Each country's health care system is different. While I was abroad in Barcelona, Spain, I was able to learn more about the public health care offered in Spain and contrast it to my home culture in the United States. Spain uses the Spanish National Health System which exists as insurance benefits established by the federal government to cover all or almost all citizens of the country. This system is either partially or entirely funded by tax money. Although, when I spoke with the locals of Barcelona about health care, they said only immediate issues regarding health care in Spain tended to be addressed in a timely manner. Because of this, some locals choose to purchase their own private insurance. As for costs, public insurance can help tremendously in bringing down medical costs in medical emergencies. Laurie Bridges (2016), who lives in the US and was an instructor for our class, says, "In 2008 I gave birth in my local hospital in Corvallis, Oregon.  Due to complications, I had a c-section and I stayed in the hospital three nights. My hospital bill was over $60,000. Although I'm fully insured through my job, I still paid $3,000 out-of-pocket and my insurance covered the rest." Unlike in Spain, health insurance in the United States is provided by many organizations. Instead of public health care, our system is based upon privately purchased insurance, a health insurance policy purchased by an employer, or by an individual from a private insurance company. Some  people may also be covered by social insurance or a social welfare program funded by the government. Depending on your choice of the coverage purchased, you pay more or less out-of-pocket in medical emergencies.

     Health is a major concern for any culture. In Spain and the United States we have clearly defined systems for dealing with health services and receiving medical care. Both Spain and the United States are included in the top 20 countries for Gross Domestic Product rankings, while there are many underrepresented communities in the world who don’t have access to the kinds of services and benefits we do, especially when it comes to healthcare. Social Justice plays a critical role in what kinds of options we have for health services and the quality of care we can receive as citizens.

     Before traveling and studying abroad, I assumed that Spain would have an organized system when it comes to dealing with health issues and health services. It was my assumption that Spaniards are educated, modern, and would be well equipped. I was curious to learn more about how citizens access health services. Though any system has a chance for growth and improvement, I was surprised to find that Spain has one of the best health care systems in the world, including modern hospitals and services,  which exceeded my expectations about quality.

     Beliefs about health care range widely, because it is something everyone needs but the quality of service can be different and access can vary. General beliefs in the United States about health care are quite positive. According to Politics article by Frank Newport (2013) the majority of Americans feel that they are receiving quality health care and 69% of americans rate their health care as good or excellent. According to RJ Blendon, K Donavan, AJ Jovell, L Pelisse, EC Lombardia (1991), the majority of Spaniards are overall happy with their health care. Taken from the World Health Organization’s Ranking of the World’s Health Systems (2000), Spain is ranked number seven, while the U.S is ranked 31.

     My experience in Barcelona and understanding of health care issues has broadened my horizon when it comes to underrepresented communities and health care. Being able to study in another country to observe and research the way that Spain handles public health care, I was able to contrast it to my own culture in the United States, and also expand my thinking on how other cultures of the world approach health services and their education in health care. It has also made me aware of the difference people can make in outreach programs to raise health awareness.

References

Laurie Bridges (2016, August 26). Personal Interview. Email
 
(2000) World Health Organization’s Ranking of the World’s Health Systems. Retrieved from http://thepatientfactor.com/canadian-health-care-information/world-health-organizations-ranking-of-the-worlds-health-systems/
 
Frank Newport (2013). Americans’ Views of Healthcare Quality, Cost, and Coverage. Retrieved From http://www.gallup.com/poll/165998/americans-views-healthcare-quality-cost-coverage.aspx
 
RJ Blendon, K Donavan, AJ Jovell, L Pelisse, EC Lombardia (1991) Spain’s Citizens Assess Their Health Care. Retrieved from http://content.healthaffairs.org/content/10/3/216.full.pdf

Edited by Laurie Bridges