Structure of Health Care Spendings in the European Countries of OECD in the Years 2005–2014

Abstract

The aim of the chapter is to compare the structure of various health care spendings in selected European countries belonging to the OECD in the period 2005–2014, with particular emphasis on the differences in models of health care financing. In analysis indicators of current expenditure structure are used.
Financing and organization of health care in European OECD countries is very similar i.e. public funds come from taxes or health care contributions. The structure of health care spending is not very varied between countries in terms of inpatient and outpatient care expenditures. On average, in the analyzed countries these spending account for approximately 30% of total current expenditures. Among countries analyzed, there are big differences between the size and scope of the expenses for reimbursement of medicines, long-term care spending, and spending on the administration of health care systems.