Regional Outlook

• Main Authors: Immergut, Ellen M., Oskarson, Maria
• Format: Book Part
• Language: unknown
• Published: Oxford University PressOxford 2021
• Subjects: Norway; Iceland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198860525.003.0007; https://academic.oup.com/book/chapter-pdf/51152851/oso-9780198860525-chapter-7.pdf

Abstract The Nordic countries regional outlook presents a comparative assessment of the historical development of the healthcare system, health politics, and selected health-related indicators for Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. In terms of health financing, the health systems of all five countries are largely tax-financed, though private payments still cover 13 to 20 percent of health expenditures. Health outcomes are excellent throughout the region, with high average life expectancy and relatively low levels of health inequality. Unmet need is lower than in most other regions in Europe; Finland stands out for longer waiting times as the main barrier. Since at least 2002, healthcare has tended to be a highly salient issue in the Nordic region, where the balance between central control and local self-governance and the increasing role of private insurance and provision tend to be the focus of political debate.