Despite similar costs, the Dutch health care system features shorter wait times than the Canadian system with similar to superior outcomes, finds a new study by the Fraser Institute on the health care system in the Netherlands.
Nadeem Esmail, author of ’Health Care Lessons from the Netherlands’ comments, ”The Dutch health care system offers more timely access to emergency care, primary care, specialist care and elective surgery than the Canadian system, with wait times in the Netherlands having shortened significantly in recent years. Policymakers interested in reducing delays for health care in Canada could learn valuable lessons from the Dutch approach.”
Both the Canadian and Dutch health care systems are relatively expensive in comparison with universal access systems in other developed nations. The study notes that rather than relying on a Canadian-style tax-funded monopoly government insurer, the Dutch system provides universal coverage in an insurance premium-funded system with competition among private insurers.
As they are not allowed to compete on price, Dutch insurers compete with one another for subscribers by providing services that reduce wait times, with insurers guaranteeing some treatments in as little as five working days.
Among hospitals and surgical clinics, the private sector also plays a dominant role. The Netherlands has more than 150 hospitals and 50 outpatient clinics. Another 150 independent treatment centres provide same-day elective services such as orthopedic surgery and eyecare.
Though government plays an important role in funding, regulation and oversight, the operation of health care in the Netherlands is left largely to private insurers and providers.
Everyone living in the Netherlands must have health insurance. The basic insurance package covers most health care from GPs and hospitals, and is mandatory for all Dutch residents. Insurance companies have to offer the same basic policy to everyone regardless of age or state of health.