France
In France we have a saying, 'Joie de vivre,' which actually doesn't exist in the English language. It means looking at your life as something that is to be taken with great pleasure and enjoy it - Mireille Guiliano
image by: Max Avans
HWN Recommends
How healthy is the French health system?
Among themselves the French can be highly critical of the care provided by their nation’s hospitals and doctors, yet they are always ready to defend the French health care system, considered to be one the world’s best. Indeed, in a World Health Organisation comparison of 191 different countries, France came out at number one.
It’s important to be clear, however: Beyond legitimate questions about the WHO’s methodology, the ranking itself dates from 2000. That said, France remains on top of the list, because it was the first and last such ranking conducted by the WHO. Since then, France has occupied a number of positions in other rankings, depending on their criteria and definition…
Resources
The French Health Care System
Statutory health insurance system, with all SHI insurers incorporated into a single national exchange.
What America can learn from the French health-care system
Progressive American policy wonks seemingly spend all their life praising the French health-care system. And yes, according to many international estimates, France has the best health-care system in the world. I often find much of this praise to be naive; but as a French health-care consumer, I have to admit the system has some pretty great features. Let me give you a concrete example of something the French get right.
$200 Minus $200
Luckily, transparency in the price of medical care is a legal requirement in France. The government sets what they consider fair prices for all appointments and procedures, and then reimburses these for everyone at 70 percent. This is not unlike Medicare and Medicaid in the U.S., but because the French government system covers the entire population, it has more bargaining power to keep prices low.
Achieving universal health coverage in France: policy reforms and the challenge of inequalities
This system is described frequently as the French model. In this paper, the first in The Lancet's Series on France, we challenge conventional wisdom about health care in France. First, we focus on policy and institutional transformations that have affected deeply the governance of health care over past decades.
France and U.S. Health Care: Twins Separated at Birth?
France has been called the best healthcare system in the world by the World Health Organization. And if there's something everyone in the US seems to agree on, it's that US healthcare, well, horribly sucks, although they strongly disagree about why and what to do about it. And yet, to me, the similarities are glaring...
Healthcare in France: A guide to the French healthcare system
France is known for its universal and excellent standard of healthcare. It is regularly rated as the top healthcare system in the world. This is great news for those looking to relocate permanently or vacation in France.
Pros and Cons of French Healthcare System
Although the French system offers higher quality healthcare, they are not necessarily paying more. Apparently, this healthcare system is unique in which they do not offer socialized medicine. At the same time, not every aspect of the French system has been observed as beneficial. So it is only fair to familiarize with the pros and cons of the French healthcare system for a better view of what this is all about.
What Can The US Learn From The French Health Care System?
As reported in the first post in this series, the French health care system comes in at or near the top of international rankings, while the US system falls well down the lists. It stands to reason, then, that US health care reformers should have something to learn from the French experience, but just what? There seem to be lessons both for those who are optimistic about US health care reform and those who think reform will be difficult.
How healthy is the French health system?
Among themselves the French can be highly critical of the care provided by their nation’s hospitals and doctors, yet they are always ready to defend the French health care system, considered to be one the world’s best. Indeed, in a World Health Organisation comparison of 191 different countries, France came out at number one.
4 Myths about the French healthcare system you should stop believing
In my experience, doctors have been patient, kind and thorough overall. Quality of care is subjective and largely depends on the doctor — I’ve experienced both sides of the coin. I’ve had great and horrible care in the USA and in France, but overall I’m extremely happy with the French healthcare system, but that’s not to say it’s perfect…. not by a long shot. Let’s look at the French healthcare system pros and cons.
Introducing Stitches!
Your Path to Meaningful Connections in the World of Health and Medicine
Connect, Collaborate, and Engage!
Coming Soon - Stitches, the innovative chat app from the creators of HWN. Join meaningful conversations on health and medical topics. Share text, images, and videos seamlessly. Connect directly within HWN's topic pages and articles.
