New Deloitte survey on global medical tourism

The cost of health care is of growing concern to consumers, according to Deloitte’s  2011 Survey of Health Care Consumers. Across the globe, many consumers are delaying care, altering household spending, and worrying about their ability to pay for future health care costs.

Last year the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions surveyed health customers of several countries on a variety of topics. This year there are new countries – Belgium, Brazil, China, Luxembourg, Mexico, Portugal and Switzerland. As well as one global report there are individual country reports too.

Deloitte surveyed health care consumers in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Across these countries there are many differences in health care systems’ structures and operations as well as in the political and economic thrusts of national health care reforms. Citizens in each of these countries differ widely in their social, cultural, economic, and generational viewpoints; however, they are all end users of health care and hold strong views on the performance of their respective systems and what they expect to receive from health care.

Belgium has a mandatory public health system that covers 99% of the population, funded by a mix of employer and employee contributions, Run by one public and six private health plans. One in three Belgians buys supplemental private health insurance. Brazil has a national healthcare system free to all citizens. A quarter also use private healthcare and some of these buy supplementary private health insurance. Canada has a national health system but run on a provincial basis. Three out of four buy supplemental health insurance.

China is moving to a national health system by 2020.Some wealthier individuals use private healthcare and some of these buy health insurance. France has a compulsory national health system that operates via health funds. Nine out of ten also buy supplemental health insurance. Germany has a free universal healthcare system covering 86% of the population.30% also buy private health insurance. Luxembourg has a central national health system financed by employers and employees, but many also buy supplementary private health insurance. Mexico covers 85% of the population on public insurance through three agencies. The better off middle class buy private health insurance, while some covered by the state buy supplemental health insurance. Portugal has a universal national health system and a mix of private care and private insurance. Switzerland has a compulsory national health run by 70 competing plans.70% also buy private health insurance. The UK has a free universal national health system and one in ten also has private health insurance.

When looking at national and international health travel, it is worth remembering that Luxembourg is a tiny country no larger than a very small town. When looking at those saying they are willing to travel outside their country this includes people definite about that, but most are in a much weaker position of vaguely considering it. The French, Germans and British are the most reluctant to have healthcare in a foreign country.

Percentage who have travelled outside their local area in the last 12 months:

•    Belgium
•    Brazil
•    Canada
•    China
•    France
•    Germany
•    Lux.
•    Mexico
•    Portugal
•    Switzerland
•    UK
14
15
8
32
13
29
48
13
24
10
7

 

Percentage who have travelled outside their country in the last 12 months:

•    Belgium
•    Brazil
•    Canada
•    China
•    France
•    Germany
•    Lux.
•    Mexico
•    Portugal
•    Switzerland
•    UK
2
2
2
8
0 to 1
5
8
3
0 to 1
7
2

 

Percentage who would definitely travel outside their local area:

•    Belgium
•    Brazil
•    Canada
•    China
•    France
•    Germany
•    Lux.
•    Mexico
•    Portugal
•    Switzerland
•    UK
53
55
48
47
66
48
65
41
53
46
50

 

Percentage who may consider travel outside their country:

•    Belgium
•    Brazil
•    Canada
•    China
•    France
•    Germany
•    Lux.
•    Mexico
•    Portugal
•    Switzerland
•    UK
12
18
9
14
5
4
31
19
15
9
5