Most global consumers are satisfied with their health care coverage Most consumers around the world (60%) reported they are very or somewhat satisfied with their health care coverage, according to new research with global online jurors Survey Sampling International. Germany (77%) and UK (74%) - both with some form of universal health care coverage - show the highest levels of satisfaction. In contrast, Japan and China have the lowest levels of satisfaction, with only 35% of Japanese respondents and 39% of Chinese respondents said they are very or somewhat satisfied with their coverage. The U.S. results were more polarized. While 61% of Americans indicated they were very or somewhat satisfied with their coverage, 18%-more than any other country studied - fall at the opposite end of the spectrum, exclaiming that they are very or somewhat dissatisfied.
Although the majority of U.S. respondents say they are happy with their health coverage, the majority - 61% - also believe that the coverage is somewhat or very unaffordable. Only China shows a higher percentage of consumers - 87% - who say that health care coverage is not affordable. Germany and France have the lowest number of consumers - 39% in each country - explaining who can not afford health coverage.
"Worldwide, the cost health coverage is a major concern, with 52% of global consumers find the price unattainable, "said Chris DeAngelis, Vice President of SSI, strategic initiatives." Even in Germany, which has the highest levels of overall satisfaction, almost two-fifths of consumers are struggling with the costs of coverage. The problem is getting worse, as the SSI research also shows the majority of consumers worldwide believe their health care costs continue to rise and only 4% report having experienced some decline.
SSI results are based on a study of more than 4,000 online adults in their juries. The countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, China and Singapore. SSI offers comprehensive global survey research support through SSI Dynamix (TM), its dynamic sampling platform that links its online panel, and online communities, partners, affiliates, social media and more.
Healthcare costs continue to rise, with France showing the biggest increase and governments and pharmaceutical companies are regarded as responsible
In all countries surveyed, except Japan, the majority of respondents reported seeing healthcare costs increase from last year. France shows the most dramatic increase, with 88% of consumers saying that health care costs have risen over the past 12 months. A significant portion of Singaporeans (70%) also say they have experienced increased health care costs, and 65% of Germans, 62% of Chinese, 61% of Australians and 55% of Americans.
In all countries except Germany, respondents view government as the main culprit in rising health costs. The percentage of consumers who blame their government is particularly high in Japan (50%), Australia (47%), France (46%) and China (43%). In the United States and Singapore third of consumers say their governments.
In Germany, consumers name pharmaceutical companies as the most blame for the rising costs, with 46% of respondents indicate that drug manufacturers are responsible for the increase in healthcare costs. United States (22%), France (22%) and Singapore (21%) also have a significant number of respondents blaming pharmaceutical companies.
