system is similar to that found in the UK and Australia however here to Canadians are encouraged to have their own insurance. The big difference in Canada is that a private insurance policy only comes into play for health related issues that are not offered though their national health care system. This is similar to what we find the UK.