List of countries with universal health care

World map of universal health care in 2009

Universal health care, often referred to as UHC, universal coverage, or universal care, is a system where all residents of a specific country or region are provided with access to health care, regardless of their income. Many countries have adopted some form of universal health care, driven by the belief that health care is a right, not a privilege. Below is a list of countries that have established universal health care, organized by continent:

Asia

• Japan: Adopted in 1961, Japan's universal health care system ensures that all citizens have access to health care services, funded through a mix of taxes, employee payroll deductions, and patient fees.
• South Korea: Since 1989, South Korea has offered a National Health Insurance program, which covers all residents and is funded by taxation, employee and employer contributions.
• Thailand: Launched the "30 Baht" program in 2001, aiming to provide comprehensive health services for all Thai nationals.

Europe

• United Kingdom: The National Health Service (NHS) was established in 1948 and provides health care services funded through taxation. It operates primarily in England, with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland having their own health services.
• France: France's Protection Universelle Maladie system, established in 2000, offers health coverage to all residents, funded by a combination of taxes and payroll contributions.
• Germany: Having a sickness insurance system since the 1880s, Germany's health care system provides coverage for all residents, funded by employer and employee contributions.

North America

• Canada: The Canada Health Act of 1984 ensures universal access to hospital and physician services without direct charges at the point of care.
• Mexico: The Seguro Popular program, initiated in 2004, aimed to provide health care coverage for all Mexicans, especially those not in formal employment.

South America

• Brazil: The Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) was created in 1988 to provide free health care access to all Brazilian citizens.
• Argentina: Provides a public option of health insurance for all residents, with health services administered by provinces.

Oceania

• Australia: The Medicare system, established in 1984, provides access to public hospitals and primary health care services for all Australian citizens and permanent residents.
• New Zealand: New Zealand's health care system is largely funded through general taxation, providing a range of services from primary care to hospital services.

Africa

• Rwanda: With its Community-Based Health Insurance system introduced in 2004, Rwanda has made significant progress in providing health coverage for its population.
• South Africa: Though South Africa is still transitioning, it has plans for a National Health Insurance system aiming for universal health coverage.

See also

• Health system
• Health systems by country
• List of countries by health insurance coverage

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