Investing in Health and Market Regulation in the European Health Care System

Abstract

The authors analyze the basic financial principles and the regulated entrepreneurship in the healthcare systems in Europe. They point out that the European countries organize, manage and finance their health care in different ways. Thus the health systems vary not only in the financial methods used, but also in the payment scheme of the insurance institution and the healthcare providers as well as the ways in which the state regulates the health services provision and the development of market relations in healthcare. Some of the most up-to-date challenges and opportunities in front of European healthcare systems are overviewed. An example case study is presented in order to illustrate the need for investing in health as well as for careful financial and regulatory planning and management.