Investigating the Differences in Health Insurance Quality between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Healthcare systems around the world are faced with numerous and stubborn pressures. Many of these pressures, particularly those relating to the cost of care, greatly limit healthcare services access for billions around the world (Friebel et al., 2018). These pressures have persisted despite the increased global drive towards universal health coverage (UHC). While the value of UHC also depends on the quality of care provided, it is believed that its attainment will lead to improved public health outcomes (Friebel et al., 2018). Increasing health insurance coverage can facilitate the attainment of UHC. That said, different countries have adopted different approaches towards health insurance. For example, both the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have adopted a government-funded approach (Al-Hanawi, 2017). That said, there have been very few studies comparing the effectiveness of different countries' approaches. Indeed, there could be lessons to be gained by making such comparisons. While both the public insurance systems in the UK and Saudi Arabia are characterized by concerns with sustainability, the latter could learn from the former on how to design systems that are comprehensive without being complicated.